THE ALCHEMIST – MANCHESTER
A team of rischegroup experts completed the fit-out of high-end restaurant and bar,The Alchemist, in Manchester’s Spinningfields.The Alchemist has become a distinctive cocktail and restaurant chain within theindustry, renowned for its theatrical approach to mixology and beautifully designedspaces. So, when rischegroup were approached to complete the fit-out for thecompany’s original venue, we were tasked with the challenge of preparing theestablishment for its launch and bringing the company’s ethos to life. With this inmind, we were excited to create a stand-out space which reflected the exclusivenature of Spinningfields.Although most renowned for its creative cocktails, The Alchemist is also a popularvenue for breakfast, coffee and lunch; as an all-day haven, the fit-out design had tohelp the establishment seamlessly transition from day-to-night, while remainingappealing to each of these customers.This saw us develop a distinctive lighting system and a variety of different seatingstyles, including an outdoor terraced seating area. And, as the hub of any bar tendsto be the bar itself, we created a bespoke design which became the focal point of thevenue.Our challenge was to complete all work in time for the venue’s grand Christmasopening, condensing what was originally a 12-week contract into just eight weeks.
MANA RESTAURANT
Mana was once a huge manmade box of glass, steel and concrete. Located in themiddle of Ancoats, an area of Manchester that historically became a cradle of theIndustrial Revolution and as such, is still quite industrial. This needed to be transformed into a space where people could feel in touch withthe elemental forces of nature, the very ethos that embodies Mana.Simon Martin and his team wanted to create an informal dining experience, serving amultiple course menu to showcase the best of our islands produce at any time of theyear.It was therefore imperative that the design was minimalistic and earthy in order toreflect the purpose of the experience and place importance on the dishes which arethe feature of the restaurant.Designed by JRD in conjunction with ZSpace UK; Rische Group were set the task offitting out this incredible space.The double height ceiling was an obvious part of the buildings structure. In order tokeep in line with the design concept, Rische lowered this, creating a curved bulkheadwhich instantly made the space feel more homely.The curve in the ceiling creates movement, complimenting the 6m high curtains,ultimately reducing the harshness of the exterior. The installation of the curtainscreated a private restaurant in a bustling Manchester setting while allowing naturallight to pour into the space, striking a balance between nature and architecture.It was imperative that Rische built the ceiling strong enough to withstand the weightof the feature lighting as well as having specialised fire protection and insulation toprotect it due to the complexities caused by the car park situated above therestaurant.The boldly minimalist Puro-Single Brokis pendants were suspended from the ceiling.The diffused glow of the tubes elicits a dynamic ambiance which also provided apractical use for diners. An XAL ‘move-it’ track lighting system was also installed above the kitchen. Itsmagnetic component enables the chefs to move the lighting around to suit theiractivities.Porcelanosa sheet tiling was installed by Rische to add to the restaurants’ ‘earthy’feel as well as providing a practical use to protect the walls. The bar and waiterstations were bespoke made by Martina and installed by Rische Group.The herb wall situated in front of a feature dining table, provides Mana chefs withfresh herbs, each with their own compartment and specialised UV light to helpstimulate growth. After 8 weeks of hard work by all parties involved, Rische Group were able to deliverthis outstanding dining experience, unique to Manchester.In November 2019, Rische Group were awarded the ‘Bar and Restaurant Design’and the ‘Commercial interior project’ award 2019 at the Northern Design Awards2019 for our works at Mana.
CAMPUS LIVING VILLAGES
Campus Living Villages Rische Group undertook a transformative interior fit-out project for Campus Living Villages’ (CLV) at their Head Quarters in Salford Quays. This collaboration aimed to create a modern, functional environment that not only met CLV’s operational needs but also fostered employee well-being and productivity. Campus Living Villages is a global provider of student accommodation, with a presence in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Their Salford Quays office serves as a central hub for managing various student housing facilities across the UK, necessitating a workspace that reflects their commitment to quality and community. Project Brief CLV sought to revamp their existing office to better align with contemporary work practices and to enhance employee satisfaction. The primary objectives included: Modernisation: Updating the office aesthetics to reflect a sleek, contemporary design. Functionality: Optimising the layout to improve workflow and collaboration. Breakout Space: Creating a dedicated area where employees can relax, socialize, and rejuvenate. Design and Planning Rische Group commenced the project with a comprehensive assessment of the existing space, engaging closely with CLV stakeholders to understand their vision and requirements. This collaborative approach ensured that the design would be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Key design considerations included: Open-Plan Layout: Transitioning from segmented offices to an open-plan design to encourage communication and teamwork. Natural Light Utilization: Maximizing the use of natural light to create a vibrant and energy-efficient workspace. Ergonomic Furniture: Selecting furniture that promotes comfort and supports employee health. Implementation and Outcome The fit-out process was meticulously planned to minimise disruption to CLV’s operations. Regular updates and open communication ensured that any challenges were promptly addressed, keeping the project on schedule and within budget. Upon completion, the Salford Quays office was transformed into a dynamic and inviting workspace. The modern design elements combined with functional layouts have significantly improved daily operations. The breakout space, in particular, has become a focal point for employee interaction, fostering a sense of community and well-being. By prioritising client collaboration and understanding the unique requirements of the space, Rische Group successfully created an office environment that supports CLV’s mission and contributes to employee satisfaction. If you’re planning a fit-out, refurbishment, or warehouse relocation, we’re here to help. Contact Rische Group at 0161 877 6200 or email enquiries@rischegroup.co.uk to discuss your project today.
