The post-pandemic environment has forced us to reconsider our understanding of the traditional definitions of living, working and leisure. Particularly for the Interior design industry, these questions necessitate an investigation into the pre-established typologies in both the private and public realms. Hosted by SBID’s founder & CEO, Vanessa Brady, the webinar series intends to examine specific typologies, the conflation of their boundaries, the emergence of new definitions of interior space and the consequential impact on the people who commission, design and use them.
EPISODE ONE: The Future of Hospitality Design
For episode one, the focus is on the hospitality and travel industries which have faced considerable challenges during the pandemic. The limited mobility and opportunities for interaction between people during this period have meant that demand has waned. On the other hand, continual restrictions has created a pent-up need to escape and to bolster one’s well-being. Guest speakers, Kar-Hwa Ho, Head of Interior Architecture at Zaha Hadid Architects; Douglas Grieco, Senior Director of Architecture and Design at Hilton Hotels; and Mari Balestrazzi, Director of Operations for Environments at Airbnb address how hospitality as an industry foresees a fundamental change in the services that it is expected to provide, and how design can evolve to navigate these restrictions, while satisfying the needs of current lifestyles.
Kar-Hwa Ho | Head of Interior Architecture at Zaha Hadid Architects
Kar first worked with Zaha Hadid in the 1980s on a number of competitions and architectural projects. For eleven years he worked with Kohn Pedersen Fox as the Senior Associate Principal responsible for the design and implementation of mixed use, commercial and retail projects across the USA, Asia and UK. He ten spent eight years with Louis Vuitton Malletier in Paris, as the Design Director in charge of the establishment and development of LV stores across the Asia-Pacific Region. Kar re-joined ZHA in 2014 to set up and lead the new ZHA Interior Architecture cluster that strengthened ZHA’s architectural offer to include bespoke interiors, furniture and product design for both private and public projects.
Douglas Grieco | Senior Director of Architecture and Design at Hilton Hotels
Douglas is a brand and innovation leader with a strong entrepreneurial background. He has worked for 2 Pritzker prize winning architects, holds 2 Masters Degrees and led Design for W Hotels. With Hilton Hotels, as Senior Director of Architecture and Design for Latin America, he is on the team responsible for growing the LATAM region through hotel projects and brand extensions. Specifically, Douglas is leading Design for Collection, Full serve and Lifestyle brands in Central America and South America. He also teaches Hotel Design and Brand Development at Yale, Columbia, and Parsons New School for Design.
Mari Balestrazzi | Director of Operations for Environments at Airbnb
As Director of Operations for Environments, Mari oversees the team that designs Airbnb’s offices worldwide, and collaborates with real estate developers to create new models of housing that support Airbnb’s goal for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way. Before assuming her role at Airbnb, Mari held numerous positions within the hospitality design industry; most recently she was Vice President of Design Services for Hyatt Hotels in Chicago, where she oversaw design for Hyatt’s portfolio of full-service hotel brands throughout the Americas region.
Cover image credits: Project by Zaha Hadid Architects
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a unique restaurant design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design. Becoming a magnet for residents seeking a refreshing and dynamic experience, BOHO Social is something that has been hugely awaited across the country. Qatari’s have been ready for an exciting F&B hotspot to hit the scene, with BOHO becoming that integral pedestal in achieving the united vision of this dynamic culture.
Whilst the venue isn’t driven by alcohol, people frequent for genuinely good food and amazing ambience – a true testament to the collaborative mindset of hospitality and design mavericks. The venue, therefore, fits perfectly within its locale, satisfying the desires of Qatar’s people.
SBID Awards Category: Restaurant Design Sponsored by Garrett Leather
Practise: Bishop Design By Paul Bishop
Project: BOHO Social
Location: Doha, Qatar
What was the client’s brief?
When one of the biggest names in the hospitality industry reached out to us with a unique F&B destination in the bustling heart of Qatar in mind, there was no way we could turn the opportunity down. FLIP International have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the industry as they boast a multitude of successful hospitality concepts in their portfolio. This most recent venture was to reside on Katara Beach – the latest “it” destination in Qatar.
Desiring a complete contrast to existing offerings in Qatar and the Middle East, we were given the brief to create a dynamic social destination. This hub was to be eclectic, yet modern and would echo hues of the Bohemian era. When stripped back this ideology of bohemian lifestyle represents a free spirit; a traveller and a creative. Alas, Boho Social was born. These characteristics have been beautifully embraced throughout the entire interior styling, building a venue that concretizes itself as a new era to Doha and Qatar in its entirety.
What inspired the design of the project?
The approach became focused on how we could truly animate the space through design whilst respecting the brief. Colour became a key aspect of the interior styling as it perfectly encapsulated bohemian sentiments whilst simultaneously providing character, depth and soul to the space. Fluid poured terrazzo gives a striking effect as the ground pours into the centre of the space. Pattern-happy accessories, traditional ottoman chairs and fabric colour waves all converge to create this unique overlay of infectious energy and palpable excitement. Eclectic modernism encapsulates this interior realm which is mirrored across the exterior as the terrace elevates an intoxicating mélange of furniture, whilst vibrant rugs gracefully transport guests through the external experience.
It’s evident that each design aspect optimizes the overriding sentiments of the Bohemian lifestyle whilst respecting the demographic of which it sits. In particular, the sculptural oryx heads featured in the VIP rooms are an iconic symbol of Qatar. Touches such as this remain fun, quirky but always respectful of the narrative and surrounding culture. Hand-painted tiles curated by a renowned Middle Eastern artisan adorn surfaces within, contributing to this boho-chic personality. Each tile was bespoke, customized and hand-painted on site. This attention to detail and showcase of creative mastery sit perfectly with the overriding story and character of BOHO Social.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
We were faced with architectural challenges when inheriting the space, specifically in terms of the double-height area as a mezzanine level had to be considered to fulfil aspirations of a functional F&B environment. Internally speaking, the space was uninspired and as such called for intelligent solutions to create a successful venue.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
When we speak of Qatar as a destination it isn’t necessarily a part of the world that is on everyone’s radar when it comes to hospitality and entertainment just yet, so to have the opportunity to reinvent that perception has been a refreshingly exciting responsibility and we feel it is just the beginning of a very exciting chapter for the country.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
As creatives, we rely heavily on recognition from esteemed committees to sustain our credibility, and there’s no other platform that offers it quite like SBID. They are, quite simply, an undisputed achievement within the design world and we take immense pride in having the opportunity to put forward our best work year upon year.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder, and Selini Bishop, PR Executive, Bishop Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a hotel suite design by Portview, click here to see more.
Professional accreditation provides impartial third-party certification or endorsement of an individual’s level of knowledge, skill, experience and proficiency to practice within a specific industry or profession. Granted by authorities in the field, accreditation for professional competence is often affiliated with the industry’s trade or professional association (also referred to as a body, organisation or society), interested in raising the industry’s standards.
Professional bodies help to define and set standards for professional practice. Unlike chartered professions, due to the lack of official title recognition for an interior designer, there is no universally accepted definition recognised by government for qualifying an interior design professional or distinguishing a proven, professionally trained interior designer against an interior decorator, stylist or untrained hobbyist.
Architects and engineers are often the professionals credited for the creation of safe internal environments – while the role of an interior designer is overlooked in terms of its impact on public health and safety. Much more than mere aesthetics of dressing a space, an interior designers choices and advice can have significant implications on our health and wellbeing. Inaccurate advice or inappropriate specification may breach laws or compliance regulations, incur additional cost, generate delays or increase risks to those who invest in and ultimately use the space.
For over a decade, the Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) has represented, promoted and protected the interests of practicing interior designers in industry, government and trade, creating a widely recognised benchmark for professional standards with its first-to-market Accreditation criteria – defined by an interior designer’s level of education, experience and competence.
To ensure the welfare and safety of clients and end-users – from adhering to building regulations and ethical business practices, to making compliant material specification and space planning, SBID Accredited Designers must comply with its Code of Conduct and Ethics which set out the expectations for design professionals operating in a safe, compliant and ethical manor.
Achieving SBID’s Interior Design Accreditation provides clients with reassurance that the design services offered are quality-assessed to meet the required industry standards for compliant professional practice.
SBID also require its Accredited Designers to commit to an annual programme of continued professional development to maintain relevant skills and knowledge. Ensuring the designers commissioned are sufficiently trained, educated and experienced to perform at the highest level is essential for improving public safety, reducing industry complaints and driving professional standards.
To find out more about SBID’s professional accreditation for interior designers, click here.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury hotel-suite design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Portview. In September 2019 the fit-out specialist completed a new luxury suite, Lincoln House, for Rosewood London. The three-bedroom suite was designed by Tony Chi and offers an expansive 251 square meters of light-filled living space, including one of London’s largest master bedrooms.
Lincoln House is positioned between the hotel’s Garden House suite and the famous Manor House – London’s only suite with its own postcode. The ultra-luxurious Lincoln House is named in honour of the hotel’s close proximity to Lincoln’s Inn Field and the illustrious Inns of Court.
SBID Awards Category: Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design Sponsored by Schneider Electric
Practise: Portview
Project: Rosewood Lincoln
Location: London, United Kingdom
Lincoln House is positioned between the hotel’s Garden House suite and the famous Manor House – London’s only suite with its own postcode. It’s named in honour of the hotel’s close proximity to Lincoln’s Inn Field and the illustrious Inns of Court, which have defined Holborn since medieval times, so our brief was to execute a concept that reflects the environment in High Holborn – presenting an interior that has character and a luxurious, residential feel.
The combination of interiors conceived by Tony Chi – the designer behind the original hotel areas – and bespoke furnishings, finely curated decorative elements and intriguing works of art, give the suite an exceptional depth of character that was inspired by High Holborn. Italian furnishings include Meridiani and Minotti sofas, Silvera armchairs, as well as rugs and tables by Il Piccolo. Based on a rich palette of materials including Wenge timber flooring and sumptuous carpets, finishes also include the use of Arabescado marble in the bathrooms and Eglomised glass feature screens to give it an ultra-luxurious, residential feel.
The versatile open-plan entertainment and living room was designed for socialising with friends and family, and comprises a residential living and dining room, with a spacious foyer and adjoining kitchen. The suite is outfitted with the latest technology, including a state of the art 75-inch television, and panoramic windows run the length of the entire wall, bathing the space in natural light. With panoramic windows running the length of the entire wall, the voluminous space is outfitted with the latest technology including Lutron controlled lighting. High gloss lacquered panelling and doors were used throughout to give the suite a timeless yet modern feel.
Working on a complex project in a live, five-star environment presents its own unique set of challenges and this one was no different. Our team did a fantastic job of minimising any disruption, through seamless coordination and carefully thought-out project management. I’m pleased to say the results were worth the effort. It’s a fantastic looking suite that perfectly reflects the opulent and illustrious reputation of the famous Rosewood brand.
Working in partnership with Rosewood was a delight, largely thanks to our shared passion for creating exceptional spaces, experiences and solutions for people to enjoy. It was a real team effort, and we take great pride in having completed another standout project for one of the world’s most luxurious hospitality brands.
The SBID Awards set the precedent for design excellence and are hugely influential in curating new trends and industry standards, which we all aspire to. At Portview we pride ourselves in delivering exceptional interiors that are world-class. To be recognised on a global scale by one of the industry’s most respected organisations is a huge achievement and one we’re very proud of. Last year we were not only finalists in the hotel interiors category, but we also won the retail category for a consecutive year with the fit-out of Samsung KX, in London. It was a brilliant experience and one which we hope to achieve again in future.
Questions answered by Simon Campbell, Managing Director, Portview.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a residential design by XBD Collective, click here to see more.
Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration when it comes to most sectors, and interior design is most definitely one of them. Consumers now more than ever want to know they are making the best decisions when it comes to environmental impact.
SBID Accredited outdoor furniture specialist Oxley’s Furniture, have been sustainably making their outdoor furniture from recycled aluminium for 30 years. This recycled aluminium comes from old alloy wheels, disused airplane parts and hundreds of thousands of drinks cans.
Aluminium is an amazing metal; it is 100% recyclable and will lose no quality during this process. Nearly 75% of all aluminium ever produced still being in use today. Recycling aluminium uses just 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium and it can be recycled over and over again.
Using recycled aluminium creates a virtuous cycle that allows Oxley’s to manufacture luxury outdoor furniture as sustainably as possible. When Oxley’s started 30 years ago, most outdoor furniture was made of rain forest teak, now most outdoor furniture is made from woven plastic. Simon Hudson, managing director of Oxley’s Furniture says; “When we started the business we wanted to make wonderful furniture that lasted generations. At the time we loved the idea that we could do this using a recycled product. This just seemed a good practical thing to do – now this is called sustainability.”
When processed properly aluminium does not rot or rust, meaning it can be left outside all year every year. The recycled aluminium Oxley’s use is smelted and carefully graded to their particular manufacturing requirement. Oxley’s go to extreme lengths in their Cotswold factory to process their furniture in the most thorough way possible, so it is unaffected by weather, wherever in the World it is located. So not only are the materials sourced sustainably, but Oxley’s furniture will last for generations.
One of the biggest concerns for interior designers is often about securing clients for their next project. In the context of high-end luxury design, the burning questions turn to how design practices go about reaching the lucrative market of ultra-high-net-worth (U/HNW) individuals.
SBID organised an insightful panel discussion with SBID founder & CEO, Vanessa Brady as she explores the professional approaches and business strategies of leading international practices when it comes to building relationships with U/HNW clients in the UK and abroad.
Sharing valuable perspectives across the global design industry, the panel boasts an extraordinary wealth of expertise and experience working and engaging with clients on high-value projects around the world. Speakers include Chris Godfrey, Global Principle of HBA Residential; Firas Alsahin, Co-founder and Design Director of 4SPACE Design; and Andrew Linwood, Head of Business Development at Areen Design.
We discover that obtaining connections with those desirable U/HNW clients is much more than presenting a design proposal with pretty pictures. The panel sheds light on key sources for reaching this elite clientelle, how they go about nuturing those relationships, managing client expectations, and ultimately, providing the level of trust, confidentially, and skills that U/HNW clients value when it comes to commissioning an interior designer for their exclusive design projects.
The panellists also highlight their strategies for digital marketing, gaining press coverage, and achieving third-party endorsements through awards and accreditations (like those that SBID provide) as key to enhancing reputation among UHNW individuals.
Chris Godfrey | Global Principle of HBA Residential
Chris has over 23 years experience creating highly considered and finely crafted interiors for the residences of the most discerning clients. Chris cultivated his holistic design approach; combining Architecture and Interior Design to create beautifully conceived and exquisitely delivered residences for clients who appreciate the value of design excellence. In 2018 he received the coveted Master of Design Award from SBID and is also an award-winning Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Architect.
Firas Alsahin | Co-founder & Design Director of 4SPACE
Firas is the Co-founder and Design Director of 4SPACE Design – a dynamic, multi-talented, and multi-awarded design studio delivering quality architectural and interior design services. He is a fully accredited SBID Professional and was chosen as one of the 20 most influential interior designers in the Middle East 2020 for Commercial Interior Design Magazine.
Andrew Linwood | Head of Business Development
As Head of Business Development at Areen Design, Andrew has over 30 years of experience in delivering a range of projects for Hospitality, Residential and Commercial. He has designed insightful interiors for many of the world’s leading hotel operators including Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Accor, Hyatt and InterContinental Hotels Group as well as HNWIs and sector specialist developers. He is involved in all aspects of a project: from initial client contact, brief and concept development through to documentation and site installation.
Cover image credits: Project by HBA Residential
Using tiles in interiors has been common practice for decades, from our bathroom floors to our kitchen walls. In fact, the use of tiles stems back to Ancient Egypt! Today, as interior designers are always looking for new ways use materials and innovate their designs, the specification of floor and wall tiles is getting more and more creative. Newly SBID Accredited specialists in tiles for specifiers, Craven Dunnill share their story; from a longstanding heritage, to how they work with interior designers to supply unique and bespoke tiling solutions for their projects. Discover their insight on the latest trends for interior tiles!
What are the origins of Craven Dunnill?
We have been manufacturing and supplying ceramic tiles for commercial and residential projects for 150 years, since 1872; and we use every bit of that experience to ensure that our clients are always provided with professional, market-leading and passionate support. Our vast portfolio is stocked here in the UK, showcasing the very latest of British and European produced ceramic wall and floor tiles. Our specialist production factory, based in Ironbridge UK, still operates as the oldest surviving purpose-built tile factory in the world.
With a deeply rooted history in providing tiles for interior design specification, we offer distinctive designs inspired by our longstanding heritage, with an unrivalled reputation for quality, style, and service. With experience stretching back 150 years, we pride ourselves in our flexibility, technical support, fit for purpose guidance, and high product quality standards.
How do you work with interior designers?
Craven Dunnill stock the widest selection of ceramic tiles from the leading manufacturers around the World. Our vast range provides interior designers with limitless possibilities according to their project needs and requirements.
We appreciate that every project is unique and we have extensive experience across a wide variety of projects and installations. With the knowledge and experience of what is achievable, we work closely with interior designers to ensure we select products which fit the performance, quality and longevity demands for their projects.
We can provide a truly bespoke solution for even the most challenging of projects. If you can’t find the tile you need in our vast portfolio of wall and floor tiles, we have the facility to produce ceramic wall or floor tiles to almost any shape and/or size. All custom design and manufacture solutions are provided through our own specialist factory. Craven Dunnill Jackfield have been hand-making ceramic tiles for over 150 years and now combine modern and traditional production techniques to create bespoke wall or floor ceramics to almost any design and specification!
What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?
Tiles are an integral element for any project and offer a wide variety of materials, finishes and styles with versatile laying options which can bring the vision of interior designers to life. They can deliver stunning aesthetics, unify indoor and outdoor spaces with a seamless transition and offer everyday solutions to meet the challenging creative and practical demands of contemporary projects.
Creating surfaces for many projects involves not only meeting requirements in terms of practicality, durability but also aesthetics. Tile materials can guarantee comfort, elegance, very high-quality performance and longevity for long term use to meet more eco-friendly specification approaches to sustainability.
Today, hygiene and safety is more important than ever. Everyone wants to live and work in healthy environments. Ceramic surfaces with antibacterial protection, an anti-microbial shield integrated into the tiles, eliminate up to 99.9% of surface bacteria, 24 hours a day, forever.
How do your services/offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?
Specialists like no other. Craven Dunnill is renowned for the production and supply of ceramic wall and floor tiles to all market sectors, including specification, housebuilder, commercial, retail and specialist, for both the UK and global markets.
Product: Craven Dunnill prides itself on its choice and selection of best-in-class ceramic wall and floor tiles, sourced from the leading manufacturers around the World. Our products represent quality. And more than that, it is an ethos throughout the organisation. We have an appreciation and understanding of high-quality products, and that is recognised across everything that we do.
Sampling: Fast and efficient sampling is an important part of our specifier support service. Smaller tiles can be despatched as full tiles, and larger tiles can be sent either as 100×100 colour swatches – perfect for mood boards – or delivered as larger tile samples.
Service: We take our service and support very seriously – putting your needs first, and continually striving to exceed expectations. We aim to deliver an experience worth talking about, every single time. We have an experienced team of customer service advisors who are always on hand to assist with your specific enquiry, whether its face-to-face, online, or on the phone.
Technical: At Craven Dunnill, we set ourselves apart through the quality and accuracy of our technical support and guidance. We aim to build confidence and earn the trust of our clients by providing correct and appropriate technical information, and finding a solution to meet your specific needs. We are on hand to give all the necessary guidance on selection, installation, maintenance and care.
Our technical experts sit on a number of standards and technical committees including BSI, UKSRG (UK Slip Resistance Group) and TTA (The Tile Association). This ensures that any technical advice given is absolutely in line with current standards and industry guidance.
Custom Design & Manufacture: Using our own specialist factory, Craven Dunnill Jackfield, we combine modern and traditional production techniques to create bespoke wall or floor ceramics to almost any design. If you can’t find the tile size you need in our vast portfolio of wall and floor tiles we have the facility to produce ceramic wall or floor tiles to almost any shape and/or size.
Sustainability: Respect for the environment is more critical now than ever. We are market leaders in the supply of ceramic tiles with a green agenda, sourcing only from manufacturers with responsible practices and certified credentials. We have an experienced team that can support you in specifying tiles with the appropriate eco-credentials for your project.
What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?
To find out how to join the SBID professional membership, click here
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a residential design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, XBD Collective. Located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, this luxurious 10,600 sq. ft. villa was designed for a young, new to Dubai European family of 4. The overall design brief was to create a family-friendly home in the signature XBD luxury style on a very restricted budget. By keeping a neutral palette but also introducing bursts of colour, XBD Collective fulfilled one of the main requirements to create a sense of serenity and peace with elegant accents.
Using an array of high, mid, and low materials, the design practice opted for high-end marble – but used clever veneer techniques and mixed metals and mirrors to create stunning reflection effects. Artwork from locally commissioned artists was also used and textured wallpapers were sourced from trusted suppliers. XBD succeeded in creating a gorgeous luxury home, perfect for entertaining both family and friends that went above and beyond the client’s expectations
SBID Awards Category: Resi House Under £1M Finalists Sponsored by Sans Souci
Practise: XBD Collective
Project: Jumeirah Golf Estates
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The overall design brief was to create a family-friendly home in the signature XBD luxury style. We fulfilled the main requirement to create ‘a sense of serenity and peace with elegant accents.
The inspiration was to create the ultimate balance between ‘tranquillity’ and ‘elegance’ for our clients. With the villa situated on the edge of a luxury golf course, we created an indoor/outdoor feel to flow throughout the space and take advantage of the picturesque landscapes.
We faced the challenge of creating a sophisticated masculine space for the office that blended softly into both family and formal areas. We used soft wooden flooring dressed with a pattern monochrome rug, to keep the room professional yet homely.
Working in partnership with Rosewood was a delight, largely thanks to our shared passion for creating. Exceeding our clients’ expectations was our highlight! Design-wise we love the use of elegant layers and contemporary finishes in the master bedroom which amplifies the opulent sensation in the room.
Taking part in the SBID Awards is always a delight as it provides us with the opportunity to reveal our evolving style and inspire other creators in the industry through entering the SBID Awards. We enjoy taking part in such a well-renowned competition!
Questions answered by Rebecca Young, Executive, XBD Collective.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Spanish villa design, click here to see more.
Award-winning and SBID Accredited fit-out specialist Portview, has unveiled its latest creation with the fit-out of an ultra-luxurious health and fitness facility in Southbank Place, London, where residents will be able to enjoy a luxury hotel-standard spa experience within their dynamic city-living environment.
A joint residential development venture between Canary Wharf Group & Qatari Diar, London’s South Bank has been transformed by a unique mixed-use development with the famous Shell Centre Tower at its heart. The super-sleek interior design by SBID Accredited practice, Goddard Littlefair, focuses on creating a serene city oasis where residents can escape to relax, unwind and reinvigorate.
The use of unique and innovative fittings include a light and calming palette of sensitively selected natural materials that have been paired with ambient lighting to create a cocoon-like space within the contemporary wellness facility. Martin Goddard, Co-Founder of Goddard Littlefair said:
“When we started looking at the concept for this amenity we realised that there were very few spa and fitness spaces that addressed a luxury residential development. This gave us many questions that had to be answered. Through extensive research, we recognised that facilities of top luxury hotels had the closest synergy with what we felt residents would want to have access to.”
The 2,000 sqm spa is set across various zones with the guest journey being a key focus of the design layout. To facilitate the needs of users who will want to be energised with a hard-hitting workout, in addition to others who want to relax, the two elements can be accessed separately to heighten the experience.
The spacious reception area acts as a social hub for residents to meet one another, therapists or trainers. One fully equipped gym is available along with two separate studios which can be heated for a hot yoga workout or cooled for a dynamic spin class. The alternative wet and relax route takes residents through plush changing rooms, the gentlemen having a dedicated sauna area while ladies can enjoy their own vitality pool, sauna and steam room.
On the pool deck there is a stunning 25m heated swimming pool, accompanied by a further vitality pool, sauna and steam room, along with social relaxation spaces for residents to enjoy. In addition, calm yet luxurious treatment rooms are available, where selected therapies including beauty treatments can be enjoyed.
A key challenge of the design was the basement location. The design creates an immersive feeling of light and space through carefully concealed architectural lighting that casts warm glows across rich surfaces while decorative lighting provides beautiful accents through the space. The glowing feature lighting in the pool area was crafted by London-based Nulty Bespoke with each glass drop specifically crafted to allude to the flow of water.
Sustainability was a key factor in the design and delivery of the space, with greener fabrics and finishes installed throughout. One such example is that the pool hall area is maintained at a temperature 1C above the pool temperature, which in turn minimises heat and water loss from the considerably large lap pool, while a high-performance water treatment system keeps the water in the pools to an exceptional quality – keeping water and chemical use to a minimum.
The bespoke, exclusive nature of the details of the spa design is evident in many areas. Despite the challenges and rigours of working in a hot and humid environment, tactile luxury has not been ignored. Panels of marine-grade faux leather have been embroidered and stitched by artisans such as Mollie Regan Textiles, with Portview ensuring the detailing of the high-specification design and custom joinery throughout the entire area was converted to reality. Paul Scullion, Contracts Director of Portview, said:
“This project was very demanding in terms of setting out the wall panelling, door frames, stone floors, ceilings and bulkheads to zero tolerance. However, our talented team of in-house architects and designers delivered just that by chasing the millimetres around every corner to ensure we achieved the absolute perfect fit – on time and in budget – It’s hugely rewarding to see it all come together and go together right.”
Providing users with a sense of privacy and exclusivity through cleverly zoning spaces was also key to integrate into the design. One example of this is the use of beautiful custom-made burnished rock crystal screens in the reception area.
Overarchingly timeless and refreshing in its aesthetic appeal, this best-in-class wellness amenity unites form and function to deliver an exceptional spa for this new neighbourhood on London’s Southbank.
About
Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. From humble beginnings as a local contractor helping to restore the Belfast community throughout the Troubles, Portview has evolved into a world leading fit-out specialist, renowned for delivering exquisite interiors for the world’s top brands in the business, retail, stadia and hospitality sectors.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Over the past year, our homes have become a sanctuary, playground, and office all at once. Nights out have become nights in. More than ever before, we have been confronted by the notion of “how does our home make us feel?”. That visceral feeling is at the heart of Timothy Oulton’s captivating furniture designs.
Organised into a spectrum of different energies, the 2021 Collection is designed to imbue a space with a distinctive mood and feeling, from the deep chill of quiet moments alone, to a relaxed hub of family life, to more energising spaces that spark ideas and augment the unbridled joy of life’s celebrations. The Timothy Oulton Collection enriches these experiences through the use of beautiful materials, finishes, forms and craftsmanship techniques which connect deeply through the senses and through stories of meaning.
At the most laidback end of the energy spectrum are those special moments of reconnection, of letting the mind unwind and chilling out with those close to us. These moments nourish us and enrich us. With this in mind, Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls range helps create a realm of reconnection in any home. New this year, the Sanctuary sofa hugs the body in the softest goose down and natural vegetable-dyed linens, while the epic Icebeam coffee table anchors a room with its mighty reclaimed timber beams topped with ice-like planks of glass.
Enriching the comfortable and relaxed energy of everyday living, the new Whitecliff sofa embodies a casual sophistication in soft Pennines linen, while the Bay Swivel chair is perfect for modern work from home settings, gliding back at the touch of a button for the ultimate comfort while you work.
The Tactile dining table juxtaposes cool, crisp marble with richly textured timber, while the Fibi dining chair takes it cue from modern Japanese design, imbued with a universal elegance that complements any style of dining table. For a more invigorating energy with which to engage the world, the new Iceberg Glow coffee table pairs sleek black steel with glass, casting a mellow yet captivating glow. Transporting the senses to somewhere otherworldly, the Kyron coffee and side table collection is crafted from softly illuminated moonstone, inspired by the famous Chiron comet.
Finally, for sheer unbridled celebration and joy, setting the scene for parties or other occasions, Timothy Oulton unveils exciting new additions to its iconic Art-Deco inspired Rex collection. The new rectangular Rex dining table, handcrafted from over 550 precision-cut glass prisms, together with the Rex coffee table and Rex sideboard, transform any space with a perpetual dance of shimmer and sparkle.
New leather innovations include the Vintage Jet Black, a true black leather distressed by hand to achieve a vintage look and opulent hand feel. Vintage Jet Black is showcased on the super-soft Squidgy sofa, a contemporary, buttoned-up style with bold proportions.
On the inspiration behind the new collection, founder and creative director Tim Oulton says, “This past year, we have all experienced our homes in a completely different way. From home-working and homeschooling to swapping nights out for nights in, ‘home’ became the epicentre of daily life. So the question of how your home makes you feel has become more meaningful than ever. Our ethos has always been rooted in the realisation that we only have one life, so we should elevate every moment to the utmost. Everything we create is about enabling and enriching these moments.”
With over 40 galleries worldwide including a flagship at Bluebird in Chelsea, Timothy Oulton continues to expand its global portfolio. Recently opened stores include Glasgow, Hamburg, L.A., San Francisco, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Barbados. Further openings are planned this year.
The story of Timothy Oulton started back in 1976 with a small antiques shop, owned by Tim’s dad. Profoundly influenced by his love of antiques, his father’s military background, and an inherent affection for British heritage, Tim created an authentic, visionary brand with the deepest integrity and a passion to deliver extraordinary experiences. Handcrafted with only the best traditional techniques and fabrications, each Timothy Oulton piece in the furniture collection is inspired by the past, but reconceived from a modern perspective, producing uniquely authentic collections, which push the boundaries of furniture design.
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