ISTO: Creating an Elegant and Bionic Private Villa Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant and bionic villa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, ISTO.

ISTO Architecture and Design Studio, originating from Ukraine, has crafted a private villa in Dubai spanning an area of 1210 sq. m. on Pearl Jumeira Island. The client of the private villa is an elegant woman. She traveled a lot and lived in Europe for a long time with her family. Inspired by the elegance and aristocracy of European lands, she wanted to strive to convey this atmosphere in her personal villa. The interior is dominated by voluminous, non-standard decorative elements, dynamic bionic forms, curvilinear shapes, and natural materials. Designers landscaped the house and created a spacious villa.

What was the client's brief? 

The client of the private villa is an elegant woman. She traveled a lot and lived in Europe for a long time with her family. Inspired by the elegance and aristocracy of European lands, she strived to convey the atmosphere in her villa on Pearl Jumeirah Island in Dubai. One of the woman's key requests was to create a home that is comfortable to live in, but where you can invite friends and organise parties at the same time. "There should be a luxury hotel lobby feel on the ground floor." The ground floor is divided into two zones. The first zone is for family, and the second zone, which occupies most of the floor, is designed for a pleasant time spent with friends. The customer is also a connoisseur of bionic, curvilinear forms and materials. She strived to green her home and fulfill it with furniture and textures that would resemble natural figures. In addition, she has a passion for volumetric decorative installations of non-standard shapes and water, so the entrance area of the house is surrounded by water.

What inspired the design of the project?

We approached the project as the development of a new clothing collection. Our team was inspired by the best examples of world-famous fashion houses: Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Givenchy. Therefore, I can safely call this interior "haute couture". All of the above listed luxury brands are of French origin. It was not for nothing that we pushed away from them, because our clients are tightly connected to this European country. But the phenomenon is that the villa itself will be located in the Middle East, as an elegant pearl on the Pearl Jumeirah Island, Dubai.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We never set ourselves easy tasks. Each of our projects is a manifestation of unique personalities (our clients). And the Monsella project was no exception. Therefore, in some sense, we were an obstacle to ourselves. Plenty of non-standard solutions, custom finishing materials, furniture and lighting. All these positions required meticulous work, time and effort from the team in order to get an impressive result.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

All conceptual and creative solutions must be developed as organically as possible so that the design project can be implemented later. We do not only create concepts, we also calculate and consider the possibility of realisation to all the ideas. I guess that this moment was crucial.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The international SBID Awards attracts with its prestige, status and main mission of researching new ideas and manifestations in design industry. It seemed that it was a great opportunity to showcase the Monsella project. This was the main driving force that motivated to apply for the competition. In addition, the participation was due to the desire to depict a subtle approach to the client. We at the ISTO studio pay special attention to personalised communication. It is like a session with a psychologist, where the client immerses you in his/her life, tells you what is important to him/her, and the design team listens to the subtleties and relays everything in every square meter.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The moment of realisation that your efforts are appreciated on the international stage by judges from all over the world. This is recognition, confirmation of your importance and expertise. Of course, you should not become conceited, but simply continue to work: improve your professional skills, meet new obstacles, overcome them, learn new things and reach new heights of design development.

Questions answered by Oles Honcharenko, Lead Designer at ISTO.

Welltek is thrilled to represent Silen in their Clerkenwell showroom, which is in the heart of London’s design district.

Silen’s impressive range of phone booths, manufactured in Estonia are now available to buy through UK distributor Welltek. Welltek has over 20 years of experience providing market-leading phone booths to the UK's major clients. With superior soundproofing, a silent ventilation system, and integrated technology that allows you to stay connected, these pods are among the best in the world.

The range includes space-saving phone booths, comfortable work pods and modular meeting booths to accommodate up to 14 people.

Who are Silen?

Silen are an experienced team of workspace privacy experts, actively trading in 60 countries providing workspace solutions for clients such as Airbus, Ernst & Young, Dell, and Volkswagen Group. As the first and only manufacturer to be awarded carbon neutrality across their entire range of products, it is now the global innovation leader in the industry.

Silen offers the most extensive range of phone booths and meeting pods and is now the #1 choice for the Fortune 500. Silen have been committed to providing human-centric workspaces for 25 years.

“In the world of interior design, especially in the modular office furniture sector, we have managed to establish a great reputation for the quality of our products. However, alongside the trust and recommendations we have earned, the customer still needs to see, feel and test the product for themselves and experience the efficiency of the sound barrier and ventilation. After all, your own ear is king.” - Co-founder and CEO Endrus Arge

Silen’s products will be showcased alongside other innovative, design-led, sustainable furniture solutions covering all major sectors including: hospitality, commercial, finance and healthcare.

Enjoy your own silence at Welltek: 26 Seward Street, London EC1V 3PA | Mon-Friday | 9:00am-5:30pm.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a comforting care home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Care Home Interiors Co.

Care Home Interiors were commissioned to design and specify the complete interior of a luxury purpose build care home Deer Park Care Home in Ledbury by Porthaven Care Homes. The design objectives of which were to apply thought and innovation focussing on innovative design features and aesthetics that enable easy navigation and accessibility whilst providing delight for every resident, visitor and staff member.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief was to create a home that went above and beyond the expectations of both the local community and visitors. They wanted the Porthaven Care Homes brand to be evolved through design that encompassed thought and innovation, choice and variety, comfort and homeliness, wellness and calm, as well as navigation and accessibility.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration for the project was deeply rooted in our commitment to the holistic wellbeing of residents. With an emphasis on emotional and physical wellbeing, we integrated elements that would resonate with residents on a personal level. Features such as the superior headboards and redesigned desk chairs were not just about aesthetic appeal, but also about creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. The unique lighting elements were designed to provide an ambiance that soothes the mind and uplifts the spirit. Even our gallery-style approach to artwork was envisioned to evoke positive memories and feelings, enhancing emotional wellness. In essence, every design detail was thoughtfully curated to promote an environment of comfort, care, and overall wellbeing for each resident.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle we faced was the significant project management required due to supply issues. This was a result of complications arising from Brexit, inflation, and constraints on availability. The challenges demanded more from our team in terms of logistics and problem-solving, ensuring the project remained on track.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A major highlight for our team was successfully reimagining conventional designs. For instance, the communal reception areas introduced individual seating pods that maintained openness while offering privacy. We also integrated innovative features like backlit 3D panels in the cinema room and inset light boxes in the private dining room. These design features combined functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating intimate spaces without compromising on the residents' mobility.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our innovative and holistic approach to care home design. We felt that the Deer Park Care Home project truly represented a fusion of design and care, and we wanted to share this success with a wider audience, recognising the team's hard work and dedication.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist has validated our efforts and design philosophy. Not just elevating our brand in the eyes of potential clients but also reaffirmed our commitment to pushing boundaries in care home design. The recognition has helped in gaining new opportunities and has positioned us as leaders in innovative design for the care industry.

Questions answered by Kerry Southern-Reason, Managing Director at Care Home Interiors.

The magnificent Grade-2 listed Georgian Cuckney House on the Welbeck Estate, one of the UK’s largest and historically important country estates, has been given a complete interior makeover by Rachel McLane Ltd.

The three-and-a-half-year project converted the vacant Cuckney House into luxury 15-bedroom holiday and event accommodation.

The 15,000-acre Welbeck Estate on the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire border near Sherwood Forest has a history that can be traced back nearly 900 years and is run by The Welbeck Estates Company.

As the most prominent House on the Estate, it has been thoroughly but sensitively transformed during the £5m redevelopment project to provide a single high-spec property for extended holiday and event-related stays.

Its 15 bedrooms include family suites and a bridal suite, allowing the House to sleep more than 30 people, and it has three reception rooms, including a 28-seat dining room and a 40-seat function room. There is a large, well-appointed kitchen, games room, snug butler’s pantry, and outside, there is a large terrace with two BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven, a walled kitchen garden and a tennis court.

The transformation of Cuckney House is part of the long-term Welbeck Project to re-purpose and breathe new life into the Estate’s collection of historic buildings.

The entire project was managed by the Welbeck Estate, which made it run like clockwork as the Estate has incredibly skilled teams across different departments, including stone masons and builders, some of whom lived on-site to see the project completed.

Working closely alongside the Estate team, we managed through internal and external structural design changes that included a reconfiguration of the walls on the first and second floors, complete re-roofing, insulation throughout, refurbishment of all flooring, including reinstated parquet flooring, and the raising of the ceiling height in the top floor rooms, as well as electrical drawings, lighting designs, colour scheme and fabrics.

We could respect Cuckney House’s listed status while giving each room its identity and personality, reflecting the original use of the building as a Manor House.

The design intent was to make Cuckney House feel like it had evolved rather than an overly designed modern interior. The overall look is eclectic and traditional, with a contemporary twist suited to today’s living expectations.

The interior design also features a new art collection that the Rachel McLane team procured to make it look like the collection had evolved. We worked with the Estate’s collections team on scans of artwork from the collections and also with a commercial art gallery, mixing traditional and contemporary artwork on the walls and around the rooms.

An added feel of the area’s landscape also comes from the work of a ceramic artist who rents a studio from the Welbeck Estate and whose work is on display in the House.

The restoration of Cuckney House has also been emphatically sustainable with the provision of electric car charging points, renewable energy heat sources, and solar panels. In place of energy-consuming kettles in each room, each floor was designed with a communal coffee and tea pod.

Nigel Porter, Property & Rural Estates Director, said, “For me, the interior design and the quality of the craftsmanship stand out.”

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful and retro restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Wid Chapman Architects.

Wid Chapman Architects was commissioned to create a fun, colourful retro eating and drinking establishment in the heart of Times Square, NYC.

What was the client's brief? 

The client was seeking a high energy experience and narrative to distinguish itself from other restaurants in a highly competitive market they believed that good food and great drinks were not enough to attract diners. They were keen on the 70s vibe, playful, vibrant and fun filled environment that would give life to one of the group’s strengths a fun, over-the-top beverage program, highlighting signature cocktail recipes that could not be found at your everyday bar or restaurant accompanied by family. Favourite foods that never go out of fashion.

What inspired the design of the project?

We came up with a concept that really gave life to the client’s brief and Peachy Keen is undoubtedly a memorable experience! As soon as you walk through the door, your senses are engulfed in excitement. The vibrant colours, textures, and curvaceous architectural elements combine with high-energy music and a bustling environment to instantly brighten your mood. The atmosphere is electric, yet uniquely welcoming, unlike anything Midtown Manhattan has seen in quite some time. Peace, love, and good vibes!

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

With any restaurant we design we have a particular owner/chef’s vision in mind. But with Peachy we were also tasked with giving effect to an entirely different era whilst keeping it contemporary and blending that with maximalism that can stand the test of time - all combined this created a major design conundrum.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

At WCA we like to showcase colour as a concept versus as an accessory. With Peachy Keen our client was fully on board with really working with colour as a concept and utilising it to full effect in a bold and modern design that captured the 70s era but for today’s diner and today’s culture. We thoroughly enjoyed the utilising bold colours and materials to create many different and playful dining and drinking zones. The restaurant is full of fun and flair a rare combo in fast casual today. This restaurant with all its ‘70s vibes features comfortable space that captures the spirit of the city with a vibrant atmosphere that always feels familiar and right in the centre of the Theatre District.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As an international hub of design professionals, it’s an obvious place to showcase our work and compete at the highest levels of the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are honoured and privileged to be included as an awards finalist. As a hospitality firm we understand the competition for great design and in the era of mass content being recognised as global leaders in design through the SBID Awards helps channel our work and experience to new clients and provide further promotional benefits to existing clients. Hospitality design has become and ever important factor in restaurant attractiveness and success both in the U.S and internationally.

Questions answered by Wid Chapman, Founder of Wid Chapman Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an urban and minimalistic library design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Xtendere Architecture.

“Mother’s House Library · Airport Library” is not only a library but also a bridge linking Quanzhou culture. Relying on the airport environment, it presents the form of a library in the new era, realising the transformation from a single function to a multi-integrated cultural display space, and expanding the attributes of a variety of scenes.

What was the client's brief? 

Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport is a 4D-level airport operated by Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport Co., Ltd. The airport was originally established in 1955 as a military airport and serves as a bridge linking Quanzhou to the world and a driving force for development.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration of this project comes from the vivid memory of urban culture in southern Fujian, and from the interpretation of hometown feelings. We hope to build an open and public library and gather people in the airport in various ways of social ceremony activities such as "physical presence, joint participation, emotional exchange and resonance" to create a harmonious interpersonal atmosphere, narrow the distance between tourists and urban culture, and stimulate tourists' sense of identity with urban culture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

How to break through the traditional expression techniques of Minnan culture and express Minnan culture with modern design techniques, so that Minnan elements can be presented in a more comfortable and gentle way in the new era and space, which will infect every visitor invisibly. At the same time, affected by the epidemic, how to ensure the smooth and perfect landing of the project is also an obstacle we face.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The landing of this project is a demonstration of regional culture and the spread of local spirit. It presents the form of a library in the new era, absorbs the artistic form of multi-culture, and connects with the direct value realisation of urban development empowerment, opening a window for Quanzhou culture to spread abroad.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID Awards is a platform for displaying design works and talents. On the one hand, I want to establish a good reputation in the industry through this award and increase the wider publicity and promotion of my works. On the other hand, it is an opportunity for learning and development, and I can learn the latest design trends and improve my design skills and knowledge through the competition.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being shortlisted for the SBID Awards finals means that the jury recognises and affirms our professional ability and creative level for me and my enterprise. This also gives us greater responsibility and obligation to explore local culture and endow traditional culture with new expressions and communication forms through design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an uplifting biophilic retail design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, The Secret Stylists.

The Secret Stylists were commissioned to design and specify the interior architecture, fixtures, fittings, soft furnishing, lighting and finishes for Moss and Moor Garden Centre Ilkley.

What was the client's brief? 

The clients provided me with this new brand’s guidelines and the architectural drawings of the building before they broke ground and asked me how I would imagine their garden centre to feel and look. The words that I took from that brief were: Lively natural. Social, Friendly. Down to earth. Uplifting. Camouflage. Plants & People Honest, ethical, intriguing. Natural Vibrancy. So, I set about how I would imagine I could communicate these ideas within essentially an industrial shell.

What inspired the design of the project?

The View. Moss and Moor looks out onto an iconic landmark in Yorkshire, “The Cow and Calf”. I looked at the geology of the rocks, the heather moorland, the rivers, the stone walls, and sky and tried to figure out how I could relate this to Moss and Moor. I feel I achieved this with the plywood edging, the polished concrete floors that add a depth to the space when the sky is reflects on it at different times of the day, the layering of fabrics, colours and textures in the restaurant. My upholsterer thought I was crazy when I plotted out a random shape to be repeated as the bench backrests to allude to a Yorkshire stone wall. The handmade porcelain lampshades were pressed into hessian to create an organic finish. The cork wrapping the bar is akin to a topographic map and contributes a sound proofing function to this area. The rubber and cork flooring used to wrap the tills (as they needed to be very durable) is akin to soil.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We were building it during the pandemic, which did bring challenges, but generally we had a great flow of communication throughout to trouble shoot any issues that arose.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The welcome desk… I had wanted to introduce one obvious natural element into an otherwise modern environment and that was in the form of a large tree as our reception desk. The fact that my sculptor friend happened to have a seasoned tree which was the perfect size, that he (luckily) hadn’t started cutting into, filled me with joy. We took the bark off, cut it down, made a perfectly flat top with an arctic mill saw, carved a space as the desk, and mounted it on large metal supports. Everyone tends to run their hand over it when they arrive, and the natural undulations of the trunk are very welcoming to lean against.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I have always followed the awards and just by chance thought I would submit Moss and Moor as I am very proud of this design, as I know it achieves everything I had set out to create for the owners and the customers.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It has given me more confidence to put my work out in the public eye and I feel very privileged to be included in the awards.

Questions answered by Cliona Harkin, Brand and Design Director at The Secret Stylists.

Luxury designers Studio Anqet have reimagined a contemporary countryside residence, transforming it into a serene haven for a sociable family. The ambitious project includes a lavish spa building, a spacious BBQ area complete with an indoor-outdoor living terrace, swimming pool and biophilic landscape design.

Located in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, the property with sprawling grounds presented a unique opportunity to merge the client's passion for luxury living, wellness, and sustainability. Drawing on the contemporary architecture of the main home, the additional buildings feature elements such as expansive wall-to-wall glazing and ambient lighting design. These design choices not only harmonise with the main residence but also seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. Inspired by the homeowner's background in scientific research and his dedication to making the world a better place, Studio Anqet has crafted a design that not only embodies lavish leisure facilities but also promotes holistic wellbeing.

The landscaping and leisure areas surrounding the property were meticulously crafted to serve as a sanctuary for the family. From the expansive swimming pool featuring a distinctive central planter, to the BBQ area complete with a fully equipped kitchen and custom sunken seating zones, each area was introduced to elevate the experience. Both communal gathering spaces and secluded corners were seamlessly integrated to evoke moments of connection or privacy.

At the heart of the outdoor space stands a striking sculpture crafted from polished bronze, aluminium and steel by esteemed artist Lorenzo Quinn. This captivating artwork is visible from the pool and all the glazed outdoor buildings. Wellness amenities feature an outdoor hot tub, a cedar wood sauna adorned with a Himalayan salt wall, indoor and outdoor showers, and an array of massage features, including a soothing foot spa. Each area is designed to indulge relaxation and evoke mental harmony through multiple sensory experiences.

A selection of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies were also prioritised for the project. From ethically sourced stone tiles to composite wood decking made from sustainable materials, every aspect of the project reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while retaining the luxurious lifestyle of the client.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an enchanting and contemporary apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, THDP.

Through this project, THDP’s desire is to create the perfect haven for the curious travelers that want to dive deep into the secrets of one of the most fascinating cities in the world. By restoring these apartments, THDP have created a luxury space to live when visiting Rome; a serene yet enchanting space to unwind after long days of exploring.

What was the client's brief? 

Just to be very local and contextualise the city within the concept. Rome today is not only the open-air museum that everyone knows, the cradle of a history that has generated monuments of unique and incredible beauty. It is a treasure chest full of contaminations, of works by contemporary artists, of exhibition spaces and galleries, of new architectural interventions commissioned by important fashion brands. It is a nerve centre full of chic and trendy clubs, which perfectly embodies the worldly and timeless spirit of the city. With its millenary history, Rome today looks to the future, absorbing the international inputs, to merge them with its ancient soul and transform them into something never seen before. In recent years, Rome has come out of the collective imagination that saw it “only” as an open-air museum, intended for “hit and run” tourism, to regain its role as European capital also thanks to the opening of important clubs and international hotels that transform the social fabric projecting it towards internationality. Through this project, THDP’s desire is to create the perfect haven for the curious travelers that want to dive deep into the secrets of one of the most fascinating cities in the world. By restoring these apartments, THDP have created a luxury space to live when visiting Rome; a serene yet enchanting space to unwind after long days of exploring.

What inspired the design of the project?

Trastevere – Young Rome “La Roma Giovane”: Trastevere is not only famous for its historicity, but also for being one of the busiest centers of the city nightlife. With its countless traditional and contemporary restaurants, street artists, theaters, monumental squares and bridges that connect the area with the city center, it acts as a trait d’union between the old and the new, creating around itself a bubble in which there is an unparalleled atmosphere.

Trastevere (Trans Tiberim, “beyond the river Tiber”) has been an area apart from the rest of the city since its origins, and this spirit, which has remained unchanged over time, translates today into a cultural identity typical of the rione (neighborhood) that resists strong despite the progress and the merciless “invasions” of tourists, and perfectly integrates modernity and innovation thanks to its ever young millenary soul.

Colosseo – Ancient Rome “La Roma Antica”: Colosseo is located in one of the most ancient districts in Rome whose origins go back to prehistoric times, when it was nothing more than a rural path used by local populations. Continuing the Domus Aurea on Colle Oppio, the Ludus Magnus, the gladiator gymnasium, the Basilica of San Clemente, one of the very few remains of medieval Rome and the Church of SS. Marcellino and Pietro in Laterano at his meeting with Via Merulana. An area rich in history, but also in theaters such as Brancaccio, the new Palazzo Merulana set of continuous contemporary exhibitions, and an important hub between ancient Rome and the cosmopolitan Esquilino district in the direction of Termini station which seems to bring back in our imagination the idea of the Roman road that reaches the farthest points of the empire. Anyone who walks through it cannot avoid to immerse themselves in its history, fantasising about what is still unexplored under their feet.

Piazza Navona – Noble Rome “La Roma Nobile”: This neighborhood was created to establish a quick connection between the monumental and administrative center of the city and the new residential districts beyond the Tiber. Therefore, it has always had an elegant character, home to important noble palaces and beautiful architectural masterpieces, first of which the Chiesa Nuova on the square of the same name and the Oratory of the Filippini, by Borromini. Considered from the Romans as one of the entrances to the underworld, the area was born from the fusion of the sacred and the profane, with its countless churches scattered throughout the Rione Parione, the many workshops of artisans and antique dealers that still coexist with the new art galleries modern, the vintage shops of Via del Governo Vecchio, and historical places such as the bar del Fico and the Terrazza Borromini, or Palazzo Alberini, headquarters of Gucci. A few minutes away are Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, Via dei Banchi Vecchi, Castel Sant’Angelo. Here is also the Vatican, undoubtedly considered the geographic heart of the city. What once, today, and forever, is (and will be) the center of the world.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

To be able to intervene with a very limited timeframe in 3 areas of simultaneously bringing 3 different concepts to life. The three places of intervention are distributed in 3 areas that differ from each other for history and day/night life. Although they tell different stories, they’re still linked by the same past, yet each of them has developed its own identity as a borough. The first one, Trastevere is a Young Rome, famous for its nightlife, especially outdoors. The alleys, the fountains, and the clothes hanging outside frame a fresh, sparkling and vital life, and here magic is born. The second one is the monumental Ancient Rome, situated really close to the Colosseum and watershed between 3 of the seven hills, Esquilino, Colle Oppio and Celio. The third one is Noble Rome, the Rome of palaces, antique dealers and art galleries. An elegant Rome that, when viewed from the windows and terraces, opens up the perspectives to an exclusive and opulent dimension.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A series of artworks and objects from local artists from Via dei Banchi Vecchi have been selected, in order to preserve and maintain a strong local identity. Custom lampshades were made by local artisan atelier Il Paralume. Some artworks reminding faces and classic subjects, treated with different techniques to make them more vibrant and contemporary. These local artists brings on the artistic tradition of the city. Lastly, the frames surrounding the artwork in the hotel were provided by Patrizio Agostinelli, a well-established craftsman of Roman frames who has been working in his artisan shop in via Bartolomeo for over 70 years.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We think that the project fits the awards and, for its history and location, is one of a kind. It is undeniable that Venice is a source of endless inspiration. A city built upon water, with extraordinary palaces that loom over winding canals seems like a fragment of one’s imagination. Venice is a paragon of culture and boundless beauty, with a magical atmosphere and rich history.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are honored to be selected as finalist at the SBID awards. SBID has been such a great support to the hospitality industry, especially over these thriving last few years and it is truly a privilege to be included and affiliated with such a wonderful organisation and community.

Questions answered by Manuela Mannino, Architect at THDP.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a neutral and geometric office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, XBD Collective.

The office space was designed to embrace a unified concept, mirroring the distinctive architectural style of the building to ensure continuity and cohesion. At its core, the office layout embodies the essence of a new genre of workspace within the workplace, aiming to create an optimal engagement within the working environment. It strikes a delicate balance between innovation and practicality, offering a dynamic commercial space that not only inspires creativity but also caters to the essential needs of a productive work setting.

What was the client's brief? 

The purpose of the office space was to create a coworking space, not only a place for Modern Working to make their new office headquarters their home. They wanted to include individual workspaces and/or office spaces to be rented to outsiders. One-third of the office would be occupied by Modern Working while the other remaining two-thirds of the space would be for the business center rentals. Together they would be able to share common spaces.

The client’s needs involved having coworking spaces with private offices, an art gallery in public areas, and an amphitheater seating area where the company can hold small events and meetings for collaboration purposes.

Overall, the office needed to be an open and visual continuity space making use of fluid shapes and mixed with regular geometric lines. A neutral palette with the use of glass and marble was requested. The coffee bar, amphitheater, and an art gallery to buy artworks were additional unique and key elements that were required to be incorporated within the office layout and to elevate the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

The office space was designed to feature an identical concept to the building in terms of its unique design for continuity and consistency. The building’s dual aspect of design, playing with curvy and organic shapes within the atrium while making use of rigid and linear lines on the facade, was what initially inspired the office layout.

The office layout is all about the new genre of workspace within the workplace to offer maximum employment engagement and productivity within the working environment. The commercial space needed to be innovative while still being a practical place to work.

The office’s public spaces are situated in an open plan configuration while all the private offices are laid out next to the façade on the north, as well as on the east side of the space, creating a traditional office layout and allowing for better control of lighting and acoustic levels. The organic facade of the office on the west is a more fluid and dynamic space that interconnects the different areas of the office and offers a more creative and interactive environment for the office. Combining these two kinds of spaces brings flexibility within the office, allowing for different uses and types of work collaborations to happen within the office.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Situated within Zaha Hadid's Opus Tower at Business Bay, the office occupies the building's first floor. The unique triangular floor plan, complemented by structured and orthogonal designs on one side and fluid, curved elements on the opposite side of the façade, guided the strategic utilization of space. These cues facilitated the optimal arrangement of various areas within the office, ensuring each type of space found its best-suited location.

Due to the complexity of the internal structure, a point cloud model was required before being able to model the space in Revit accurately. This was required in order to achieve a clear understanding of the informants and constraints to produce the spaces along the organic curved façade of the building’s central void.

In the spaces that weren’t habitable due to the restrictions of the height, the design introduced a pebbled garden with plants, also known as biophilic design, along the complex curved façade to enhance the quality of the work environment.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

It was a challenge due to the complexity of the space. It also brought interest considering the importance of the building, as it’s inside of Zaha Hadid’s Opus Tower. We can highlight the willingness of the client to explore a different style of office, moving away from our familiar perception of a working space. It is rare and gave us freedom to create something unique.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is a renowned international platform, and we’re very proud to be part of it. We consider it’s a great opportunity to showcase our work and see it alongside some of the best international talents. We presented several residential and commercial projects in this edition, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We have been finalists in the 6 categories we participated in, and this encourage us to keep working hard.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s an honour to see our projects selected as finalists. It’s really rewarding after dedicating so much effort to each one. This recognition brings satisfaction to our team, but also to our clients, and that’s what makes us proud. We view this experience as a chance to learn and continue to evolve, contributing in the best possible way to the field of interior design.

Questions answered by Ellen Sohoel, Founder of XBD Collective.