- Retail & Hospitality
ILVA store roll-out
Supporting a furniture retailer’s nationwide store rollout
The Danish furniture retailer ILVAs simultaneous roll-out of three stores nationwide. The designs developed high quality stores at the MetroCentre Newcastle, Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, and Manchester city centre.
Key facts
Client: ILVA
Status: Complete
Location: Newcastle, Manchester & West Thurrock
Services provided:
- Lead Designer
- Contract Administrator
- Architect
About the project
The store developments followed the existing Danish model of large format, spacious retail accommodation on two levels which incorporated large areas of structural glazing and the extensive use of natural materials such as basalt and timber.
At all locations a heavy focus of the designs was placed on ease and convenience for customers to navigate through the various displays in the store, hence an open floor plan. This was done to simplify the customer journey throughout the store providing ease of access to various displays as customers explore the various product offering.
The Manchester site was located within the Piccadilly Basin, a National Heritage section of the Rochdale Canal close to Manchester City Centre. The unique characteristics of the location set the orientation of the store. A significant change in level across the site allowed for the development of a two-storey car park as well as a valuable basement area for stockroom and customer collection.
The Thurrock site – a former Marks and Spencer store – contained adjacent units which were altered to include a top-lit atrium reception area, glass feature lifts and escalators, stainless steel and glass staircases, as well as stone and natural timber flooring.
Alterations to the east and west elevations provided large areas of structural glazing, basalt rain screen cladding, and feature entrance and exit lobby structures. Modifications to the exterior included the provision of fully accessible pedestrian and car parking areas.








