May 10 2010
The world-leading architectural materials companies Arpa and Trespa have announced the grand opening of their Design Centre at 62 Greene St. in New York's SoHo, opening May 14 to a VIP preview and inaugural party (press preview 5:15pm).
The Design Centre unites the iconic brands in high-quality surfacing and cladding in an inspirational storefront space created for architects, interior designers, end-users and homeowners seeking design education and project solutions.
The announcement builds on Trespa's widely praised decision to establish the Trespa Design Centre in New York in May 2008. "We opened the Trespa Design Centre to establish a local presence close to the architectural community here," said Remon Veraart, Director Americas. "It reflects the breadth of our portfolio by bringing together two world-leading brands."
Arpa is a renowned Italian producer of high-pressure laminate and surface materials for varied interior applications. Trespa produces a thick HPL used as building cladding.
To celebrate the new Design Centre, Arpa and Trespa have invited leading designers, architects, and dignitaries from around the world for an opening celebration on May 14. Visitors will view Trespa's panel materials and, for the first time in the United States, Arpa's unique portfolio including the Arpa for Kitchen Collection and the newly launched Naturalia collection, which received glowing reviews at Italy's Milan Design Exhibition in April.
"The positive reviews reflected not only Naturalia's aesthetic properties but also that 100% of its wood-based fibers come from PEFC-certified forests," said Veraart. Added Jim Palmer, General Manager of Arpa USA, "These new collections bring a fresh new sensibility to kitchens and other surfacing applications."
"Over the past years, Trespa has built a successful track record in turning inspirational, innovative architectural ideas into long-lasting reality," said Darlene Byrne, Marketing Manager of Trespa North America. "The product is applied on many beautiful, noteworthy buildings in New York and worldwide, proving its durability over decades of use."
The Trespa | Arpa Design Centre will also serve as a gathering place for the design and architecture community. Since the SoHo location opened in May 2008 under Trespa's flag, the memorable storefront space has become a hub for design events and education. Thousands of visitors have been hosted here, including such leading design groups as ENYA/Emerging New York Architects, the Urban Green Council, the AIAS and ASID, among others, for panel discussions, design workshops, and original programs and exhibits such as "Models of Concern," the North American premiere of an acclaimed international exhibition.
The showroom and meeting place was designed by Studio Schoot and also features products and designs by a range of Dutch manufacturers and designers, including Ahrend, Forbo, Brand van Egmond, Montis and many others.
"Trespa and Arpa are demonstrating a long-term commitment to the A&D community and future growth in North America. We're excited to combine their efforts for an even more inspirational centre, right here in Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhood," said Veraart.
Source: http://www.trespa.com/na/