Stainless-steel countertops, iridescent blue carbon fibre and a divan upholstered with silver sheepskin are some of the highlights of a recent GLEX interior refurbishment at Duncan Aviation. Every surface was carefully selected to stimulate the senses and highlight the natural beauty of raw materials.
The aircraft owner worked closely with their outside designer, so the aircraft arrived at the Duncan Aviation facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, with a well-developed vision. From there, the company’s interior experts, including designer Brandie Wolfe, stepped in to help refine the material selections, ensuring all components met strict aviation fire-testing requirements while preserving the aesthetic integrity of the design.
In the galley, the team removed an unused microwave compartment to expand the countertop space. A stainless-steel surface now runs up the back wall and across the counter, for an open, modern feel. New glassware inserts were designed to accommodate a variety of wine, highball and lowball glasses. The team had recently completed another aircraft with stainless countertops, and so was “well-prepared to tackle the unique challenges of sourcing and fitting this uncommon finish”, the company said.
In the lavatory, the owner’s desire to incorporate carbon fibre culminated in a subtly iridescent blue finish – tying in with the cabin’s blue-tinted carpet and accent pillows. The upper sidewalls feature real suede panels, which was made possible due to their small size, Duncan Aviation said.
Throughout the cabin, texture takes centre stage. The cabinetry retains its original Zebrawood veneer. The seats have aniline leather fronts and suede backs – both chosen for their raw, unprocessed appearance that reveals natural markings and patinas with time.
The forward divan is upholstered in a sheepskin dyed with an iridescent silver finish. The aft divan is covered in aniline leather, matching the rest of the seats. The lower sidewalls are finished in a darker-toned aniline leather, while the upper sidewalls are wrapped in Ultrasuede to “balance aesthetics and adhere to weight considerations”, the company shared. The custom carpet has a 3D effect created through varied pile heights and dual-colour yarns.
“This project pushed boundaries,” said Wolfe. “The use of raw cowhides in the form of aniline and suede, sheepskin outside of the cockpit, and stainless-steel countertops makes for a unique interior that embraces imperfection and prides itself on being different from the norm. The result is an interior that is both luxurious and deeply personal.”
