This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a unique and inspiring home that pushes the boundaries with a sophisticated balance of layers. The interior design introduced exciting layering, intriguing textures, contrasting materials as well as sophisticated finishes and fine detailing. Each space features bespoke furniture pieces, designed and finished in luxurious velvets, flocked velvets, fine wools and antiqued leather. These were complemented with timber and high gloss tables, European rugs, mirrors and accessories. The use of beautiful exquisite chandeliers in various rooms is prominent, along with accent tables and floor lamps. The careful and experimental layering of this projects injects the home with interest, detail and timeless elegance.
Company: Trenzseater
Project: Prosser Residence
Project Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
What was the client’s brief?
Our brief for this prestigious project was to present something that was new and exciting, something that had not been seen before or expected. To bring intriguing layers of texture and design to all elements of the interior whilst creating a space that was useable, not precious and could easily be lived in by the clients. As part of our brief we were to present a full interior design package which included some architectural elements with a marble entrance wall, we were to offer design on the kitchens and bathrooms, door hardware, lighting, flooring, window furnishings, wallcoverings and obviously the furniture and interior furnishings.
We delivered an interior which was inspiring, it was layered with intriguing textures & materials, sophisticated finishes and details which offered the client something personal and curated. To achieve this, we featured throughout our design the use of natural stones in flooring, bathrooms and kitchen, brushed brass tapware and door hardware, Oak parquet flooring and the use of dark chocolate American oak timbers were used in the joinery, doors and furniture. We also featured a lot of natural seagrass wallpapers from Ralph Lauren with metallic backgrounds along with flocked velvet and glass beading details. In all spaces we designed bespoke furniture pieces for, finished in luxurious velvets, flocked velvets, fine wools and antiqued leather, complimented with our timber and high gloss tables which all were then finished with our extensive use of European rugs, mirrors and accessories. The use beautiful exquisite chandeliers in various rooms is prominent, along with accent table and floor lamps.
With all our projects we ensure we have a sophisticated balance of layers to give interest, detail and timeless elegance. We believe it’s the details which offer refinement, personality, balance, character and luxury.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
I am continuously inspired each day by design, through architecture, interior design and classic furniture design where there classic detailing provided a signature style. I also enjoy, and are inspired by fashion, art and antiques. Natural materials inspire me for their uniqueness. The classic qualities of marbles and stone and the character you get from solid timbers. All of which contribute to this projects inspiration.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The most challenging part of the project was pushing the boundaries for the client to challenge them to do something unique and different.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Presenting to the client our proposal as a full presentation and watching each step evolve on site to the finished result which the client absolutely loved!
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
I believe such a competition as prestigious as this is, celebrates those who excel in interior design and gives inspiration to those who are new to the industry, a competition like this fosters growth and excitement.
Questions answered by Ben Lewis, Interior Designer and General Manager of TRENZSEATER
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a contemporary three-bedroom home with an idiosyncratic style, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Trenzseater | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a bespoke contemporary three-bedroom home, which replaced a double garage on an 80 square-metre site. The idiosyncratic style serves to enhance the context of the street-scene with a bold architectural statement, contrasting with the context of traditional Victorian houses. Filling the footprint of the site and set over three floors, the project was delivered on a limited budget but exceeding the client’s brief. The three-bedroom home, bathed in natural light, uses a minimal palette of materials to unify the design language internally and externally. The materials used include dark brickwork, externally and internally, dark burnt larch cladding and birch-faced plywood throughout the interior for bespoke kitchen, bathroom and stair joinery elements. The result is a bright, bold comfortable design, confidently articulating a contemporary language of architecture used to transform the site into a unique new family home.
Company: Crawford Partnership
Project: Darling House
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
To design a new build contemporary three-bedroom family home on a small constrained urban infill site, formerly a double lockup garage purchased at auction, with high-quality bespoke architecture and interior design that would feel spacious and bright and would incorporate sustainable construction technologies and renewable energy installations, and all a limited budget.
Our design inspiration comes from many sources, however, having an engaged client with enlightened ambitions was our main inspiration on the project. This resulted in many productive discussions about their aspirations and style preferences for the new home, which sought to challenge conventional ideas to address the many constraints of the existing Victorian surroundings and create a home suitable for 21st century lifestyle. The practice’s design approach is unapologetically contemporary; providing bold and ambitious design solutions particularly when working in a sensitive Conservation Area context.
Achieving planning consent for a contemporary design within a Conservation Area is a major hurdle, as is working constantly to ensure that all neighbours whose homes adjoin the boundaries of urban infill sites do not experience any loss of their existing amenity during the construction works, however, the main hurdle for a designer to overcome is often providing a Rolls Royce for the price of a Mini, especially when working with a shoestring budget.
For us, it is paramount to completely understand the cost implications of every decision in order to not only achieve but to elevate the client’s aspirations for their project without compromising their budget. Continued collaboration and communication throughout the initial design stages between the designers and the client, and thereafter with the contractor and sub-contractors during the detailed design stages and works on site has made it possible to attain the quality of finish and fitting out we desired, whilst adhering to the client’s budget.
Maximising the feel of space and light within this very compact three-storey home has been the rewarding highlight for us, and was achieved by careful studies of the internal volumes and limited scope for placing windows, and then by simplifying the main backdrop of finishes, both externally and internally, which are uniform and monolithic and provided at minimal cost, allowing us to then spend more of the construction budget on interior features that elevate and focus the attention on the ambiance of spaces, such as the slender, curved glulam timber roof beam structure, the sculptured open riser staircase, the bespoke kitchen and bathrooms designed by us, the geometric and monochromatic lighting fittings, and especially the variety of glazing elements incorporated that contribute to the surprising levels of natural light and sunlight that filters within all levels of the interior, providing kinetic patterns of light and shade throughout the day on the canvas of walls, floors and ceilings.
As a ‘boutique’ architecture and interior design practice, we relish the challenge of working on these extremely constrained projects, and we are constantly pushing to achieve more with less, applying the knowledge and expertise gained from smaller projects into larger commissions. The SBID Awards are recognised globally as a benchmark for the highest quality in interior design and architecture, and having been shortlisted as finalists in the Awards in four of the last five years, we are very proud of this accolade which continues to inspire our efforts on every new project.
Questions answered by Alan Crawford, Founder and Managing Director of Crawford Partnership
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a modern and fashionable family home which serves as a place to escape from the city bustle, click here to see more.
Crawford Partnership | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Little over three months remain until Article 50 meets its deadline. Yet with Parliament in consistent dispute over the finalities of the UK leaving the EU, businesses up and down the country have been waiting anxiously for clarity over the UK’s future trade deal and immigration policies. The months leading up this pivotal moment have seen many recruiters fearful over their already shrinking talent pools. Architects have been at the forefront of this concern since a ‘no deal’ Brexit would mean the mutual recognition of qualifications across the Channel would no longer apply. Many firms have been encouraging staff to register with the Architects Registration Board in a bid to curb the 60% of working EU architects that claimed they have considered leaving the UK. . .
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This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a modern and fashionable family home which serves as a place to escape from the city bustle and be immersed in a harmonious, relaxed lifestyle; offering a sense of protection. The interior design is rooted in the exquisite simplicity, elegance and the beauty of everyday life. The creation of clean shapes has been a guiding principle while the presence of natural wood also influenced the design style. The designer, Danhor, has created a house made of eco-materials, surrounded by genuine nature and a river – a home that is alive, breathing and free. The interior is unified by clear, modern, minimalist shapes and clean lines and colours; there is a gentle colour spectrum for walls and furniture in neutral beige and greys. The space is not overloaded with furniture and the bespoke furniture harnesses textures such stone and concrete which complement the wooden elements.
Company: Danhor
Project: River Side
Project Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Determining this project was its location. When I first got into the Family Club River Side, I realised that I was not just in a beautiful cottage town on the banks of the Dnipro. This place captivated me with its atmosphere and the architecture of the houses – for me, as a designer, this is very important, because it immediately inspires me and helps to shape the style of the future interior. This is a place of relaxation in which I wanted to create a harmonious homely atmosphere, a sense of security and peace, a home in which I want to live, a place where I can escape from the city bustle, from the cramped and stuffy environments and plunge into the calm routine of being. This was the main idea of the project. I am lucky that the clients are also good friends of mine. So first of all, I wanted to display their inner world: a love of travel, jazz music, literature, gourmet food, working in a creative profession with a wonderful sense of humour. In short, I wanted to capture their taste for life. Also, because the client is a well-known person in our country of Ukraine, who works in television, I did not want to declare her famous lifestyle but rather try to make her life at home as quiet as possible and closed to society. The home will inhabit a family with two children, which immediately gave me the idea to make the interior delicate, calming and neutral, whilst adapted to life with children. I wanted to avoid pretentiousness, and focus on a dominant position in the surrounding environment in which I saw serenity, comfort and warmth.
The presence of natural wood certainly influenced the design style. A house of ecological materials, surrounded by living, real nature and the river, could not be plastic and artificial inside. At first, we gathered together pictures and objects seen in cinema, magazines or in some interesting places, put everything together – and the story began to develop by itself. We talked a lot, then paused, tried to hear each other and persuade each other on certain things; I, from a professional standpoint, and Lena (the client) from the viewpoint of the customer who will live there and wants to rejoice in every corner of her house. For me, the most inspirational element in this house is the overall holistic concept of the entire interior design concept. This is when, step by step, a new picture opens up for you, a new premise, but also a continuation of the previous one. The style of this house is difficult to determine. The approach to design was a lot of intuition, based on the knowledge and the wishes of the client. This interior combines clear, modern, minimalist forms and clean lines with calm colours of neutral beige and grey shades throughout the walls and furniture. This is the interior for life! And the value is in the emotions and the story, which became an integral part of life for Lena and her family.
Difficulties are always present… In this project it was a time frame. The clients were so eager to call in as quickly as possible and tell us they were keen and ready to sleep on their new mattresses, and to feel themselves their new, beautiful sanctuary.
The highlight for me is just in the tranquillity and simplicity of this interior. “Simplicity is the essence of elegance” – in this I agree with Coco Chanel. The most interesting in this interior design are the individual wallpapers that reflect this family; the wall mural of their children in the nursery or even their Georgian ornament in the living room, which the client brought back from Georgia, reminding her of fond memories of travelling. I wanted to create a basis for this family, which they could then fill with their favourite objects, paintings, photographs and decor, which they bring back from different countries.
For me personally, this is an opportunity to discover a new look for myself against the level of design in Europe and the world; to meet new specialists and professionals. I worked for an international company and for me it was the best experience. The experience to see and learn from people from other countries, discover something new, imbued with their culture and technology, as well as their views, thoughts and ideas. Design has such a broad outlook and worldview that we simply cannot stand still and not evolve, not look ahead and not try to make our design in Ukraine more successful, more accessible and understandable to the masses. SBID and the SBID Awards is a step towards this and the door to the future.
Questions answered by Tatiana Danilevych, Lead Designer at Danhor
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a waterfront home with manor-esque proportions and contemporary lines, click here to see more.
Danhor | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a waterfront home with manor-esque proportions and contemporary lines which guides one through classically-framed openings and clear sight lines. Representing a 2.5-year, from-the-ground-up project, this luxury-driven family residence accumulated its intuitive layers over time. A comprehensive scope of work included planning, architectural detailing, custom features, and millwork concepts. Together with all the finer points in interior design and decor, it marked a holistic approach where architecture and art would connect. Upon entering the home, there is an immediate sense of quiet luxury that may best be defined through the subtleties in beautiful materials, classical order and a clean-lined sensibility.
Company: Regina Sturrock Design
Project: Contemporary Manor
Project Location: Mississauga, Canada
As a builder, the Client offered us a clear vision towards realising their dream home. Some key objectives in the project brief included; an unencumbered and light-filled home that embraces its remarkable lake setting; a well-defined, classical home with a relatable and clean-lined modernity; a home that performs for large family gatherings and that entertains in high style; and solutions for integration to conceal function and reveal form.
What inspired the design of the project?
The interior design narrative was guided by the architecture and its setting; two grounding components around which all other elements made intuitive connections. The home expresses robust manor-esque proportions and clean contemporary lines. It’s positioned on a priceless parcel of land that enjoys exceptionally beautiful views of the lake; a scene that is mesmerising from outside to inside. At any given time of the day, the surrounding waters bring life, mood, and a palpable energy informing the interior spaces on a primal level.
From this perspective, linking with the roots was a fundamental directive in our design.
Classical order in symmetry, and clear sight lines through well-defined panelled openings allowed us to bring all into alignment and to pay homage to the character of the building and its surroundings. The first-impressions great hall, a cocooned inner hall, and the commanding two-storey great room represent an enfilade of harmonic spaces that each play with the sparkling waters of the lake beyond. Together, they provide a successive scene of reflection and undeniable beauty.
Large classic volumes were given a crisp, gallery-white wrap turning architectural detail into sculpture. This pristine envelope enabled a dynamic colour palette inspired by the day’s shifting lake views that would reveal soft watery hues and intense jewel-toned versions.
Majestic two-storey spaces with window walls that embrace infinite lake views are exceptional features, but they can challenge the connection of human scale and with that risk overall well-being. Our approach was to bring focus and tangibility through symmetry, proportion, and a harmonic layering of monochromatic and tactile materials. Each component performed as a visual liaison to the next and together they presented a relatable space where one could feel comfortable and ‘at home’. Defining elements include the striking two-tiered pendant with cascading crystal spheres, a clean-lined vertical fireplace surrounded by classic Statuario marble, and tailored wool drapery panels that elegantly frame the window wall from floor to ceiling. There a no interruptions here; just a rich and holistic environment where the interior details play an integrated role with the architecture and its surroundings.
The project was a 2 ½ year venture, with many milestones and highlights along the way. It was exciting to see the special details jump off the page and form into reality. These were stream-lined and classic touches such as one-off ceiling designs in plasterwork, the feature staircase that required unique engineering to achieve its fluid geometry and many exceptional furniture pieces that were tailor-made for the home. One after the other, they would merge into the unified big vision for the home; a scheme the team conceptualised and nurtured every step of the way. The behind-the-scenes work in the procurement process can be challenging at times but this is all part of what make us tick; to passionately achieve a fine-tuned and beautiful design that we can all be proud of and that the client can enjoy for many years to come.
A personal highlight was the art that gradually filled in to grace the walls and to sit as sculpture within the clean spaces. Although these were among the final layers, they each took on the character of the home in a completely intuitive way. The home truly came to life at this point and it filled my heart with joy to know that we had created a ‘whole’ environment that is both beautiful and meaningful to our clients.
The SBID is a highly respected organisation representing and supporting the interior design industry and its professional standards on a global level. I value that the annual SBID Awards is driven by their desire to recognise talent and creativity and that entries are fairly assessed by leaders in the industry on both technical and aesthetic merit. An SBID Award has come to be known as one of the highest accolades showcasing design excellence from over 42 countries. Our projects have been recognised as finalists at both the 2014 and 2015 ceremonies. Each time, it has been an honour to be part but being a winner at this year’s SBID Awards 2018 is an absolute dream come true and a highlight in my career!
Questions answered by Regina Sturrock, Principal Designer at Regina Sturrock Design
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the feminine yet contemporary take on a fairytale-themed wedding boutique in China, click here to see more.
Regina Sturrock Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a feminine yet contemporary take on a fairytale-themed wedding dress boutique in Kunming, China. Designed to epitomise the culmination of every girl’s childhood fantasy, swathed in a beautiful gown at a magical wedding, dancing with a prince. To assist in a bride’s quest for the most dream-like wedding dress, the space evokes a romantic, dreamy atmosphere whilst incorporating the brand’s image with an inherent black and gold tonal theme, diamond detailed elements to create a feature motif and a stunning white marble flooring.
Company: F Space Design
Project: W.Dresses
Project Location: Kunming, China
First of all, the overall design needed to be consistent with the black and gold colour theme to compliment the company’s branding. Secondly, as the fifth shop of W. Dresses, the design needed to upgrade the brand presence and enhance the brand image, requiring more of a fashion focus and a higher level of synergy with the wedding dresses stocked in the shop.
Every girl who grew up reading fairytales has fantasied about the idea of being a princess in a mythical world, dressed in beautifully feminine dresses and dancing with the prince. Envisioning a beautiful ending to their imaginary love story with a whimsical fairytale-inspired wedding, with a wedding dress that would realise the dream of every girl’s childhood. Therefore, within the interior design of this project, the designer incorporated black and gold as the main tone throughout; using delicate diamond details and glamorous elements as the design concept throughout the space to showcase this idea of a romantic, dream-like atmosphere.
The main difficulty which arose throughout the project was the integral design process combining thoughtful interior design with the brand’s branding scheme. In the case of a very short time limit, the primary problem to be solved in the design was how to improve the brand image in limited space and solve the problem of product display to effectively display the wedding dresses.
Another painful fact was that the building process had not always ran smoothly or as perfectly as planned according to drawings and models. This can be due to the lacking of skilful people or inaccurate readings of the plans. And time is always short. Sometimes we have to accept some of the problems which have generated on-site during construction, whilst other times we need to respond quickly to change the design and subsequently reflect this on drawings to counteract further issues and take the opportunity to resolve them almost as soon as they arise.
The shop comprised of three different styles of dressing rooms, not only to give the bride the different experience of testing, but also for each wedding dress to receive unique treatment, and increase the fun and excitement of the in-store experience. The ubiquity of the details allowed us to intuitively feel the designer’s pursuit of achieving noble quality and to therefore create the most comfortable testing environment for each couple.
Entering the SBID International Design Awards was a fortuitous opportunity. One day, my PR company recommended this competition to me. I think it is a good platform for creative communication with excellent designers from all over the world, and also provides a valuable channel to promote my works overseas.
Questions answered by Fei Fang, Design Director and Xuewan Yang, Executive Designer at F Space Design
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a quirky holiday home set on the Mediterranean Sea, click here to see more.
F Space Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Whether you want to ensure your client’s showers are safe and stylish with innovative design and anti-slip surfaces; make your colour selections easier with the newest Colour Atlas on the market; or even design a bespoke, statement finish for your glass projects – browse our December edit of newly released products and developments to upgrade your designs for the year ahead.
The new RAL DESIGN SYSTEM is based on a 3D MODEL. It arranges the colours in three dimensions, according to hue, lightness and saturation. The Colour Atlas makes the system available in a handier binder and thus presents a swift, systematic overview of the over 1,825 current colour nuances with colour codes and additional colour information, which, for example, helps trend consultants in the development of collections.
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Imagine a shower area where quality and harmony merges with form and functionality, providing users with the utmost comfort. The new RAK Ceramics shower tray, RAK-Feeling, with elegant and contemporary lines will give bathroom designs unique character and enhance those essential moments of relaxation. A luxurious finish with stone effect adds a distinctive feel to the shower area, as well as being pleasant to the touch.
RAK-Feeling is also made of RAKSOLID, a durable material composed of a mixture of natural minerals and resins with anti-slip safety. RAKSOLID meets the highest safety standards, classified in DIN 51097 Class C (the highest achievable level of slip resistance). With a surface that prohibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, alongside an excellent resistance to chemical products, the design ensures greater safety and hygiene. This is confirmed by the strictest chemical resistance tests required by the EN 14527 Standard. Additionally, the shower trays are not affected by exposure to light, proven by xenon arc lamp tests, which simulate sunlight on shower trays and verify the effects of ageing (EN ISO 4892 Standard).
Sandy Bay London was borne from my love of interiors and home décor. With the desire of providing an accessible luxury, for both male and female customers which can be used every day. So this is where the new range comes in; the Gentlemen’s Club Collection is designed for men, but the ladies love it too. The range is presented in impressive black and gold glassware, with stylish branding featured on both the candle and packaging. The Gentlemen’s Club comprises of 7 on-trend Fine Fragrance Blends which have been given catchy names such as City Boy, Forever Man, The Charmer, True Gentleman, Countryman, The Boss and Oudh Enigma.
Franklite announced the launch of their latest products for the 2018/2019 season. With the new Supplement showcasing over 80 new product lines, from traditional to contemporary, Franklite provide products to meet all a designer’s lighting needs. Featuring the Centrix 14 light fitting in a classic old gold finish, this light was designed to add contemporary focal point to any design scheme and even comes with fully adjustable arms which can be manoeuvred to fit and suit any space.
For the latest edition please email [email protected] quoting the reference: SBID1825
Since 1986, Daedalian Glass Studios have successfully completed hundreds of glass design projects in the UK and overseas. Their unique glass designs have featured in five star hotels, foreign embassies, public buildings, commercial properties, places of worship, luxury private residencies, super-yachts and royal palaces. While all of their designs are completely distinct, they all share the same passion, creativity, hard-work and commitment to quality take it takes to produce them.
While no two projects are alike with their bespoke offering, they have developed a tried and tested process for managing glass design projects based on decades of service to the industry. Building up a reputation as experts in delivering both unique architectural features and artworks that add real value to a project, their clients range from interior designers and architects to procurement agents, contractors, property managers, artists, and private individuals.
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The international boutique art consultancy and concierge, Velvenoir offer SBID members complimentary art consultancy services and access to a curated, in-house art inventory with expert guidance as well as exclusive trade offer of 10% off any piece of art within their December selection.
Browse the selection and quote your SBID membership number to claim your discount
The annual SBID Awards serve to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence across a broad range of categories. The winners of the SBID Awards were announced on Friday 26 October – and what a line-up it was! This year’s winners represent, as ever, mind-blowing design across a broad spectrum of sectors. While it can’t be denied that the victorious projects are a feast for the eyes, we know that excellent design must also be effective and enhance lives. Therefore, it’s really satisfying to know that, thanks to the stringent judging process, every one of these examples of breathtaking creativity is built on a foundation of technical knowledge and experience, with design-conscious public also having their say in voting for their favourite designs!
Company: 4SPACE Design
Project Title: VR Park Dubai Mall
Bernard The VR Park is designed to allow visitors to experience an extreme level of virtual reality. The client, Emaar Entertainment, wanted to build a new attraction that had never been implemented in Dubai before. The core concept was to experience the futuristic ambience and elements along with a wonderful journey through the virtual reality world. At the entrance, a huge 90-degree curved LED display screen panel along with complete cityscape buildings of Dubai downtown bent upside down highlights the magnificent experience that awaits visitors. The focal point of the theme park interior is a giant model of Burj Khalifa, hanging upside down from the ceiling to floor. 4SPACE collaborated with the theming company to get the correct proportion, finishes, look and feel of the actual Burj Khalifa. From the initial concept down to the minute details, VR Park is an example of unique and innovative design.
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Company: Alena Zhernovaya Interior Design
Project Title: RiverStone
The 130 square-metre apartment is located in the RiverStone residential complex. The clients wished for a modern, eminent interior. The cooking area was merged with the living room in line with current trends. A mirror panel and special lighting highlight the dining area. The relaxation area stands out separately with a bay window. The master bedroom, bathroom, and the children’s room are private areas of the apartment connected to living room. A spacious walk-in closet and a large bathroom are essential parts of a modern interior. Natural stone, mirrors and porcelain stoneware create a convivial atmosphere, which you sense from the moment you enter the apartment. Wood wall panelling in the bedroom further underpin the concept.
Company: IHG
Project Title: Juniper & Kin at The QO
As you enter through the concrete lift area, there are brass installations that make the light sparkle. The design team wanted to bring the feeling of a bright starry night to the bar as it is on the 21st floor. The colour scheme is black and white with dark green which the design team kept warm by using dark wood and velvet. The layout was designed to create different feelings within the space. The middle area, where the bar and kitchen are located, is raised to give them the spotlight and more of a buzz. The lower levels are where all the sofas are set for a more intimate experience. Somewhat unusually, the floating greenhouse above the bar gives off a deep pink glow that helps the plants glow but also adds an intimate and moody ambience to the place, a great example of where the QO’s eco credentials and atmosphere collide to create a truly memorable experience.
Company: Francis Cauffman
Project Title: Brooklyn Health Center
The designers were asked to deliver a new, distinctive health centre. They delivered a four-storey health centre as the beating heart of an innovative glass-faced eleven-storey mixed-use building. Upon reviewing the site, they immediately understood that they could dramatically expand the square footage by using a privately owned public space (a 2,000-square-foot park, built for public use and maintained by the owner of the building), which would allow for leasable spaces to defray the cost of the building over time. As not to allow the health centre to become lost in the building, the senior designer conceived of it as a red object encased in glass—the building’s beating heart. Its teardrop-like form was designed to complement the vibrancy and ingenuity of downtown Brooklyn. Its external design takes advantage of the unusually shaped site to create a lively façade that reflects the eclecticism of this culturally diverse neighbourhood.
Company: Artichoke
Project Title: Mombo
The design combined traditional and vintage elements with a modern elegance that truly embraces the real essence of Mombo. Deconstructed furniture in classic styles, antique brass finishing, vintage leathers, copper lighting combined with marble and oak floors were all used. A tonal colour palette throughout reiterates the longevity of the interior design. A mix of mismatched – yet complementary – wooden furniture all works together to feature a collection of pieces sourced over the years, resulting in a personalised feel. Space was also a key factor in creating the new design, with each tented suite now comprising an expansive entrance, a sitting room with a bar unit, a separate bedroom and bathroom with a dressing area, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub that creates a sense of indulgence.
Company: Wanda Hotel Design Institute
Project Title: Wanda Vista Hefei
Located on the shore of Lake Chao, one of the largest lakes in China, Wanda Vista Hefei is an urban resort that offers sweeping lake views. The hotel is a hillside building in the neo-Huizhou style with 206 guestrooms. Each room has a balcony from which guests may enjoy 180-degree view of the beautiful lake. The interior design features white walls, black tiles and grey bricks, all of which are typical of Huizhou-style architecture. Respect is given to the aesthetic basis of order and symmetry seen in the Huizhou style. A horse-head shaped wall and the ‘Four Treasures of the Study’ (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper) which have local cultural significance are adopted as design elements to express the ‘Impressions of Huizhou’ design theme.
Company: Celia Visser Design
Project Title: Contemporary Kitchen & Bar
Celia Visser Design created this kitchen and adjacent bar for clients who love to entertain and desired a space that merges seamlessly within their home’s contemporary architecture. They asked for a visual statement that used modern materials, incorporated sharp, clean lines, and had a look that played on bold asymmetrical forms, all using a white palette, with exposed concrete walls as the backdrop. The striking geometric structure of the kitchen features bead-blasted stainless steel which contrasts the white Corian, both under the dramatic angle and display shelving. Corian and angles were also introduced into the design of the bar to meld the two areas for maximum impact. Beautiful timber flooring is a contrast to the monochrome kitchen and bar, allowing the stunning rural and pool outlook to enhance this remarkable kitchen from both sides of the glass. The overall impression is an eye-catching modern piece of art.
Company: Paragon Interface
Project Title: Discovery Place
The building is located on a prominent corner entering the business district of Johannesburg. Its main entrance is open and welcoming, to reflect the mores of discovery. Internally the building is divided into three main atria, namely a central atrium, and one each on the left and right side. The central atrium allowed Paragon Interface to explore the concept of a concourse, driven by Discovery’s requirement for the building to be active. This was not only translated effectively into a dynamic design aesthetic, but also into an active public street populated with seating areas, cafés, streetlights and tree canopies. It served not only as the main thoroughfare of the building, but also constituted a welcoming space for visitors and clients. Visitors are encouraged to wander around the ground floor to make use of facilities and also enjoy a snack, meal or cup of coffee.
Company: Studio MB
Project Title: Triumph Factory Visitor Experience
The design consultancy collaborated with Triumph Motorcycles to create a world class visitor facility within the heart of its Hinckley factory in Leicestershire. The Triumph Factory Visitor Experience is a site of pilgrimage for motorcycle enthusiasts and general public, offering an inspiring and informative 1,200-square-metre exhibition and factory tour, including café and shop. The exhibition presents a chronology of Triumph’s historic and contemporary achievements in motorcycle design, engineering and manufacture. It offer visitors a deeper appreciation of the authentic heritage and ongoing success of this genuine British icon and international super brand. The exhibition connects with existing riders and captures the imagination of new customers, telling a passionate story of Triumph Motorcycles by the people who make them and by the people who ride them. Studio MB was responsible for delivering this brand experience, from master planning to onsite completion as a design and build package.
Company: Regina Sturrock Design Inc
Project Title: Contemporary Manor
A waterfront home with manoresque proportions and contemporary lines impresses and guides one through classically-framed openings and clear sight lines. Representing a 2.5-year, from-the-ground-up project, this luxury-driven family residence accumulated its intuitive layers over time. A comprehensive scope of work included planning, architectural detailing, custom features, and millwork concepts. Together with all the finer points in interior design and decor, it marked a holistic approach where architecture and art would connect. Upon entering the home, there is an immediate sense of quiet luxury that may best be defined through the subtleties in beautiful materials, classical order and a clean-lined sensibility. The first-impressions great hall, a cocooned inner hall, and the commanding two-storey great room represent an enfilade of harmonic spaces that each play with the sparkling waters of the lake beyond. Together, they provide a successive scene of reflection and undeniable beauty.
Company: Elliot James
Project Title: Cuscaden One
The client wanted the apartment to be relaxed with a funky, edgy style that would cater for his family when relaxing but also allow for larger gatherings with abundant seating and a very informal, welcoming atmosphere. The style for the apartment was to be bold but simple. The design team wanted the apartment to have a clean, monochrome palette throughout to reflect the simplicity in the brief but to also act as a calm, backdrop to the bold shapes, large proportions, bespoke furniture and exciting commissioned artwork throughout. The aim was to create a home that could be warm and intimate for the family but also function to host large gatherings with a fun and informal setting.
Company: NEVERMORE
Project Title: The Irrawady House
The modern-day luxury home manages to combine both old-school opulence and contemporary cosiness under the same roof. Superior air ventilation incorporated into the interior of this property allows it to feel larger and spacious. a stark contrast to the dark and cramped image of a pre-war house. The elongated living room is connected with the kitchen, dining area and open bar area with the decor featuring a modern twist to classical European design. Including with a daring open staircase, this bold design is further enhanced with the selection of large circular pendants and an imported Italian marble counter. Gold finishes are thrown in to elevate the overall look with a hint of glitz. Meanwhile, the living room, dining area and kitchen enjoy the warm glow derived from the skylight feature, giving these spaces a natural comfort.
Company: Goddard Littlefair
Project Title: The Garden
The Garden is a destination all-day food-and-beverage space for hotel guests and local Edinburgh residents, located within the former courtyard of the Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square. Taking inspiration from the great hothouses and orangeries of historic country estates, Goddard Littlefair was tasked with developing a green heart to the scheme, transforming the previous outdoor space into a year-round dining destination. Filled with plants, trees, hanging baskets and vines, the new space is a biophilic delight, with the new glass roof providing natural lighting and open views of the sky, resulting in the creation of a magical oasis, right in the heart of the hotel.
Company: XYI Design
Project Title: Latitude Sports Park
This multipurpose athletic indoor sports space is aimed at young people, family activities, and company outings. The word ‘latitude’ implies space and breadth and the design team has expanded on the original implications of this for the Australian brand to create a multipurpose indoor sports park combined with outdoor topography. ‘Sports for everyone’ serves as the both the style and recreation concept, and it is hoped that the design will inspire everyone who visits to be more active. The design studio aimed to create a visual experience that encourages visitors to have fun while engaging in sporty activities within the park space, ultimately promoting a more active lifestyle that combines activity with leisure time.
Company: HWCD
Project Title: The Trevista Sales Gallery
Located in flourishing Hangzhou and surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, the luxurious Trevista showcases a concept of refined spatial arrangement created through flowing space lines, rich textural materials, and artistic decoration. The design idea originates from the textures of ‘water, mountain and silk’ which all emphasise smooth flow throughout the interior designs to create a unified and pleasing artistic rhythm by manipulating the space, light, and structural order. By playing with light and form, and with the ‘super flat’ architecture style, the project stands out amid the luxury residences in Hangzhou.
If you’d like the chance of winning an industry-acclaimed SBID Award for your projects and think your designs can compete on a global scale with the world’s most esteemed interior designers and design practices, make sure you enter next year!
The SBID International Design Awards 2019 is set to be open for entries in March/April so visit www.sbidawards.com early next year for more information on official opening dates and deadlines.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a 90 square metre apartment, set on the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Alicante. This quirky holiday home is located in an apartment block surrounded by lush greenery; the formidable foliage appropriately inspired the distinctive tropical-style interior design scheme used throughout the property. During the early design stages, the client was open to all creative and out-of-the-box ideas which lead them to using a bold and striking green as the apartment’s signature colour theme. The palette evolved to include a sunrise shade of pink, together with luxurious brass elements and earthy wood tones. This apartment truly comes to life with an eccentric blend of palm prints, tropical leaves and exotic birds on the wallpaper!
Company: INTRO by Chak
Project: Power of the Colour
Project Location: Altea, Spain
The apartment block is surrounded by lush greenery; prompting the designer to propose a daring tropical-style solution for the interior design. In the process of design planning, the client was open to all ideas and absolutely loved the suggestion of using green as the main feature colour. Initially the client wanted to refresh the walls and renovate the kitchen; in the end the project turned into a significant reconstruction.
The client did not want to change the doors. This set the start of the project. If we are not going to change them, let’s have them painted. A bright shade of green was suggested. It fascinated and inspired the client. From then on the project could not be limited to simple repainting of the walls. The green doors called out for more. And so a sunrise shade of pink appeared, together with the luxurious brass, tropical leaves and birds on the wallpaper.
It was our first project in Spain. Being a Russian design studio, it was difficult initially to start and build communication with the suppliers and local workers. We are familiar with working using mostly English and Russian languages, so to work in the Spanish language was a big challenge for us! That’s why at the beginning of the constitution, it was difficult to avoid misunderstanding so naturally, some errors arose because of it. Finally, we got through these communication issues and we couldn’t be happier with the result – and now we are fluent in all specific construction, architecture and design lexis in Spanish!
We did run into some technical / construction difficulty during the build; fixing the 6-sided tiles in the bathroom called for very careful work. Also, the owner of the flat only wanted to renovate the apartment, so in some instances we couldn’t touch or structurally change some aspects of the property (e.g heating in the floor and air-conditioning) which we could probably have moved to develop the design further.
Working on this project gave us a lot of pleasure and overall we didn’t meet too many difficulties. The owner of the apartment was participating with enthusiasm at every stage of the working process!
Our idea was to use the mirrors to create the feeling of more space. We can see the best example of this in one of the bedrooms, where the entire wall behind the bed is made of mirror. We were happy with the visual impact of this, and how effectively it seemed to generate the illusion of space. There is a portal in the living room which is also made of mirrors which is used to separate the living room area from the dinning room area. In the middle of this portal there is a painted green column; visually, this gives the impression that it levitates above the table! Additionally, this portal offers the opportunity to create geometrical proportions of the space in which is very pleasant and comfortable to spend time in.
It was an honour for us to take the chance and participate in the SBID Awards 2018. We are very happy to have been listed as a Finalist in these Awards!
Questions answered by Nadya Chak, the Founder and designer of the design studio, INTRO by Chak
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a fabulous family apartment merging luxury design with elegant simplicity by the River Nile, click here to see more.
INTRO by Chak | SBID International Design Awards 2018
On Thursday 29 November, The Society of British & International Design (SBID) and partner, BE OPEN Think Tank announced the winners of Designed for Business 2018. The new national competition designed to showcase emerging talent promotes equal opportunities and nurtures the relationship between students and the working world. Finalists, along with key names from the design business community and academia, gathered at the House of Commons for the prize-giving ceremony in a culmination of the six-month-long judging process.
The entries were judged by an esteemed panel from across the creative industries including key representatives from companies including Sebastian Conran Associates, Amazon UK, Christie’s Education, John Lewis, Amara, HG DesignWorks, Hill House Interiors and VitrA, as well as creative educators from a number of leading universities across the UK.
OVERALL WINNER – Katarina Spenerova, University of Dundee
Katarina Spenerova was announced as the Overall Winner of the Designed for Business Student Awards competition, claiming the life-changing cash prize of £30,000. Among the interior design finalists, Katarina’s winning project, PETAL – a modular building system that allows communities to grow in an organic way – was chosen due to its originality in providing an inventive solution to the housing crisis in today’s society. The project looks at ‘future proofing’ and how to combat the rising cost of living in response to rocketing house prices, the expense and relative insecurity of the rental market, as well as the provision of poor quality new-build homes that are built from materials that pollute the air. Katarina’s project is built around quality, adaptability and ‘shareability’, effectively facilitating the opportunity to modify the size of buildings organically depending on the needs of the inhabitants and the local community.
We interviewed Katarina to find out what being named the Overall Winner means to her, and what she plans to do with the prize money!
How do you feel about winning your category?
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to enter such a competition and incredibly delighted to receive recognition for what I created. The money is amazing, however it is not the only thing I take from this experience. Learning that skilful industry professionals can see a potential in me is what will drive me to push the boundaries to succeed. Becoming an overall winner is a massive achievement and I cannot thank those who helped me to get there enough for their support. The win has made me believe in the weight of my ideas and also even more determined to achieve my goals to make a positive difference in the world.
What do you intend to spend the prize money on?
I find collaborative design process very exciting and invaluable in order to produce quality and aesthetically pleasing outcomes with a positive impact on physical and psychological wellbeing. I always knew I wanted to have my own studio and a workshop where I could collaborate with other designers and makers to create practical, yet original and bespoke human-centred commercial and residential spaces.
The prize money will serve me on that journey to reach this goal. I will invest further in developing my professional skills, and after some years of having experience working in the design industry, I will equip myself with a design studio where I will initiate experimental and collaborative projects focusing on designing for a purpose and the community.
How has this achievement made a difference to your career prospects?
Further developing my skill set in a practice I share values with is very important to me. I believe this achievement will play a significant role right from the start of my professional career as it clearly projects my interests in inclusive design, accessibility and sustainability. My future employer will identify with that, enabling me to grow while translating my values into a functional use.
We look forward to catching up with Katarina later in the year to find out how 2019 is panning out for her and what remains of the £30,000 prize fund! One thing is for sure; she’ll be bringing in the impending New Year with a smile on her face!
Click to see Katarina’s project
The Designed for Business Student Awards 2019 for third years and recent graduates will be launching in Spring with another life-changing cash prize.
The SBID Get Me 2 The Top 2019 competition for first and second year students will also be opening this January.
To find out more about SBID student competitions, click here.
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