Interplan Panel Systems were selected by main contractors Maxi Construction Ltd to assist with the fit-out of the Helix Visitor Centre at the Kelpies; Interplan supplied and installed the WC cubicle systems, IPS and vanity units to complete the final stages of the internal fit-out.
The Helix Visitor Centre showcases the Scottish Canal’s ‘Kelpies’ – the equine guardians of the Forth & Clyde canal – by the main glass frontage of the building orientated to face the 30 metre high, 300 tonne structures. The centre houses a horse-box café, gift shop and exhibition space – all in keeping with the equine experience.
The modern development merges into the landscape using a combination of grass mounds and landscaped roof planes to provide uninterrupted views of the Kelpies; naturally the washrooms had to reflect this view. Interplan's sleek, flush-fronted Urban cubicle system in solid grade wood laminate perfectly captured this vision, in keeping with the natural surroundings of the visitor centre.
The flush exterior of the Urban cubicle, free of any fixings, effectively captures the simplistic design whilst making an impact. The smooth, in line façade of the Urban washroom is a clear design statement – one in which many new builds now demand. Urban achieves this statement with surprising affordability in both standard and floor to ceiling height.
Along with the aesthetics, durability was also at the forefront of the washroom design - the visitor centre which is open 7 days a week is set to endure high volumes of traffic - Urban in SGL being the ultimate cubicle system for robustness.
Again with the simplistic design and durability in mind, Interplan's high pressure laminate (HPL) vanity unit was chosen to complete the washrooms.