Spectacular illuminating staircase lights up Sheffield's newest fashion store . .

An innovative illuminating staircase, made almost entirely from recycled glass and designed by Sheffield Hallam student Tim Hubbard, is the centrepiece of the new Brother 2 Brother flagship fashion store.

The store owners, brothers Andrew and Gavin Clarke, challenged Industrial Design student Tim to design a brand new, exciting interior, complete with contemporary layout, flooring and lighting. The aim of the new look was to create a true identity for Brother 2 Brother and to enforce their strong brand values for quality and design.

The focal point of the new two storey building is a staircase made from recycled glass which illuminates a stunning green colour as shoppers walk up it. The stairs are made from a glass and resin composite called Ttura, an award-winning material developed by the University. This radical new material is produced using 85% waste glass from the automotive, consumer and construction industries. It is an attractive, highly versatile and durable composite and can be used for a variety of purposes including furniture and flooring, but up until now, has never been used as a structural form.

In planning the new-style store Tim (in the picture above on the stairs) had to work to a design brief to encourage shoppers up to the first floor, which is where the idea for the illuminating staircase originated. Tim's design has striking fashion mannequins -suspended from the ceiling by rope, to display the latest styles. The owners also wanted his designs to make way for more shelving, railing and accessory space, improved changing room facilities and ambient lighting.

Tim, aged 29, said: "I am delighted to be involved in such an exciting project and I am thrilled with the results. Although the project was difficult at times, I was able to complete it on schedule and within budget. I have also benefited from Sheffield Hallam's strong contacts with industry. It has been my most ambitious project so far but also the most rewarding."

The fashion retailer Brother 2 Brother is an independent clothes store which was voted 'the best independent retailer of 2001' by FHM. It stocks many of the worlds most exclusive designer labels including Vivienne Westwood, Sonia Rykiel, Dries Van Noten and Chloe.

The store has relocated to the city centre's West One development complex - one of the largest city centre retail and residential projects in the United Kingdom. It includes a dynamic and vibrant mix of luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and bars.

Ttura was invented by Professor James Roddis, Gary Nicholson and their team at the University's Art and Design Research Centre - one of the best Centres of its kind in the UK, ranked alongside the Royal College of Art.  Their work on TTURA won the professional category in the 2001 International Design Resource Awards and it recently scooped the 2003 Material of Excellence title, awarded by Material Connexions.

Ttura is manufactured by Resin Building Products Ltd, Doncaster (RBP) under licence from Sheffield Hallam University Enterprises. Further information on TTURA is available on the website at: www.ttura.com.

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