Material Lab is owned by Johnson Tiles, the leading manufacturer and supplier of ceramic tiles in the UK.  In January 2006, Johnson Tiles created and opened the award winning Material Lab design resource centre in London, offering designers and architects an environment where products such as ceramics, glass, wallpaper, carpet, tiles, fabrics and many more materials could be explored in a relaxed and inspired atmosphere.

The Material Lab concept was designed for Architects and Designers; providing an inspired atmosphere to discuss projects and the use of materials.  The design of the studio reflects the creativity of Material Lab, and only the highest finishes and products were specified to complete the design-led experience.

Material Lab’s studio is split into two key areas; the ground floor showspace, and the Absolute Gallery located in the basement.  The ground floor showspace features the Material Specifier Wall and an informal bar area where clients can meet and discuss potential materials.

Here the Kruze bar stool from Boss has been specified fully upholstered in a smart white leather - a calm contrast to the brightly coloured tiled wall and inspirational star-shaped glass ceiling.  To complement the stools, the Kruze chair with polished pedestal base has been utilised for the staff workstation area which sits centrally in the studio. 

Downstairs, the innovative Mars chair from Boss is employed in the newly refurbished Absolute Gallery.  The Absolute Gallery is an extensive space which displays a mixture of floor and wall tiles.  The spacious gallery provides an essential area for design seminars which Material Lab hosts on a regular basis.  Designers and Architects are invited to events ranging from Sustainability Discussions through to Colour Trend Seminars, all of which have proved to be extremely popular.

Ben Marshall, Studio Manager at Material Lab comments on their decision to specify Boss products; “We wanted to work with furniture suppliers in a similar industry to us, and we felt that the Kruze range, and Mars chair from Boss Design were in keeping with the design of the studio.  We had initially used a selection of Boss products on our stand at 100% Design, and it was from here that we decided to introduce Boss products into our London studio.”

He continues:  “The Absolute Gallery is the newest addition to Material Lab, which was completed in 2008.  It has become a popular area for seminars and discussions and we were looking for seating that could accommodate these requirements.  We selected the Mars chair from Boss as we felt the design was unique and contemporary and reflected our passion for design.  The additional benefit of using the Mars range was its versatility; as well as being an extremely comfortable visitor chair, the optional linking device which it provides was ideal for the seminars we hold.  In addition they can be neatly stacked away when the events have finished.”