Nestled deep in the heart of the English countryside, Avalon at Broughton Hall is part of The Broughton Sanctuary in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The luxurious wellbeing retreat centre required a calming and harmonious aesthetic with sumptuous sound systems to play a key role in the Art of Being and relaxation.
Avalon, amidst the stunning 3000 acre Broughton Hall Estate in Yorkshire, is a retreat like no other. This special location was designed to serve the mind, body and spirit, creating the freedom for personal development and the pursuit of the inner voyage. This unique building was designed by Cirencester-based architects, Yiangou, with the interior design created by celebrated Opera and Ballet designer, Patrick Kinmonth.
The importance of the building and the way it helps people connect with it and each other during their journey cannot be underestimated. As a result, Patrick Kinmonth stage managed a deluxe and inventive interior for ultimate connectivity and wellness in mind. It is discreet, joyful and functional, combining natural materials, contemporary style and technology in a thoughtful and contextual way.
Sound is a key sense in the Art of Being. Kinmonth understands this well and with the invisibility of the buildings' technology being an integral part of the specification for Avalon, Patrick chose to deploy Amina invisible speakers throughout. Invisibility is, of course, key in keeping the interior space visually free and uncluttered. After all, a sanctuary is not a sanctuary when you are surrounded by technology. Amina was the logical step to ensure the audio solution fitted with the design concept and did not distract from the visual journey and intention of the spaces.
Not only was invisibility integral, but a sound that filled the space evenly with quality, calmness and control was of equal importance. Avalon is full of large open and empty spaces which is where the Amina speakers came into their own. Sound evenly fills the space and is delivered with aplomb, supporting and nurturing the beautiful Avalon experience.
When it comes to bass, there is only really only one name that stands out above the rest for quality without compromise; Velodyne. Or, more precisely in this case, the Velodyne 15" Digital Drive plus. Two of these power-house subwoofers are hidden away in descrete, bespoke cabinetry using vents to allow sound and bass pressure into the room. Bringing the Yoga Studio's Dolby Atmos experience to life with thunderously deep, tight and dynamic bass; whatever the audio application.
Needing high quality, deep and clean bass with an IP65 rating for the swimming pool area brought us to the Artison RCC320 range of subwoofers. Known for their phenomenal 'Reactance Cancelling' technology. Allowing them to achieve vibration-free, room-filling bass from a compact in wall unit.
About Redline
Formed in 2001, Redline's expertise lies in creating custom and discrete audio-visual solutions inline with client requirements. The brands they represent display a daring disregard for industry convention, while incorporating ground-breaking technology and a high attention to detail and superior quality.
If you'd like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
The way we view and use our bathrooms has changed in recent years. It is now seen as a place for replenishing and relaxation as homeowners seek to a create more luxurious, spa-style experiences in the home, with dedicated space to unwind from the day and indulge the senses.
With the average female spending at least 29 minutes in this space every day, it’s becoming vital to ensure that bathroom environments are designed to deliver the right atmosphere of luxury and indulgence; redirecting the focus to our personal care and wellbeing rituals to cultivate more accessible wellness experiences without leaving the house.
The shower has become a large part of this wellness-driven, self-care lifestyle and in many homes it now replaces the traditional bath tub; with many showering in the morning to actively start the day or taking a shower in the evening to relax the body and soothe the soul. The ROYAL MIDAS shower light made by KEUCO creates a unique showering experience with the perfect combination of water and light.
The unique shower light concept has a large integrated shower head to create a stunning combination of light and water, providing positive effects on the person showering and offering a bespoke experience depending on the time of day. Single drops of water reflect the light, whilst the water streaming from shower above covers the body – whether refreshing, cooling and invigorating, or warming and relaxing, the shower light is a welcome addition to bathroom interiors for enhancing that at-home wellness experience.
The complete all-in-one shower solution means installation is quick, safe and easy in coordination with a KEUCO shower valve; the KEUCO shower light being autonomously operated via a momentary room switch providing on/off and light adjustment.
The shower light can be set or dimmed between 6500 kelvin (day light) and 2700 kelvin (warm white). This is especially good in winter time, allowing users to have a brighter ‘day light’ shower in the morning with a warming effect to activate the circulatory system. A dimmer, softer light during the evening shower creates a more relaxing ambience; mirroring the appearance of sunset to help stimulate the release of melatonin hormones, encouraging healthy sleep.
About KEUCO
KEUCO GmbH & Co. KG is an internationally active, full provider of premium bathroom furnishings. KEUCO offers a wide range of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, lights and mirrors, washbasins and bathroom furniture “made in Germany”. Design and function play a decisive role at KEUCO. The aim of perfectly crafted products is to combine aesthetic forms with sensible functionalities - a claim that is consistently taken into account right from the idea through to the implementation. KEUCO has a long tradition of working together with designers.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a residential design by 2020 SBID Awards Winners Roncarati + Zaffera.
Woodside Loft is a residential loft conversion to what was originally a modest 1930s three-bed semi. The property already benefited from a large two-storey side/rear extension. The owners wanted to create a unique loft space, which took advantage of the views to the front of the building and the existing extension’s small pitched roof. This was to be an expansive, multi-use space, with a modern-retro style.
SBID Awards Category: Residential Budget Up To £50k Sponsored by Sans Souci
Practise: Roncarati + Zaffera
Project: Woodside loft
Location: London, United Kingdom
What was the client's brief?
Crucial to the design brief was that the space feels bright, spacious, organic, and comfortable. It should be a haven. It should act as a living room with a view, a guest room, a project space, a place to relax, a place to be alone, or a place to be together. It should be several things all at once.
The space was to be bright, multi-functional and take full advantage of the view. It was important to utilise the awkward/small existing pitched-roof area from the previous side extension and include a shower room – which should be as small as possible, whilst still offering a large shower enclosure and full-sized basin.
Another aspect of the brief was to use natural materials wherever possible. In terms of the design, we featured contemporary styling with a retro/mid-century twist. The project, first and foremost, was all about maximising the liveable space, including the storage space.
What inspired the design of the project?
Spaceships from 1970’s sci-fi shows; meet modern, mid-century retro. More than anything, the project’s overarching design was the result of a steadfast determination to meet the myriad practical demands of the client’s brief – which dictated an optimum (and unique) solution.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The toughest challenge was to find a layout that allowed full-height access to the “cave” area (at the rear) whilst also allowing room for the staircase and w.c./shower room – but to do so without taking a much bigger chunk out of the main living space. This was very much a challenge in three dimensions and with very tight tolerances.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Although it might seem insignificant, the biggest highlight was the creation of the wooden planter surround. This was made using offcuts from the oak battens used on the opposite wall. This came right at the end of the project after all the difficult problems had been solved. Crucially though, this was approached as a piece of art. Its creation – especially coming at the time that it did – gave nothing but pleasure.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
Because of a late-career change, I am an unknown in the design world. I entered Woodside Loft into the awards because I thought it might get shortlisted – which would have been something nice to talk about. (I’d not considered actually winning. Big bonus!)
Questions answered by Roberto Roncarati, Architectural Designer, Roncarati + Zaffera.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Modern Minimalist Residential Design, click here to see more.
With over 20 years experience applying this intricate ancient wisdom to the modern built environment, Founder of Feng Shui Agency and classically trained Feng Shui master, Sarah McAllister shares her expert insights on applying feng shui principles in interior designs to create authentic wellness spaces.
Classical Feng Shui originated in ancient China and is one of the 8 Brocades of Traditional Chinese Medicine - if someone were chronically unwell despite acupuncture or herbal remedies, then the advice of the local Feng Shui master was sought out to see if sick earth chi might be the cause of their malaise.
Fast forward to the 21st century and Feng Shui is once again being acknowledged as a powerful energy medicine and is the perfect complement to the boom in Wellness Architecture and Wellness Real Estate. Wellness design cannot be complete without considering the subtle energies of the land and the built environment that contribute to our overall spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. While the energetic and intuitive dimension to feng shui creates luminous spaces that FEEL fantastic, there is also a very pragmatic methodology to feng shui recommendations. Each direction has an energetic link to a part of the body and an internal organ so in the case of persistent conditions it is wise to consider if the environment is indeed affecting you.
Some architects say feng shui is just common sense, and while there are very pragmatic aspects of feng shui that can be likened to good ‘ergonomics’ there is a huge amount of robust methodology, which can only be understood when properly trained. Classical Feng Shui has unique time-tested techniques that accurately identify and reduce potential problems. From Form School & Dowsing to advanced Flying Star and Hexagram "Chi-calculations", 24 Heaven Stars, 8 Mansion, Sam Hap Water and Sang Set methods, there is a technique to assess every type of space from a small apartments to large family homes, whether opulent mansions or the planning of an entire wellness community, spa resort, hotel, hospital or industrial complex – entire cities can be designed with feng shui principles.
How your home or business property sits in the landscape has a huge influence on how smooth your life or business will be, and whether or not you encounter more than your fair share of obstacles and what the key aspects of your life ‘story’ might be so far. The career and relationship prospects and to a certain extent, the health and finances of occupants can be read and subsequently improved, if there is scope to make modifications.
Even in townhouses with small gardens or apartments with no outdoor space, the influence of feng shui still weaves its chi as all buildings hold the resonance of the orientation - whether N-S or E-W etc. each configuration has a unique feeling and quality of energy. One can argue that it is even more important to implement feng shui measures in city homes, so that they can have as much connection with natural energy as possible within the urban setting.
It is quite remarkable how powerfully colour influences our moods and emotions and Feng Shui Five Element Theory helps us make wiser choices around design shapes, texture and colour for the best harmony, or whatever experience you wish to create. Not everyone wants harmony and restfulness, especially in an office space – they might want something more dynamic (lime green, striped/bamboo pattern – wood element) or inspirational (reds, purples, geometric – yang fire element). Those seeking a more restful mood will want to use warm blues and wave patterns (water element) or soft pinks, mauves, lavenders (yin fire element). Not only can Feng Shui design help to promote emotional balance, but it also helps occupants to have much deeper sleep, which is a fundamental factor for overall good health.
Feng Shui is primarily concerned with how to observe, protect and strengthen ‘chi’ or life force energy. Many other wisdom traditions, not just the Chinese, have words describing the animating force of life – in Japan it is known as ‘ki’ , in Ayurvedic tradition it is referred to as ‘prana’, in Cherokee Shamanic traditions ‘the spirit that moves through all things’ and even in the West we have terms such ‘orgone’ (Wilhelm Reich) and the Latin term Genus Loci, meaning ‘spirit of place’ also indicates that space has a spiritual or energetic quality.
Even if you didn’t have wellness architecture or feng shui considered in the original design, you can usually retrofit key aspects by removing outdated systems or materials and replacing with much healthier substances and systems for water and air purification for example. Some feng shui cures can be added into an existing property or specific changes made to the landscaping that improves the chi circulation. Colours and interior layouts can be very powerful especially when combined with the unique Chinese astrology of the occupants. At the end of the day, the proof for all this theory is largely qualitative rather than quantitative, and those who are open minded enjoy distinct benefits from implementing principles of Feng Shui.
About the Author
Sarah McAllister is a classically trained Feng Shui master qualified in Environmental Psychology. Sarah sits on the Wellness Architecture Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute. Her love of nature and deep experience of Wilderness Spirit Philosophy helps her create environments with a deep connection to the natural world. Her projects range from residential eco builds and £25m luxury mansions to award-winning urban spas, boutique hotels and wellness resorts.
Find out more
Professional Indemnity Insurance provides financial protection against client non-payment or negligence disputes. If you’re alleged to have provided inadequate advice, services or designs, PI insurance covers legal costs and expenses incurred in your defence, as well as any damages or costs that may be awarded.
The partnerships support members with the insurance solutions they need to provide their professional services with peace of mind. As a large membership organisation of interior designers, SBID professionals have varying needs and requirements right across the UK. Having access to a dedicated team with their wealth of specialist knowledge, experience and advice is vitally important in supporting its members in business; offering additional security and protection in the course of their professional duties.
Holding valid Professional Indemnity Insurance is a condition of Accredited membership for SBID Designers.
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 residential design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist J.Lykasova Studio. ONYX is a modern minimalistic interior of a spacious residential house for a family of three.
The concept is based on soft, timeless minimalism. A blend of wood, concrete, stone and metal balanced by neutral shades makes a background for artistic architectural forms. The rhythm of the space is driven by a sequence of gypsum panels, drop-down zonal lightning, and laconic brass columns. Bronzed mirrors expand the apartment, reflecting the play of lines and shapes and filling the rooms with air.
Natural materials in geometric shapes softened by chic design elements and décor create a calm and peaceful atmosphere, just what the clients were looking for.
SBID Awards Category: Residential House Over £1 Million Sponsored by Schneider Electric
Practise: J.Lykasova Studio
Project: ONYX
Location: Minsk, Belarus
The clients were looking to create a calm and peaceful home that would become a real temple for their family, a place full of loving and positive energy. Soft pastel palette with bits of terracotta, mustard or bordo was their colour choice. The couple preferred sophisticated decor pieces to hyped well-known replicas and expected to have lots of mirror surfaces in the rooms.
As for the interior style, they opted for modern minimalism. ‘We would like to have a timeless minimalistic interior, calm and warm, yet with a twist! We don’t want it to be yet another featureless interior from a magazine, so we are looking forward to unconventional solutions that would make it distinctive and personalized.”
They also paid particular attention to functionality expecting to have a functional home, where everything is in its place. They loved the idea that less is more, yet wanted their home to be cosy and comfortable so that it did not feel empty and uninhabited.
Actually, our clients, a married couple, are the major source of inspiration for this project. Regardless of their senior positions at work and corresponding responsibilities, they still take good care of their wellbeing and mental health. They work out a lot, they travel a lot and they never stop learning. Their vision of aesthetics and beauty resonated with us from the very start.
The homeowners wanted to have a stylish minimalist interior, yet bring in comfort and warmth along with unconventional interior solutions that would make their home truly special. So, we got inspired by the minimalistic concept: clean lines and forms and modern furnishing materials. The onyx stone seemed to reflect this idea in the best way: the texture and colour gradient of this natural material became a perfect foundation for designing a chic, lightweight and sophisticated interior.
Probably, one of the biggest challenges we came across was the slight difference in taste. Initially, the clients sincerely leaned towards the classic vibe, regardless of the initial brief for the minimalist interior, and so wanted to use corresponding finishing and decor items, such as mirrors. However, our vision of the space was different - we saw a minimalistic, yet classy interior in it. So, it took us some time to prove that rough materials such as concrete and aged metal can look truly noble and stylish. But we succeeded!
Our clients rely on our vision completely, so it’s easy for us to collaborate with them on this project. When they wanted to change some of the aspects, e.g. the staircase, we discussed potential alternatives and shared the updates. Funny enough: they preferred the initial version after all.
SBID Awards provide a great opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the industry trends, exchange professional experience and get feedback from a community of passionate architects and designers. We learn from each project presented by other nominees. All that inspires us to explore new directions and master our expertise so that we can continue creating exceptional projects for our customers.
Questions answered by Jenya Lykasova, Architect, Designer and Founder, and Valeria Goore, Business Development Manager, J.Lykasova.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a university campus design, click here to see more.
Scotland’s very first YOTEL, centrally located in Edinburgh’s bustling Queen Street, perfectly combines contemporary modern interiors with the classic design of the city’s famous Old Town architecture. Its playful ‘cabin’ style rooms feature bathrooms using a bespoke solution and innovative solid surface material Surfex® exclusively from Roca.
YOTEL Edinburgh is the brand’s first city centre opening in Europe. Its premium location is perfectly placed, allowing guests to experience all of the city’s historic charms and top attractions within walking distance of the hotel. The sleek and modern interior is testament to the ethos of the brand; creating an innovative, smart hotel for tech-savvy travellers.
The hotel has 276 compact cabin rooms, inspired by the feeling first class travel provides in terms of luxury and comfort. Each room is equipped with YOTEL’s signature features including luxury bedding, relaxing mood lighting and Smart TVs. This helps to enhance the smart experience YOTEL is renowned for and evokes contemporary style and convenience. The rooms are designed to have a modern feel, and its minimalist white interior highlights the brand’s close attention to detail.
During the launch, YOTEL Edinburgh General Manager Stuart Douglas said, “The main purpose of the cabin rooms at YOTEL is to provide guests with functionality, practicality and above all, high quality. The uncompromising design of the rooms and bathrooms ensures guests have the essential elements of luxury hotels but redesigned into a compact, smart space.”
Working closely alongside YOTEL at the design stage of the project, Roca created a bathroom solution that closely aligned with the brand standards. This included the Gap wall-hung WC and a bespoke vanity unit, in addition to bespoke washroom countertops for the public areas of the hotel.
Manufactured in Poland, the bespoke units were made using Roca’s innovative Surfex®, a malleable solid surface material formulated from a combination of minerals and resins. The unique properties of Surfex allow it to be poured into a production mould, enabling complex designs with no joints or seams. The materials properties also permit ‘on-site’ changes to the finished product, catering to different guestroom sizes and configurations. At YOTEL Edinburgh the advantages of Surfex were harnessed to create a wash basin bowl with an integrated unit that maximises countertop space, providing ample storage space for toiletries and grooming products.
The addition of The Gap wall-hung WC further complemented the design aesthetic. Created by renowned industrial designer Antonio Bullo, The Gap features modern and stylish lines whilst delivering both a compact and functional bathroom solution.
“We worked in close partnership with the YOTEL team to deliver a bespoke solution that fitted their requirements and those of their guests,” comments Jon Bond, Head of UK Projects at Roca. “The end result is a bathroom that seamlessly integrates the modern feel of the cabin rooms, with the contemporary ethos of the YOTEL brand.”
About Roca
Roca began in 1917 as a manufacturer of cast iron radiators at its factory in Gavà, near Barcelona. From humble origins, the company has grown into a global business driven by a firm focus on improving the quality of life for its customers. Roca began producing innovate new designs, products and materials to provide the complete bathroom solutio. Today, Roca manufactures at 78 facilities around the world and is active in over 170 markets.
SBID Accredited Designer, Portview strive to positively contribute to the creation of legacy-defining spaces that work for people, businesses, communities, owners, and investors. Sustainability is an extension of this and has been driving real change across the construction industry over the last decade. The next ten years will undoubtedly see this ramp up even further as the industry aims to reduce emissions, future-proof projects and slow the rate of climate change.
To reach the ambitious targets set out by The Paris Agreement and the UK Government's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the way construction and fit-out projects operate is going to have to evolve.
"While governments and clients have a central role to play, construction companies and specialists have the opportunity to lead this process," says ProZero Environmental and Quality Manager, Lisa Trainor. "As interior fit-out specialists, we can integrate sustainability into our approach while ensuring quality, budget control and delivery."
Here are some of the lessons that Lisa and the rest of the Portview team have learnt about making the construction industry more sustainable:
Companies of all shapes and sizes want to create sustainable buildings, but the planning and execution involved can be complicated and time intensive. Reaching a BREEAM excellent or outstanding rating relies on implementing sustainable working practices at every stage of a project. This includes resource efficiency, waste management and using the right building materials and techniques, but it also means effectively engaging all stakeholders. By setting out sustainability goals at the start of the process and maintaining an ongoing dialogue, we can ensure clients, architects, and contractors can consider sustainability at every stage. This includes things that can often get overlooked, such as sourcing low VOC products or using electric rather than diesel-fuelled forklifts onsite.
It feels like the whole world has taken a crash-course in sustainability over the last decade, and we have seen a considerable leap in expertise among our industry and clients just within the last five years. There is still a lot of progress to make, and continuing to build in-house capability is critical.
"Clients and investors are increasingly knowledgeable about BREEAM, LEED or WELL. However, they still need practical knowledge and insights into making these goals a reality," says Lisa. "While expert consultants will always have a role to play, having in-house expertise is increasingly emerging as a key differentiator for clients. They want specialists that can provide value throughout the process, from sourcing materials to issuing commissioning certificates and providing aftercare."
Sustainability is often still seen as a tick-box, regulatory exercise by many in the construction and fit-out world. And while it is undoubtedly the case that the prospect of increasingly heavy financial penalties is a significant motivating factor, we are finding that a growing number of clients are taking a more positive view. Achieving a BREEAM 'outstanding' rating requires additional cost, such as paying to conduct thermographic surveys or making sure that all materials are fully recyclable. But the long-term benefits are likely to be significant in terms of reduced utility costs, future-proofed businesses, increased tenant demand and increased wellbeing for employees and communities. Again, engaging stakeholders early is often critical in elevating sustainability from a regulatory requirement to an exciting opportunity.
The practical challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy touch every part of modern life, from the way we heat our homes to the lacquers and glues we use to finish a fit-out. Sustainable design has become a niche market over the last decade, but it will only become more important and mainstream. Companies in the construction and fit-out space also need to start holding their own operations to the same standards their projects are judged by. For example, we've pledged to use only low-VOC paints and reduce our carbon footprint by 30% by 2030.
"This is not only an essential part of making sure we practise what we preach," says Lisa, "it will also help us to attract and retain talent from younger generations who may not currently see the construction and fit-out sector as a potential career choice."
Choosing the right materials and construction techniques is an integral part of sustainable design and creating local systems that support wellbeing and the environment. On the one hand, this means considering such factors as sun orientation, implementing high-efficiency electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as using more renewable energy. But it's also important to be aware of the broader local environment in which our buildings exist. This includes design choices such as using trees, plants, and grasses native to the area or installing stormwater management strategies.
Buildings also play a role in our social systems. A commercial building's average lifespan is 25-30 years, which presents some challenges for sustainable design. Either these buildings must be made with completely recyclable materials so that they can be cleanly dismantled, or the initial designs need to be flexible enough to accommodate future changes of use. The UK government is encouraging the latter through the introduction of Class E permitted development rights.
There are many other ways that projects can be more sustainable that are unique to their local contexts. For example, we have developed several closed-loop solutions that reduce waste and benefit the local community.
We are part of recycling schemes for Correx, Plasterboard and Armstrong Ceiling tiles. Used materials are collected from our sites and re-manufactured; reducing raw materials, carbon waste and skip space.
We donate waste wood from our projects to a local college's carpentry department within our local community, providing a new use for materials that would otherwise be destined for landfill. We also work with The Turnaround Project, who have created a workshop out of the wood we've donated. We've also recently partnered with Tools for Solidarity – who take our old tools, refurbish them and send them to Tasmania and Malawi.
Developing these solutions not only helps to reduce the impact of every job we complete, but it helps to strengthen community relationships, allowing us to lead the sustainability conversation from the front.
Part of what makes the challenges of sustainability so intimidating is their scale. The narrative around the topic is often focused on the bigger picture, and goals like the UK achieving net zero emissions by 2050 can feel daunting. As with any large project, it can be difficult to know where exactly to start. In reality, seemingly small wins can begin to create the momentum for change when taken together. Organisational leadership has a really important role in educating stakeholders and making sure that construction and fit-out companies lead by example and hold themselves to account. Effective education drives changes in behaviour that help contribute to the larger goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
"Although it may seem small, an onsite worker stopping to quickly check whether a paint is low VOC before applying it shows that people are beginning to think differently about the way they work," says Lisa.
The construction and design industry is at the heart of making our towns and cities more sustainable. By taking a proactive approach to driving change rather than reacting to it, we can help clients create amazing, future-proofed spaces with social and environmental benefits that ripple outwards. We can also help them differentiate themselves in a crowded market and make sustainability the norm.
Discover the latest sustainable products for interior design, here.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a public space design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist NBBJ. The client for this project wanted to create a world-class campus that would attract and retain the very best students and academics.
SBID Awards Category: Public Space Design Sponsored by Sans Souci
Practise: NBBJ
Project: American International University
Location: Jahra, Kuwait
Armed with the client’s vision, the design team crafted a concept inspired by a young group of Kuwaitis, dedicated to rebuilding their natural landscape after decades of upheaval through the planting of 350,000 trees. The interior design embodies the attributes of these desert trees through the exploration of warmth, pattern, canopy, and dappled light. The campus’ interstitial spaces pull from the qualities of middle-eastern seed pods (vibrant colours, unique forms and textures) resulting in environments that promote creative thinking and informal collaboration. These spatial elements combine to form a campus that feels established and firmly focused on the country’s future leaders.
The client wanted to create a world-class campus that would attract and retain the very best students and academics. A series of key design drivers was established to enable a strategy to achieve this from a spatial standpoint. These four design drivers were the primary inspiration for the final design of the campus:
Fostering Community: The Student Union offers a mix of environments that encourage this community of commuters to stay on campus and foster connections.
Oasis for learning: In response to the region’s harsh climate, the library serves as a campus destination that is fueled by natural light, plantings and comfortable learning environments.
Flexibility and Adaptability: The project was designed to use space efficiently while being ready for change. AIU is designed with the future in mind, able to adapt to support an evolving curriculum.
Wellness: The college is inspiring a cultural shift centred around physical fitness by opening an on-site fitness and health centre. Additionally, the feature stairs throughout the campus encourage movement.
Accelerated Schedule: The client bought out the University rights from another group. Once this was purchased, the shell and core of the building were already being constructed. In order to open for the autumn 2019 school year, the interior fit-out schedule needed to be accelerated. From visioning through Stage 4, the design team only had 20 weeks to execute the project. The scope included full interior design and FFE services.
Commuter Culture: The location of the University is located one hour from Kuwait City. The University’s competitors are located in the heart of Kuwait City. Being a commuter campus, we took this obstacle and turned it into opportunities to foster campus community and provide amenities; this was paramount to the project's success. Amenity highlights include a 2-story library, collaboration hubs in student focused areas and a large work cafe to provide opportunities to learn and connect.
Unique Methods: As our scope did not include someone from our design team full time on site during construction, high expectations for quality needed to be met in working with local fabricators. As a result, we were able to add site visits to ensue craftsmanship and quality were appropriately met.
Flexibility and Adaptability: During the design process, Stage 1 - Stage 5, there wasn’t an established curriculum. The project was designed to use space efficiently while being ready for change. AIU is designed with the future in mind, able to adapt to support an evolving curriculum.
It was incredibly rewarding to see student use (and love!) the space the way our design intended — from social interactions in the cafe to learning in the classrooms.
The built-in banquettes in the cafe were designed with larger groups in mind. The week our team visited for photography, bespoke banquettes designed to hold four-to-six students had eight students crammed in laughing and enjoying a meal together. Our client also told us that during student tours, the design has greatly helped with recruiting and retaining students.
As the SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious global interior design award programs, we thought it was the perfect platform to showcase a project we are proud of — that makes a difference in the lives of young people and creates a welcoming environment for the leaders, creators and innovators of tomorrow.
Questions answered by Britni Stone Senior Associate and Interior Designer, NBBJ.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a residential design inspired by a song, click here to see more.
New to the market, Paragon Studio was founded in 2020 in Bath, where all its products are designed. Manufactured in the UK & Europe, the SBID Accredited Supplier designs high-end, sustainable gym equipment for private, residential and superyacht gyms across the globe. With years of experience in the luxury fitness sector, Paragon Studio meets the increased demand for customisation and bespoke gym design with its extensive collection.
The company ethos of 'form follows function' ensures all products meet the highest standards of quality, whilst boasting an exquisite design aesthetic. Understanding that luxury gym products are made for real people and not museums, its equipment stands up to the challenge of everyday use. The collection has been carefully crafted and rigorously tested to guarantee long-lasting durability.
The British company offers its customisable gym products using sustainable, natural materials. With its origins in the Superyacht and hospitality sectors, Paragon Studio understands that the identity of a boat or hotel is part of the whole experience and enjoyment of a space. Its ability to customise products with logos and monograms, whilst matching materials used throughout the rest of the space offers interior designers complete ease of design specification.
Similarly, when it comes to home gyms, working alongside designers and architects, Paragon Studio is able to customise and incorporate the same colours, finishes, materials and handle patterns used in the rest of the design scheme, ensuring seamless integration so the gym becomes an extension of the overall design rather than an obvious add-on.
Using only the finest and sustainably sourced materials, the entire collection is plastic-free, manufactured in the UK & Europe. Every product is made-to-order preventing any surplus of stock or wastage of materials. Reducing waste further, the whole collection comes with a lifetime warranty for mechanisms and structural integrity. Repairing products rather than simply replacing them, Paragon Studio offers a full refurbishment service to ensure equipment continues to look and perform beautifully.
All wood components are FSC Certified and locally sourced where possible. Unlike synthetic alternatives, wood's natural grain and quick-drying properties offer unparalleled grip - essential for handles and storage. With its natural antibacterial properties, easy maintenance and a warm-to-touch surface, the collection includes a range of standard wood options including Oak and the ever-popular American Walnut. However, products can be customised with any wood specifications if required.
Where possible, Stainless Steel is sourced from recycled steel billets in line with the company's sustainability ethos. Resistant to corrosion and extremely hard-wearing, Paragon Studio only uses the highest quality stainless steel across the range - including offering the option of 316 marine grade Stainless Steel components for use on superyachts. Alongside the classic steel finish, products are also available in bronze.
The collection comprises benches, barbells, dumbbells, wall bars, boxing equipment, storage solutions and accessories - including exercise balls, rollers, skipping ropes, push-up handles, and plyo boxes.
Discover more sustainable products for interior design, here.
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