Tuesday, August 5, 2025
James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of timber, panels, and decorative surfaces, played a pivotal role in transforming the public spaces at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. The renowned venue tasked architectural practice Design Unlimited with redesigning two of its most high-traffic areas: the box office and bar. These spaces needed to be visually striking yet durable enough to withstand constant use. The solution? HIMACS, a versatile and robust solid surface supplied by James Latham, which became the key material in realising the theatre’s bold vision.
The use of HIMACS, an advanced solid surface material known for its design flexibility and durability, brought both style and functionality to the theatre’s busy ticket desk and bar areas. This collaboration highlighted James Latham’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative materials to meet the most demanding architectural needs.
The first impression a visitor has of a theatre is crucial, and at Lichfield Garrick, the box office is the first stop for most audiences. The design team at Design Unlimited wanted the new space to stand out, with a sculptural reception desk that would make an immediate impact while complementing the theatre’s vibrant brand colours, including yellows, blues, greens, and pinks. To strike the perfect balance, they chose HIMACS in Arctic White for the box office.
HIMACS’ seamless joining capabilities and thermoformable properties made it possible to create a smooth, continuous surface, which could be shaped into a fluid design. A thoughtful design feature – a subtle dropped section for wheelchair users – was integrated seamlessly into the overall desk design. This ensured the space was inclusive and functional without drawing attention to its accessibility features.
Jo Heyse-Moore, lead interior designer on the project, explains, “The box office is the first stop for most visitors, so we wanted it to be instantly recognisable, which is why we used plain tones that contrast with the expressive colours that feature elsewhere. The ability to cut, bend, twist, and shape the HIMACS sheets meant that we could be far more playful with the furniture’s structure, giving it its own identity. It immediately stands out as a prominent feature, performing an artistic purpose as well as a functional one, much like material itself.”
The bar area at Lichfield Garrick Theatre also required a high-performance material that could handle heavy use while maintaining an inviting appearance. HIMACS was chosen for the back-of-bar spaces, where surfaces are subjected to constant wear from drink spills, food prep, and occasional accidents. The solid surface’s durability, scratch resistance, and non-porous quality made it an ideal choice for this high-traffic area.
For the bar, Design Unlimited selected HIMACS in Ebony Concrete, a colour that complements the neutral palette and adds a sleek, modern touch to the space. The material’s ability to withstand the rigours of daily use – combined with its easy maintenance and long-term performance – made HIMACS the perfect solution for the theatre’s bar areas. Plus, the 15-year limited warranty provides peace of mind, extending the refurbishment cycle and reducing the need for frequent repairs.
“Designing for bar areas is a unique challenge,” says Heyse-Moore. “They need to look inviting to customers, but the working areas behind the bar see heavy use and require frequent cleaning. That puts pressure on the materials we specify, especially for surfaces.”
She adds, “Stainless steel is a popular choice, but it scratches and dents easily. Timber is beautiful but needs a lot of upkeep to stay that way. HIMACS offered the best of both worlds – robust performance with a premium finish. And the colour range is impeccable. While we stuck to neutrals for this space, the bold shades open up exciting possibilities for future projects.”
James Latham’s role as the supplier of HIMACS was integral to the success of the project. As the UK’s largest distributor of timber, panels, and decorative surfaces, James Latham worked closely with Design Unlimited and Medlock FRB to ensure that the right materials were used for this demanding project. Known for their extensive product range and expert knowledge, James Latham offers a broad selection of high-quality materials, including HIMACS, Accoya® engineered timber, Woodex® engineered timber, and more.
The company provides invaluable support to architects, designers, joiners, and construction professionals, helping them turn their visions into reality. James Latham is known for its commitment to delivering the highest-quality products, with excellent service and technical expertise.
In addition to HIMACS, James Latham stocks a vast range of hardwoods, engineered timber, veneers, laminates, and construction sheet materials from some of the most recognised global brands. Their portfolio includes exclusive collections that support innovative design and sustainable construction practices.
With depots across the UK and Ireland, James Latham serves a broad range of industries, from construction to design and architecture. They supply products to contractors, merchants, builders, and designers, and their products can be found in projects across various sectors, from commercial and residential buildings to public spaces.
James Latham’s dedication to quality and innovation ensures that clients have access to the best materials for their projects. Their team of specialist product managers offers expert advice and solutions for the most challenging applications, making them a trusted partner in the construction and design industries.
The redesigned ticket desk and bar areas at Lichfield Garrick Theatre are a testament to the power of well-chosen materials and thoughtful design. HIMACS, supplied by James Latham, enabled the creation of functional yet striking spaces that can stand up to the high demands of the venue. The seamless design and durability of HIMACS perfectly align with the theatre’s vision for a welcoming, long-lasting public space.
As Jo Heyse-Moore concludes, “We wanted to create a space that would be functional, stylish, and durable. HIMACS allowed us to achieve all three, offering flexibility in design and long-lasting performance, making it the perfect choice for the theatre’s busiest areas.”
James Latham’s commitment to quality, service, and innovation continues to support the architectural and design industries, helping clients achieve their creative and functional goals with the finest materials available.
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Tags: decorative surfaces, decorative surfaces by James Latham, HIMACS, HIMACS by James Latham, James Latham, solid surface materials, UK timber suppliers, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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