PPG coatings bridge gap between old and new for hotel establishment
The Client: Hotel Indigo
The Painting Contractor: Story Decorating Group
Location: Manchester
The Project
International hotel chain Hotel Indigo provides accommodation in various locations around the globe in the most sought-after locations. Hotel Indigo’s first Manchester establishment was developed by adding a modern rotunda extension to an existing period building. The unique project therefore needed a considered decoration to unify the two different styles of architecture. Painting and decorating contractor Story Decorating Group was brought in to offer its expertise.
Introducing a New Manchester Landmark
Hotel Indigo Manchester joins together a 150-year-old Grade II listed building and new circular extension spanning 13 floors. With the hotel containing 187 bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar, Story Decorating Group needed a broad range of coatings that could provide the high specification finishes needed for each environment, and so approached PPG’s JOHNSTONE’S® Trade Paints for a professional solution.
Fit for Purpose
To achieve a durable and easily maintainable finish, the team used a combination of PPG’s Johnstone’s Acrylic Durable Matt and Acrylic Durable Eggshell, which provide a Class 1 ISO 11998 scrub rating, as well as Covaplus Vinyl Matt. It was important that the on-trend design scheme would stay vivid for as long as possible, and that the chosen paints reduced the chances of any discoloration or yellowing.
Additionally, Johnstone’s Trade Anti-Slip Flortred was used in entrances and walkways to offer protection for areas where surfaces can become slippery and unsafe. Containing a light aggregate for slip resistance, the paint can improve health and safety, while offering a professional look thanks to the semi-gloss finish.
Pick ‘n’ Mix Paintwork
One of the challenges that this project posed was bringing together two very different styles of building to ensure a cohesive look, and this required a wealth of knowledge and skill. The Grade II listed section of the building still contained most of its original features, including cornices, mouldings, sash windows and intricate metalwork. Decorating these period features involved a high standard of workmanship and required the use of specialist products offering continued and enhanced protection.
PPG’s Johnstone’s Trade Smooth Metal Paint was used to paint all of the original metalwork, providing an ‘all in one primer and topcoat solution’ that can be applied to all manner of metal surfaces. The product offers up to five years’ protection and helps to extend the length of a maintenance cycle.
Though it was a challenge combining two very different styles of building, the wide variety of coatings ensured the best finish for each space.
The Results
The newly decorated Hotel Indigo Manchester continues to receive high praise from guests, and it was the success of this project that led to Story Decorating Group becoming a finalist in the Accommodation category at Johnstone’s Trade’s Painter of the Year Awards. Competing against some of the country’s prominent painting companies and their outstanding decorating projects, the detailed work on show here secured their place as a category finalist.