Following the recent launch of their new Cheetah range of seating designed by Jason Lansdale, Knightsbridge Furniture are preparing to launch yet another.  As part of the new Challenging Environments Collection, Menea is a range of innovative armchairs created for the company by in-house Design and Development Manager, Catherine Hawcroft.  For some time now, Knightsbridge have entered into a mission to prove that the furniture used in a care environments do not have to lose aesthetic appeal even though the performance requirements are much higher than in other markets.

Catherine devised a brief to create a new range for challenging environments which combined versatility with comfort. Cost-effectiveness was another essential requirement, one that is becoming increasingly poignant with the rapid rise in raw material costs, especially Birch ply where Russia is responsible for 80% of the world’s supply.  A new European ply has been sourced to be used in this product which guarantees structural integrity and continuation of supply.  The brief was met by drawing upon the technical expertise of Catherine’s development team and re-thinking the integral design at the Knightsbridge manufacturing base in West Yorkshire.

Distinguished by careful use of ergonomics to ensure a compact footprint, the initial Menea family comprises of 3 compact chairs in High-back, Mid-back and Compact versions with dining height seats in the upright models to accommodate dining and activity areas.

 Either single or stylish two-tone fabric options are offered, and Knightsbridge offers vinyl upholstery for use in hygiene-critical areas. The products have a practical ‘down to floor’ design with polished secure under-bottom and small feet to elevate the unit to aid housekeeping. 

Where service users demonstrate challenging behaviour, Menea will perform perfectly being made entirely of 18mm ply and demonstrating some ingenious inner frame design. If required additional weight can be incorporated into the base to guard against lifting or throwing. The indestructible feet are fitted with stainless pin-torx security screws and there are no gaps around the seats.

Knightsbridge Furniture has been supplying chairs, tables and occasional furniture to care facilities for 70 years, meeting and exceeding the rigorous standards demanded by specifiers working within the NHS, other healthcare authorities and private sector alike.

www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk