Milliners Yard, Liverpool
SAS International worked closely with Jasper Sanders + Partners to deliver a ceiling solution that compliments the contemporary reinterpretation of Liverpool's historic fabric district. The once booming hub of creativity and commerce started to crumble under the weight of the world wars. Since then, the district has struggled to reach the heights of its historic past.
TJ Hughes, established in the district’s heyday, was a widely popular and iconic department store. It managed to remain a cornerstone of local shopping for decades. Rebecca Kelly, Creative Director, recalls her time visiting as a child and the impact that had on Milliners Yard’s design.
“As a child growing up in the Northwest, I often visited Liverpool with my Nan, exploring the many department-stores the city had to offer. I vividly remember the bold red signage of TJ Hughes and the distinctive egg-crate ceilings – true hallmarks of nineties retail design. That ceiling detail has been reinterpreted throughout the amenity as a subtle nod to gridded textile systems, and in doing so, we’ve embedded a quiet reference to the adjacent building interiors, creating a tactile link between memory, place, and design.” Jasper Sanders + Partners Creative Director – Rebecca Kelly
SAS800 Trucell was specified in two subtle tones, RAL 7044 and RAL 7043. The idea was to create a refined and tactile environment that feels cohesive. Warm, monochromatic tones, layered textures, and thoughtful use of light and shadow create an inviting environment. Open circulation and communal areas encourage interaction and movement, resulting in a building that feels both grounded in local history and an expression of contemporary architecture.
RAL 7043 Traffic Grey was used in the gym to create a calm and focused environment, providing a subdued atmosphere that minimises visual distraction. This restrained colour choice aligns with the architect’s wider approach to creating considered, functional spaces that feel coherent and holistic. The lighter RAL 7044 Silk Grey was used throughout the common areas to work with natural light. Combined with the texture of the Trucell, the ceiling feels bright and open, while diffusing some of the harshness of the light and making the areas feel subtly uplifting.
SAS800 Trucell was an ideal solution, offering a lightweight open-cell structure that enhances both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the space. Its modular design allowed the ceilings to align seamlessly with the architect's vision, while also supporting essential airflow and rapid smoke extraction in high-traffic areas. The Trucell panels integrate easily with other metal ceiling systems and plasterboard, providing flexibility in design and installation.
Working in close collaboration with Jasper Sanders + Partners ensured that Milliners Yard contributes a meaningful new chapter to Liverpool’s Fabric District. Their clear vision and attentiveness to the city’s heritage have resulted in a project that feels deeply rooted in place and is designed to stand the test of time.
Sector:
Residential
Client :
BMO Real Estate Investments & Columbia Threadneedle
Architect:
Main Contractor :
Subcontractor:
Completion Year :
2025
System Type:
Region :
Liverpool, United Kingdom
