When Crown Paints sought to redevelop its training facility in Darwen, Lancashire, the vision extended beyond a functional learning space, they wanted a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment that reflected their brand values of innovation, sustainability, and wellbeing.

CDUK supplied the visually distinctive Polygood® Potpourri, a 100% recycled and recyclable solid surface material, which was used as the surface material for the bar application.

Being a fellow Material Source Studio partner, Crown Paints first saw Polygood® at Material Source Studio Manchester and they chose the Potpourri pattern. The material’s fun, terrazzo-like appearance and closed-loop lifecycle made it a fitting choice for this future-focused interior.

The Hangout was envisioned as a place for socialising, collaboration, and fun, featuring a games room where employees can relax and rejuvenate. At the centre of this space Crown Paints envisioned a bar area, seeking a material that carried visual impact and a meaningful backstory. Polygood® met these demands, offering a striking colourful aesthetic and being made from recycled post-consumer industrial tubes. Polygood® also inherently supports circular design principles as the material is fully recyclable at the end of its life and backed by Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze and EPD certification.

The design, fabrication and installation of the Polygood® bar was delivered by Solidlux. Solidlux has noted the project highlighted eco-design and sustainability at its core, with the use of Polygood® showcasing how recycled materials can be celebrated in high-end commercial design. Mark Smith Creative Director at Solidlux has commented on their involvement in the project:

“Before we began working with Polygood®, we took part in a two-day fabrication training course at CDUK’s fantastic training academy in Frimley. Over the two days, we got hands-on with the material and learnt essential techniques such as joining, sanding, and thermoforming. These skills gave us a solid understanding of how to get the best out of Polygood® and gave us the confidence to take on more ambitious work with it.

The training was an invaluable step in helping us deliver a high-quality result that we’re really proud of when working with Polygood® Potpourri to create an eye-catching exterior that perfectly complements the playful yet cohesive aesthetic of the Hangout.

To enhance the Polygood® Potpourri we added a Green LED Light Sheet from Applelec. The lightsheet offers an unparalleled way to showcase the depth and intricacy of the Polygood® Potpourri, demonstrating that sustainability can go hand in hand with both aesthetics and performance.

Half a ton of waste materials were saved from going to landfill thanks to this project, as the remaining Polygood® offcuts were submitted to CDUK Vita Nova scheme.”

The Liz Hickson Academy sets a new standard for workplace learning environments, blending thoughtful design with environmental consciousness. The Hangout bar reflects the success of collaboration between CDUK, designers, fabricators and manufacturers in delivering a project that embodies innovation, functionality and sustainability.