Foyles Bookstore

Project Description

Foyles bookstore was a fit-out package working within an existing structure. The Swift Crafted team overcame several technical challenges to achieve the architect’s desired high-end finish.

One key challenge was out-of-level screeds, which made it difficult to achieve a seamless transition between the WC floor tiling and the adjacent library areas. Our team broke out the affected screeds and applied levelling agents to ensure a perfectly flush and durable finish.

Another focal point was the stair joinery, designed with a concealed LED diffuser running the full length of the stair core. Initial installations did not achieve the intended ‘glow’ effect, but through careful on-site collaboration with the architect, we refined the detail adjusting the tilt of the light fittings to evenly deflect and diffuse light across the joinery surfaces. The result delivered the striking visual outcome the design team envisioned.

At the Foyles Apartments, we faced specification challenges, including softwood flooring that proved unsuitable for heavy foot traffic and a frameless door detail set within dry-lined apertures with a ±5mm/3mm tolerance. We mitigated these issues through proactive problem-solving, adding surface protection, selectively replacing sections of flooring, and scribing doors precisely to accommodate the wall variations while maintaining a defect-free finish.

Completing works for such a prestigious and historic London institution was both challenging and rewarding, showcasing Swift Crafted’s adaptability, technical expertise, and commitment to achieving the highest quality standards across all aspects of our fit-out work.