Project Overview
Designed by Kirkland Fraser Moor (KFM) and delivered by APM Design & Build, the project transforms a family bathroom into a calm, spa-like retreat through the thoughtful use of Alba by SMILE Plastics.
Featuring a palette of soft whites, pale timber, and black detailing, the space balances warmth and minimalism while showcasing the potential of recycled materials in high-performance wetroom environments.
Material Focus: Smile Plastics Alba
Alba is manufactured from 100% recycled and recyclable HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), diverting plastic waste from landfill and transforming it into a durable architectural surface.
Its elegant white base is subtly flecked with recycled silver foil inclusions, creating a refined texture that rewards closer inspection while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance.
The material offers:
- 100% recycled and recyclable composition
- Waterproof and mould-resistant performance
- Durable, hard-wearing surface suitable for wet areas
- Lightweight fabrication and installation
- A distinctive yet understated recycled aesthetic
Bathroom Design Intent
The brief called for a contemporary family bathroom that felt light, open and restorative. Rather than relying on traditional ceramic wall finishes, the design team sought a material that would provide a seamless appearance while supporting the project’s sustainability ambitions.
Alba was selected for its ability to combine practical performance with a subtle material narrative, allowing recycled content to become part of the design language without dominating the space.
Product Application
Alba was installed as 5mm wall panelling throughout the bathroom, creating a continuous surface behind the basin, WC, shower enclosure, and bath area.
The material’s soft white tone complements the pale timber joinery and hexagonal floor tiles, while matte black fixtures provide contrast and definition. Natural daylight enhances the subtle reflective qualities of the recycled silver inclusions, adding depth and character to the otherwise minimal palette.
The result is a cohesive environment where surfaces feel seamless, calm, and highly considered.
Why Alba Works for This Bathroom Transformation
Seamless Contemporary Aesthetic
The large-format Alba panels minimise visual interruption, helping the space feel larger, brighter, and more architectural than traditional tiled alternatives.
Designed for Wet Environments
With waterproof, mould-resistant, and hard-wearing properties, Alba is ideally suited to bathrooms, wetrooms, and other moisture-prone interiors.
Sustainable Materiality
By utilising recycled HIPS, the project demonstrates how circular materials can meet the demands of contemporary residential design without compromising on quality or appearance.
Subtle Material Expression
The delicate flecks of recycled silver foil introduce texture and visual interest while maintaining the calm, restrained atmosphere central to the overall design.
Design Impact
The Beeches Bathroom showcases a growing movement towards materials that combine environmental responsibility with sophisticated design. Alba’s understated appearance allows it to integrate effortlessly into contemporary interiors, while its recycled composition provides a meaningful sustainability story beneath the surface.
The project illustrates how circular materials can move beyond niche applications and become integral components of high-quality residential architecture.
Project Details
- Project: The Beeches Bathroom
- Location: Hertfordshire, UK
- Material: Alba
- Application: 5mm Bathroom Wall Panelling
- Sector: Residential
- Architect: Kirkland Fraser Moor
- Main Contractor: APM Design & Build
- Photography: Fred Howarth