This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and minimalistic family house design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ND Studios.
Natascha Dartnall, Founder & Director of ND Studios: We completely reconfigured an existing property, retaining only the listed front façade while building a modern house behind. It was important that we had lots of options when it came to marbles, stones and woods. For our client, the materials were just as important as the furniture, fixtures and fittings themselves.
Our clients shared our own commitment to sustainability and wanted to, where possible, make environmentally conscious decisions during the design, build and install. ND Studios will always seek to employ sustainable practises where possible. One of the main ways we achieved this on this project was to install a ground-source heat pump which is more environmentally friendly than alternative options because it recycles heat between seasons and it releases fewer carbon emissions.
SBID Awards Category: Residential House Over £1M
Practice: ND Studios
Project: Family Home in North London
Location: London, United Kingdom
Our client wanted their new house to be a family home suitable for both relaxation and entertaining – with a spa, cinema room and home café all on the client’s shopping list. We were asked to create fresh and contemporary interiors with a nod to minimalism. Our clients were keen that we embraced an aesthetic that had longevity and that would age well while also ensuring that it was as sustainable as possible.
Given that this was to be family home but with a modern, minimalist aesthetic a main priority was to ensure the house would work, practically speaking. How could we ensure there was a sense of home while staying true to the very pared back concept?
The bedrooms are an ode to modern comfort: clean lines, muted shades and plenty of light thanks to floor to ceiling windows. The guest bedroom includes a plump, fabric headboard which extends all the way across one of the walls, serving as a backdrop to the nightstands as well as the bed itself. This adds some softness to the room. The abstract paintings above the bed with vivid cerulean blue and scarlet red markings also adds vibrancy – just another example of how we made this modern house a family home.
The first hurdle for us was ensuring we had planning in place to knock down much of the existing property and build its modern replacement. The façade of the original property was listed and as a result it had to remain intact. This didn’t jeopardise our client’s vision or our execution of the project: we all felt it added character and a sense of history to the new home. While this held us back, it was only a matter of time before we got the go-ahead. It was a chasing and waiting game.
One of the most exciting spaces to work on was the home café which has an industrial vibe with a sculpted slab of White Fantasy marble serving as the bar area. We kept it neutral but monochrome with lots of angles and lines which made for a contemporary socialising space you’d expect to see in a busy metropolis but is a brilliant surprise to find within a leafy suburban home.
The cinema room was another exercise in making a space both relaxing, physically comfortable but also chic. There is plenty of softness thanks to the silk carpet by Loomah and the abundance of cushions, but we ensured the space has plenty of hard lines and angles too, so that the room has a sense of structure.
To have recognition for our work from an established industry body is an honour, and one which we hold in high regard.
Questions answered by Natascha Dartnall, Founder & Director, ND Studios.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Rome inspired hotel design by THDP, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the ultimate luxury man cave! The dark, sultry and masculine design of this glorified garage was built to house the client’s invaluable collection of sports cars. The space now embodies the essence of a moody underground club, doubling up as a sanctum of entertainment where the client can play pool in the glamour of a subterranean bar. The project evolved to include a plethora of cutting-edge technology. Every carefully considered curve and specially selected surface, combined with the un-apologetically flashy and unmistakably contemporary design, has managed to transform what used to be an uninspiring driveway into a gallant showcase of masculinity, impressive enough to rival any Hollywood-style superhero garage. We think this project would give the likes of Tony Stark a run for his money!
Company: The Design Practice by UBER
Project: Man Cave
Project Location: Manchester, UK
What was the clients brief?
Following the completion of the main house and its enjoyment for a year or two the client realised that there was a fundamental piece of the jigsaw missing from the lifestyle he had created. Looking out onto the driveway hinted at the missing component. The client’s collection of sports cars sat on a driveway in the affluent south Manchester suburb where the weather was not always as pretty as the cars themselves.
The cars were isolated, hardly ever garaged as a result of an awkward entry point to the garage itself which involved reversing back up a steep driveway to get the cars out. From within the blank canvas space there was the usual hoarding of garage paraphernalia and wheelie bins to negotiate and for remodelling consideration there were some fundamental construction obstacles to overcome. Not least there were two huge structural columns which were positioned awkwardly in the space. The floor to ceiling heights were already on the low side and yet we needed to get air conditioning and fresh air into the space. We then had the challenge of allowing for the cars to turn and enter and exit the space comfortably (rather than reversing up the drive) as well as providing a break between the garage space and living space that met with building regulations.
The wish list then evolved to include a moody underground club feel entertaining space where the client could play pool in the glamour of a subterranean bar and watch the football with his mates. He wanted the space to feel like an exciting break from the every day and quickly caught the technology bug desiring to push the boundaries within a tight pre-built space wanting luxury, intrigue and showmanship.
What inspired the design of the Project?
The Design Practice by UBER set about creating a car ‘trophy cabinet’, to take the very finishes from inside these stunning vehicles and translate them onto the walls of the garage together with some bespoke hotel inspired materials. The client loved our initial concept including a turntable to showcase his showcase sports cars and allow them to be rotated in a small space, making it also extremely practical. The brief quickly evolved to include a plethora of cutting-edge technology to rival superhero garages from a Hollywood blockbuster.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The circular ceiling feature that sits above the turntable was a masterpiece in design and engineering in itself. Weighing over a ton and being suspended from a heavily clustered ceiling full of pipe work and cabling, it needed a great deal of thought. In the design intent it was critical that we achieved a glow from the amber back-lit precious quartz that we had set our hearts on using together with a smoked mirrored central section to show the car off and reflect across the roofline.
However, the weight of the stone was substantial and proved a problem for use in the ceiling detail as well as the fact that the waste material would have been enormous. We managed to get the slabs of the precious stone to site and once correctly illuminated we photographed the pieces and then printed the high resolution image onto lightweight acrylic to use on the ceiling section. This was highly successful and the faux material works harmoniously with the real precious stone in the bar and wine cabinet areas, something that would have been almost impossible to achieve had we not photographed and used the same pieces.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
The enthusiasm of the client was evident throughout pushing us to bring together services at the very cutting edge of technology. The car turntable was designed to be controlled by custom designed Crestron wall panels to create a bespoke “man-cave” feel. The system shows the exact rotational position of the car on the turntable. With a simple swipe, the car can be rotated to specific angles to show off its best side in a pre-set positions or simply spin 360° for “look at me” appeal. And when the system is not in use the vehicle will always come to rest pointing outwards, towards the garage entrance for fast drive away convenience.
Due to sensors in the car and driveway, as the homeowner simply approaches the home’s lighting, heating and music systems fires into life matching the predetermined preferences of the particular car that has arrived.
There are sensors on every door within the man-cave, which not only enhance safety (the turntable won’t operate if the door is open), but also notifies the owner if the wine cellar door is left open.
The lighting scheme has been carefully considered to work with all the contrasting surfaces to give the most dramatic impact possible to this moody space. From the shiny and reflective surfaces of floors and polished plaster ceilings, to the soft leather paneling and backlit quartz pops of colour. Along with the industrial decorative drop lights, each aspect of the lighting was crucial in bringing this theatre spectacularly to life for the most incredible impact possible.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
As an esteemed society within the industry, the SBID awards are hugely influential for awareness and recognition to a global audience. As a long-standing member we look forward to submitting our projects which allows us to realise, each year, how our esteem peers push us forward to achieve greater things.
Questions answered by Jim Evans, Director at The Design Practice by UBER
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If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with a lavish and tranquil family home based in Kuwait City, inspired by a vast collection of Middle Eastern treasures, click here to see more.
Entries were received, finalists deliberated and the winners of the SBID International Design Awards 2017 were announced! Click here to see the full list.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
The Design Practice by UBER | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a stunning property based in Kuwait City, perched on the cusp of the Arabian Gulf, in Kuwait. Amidst this beautiful little nation, Katharine Pooley helped to forge a lavish but tranquil family home where the family can entertain and showcase their extensive collection of artefacts and antiques, amounted over the years from all across the Far East. Katharine’s extensive travels inspired many of the spaces in this villa, along with the client’s own authentic Middle Eastern treasures.
Company: Katharine Pooley Ltd
Project: Kuwait Villa
Project Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Katharine Pooley Ltd was appointed in 2010 to design all elements of a new build 40,000 square feet project for a Kuwaiti family wishing to create a bespoke 4 story home with internal courtyard and beautifully landscaped, oriental-inspired gardens. Along with the interior design of the house, the team were heavily involved in the design of the architectural detailing which included the design and coordination of the external architectural elements, bespoke cornices concealing AC units, intricate external and internal doors, glass cladded curved central staircase, balustrades, bathrooms designs and all marble selection throughout.
The client’s incredible collection of antiques and artefacts were a great source of inspiration for the furnishings and joinery of the property. These really helped to deliver the overall unique feel for the project and always gave the team an element of surprise and discovery to incorporate into the final build and design of this stunning family home.
With over 5m high ceilings on the ground floor and extra-large proportions to a number of the rooms, most of the spaces needed to deliver both comfortable and impressive accommodation for all the family and friends to use. Great care was spent on the furniture layout and design which helped us to achieve both an elegant and impressive ambiance.
For decorative inspiration, the team looked to the places and materials I’d enjoyed while living in Asia. The resulting scheme is layered, fresh, and studded with remarkable bespoke pieces. These include the central staircase column, which has a specialist finish inspired by the turquoise cladding of the Kam Tin cabinets in the entrance hall, and a copper and hold-leaf wall divider in the family entrance that echoes the movement of the rice fields in Vietnam.
The International Design Awards are well-respected within the industry and Katharine Pooley Ltd has had a long association with the SBID, previously supporting the Student Awards and even receiving the Joint Overall Winner Award in the International Design Awards 2012.
Questions answered by Katharine Pooley, Director at Katharine Pooley Ltd
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the boutique style retail design of luxury accessory and lifestyle brand, kate spade new york, in Paris, click here to see more.
Katherine Pooley | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the modern luxury accessory and lifestyle brand, kate spade new york, in Paris. The market leading specialists, Portview Fit-Out, were called upon to complete the interior design work on the brand’s new flagship store to mark kate spade’s celebrated arrival into France, following the successful launch of their Regent Street store in London last year. Located at 418 Rue Saint-Honoré and measuring 185 square metres over two floors, the design scheme created by kate spade new york and Hyphen radiates opulence, with contrasting white and grey terrazzo tiles, polished brass inlays and railings, and high gloss counter tops. The sophisticated white colour palette cleverly draws the eye towards the colourful assortment of product categories including handbags, ready-to-wear and fashion accessories whilst boasting an air of Parisian finesse.
Company: Portview Fit-Out
Project: Kate Spade, Paris
Project Location: Paris, France
The design of the flagship sought to embrace mid-century modern influences while maintaining the authentic aesthetic of the neighborhood. The store’s two-level façade was inspired by a traditional Parisian storefront, incorporating painted wood and dark stone accents. Furniture from the kate spade new york home collection is blended into the overall store design, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the world of kate spade new york.
Our goal was to make the clients’ creative vision a reality and that’s exactly what we’ve done here. The integrity of the kate spade new york brand is present throughout, with subtle splashes of colour and signature Sputnik lighting, and is integrated with Parisian elements to give the store individuality and cultural context.
Undoubtedly it was the surrounding Parisian architecture that played a huge part in the design of the store. The design of the two-storey boutique is distinctive and individual, with features ranging from neon signage and iconic patterned wallpapers, through to crown mouldings and crafted pilasters. The overall look combines kate spade new york’s trademark playful aesthetic with classic Haussmann-esque mouldings and detailing that are typical of Parisian architecture.
The joinery and cabinet work were designed in the U.S. and fitted by ourselves. The unique lighting scheme sourced “Sputnik” fittings from the U.S. which were rewired for local currents, giving the store a distinctive American ambience.
This store was a unique site in a landmark location, and the team overcame a number of challenges to ensure a successful delivery. Working on one of the most exclusive streets in Paris, came with complex local regulations that contrast vastly with those in the UK. For example, when it came to navigating the Parisian planning processes we needed to work closely with the local authority to adapt the shopfront design to meet their requirements. This involved a lengthy 16-week consultation process, which resulted in the commission of a black, high-gloss painted lacquer finish with gilded detailing, which gives the shopfront a signature look that is both classic and chic.
To work our way around the language barrier, we have a number of multilingual employees who are fluent in French and were able to communicate effectively with the local representatives.
Working in partnership with kate spade new york and Hyphen was a delight, largely thanks to our shared passion for creating exceptional spaces, experiences and solutions for people to enjoy.
This is the second retail project we’ve fitted for kate spade new york, with the completion of the Regent Street store in London in 2016 and the Paris flagship location last summer. It was a real team effort from our outstanding employees and we take great pride in having completed another standout project in one of the world’s fashion capitals.
The SBID Awards sets the precedent for design excellence and are hugely influential in curating new trends and industry standards, which we should all aspire to.
At Portview we pride ourselves in delivering exceptional interiors that are world-class. To be recognised on such a global scale by the industry’s most respected organisation, would be a huge achievement for us and one which we would cherish. Last year we were shortlisted for our fit-out of Harvey Nichols’ Menswear and Beauty Lounge departments in Knightsbridge, which was a brilliant experience and one which we hope to emulate again this year.
Questions answered by Simon Campbell, Managing Director at Portview Fit-Out
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the charmingly opulent, French-inspired eatery by DesignLSM, click here to see more.
Entries were received, finalists deliberated and the winners of the SBID International Design Awards 2017 have been announced! Click here to see the full list.
Portview Fit-Out | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an illustrious Mayfair apartment, seamlessly integrated with premium quality textures and materials, then finished with high-end furnishings to create the ultimate luxury aesthetic. Akin to the exceptional gentry and opulent nature of its neighbouring properties in the exclusive and sought-after territory of Mayfair’s Park Lane, this ultra lush pad is definitely on par with the beau monde of London’s residential elite and has encapsulated the essence of luxury with distinction; boasting the latest in interior technology.
Company: 1.61 London
Project: Park Street, Mayfair
Project Location: Greater London, United Kingdom
The brief was to create a fluid interior design scheme with effortless transition, whilst adhering to symmetrical elevation structures. Luxurious finishes were also a necessity given the apartment was next to Park Lane with the best technology integration that was on the market. Structurally we were required to open up the floorplate and increase the ceiling heights throughout to achieve the best possible design result.
The interior design of the property was inspired by a few key principles. The location was a key driver in the aesthetic. We needed to create an opulent and luxurious look in a modern way. We also wanted to set a benchmark on the design principles of 1.61 London with all of our years of experience in the industry. We wanted to combine and tie together the very best elements we had seen in the interior design industry and create a breathtaking apartment.
In any Central London building, working in tandem with buildings surveyors is always tough. You are always having to push the marker to get them on board with a unique design request. There were so many tough hurdles we overcame to deliver the end scheme from rebuilding the floors structure to achieve a 3.1m ceiling height, adding intricate ceiling details, including the master bathroom polished plastered arch. The duo sync FR glass sliding doors hidden in front of back lit onyx end panels were a particularly unique and difficult design creation because we had such limited depth to achieve everything we wanted in a fire rated manner.
I think it was all the amazing textures and materials we managed to incorporate into the project. In the kitchen, back lit onyx panels stand opposite to elevationally identical doors, finished in mirror, polished plaster and metal. The reception room main elevation of rebated metal bead lines the polished plastered TV wall and sits centred above a remote controlled marble clad ethanol burner. Either side are book cases with 50mm thick walnut open shelving and triangular chain mail upholstered doors. We mix natural stone with polished plaster, paint against wallpaper, engineered wood flooring against metal profiles and carpet inserts. In the kitchen a mixture of liquid metal doors, ostrich feather lacquered bass units and black glass wall units were chosen. These materials are interchanged and re-implemented throughout to keep continuation but to make each space distinct and interesting.
Also worth mentioning that Alexa controls the entire house!
They are a very important institute which pushes the very boundaries of innovative and new design. They give designers a platform to showcase their achievements and show you what you are competing against. Each year the standards increase and each year you have to up your game. They also showcase design to a wider audience which gives your work the necessary critical platform for all to see and discuss.
To see more inside this lavish Mayfair apartment watch the video tour, here.
Questions answered by Michael Christou and Alexander Christou, Directors of 1.61 London
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the fiery and exotically-inspired Bankside abode by Hill House Interiors, click here to see more.
1.61 London | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the retro flamboyance of the Surrey Fun House. With a minimal brief which requested the inclusion of a video game/chill out room, a gym, sauna and outdoor basketball court, Clare Gaskin Interiors transformed a Georgian lodge into a truly unique and mind boggling fun house, designed to entertain the client’s children and teenage friends whilst retaining a charmingly quaint exterior facade. The client stated ‘surprise me’ and that’s exactly what Clare Gaskin did! Like a mysterious secret wonderland, no-one would suspect the kaleidoscope of colour hiding behind the doors of this quaint Surrey residence.
All bedrooms were removed, the kitchen minimised to essentials. Clare Gaskin commissioned graffiti artists to create a space invader themed den, a wet room with mosaic tiles in homage to pac-man, and a neon artist to create a multicoloured neon gaming room. A full-spec gym and sauna were installed, and in place of the basketball hoop, a multipurpose court was created – with lines that change colour to allow different ballgames to be played. The finished project was a realisation of every teenager’s fantasy ‘play’ house – a myriad of colour, neon lights, games and cultural references.
Company: Clare Gaskin Interiors
Project: Surrey Fun House
The client’s son had asked for a basketball hoop in the back garden. Instead, as a surprise, the client bought a Georgian Lodge adjacent to the main house with the idea to install a full basketball court in place of a hoop.
Perhaps leaving behind our heritage designing family homes with their characteristic requests for clever storage and instead, to create a unique, fun and surprising space tempering the traditional with the crazy. It was challenging to start with a blank canvas and re-imagine a perfect entertaining space for teenagers with a hint of Dad thrown in. With regards to the lodge, it had been subjected to some ugly rear extensions – including unattractive uPVC windows – we decided to use Crittel style doors and windows to improve the rear façade – they work perfectly unifying the traditional elements of the property whilst blending with the contemporary style of much of the interior (and exterior) design.
The Graffiti room – watching CEPT, the graffiti artist at work, the tiling of the PacMan bathroom and ultimately the final handover to the client – At his very trusting insistence, he wanted to be as surprised as his children and was kept in the dark as to the final designs. This led to a very nervous grand reveal…
The SBID International Design Awards give designers, like ourselves, an opportunity to celebrate our industry whilst acknowledging a large range of projects, budgets and styles. Our hope was to submit a different type of project from our usual work that could be showcased to our peers.
Questions answered by Clare Gaskin of Clare Gaskin Interiors
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If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the striking interiors of the Berkshire Show Home created by Barclay Interiors. click here to see more
Clare Gaskin Interiors| SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the striking interiors of the Berkshire Show Home created by Barclay Interiors. From concept to completion, the main objective for this space was to deliver a glamorous, unique and energised scheme whilst also achieving a fully functional environment within a fixed budget. Barclay Interiors layered colour, texture and interesting forms to create a smart yet unique interior. From pops of zesty orange to bespoke Eglomise wall art designed by Barclay Interiors themselves, it was their prerogative to deliver a smart yet interesting scheme that would make their development stand out from the many show homes in Berkshire. The intricacies such as upholstery studding and header selections for window treatments were just as vital as the overall continuity. In addition to achieving a refined aesthetic, it was imperative that the design was fully functional and not simply pleasant to observe. In line with this, all space planning ensured a comfortable traffic flow and all regulations were met.
Company: Barclay Interiors
Project: Berkshire Show Home
Project Location: Ascot, United Kingdom
As our client wanted a unique look, bespoke design and individuality within budget was both a huge inspiration and a great challenge. In the entrance hall, rather than specifying a print or an over-scaled mirror, we decided to design our own wall art. Through layering a selection of eglomisé mirrored trays, we created their own installation and therefore a unique stamp for first impressions. We also used some unique photography from the National Portrait gallery.
Typically, Barclay Interiors manage their projects from concept to completion. This of course includes managing all trades and contractors. For this project though, we worked alongside our client’s team so this dictated the time frame, which did slip slightly, which meant some juggling for us. However, it worked well.
It made us very happy to create an edgier show house with some 70s glamour. This was the first time we had worked with this client and, seeing how pleased they were with the end result, was fabulous. We are currently working with them on three further properties so it is definitely a huge sense of achievement completing a project that is slightly more challenging (in both style and budget) but where we are still able to bring a huge smile to our client’s face whilst establishing a lasting working relationship.
Actually, as this was the first time we had entered a competition, we decided to go big or go home, and chose the renowned SBID awards! We were so incredibly proud to be finalists – our budget must have been the smallest in our category so it goes to show what can be achieved! In reality, we felt it would be a great way to have our work recognised and to allow others to see what we offer as a practice. It has been a wonderful experience and we look forward to entering more in the future.
Questions answered by Sarah Barclay & Megan Loughborough of Barclay Interiors
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with click here to see more
Barclay Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features Orbi, Dubai an interactive visitor centre. Orbi was conceptualised to offer an amazing digital experience to its visitors and the entire space revolves around interactive technology. The space is designed for people of all generations and different walks of life to share the fascination with nature. Orbi Dubai fuses BBC Earth’s world-renowned Natural History content with SEGA’s innovation and plunges visitors into the heart of the natural world! From the heat of the Dubai desert, visitors can experience the chilling temperatures of Mount Kenya at -25°C. This multi-part experience takes the guest who dares, into freezing Polar environments where they experience the sensation of Antarctic cold and blizzard conditions. The space is equipped with real time thermal image of guests as they react to the freezing Polar conditions, all displayed on a monitor.
Company: Bluehaus Group
Project: Orbi
Project Location: Dubai, UAE
To create an interactive, multi-sensory and educational virtual wildlife park for people of all generations. BBC Earth’s world-leading nature content was teamed with SEGA’s cutting edge technology to plunge visitors into the heart of the natural world and Bluehaus Group were briefed to develop the interior design and MEP engineering design to suit and integrate all technology to create an experience that replicates the reality of being among nature. This technology includes laser projected images and videos, a sophisticated 22 point sound system with 3D soundscapes, scent technology, wind, fog, strobe lighting and vibrations.
Nature! All elements within the design were developed to emulate the natural environment as closely as possible. Furniture pieces, such as organic-shaped benches, and carpet designs were bespoke.
One of the toughest hurdles to solve was the air distribution such that it does not interfere with the effects (fog) and fire alarm such that neither life safety nor the audience experience is sacrificed. In the two main theatre (‘Meet the Komodo’ and ‘Earth Theatre’) we designed displacement ventilation to minimise air-movement from interfering with the fog effects.
Knowing that our work is helping to educate about the natural world and encouraging people to take ownership of it for future generations.
The end-result has far exceeded our own expectations and this is testament to the collaborative approach by all involved to deliver what is a highly complex and technical project. Therefore, we wanted to enter to reiterate how proud we are of our team who continue to commit to Bluehaus Group and to build awareness of this success on an international scale.
Questions answered by Emily Wong, Technical Design Manager at Bluehaus Group.
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with DAR Design’s bold, equine themed luxury residential project in Egypt. click here to see more
Bluehaus Group| SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the vibrant and enlivening luxury apartment in New Cairo which successfully integrates home automation technology with a sophisticated, contemporary design. We spoke to Eng. Mohamed El Abagy, The CEO & Co-founder of DAR Designs about this truly refreshing residential apartment design.
This luxury apartment in Egypt successfully integrates home automation technology with a sophisticated, modern design. Seeking to create harmony between the traditional and contemporary, the designer has given the apartment a high-end, luxury look while maintaining a connection with Arab culture through the display of local crafts throughout the interior. This residence also caters to the client’s active social lifestyle through an open plan space which includes the kitchen, guest living room, and dining room, all designed as one zone. To give the client privacy, the private area was also designed with its own exclusive family living room located between two bedrooms. The apartment also takes a huge step forward in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency, with its advanced home automation system designed to automatically shut off lighting and air conditioning when the occupants leave the room.
Company: DAR Designs
Project: Parkview Residence
Project Location: Cairo, Egypt
The client for this particular project is a young, open minded businessman who was obsessed with Arabian horses and enamoured with the yellow colour.
The clients passion for horses inspired us to play on this particular theme throughout our design process. The main design concept was to create a modern design with an Arabian touch to reflect his interests and personality beautifully.
The main challenge during this project was achieving optimum space management for all required spaces in this small area whilst preserving the need for privacy for residents during the design process. Creating the perfect mix of contemporary style blended with Arabian culture was also challenge as it was somewhat difficult to create without distortion.
The team’s goal was to integrate home automation technology with a sophisticated, modern design. Seeking to create harmony between the traditional and contemporary, with a high-end, luxury look while maintaining a connection with Arab culture through the accessories whilst promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
The SBID International Design Awards is a very reputable & honourable organisation and being celebrated as winners in our category is very beneficial and adding credibility and value to our leading Middle Eastern firm.
Questions answered by Eng. Mohamed El Abagy, CEO & Co-founder of DAR Designs
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the truly incredible renovations of a Category A Listed building in the heart of Glasgow’s Park District by Bernard Interiors. click here to see more
DAR Designs | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the incredible renovations of a Category A Listed building in the heart of Glasgow’s Park District by Bernard Interiors.
This imposing five-storey sandstone townhouse, situated in one of Glasgow’s most sought after areas, majestically overlooks Kelvingrove Park with fantastic views across the city. The townhouse had lain derelict for over 5 years, once used as office space throughout the 90’s, and had fallen into disrepair. Bernard Interiors were challenged to create a contemporary design whilst also utilising the historic and period features which run throughout the building. Bernard Interiors worked alongside the developer for three years to win planning permission to convert the building back to a residential dwelling. The client brief was to create a stylish and inviting family home with a luxurious finish and an abundance of high-end details to ensure ultimate “wow factor.”
Company: Bernard Interiors
Project: Park Terrace
Project Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
What was the client’s brief?
Bernard Interiors were challenged to create a design, which was contemporary yet sympathetic to the historic and period features which run throughout the building. The client brief was to transform a 9700 sq ft Grade A listed, derelict office building into a stylish, chic and inviting family home with a luxurious finish and an abundance of “wow factor” details.
Glamorous 70’s influences were high on the clients as agenda, and can be seen throughout the home with interesting touches such as chaise lounge fringed in silk, large scale lamps and photography by Slim Aarons.
Due to the scale and complexity of the Grade A Listed building, maintaining and restoring period features including oversized bespoke cornicing, ceiling roses and original fireplaces in line with a contemporary edge proved challenging
The team enjoyed working closely with the developer to commission a bespoke chandelier designed by George Singer. The chandelier cascades from the top of the stairwell to the ground floor, and features thousands of smoked glass Swarovski crystals creating maximum impact as soon as you enter the home, greatly enhancing the effect of the imposing staircase.
It is an internationally recognised award and we felt that our challenging project Park Terrace warranted recognition from this prestigious award body.
Questions answered by Jennifer Bernard, Managing Director at Bernard Interiors.
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the truly majestic ‘Whale Bar’ designed by WOW Architects click here to see more
Bernard Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
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