A week after the show is over is the perfect time to recollect.

The 2 days of preparation (even though the box only took an hour to build), 4 days of100% design and one day of un-installing, with each day being an easy 18 hours combined with bad eating, excessive booze and late nights inevitably took its toll on all.

The Box Project however went fantastically well whilst we all wilted. From the straight forward assembly to the excellence of its construction - it looked utterly fresh and unique amongst the other exhibitors and displays. Karens adaptation of the space was a really versatile backdrop, luring people in to ask about its construction, use and reasoning. It was funny watching people go by in the usual semi-trance like stupor that happens when you traipse round a large show, only to do a double-take and come back asking questions upon questions about it. The adaptability of Karens installation really impressed visitors, as well as the enterprising use of materials and construction. Many also commented on how refreshing it was to have an actual considered layout to be in, of modest budget that could lend itself to a multitude of uses.

We're back in Manchester now, again working on the many different aspect of interiors and furniture we work in. The Box Project however continues, its next outing at the ‘Under Wraps’ product launch at Ferrious on 15.10.09 in conjunction with with the new top secret dyson product, ABR, Zeitraum, Orsjo and Buzzispace.

The box is now wrapped and ready to go for your temporary space requirements.

∗Prices start from £5,950 + VAT for the design specification as show at 100% design. Modifications to design and finish are available at varying costs.

For further information on the box please contact; natalie@nochintzltd.co.uk

For more information on the ABR products contact; abr@nochintzltd.co.uk

For more information on NoChintz's other projects please contact; info@nochintzltd.com

NoChintz
The Studio, 3rd Floor
Carver's Warehouse
77 Dale Street
Manchester
M1 2HG

t: 0161 236 1412
f: 0161 880 2407
e: info@nochintzltd.com

nochintzltd.co.uknochintz.blogspot.com

Post by Sanjay Prasad | Designer NoChintz - 05/10/09

Just a quick post to congratulate NoChintz the creators of The Box Project for being announced as finalists in the Manchester Evening News Young Business of the Year Awards for 2009.

Learn a little more about the driving force behind The Box Project, some of the other business areas NoChintz are involved with and how they are continually looking to support creativity and companies in the North West.

If you're in Manchester Check out the article on page six of the Business section in todays M.E.N (17/09/09) or you can read the article online, click link below…

link to NoChintz article on www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Post by Mark Janson | Brand Manager NoChintz - 17/09/09

As a designer here at NoChintz I have been tasked with assiting Karen, our Box Project winner, in translating her winning concept into a physical reality in time for 100% design in September.

The weeks following the close of The Box Project competiton have been filled with sketching, CAD drawing, measuring, negotiating and planning… and finally today was our first visit to the workshop to see the Box taking shape.

Karen's design is a brilliant structure and no small task for our joiner John, who has exceeded all our early expectations (utter legend that he is!) and on this, our first visit presented us with a near on fully working structure. Very deserving of mine and Natalies whooops… embarrassing as that may be! I've been an inside witness to the goings-on of just how much work has gone into The Box Project, from Natalie's ideas to her creation of The Box Project competition and then to see a physical structure is a real milestone…

High fives all round!

Karen's idea has resulted in a brilliant structure - its going to be incredibly versatile, building on the already flexible space that The Box already is, and it lends itself to a multitude of uses. Its great working with Karen, not only preparing her design for construction, but watching an interior design student realise their proposal into a fully functioning and real object to be viewed in the UK's most respected design show. No pressure Karen, none at all!

Post by Sanjay Prasad | Designer NoChintz - 08/09/09

Interior Design student, Karen Smart, from the University of Central Lancashire has been unveiled as the winner of The Box Project. The competition, created by Northwest designers, NoChintz and backed by 100% design, challenged the region’s creative community to think inside the box!

Karen, 22, from Formby, Liverpool has claimed the top prize and will get the chance to see her unique design made up and showcased at the world renowned 100% design exhibition in London. Karen answered the design challenge by creating a concept that impressed the panel of industry experts. The brief asked creatives to design the interior of a 2x2x2 micro building.

Karen responded to the brief by designing a box that could use its own form to furnish the space with sections of the walls folding down to make shelves, tables and seating with its function suited to many interior uses.

A panel of leading industry experts that included; Martin Stockley, Stockley Associates, David Partridge, Argent Group PLC, Janet Dunnet, Piccadilly Partnership, Tom Fenton, Urban Splash, Rachel Haugh and Ian Simpson Architects all came together to make the final decision. The Piccadilly Partnership gave its full backing to the project and Argent Group PLC, which is currently developing The Hive in the Northern Quarter, donated sponsorship money to help kick-start the project.

Martin Stockley described how the design was, “Strong on budget thinking and created a space for people to think about design. The use of sustainable materials, in particular, its own form to fulfil its objective, was impressive. Karen followed the brief well and the design is feasible to build and assemble, which was a major strength of the entry”

Karen is now looking forward to the 100% design show and seeing her entry come to life. “I can’t wait to see my vision for the box be built and to have it displayed at the show. 100% design is one of the most prestigious design shows in the country and to have my work displayed there will be amazing and a fantastic addition to my portfolio!”

100% design takes place in London on the 24th-27th September.

Post by Natalie Gray | Director NoChintz - 17/08/09