Lude Design: Creating a Relaxing and Oriental Spa

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a relaxing and Oriental spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Lude Design.

As a strategic partner of Renhe Zudao Spa, Lude Design participated in the design of the new project in Hangzhou, China. As a relaxing space, the foot spa must be a livable and tourable place that the body and mind yearn for. With the Chinese culture and aesthetics throughout the project, the design starts from nature and returns to it, arousing a new understanding of elegant oriental living.

What was the client’s brief? 

Established in 2004, Renhe Zudao Spa is an upscale commercial healthcare spa chain brand that features a cinema-style vibe. It is currently credited as a leading registered agency of the Hangzhou Health Care Service Industry Association. Since its establishment, it has opened numerous stores. Renhe Zudao Spa boasts a fashionable and elegant decoration style that creates a comfortable and warm health environment. Their professional and skilled massage manipulation and thoughtful and attentive service have gained a word-of-mouth reputation and over 15,000 members in 18 years of development. Renhe Zudao Spa perfectly integrates a natural healthcare approach with cutting-edge technology, setting a new benchmark for the foot bath and healthcare industry.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for this design is drawn from Jiangnan, which is a blend of natural landscapes and urban features. The city of Hangzhou is known for its strong cultural identity and regional symbols, but it also has a dynamic and constantly evolving nature. We embrace change and innovation and blends modern consciousness with avant-garde concepts. Through active exploration and experimental design practices, we strive to create something truly unique.

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

As the spa was constructed during the peak of the pandemic, workers could not all come on-site, so the construction could not be completed efficiently.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our team specialises in identifying unique brand cultures and crafting effective business models that help our clients thrive even in the midst of an epidemic. We offer both design services and brand consulting to our valued clients.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As a brand consultant for our clients, we also have a professional consulting company that offers us valuable predictions and suggestions. With their guidance, we have participated in numerous international competitions, such as SBID, and have won several awards. We are optimistic about achieving further success in the future.

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

The field we have been specialising in is relatively niche and our design style is quite distinct. Being on this shortlist has given us confidence that we can make a name for ourselves on the global stage. We hope to enter the following year’s SBID award with better projects.

Questions answered by Bin Liu, Design Director of Lude Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and earthy salon design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Layrd Design.

Layrd Design completed this bespoke salon scheme for Douce. Douce is a 5 seat Salon, Cafe and Bar, this is a truly unique offering for Cambridge. The space is very welcoming with warm earthy tones throughout, from the walnut surfaces, concrete floor, dusty pink, deep greens and coffee colours. They designed a curved bar that was compact and functional to allow for both coffee service and alcoholic drinks. The front of this is clad in stainless steel as a nod to the former Air-Stream that was converted as a mobile salon and was located near to the new space.

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief was to take the clients vision for the space and turn this into a feasible and achievable scheme withing their budget. We were tasked with creating a unique salon space that also encompassed a small café/bar space which didn’t overlook or make the salon customers feel uncomfortable. Douce were looking to create a warm and welcoming setting so natural tones and earthy red and green tones were incorporated into the space.

The existing salon space was a mobile airstream located close to the new salon, they wanted the airstream to be included in the design in subtle ways as a hint to the heritage to the company.

What inspired the design of the project?

The existing airstreams and the values of Douce were big inspirations for the design. The need to create a calming, welcoming and timeless interior space.

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

The client had an incredible vision for their concept store. Creating this clear vision into a functioning design that met all of the necessary regulations, within budget, was a hurdle. Also creating a space that worked as a salon and a cafe at the same time and felt cohesive.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the bespoke Joinery elements all come together and work as they had been designed to work. There is a lot of bespoke elements to the space and you only see it all come together when they are installed.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have been finalists on two other occasions and the recognition and awareness from this is really great for our company growth and exposure. Company and team recognition for the completed project, as well as awareness of the concept store itself, Douce.

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

We are immensely proud to be nominated for the third successive year, it has elevated our profile and brand exposure massively and contributed to our growth as a company.

Questions answered by Will Mayes, Director of Layrd Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a charming and historic KBB design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Arsight.

Artem Kropovinsky, of Arsight Studio, masterfully reimagines a 120-year-old Brooklyn brownstone, infusing Scandinavian-inspired design elements. The renovated kitchen and bathroom seamlessly blend historic charm with modern comfort, integrating cutting-edge technology while preserving original details. Custom woodwork, brass hardware, and eclectic wallpaper create a harmonious visual flow. Underlying the design is a strong commitment to sustainability, with restored original features, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient appliances, demonstrating that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client desired a blend of the Brooklyn brownstone’s rich 120-year history with cutting-edge modern technology. Their goal was a harmonious marriage of the two, focusing on the custom kitchen and bathroom. They wanted these spaces to pay homage to the property’s heritage while providing the modern conveniences and features expected in a high-end property today.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration was twofold. First, the inherent charm and architectural beauty of the Brooklyn brownstone acted as our canvas. Second, we were inspired by the potential of cutting-edge technology to enhance daily life. Drawing on minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics, we combined earthy tones and minimalist finishes with state-of-the-art technology, like voice-activated assistants and adaptive lighting, to craft a space that’s as smart as it is stunning.

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

Beyond marrying the old with the new in terms of design, our challenge was seamlessly integrating modern technology without disrupting the brownstone’s historical integrity. Introducing smart appliances, retractable range hood, and sensor-driven lighting into a setting that boasts carefully restored stained glass windows and original woodwork was a delicate task. It required a perfect blend of innovation and respect for history.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The custom wood kitchen was a crowning achievement. It wasn’t only the aesthetic harmony we achieved, but also the integration of modern tech features like smart appliances, voice-activated assistants, and centralised control panels. This kitchen isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s a hub of modern convenience, with every technological addition designed to enhance user experience, from adaptive lighting to an integrated sound system.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards represent the epitome of interior design innovation and excellence. We believed our project, with its unique blend of historical aesthetics and advanced technological features, was emblematic of the pioneering spirit SBID celebrates. Participating in the SBID Awards was a chance to spotlight our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.

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

Achieving Finalist status at the SBID has been both an affirmation of our dedication to design and innovation and a tremendous boon for our brand’s reputation. It’s not only about being recognised but also about showcasing our approach, which deftly balances reverence for history with the exciting possibilities of modern technology. The acknowledgment has reinforced our reputation as innovators in the world of interior design.

Questions answered by Artem Kropovinsky, Founder & Principal Designer at Arsight.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a peaceful and earthy apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, RS Interiores.

Udo means peace in Hindu, just the name Rosadela Serulle had been searching for this project, since its exactly what is reflected in its ambiance. She describes it as a symbol of amplitude, where the unity of colors come together in perfect harmony. All the spaces in Casa UDO have elements of design that forces its visitors to admire them. The simplicity in the entrance and its complicity with the grand living room. These spaces are in earthy hues to create the sensation of lightness and tranquility it offers.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief was simple, they wanted a residence that transmitted peace. After that I was given full freedom of design, which is every designer’s dream.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for this project came from the first conversation with my client, where we sat down and just spoke about life, their expectations and desires for their home. This is where UDO was born. Udo, means peace in Hindu, just the name I had been searching for this project, since its exactly what is reflects in its ambiance.

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

The toughest hurdle we overcame was definitely time, we had a specific goal to completed this project within a few months, from a blank canvas to what we accomplished, and our team delivered, we completed UDO within 6 months. This includes all of the wood works, tapestry, wall finishing, curtains and all furnishings.

We aim to please our clients and this project met all the expectations.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our highlight of Casa UDO, was definitely composing a home worth of this family, we met all of our clients expectations. Our designs, color, lighting and furnishing came together in a wonderful way.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I entered SBID awards as we have done for the past years, I believe in excellence and recognition, and you can always find this in SBID.

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

It truly meaningful to be recognised at this stage as a finalist to this prestigious award. We strive to produce designs that create a unique identity, that truly represents our clients way of life.

Questions answered by Rosadela Serulle, Founder of RS Interiores.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and urban residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Arsight.

Designed by Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight, this interior project in Tribeca curates an intuitive and personalized living space that beautifully interweaves the rough charm of natural materials with high-end features. A testament to creative craftsmanship, the apartment is imbued with unique elements such as hand-troweled fluted plaster walls, a hand-carved kitchen island, and heavyweight linen curtains. The design, valuing authenticity and embracing imperfections, tells a compelling story of human touch and history. This innovative fusion of refined elegance and rustic appeal, underscored by a commitment to sustainability, offers a refreshing divergence from prevailing trends.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief was wonderfully open-ended and truly allowed us to connect with our deepest design inclinations. They sought an interior space that drew inspiration from the heart of nature, a setting that would be not just a living space, but a narrative – a reflection of nature’s unparalleled beauty. They envisioned a space that would harmoniously blend the raw beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of an urban dwelling.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our primary inspiration for this design was the enchanting allure of nature itself. This wasn’t just confined to theoretical concepts; we actively ventured into the wilderness landscapes of Connecticut. Here, we were particularly moved by the timeless beauty of driftwood and stones that had been molded by nature over millennia. These elements, in their most authentic form, became vital components in our design, serving as a tangible bridge between the natural world and the constructed urban environment.

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

The most challenging aspect of this project was ensuring that the raw, natural elements we introduced, such as driftwood and stones, seamlessly integrated with the modern features of the apartment. This meant balancing the ruggedness of these elements with the refined aspects of modern design without losing the authenticity of either. It was essential that the space felt both luxurious and raw, opulent yet genuinely connected to the natural world.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the hand-chiselled kitchen island, an epitome of our design philosophy, come to life. Witnessing raw stone transform into an exquisite functional and artistic centrepiece was a validation of our vision. This island epitomized the harmony between rough and refined, and watching it anchor the space was truly a joy.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because we genuinely believe in the integrity and authenticity of our design. The SBID represents the pinnacle of interior design recognition in our industry. It’s not just about accolades; it’s a platform that recognizes dedication, innovation, and true excellence in design. We felt that our project, with its unique blend of nature and luxury, resonated with the values that SBID champions.

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

Becoming an Award Finalist at the SBID has been an immense honour. It is not just a testament to the hard work and dedication our team has poured into the project, but it also offers validation from a community of esteemed peers. For our business, this recognition has bolstered our reputation and credibility in the industry.

Questions answered by Artem Kropovinsky, Founder and Principal Designer at Arsight.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful, Armenian-inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

The name “VAGA” comes from the word “vagabond,” which means “nomad” and serves as the inspiration behind the concept. 4SPACE created a world-fresh time-traveler vibe that takes you on a journey through traditional Arabic cuisine and colorful Armenian culture – a lifestyle destination that embodies the wandering, explorative nature of the vagabond. The restaurant offers exceptional views of Ain Dubai and a contemporary design that takes your dining experience to the next level. Revelers looking for secrecy can enjoy the private room that offers a world of speakeasy fantasy, perfect for those looking for a little adventure to their dining experience.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief for VAGA Restaurant and Bar, designed by 4SPACE, was to create a contemporary dining destination that harmoniously blends Arabic and Armenian cultures. The restaurant was envisioned as a space where diners could embark on a captivating journey, experiencing the fusion of these two vibrant traditions. The goal was to design a restaurant that pays homage to both cultures while providing extraordinary views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest and tallest Ferris wheel, on Bluewaters Island.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of VAGA was inspired by the concept of a magical vagabond, a time traveler who traverses different eras and worlds, experiencing grand adventures along the way. This inspiration led to the creation of a space that beautifully weaves together Arabic and Armenian elements, with a focus on kitchen drama, textures, and reflective surfaces. The design represents the wanderlust and explorative nature of the vagabond, capturing the essence of discovery and wonder.

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

The toughest challenge that 4SPACE overcame during the VAGA project was designing and connecting two distinct spaces that represent Armenian and Arabic cultures, while still maintaining a sense of harmony and unity. Creating a seamless transition between the ground floor, which reflects Armenian influences, and the first floor, which is inspired by Arabic aesthetics, required careful design and meticulous execution.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the VAGA project for the 4SPACE team was the creation of the impressive chandelier on the ground floor. Comprising large metallic rings intricately adorned with the Vannic alphabet, this chandelier is a stunning focal point that captures the essence of the restaurant’s concept. Additionally, the unique DJ booth, which becomes the center of attention for diners and late-night revellers, added a dynamic and interactive element to the space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

4SPACE entered the SBID Awards to showcase the innovative and culturally rich design of VAGA. The project’s successful fusion of Arabic and Armenian influences, along with its captivating design elements and attention to detail, made it a compelling contender for recognition within the design industry.

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

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards held significant meaning for 4SPACE and their design business. It affirmed their ability to merge diverse cultural influences into a harmonious and visually striking space. The recognition from the awards highlighted their expertise in creating immersive and experiential environments, enhancing their reputation in the design community and among potential clients.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a retro styled residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Harmony World Consultant & Design.

Harmony World Consultant & Design was commissioned to design interior space for The Catania Wuhan project.

What was the client’s brief? 

In a globalised city, art and life have never been separated. Under the trend of the overall environment, the design of this project tends to create an artistic living space, which can better experience the architectural form and space volume by emphasising artistic decoration and infiltrating art.

What inspired the design of the project?

We provide each viewer with a certain identity of presence in this immersive space, which means that they have various possibilities to reconstruct their feelings as individuals and continue to write stories. This is the meaning of our design.

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

The integration of various design elements in the space has become our main design consideration. In order to continue the cultural attribute of the integration of multiple cultures, we also focused on the retro style of multi focus, artistic and cultural heritage and French elegance when creating this house style.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The overall beige tone shows its elegance to the audience. At the same time, the entrance is a master sculpture from the Paris. Through the appreciation of artistic sculpture and the continuity of metal chandelier space, the audience is constantly attracted to explore the space, to re-establish their feelings of space in their minds and create the artistic atmosphere of Home Gallery. It shows the collision and integration of modern and classical art in space as a whole, and the experience of “crossing multi-dimensional space” is completed by the design. Innovation and retro, collision and blending, thus reflecting the instantaneous eternity of the concept of art space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As one of the most prestigious awards in the world, SBID has attracted the attention and participation of many internationally renowned designers with its strict selection criteria. From a professional perspective, SBID focuses on exploring, summarising and exploring the latest trends in the field of design. It also has high standards and requirements for the design works participating in the awards. Every year, authoritative experts in the industry assess the technical content and aesthetic creativity of the entries, and is committed to commendation, reward and publicity of various excellent designs.

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

The SBID Design Award has a very high competitiveness and influence in the international design industry. Being shortlisted for the SBID Design Award is not only a recognition of designers’ professional ability, but also a recognition of their design achievements in the world.

Questions answered by Hongjun Lin, Managing Director at Harmony World Consultant & Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a nature-inspired, family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Pia Design.

Pia Design was commissioned for the sensitive refresh and redecoration of this dated but loved Georgian country family house. The clients wanted to keep as many of their existing furniture pieces as possible, opting to reupholster much loved heirloom items rather than buying new. Inspired by the stunning hilltop views of the North Downs surrounding the house, the concept was directly inspired by the natural surroundings and referenced the panoramic views of nature and invited the landscape in.

What was the client’s brief? 

This project was an exemplary case study for us in sustainable design. Our client had collected good quality furniture pieces of the years, some of which were handed down throughout the generations and had a lot of personal meaning to the homeowners. They wanted to keep as much of their existing furniture as possible, whilst being conscious that they want to modernise the look of their home. We successfully reused every single item of furniture, only filling in gaps with new pieces where necessary. Their existing furniture was lovingly restored and reupholstered and the new pieces carefully selected or made bespoke to fit in cohesively with the existing.

What inspired the design of the project?

The entire design of the house from concept to design development was inspired by nature. Firstly, we considered the panoramic views of the South Downs visible from this hilltop house and how the colours would change throughout the seasons – this was reflected in the colours schemes, patterns and textures we selected for the house – from nature murals to a soft, seasonal palette of blues and greens, always offset with pops of warming accent colours. Secondly, the materials we chose were primarily natural, sustainable materials, such as Carrara marble, wooden flooring, and fabrics which were at least 75% natural fibres.

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

I would say that working with the client’s existing furniture and focusing so rigorously on not sending anything to landfill unnecessarily did come with its own challenges – we spent a long time playing around with what furniture could be reused in what room and how to refurbish existing pieces – often reupholstering can be more expensive than buying new furniture, so we had to consider carefully how to sensitively and cost effectively breathe new life into existing furniture that didn’t always feel like the best fit for some design schemes. For example, the client’s existing main bedroom bed was a very heavy, ornate wooden sleigh bed which felt overwhelming against the soft blue colour palette we recommended. We overcame this by opting for a custom, handpainted mural by De Gournay behind the bed, as well as large, bright coloured cushions, to draw the eye to these details as opposed to the heavy bed.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was undoubtedly when the client saw her home finished for the first time after the re-upholstered furniture arrived back from the workshop. When she reacted to her grandmother’s chaise longue brought back to life, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. It was very emotional and hugely satisfying to see the hard work we had put into the project be so appreciated and to see just how personal and meaningful everything in their home was to them, and to hear their feedback on how well they felt we had interpreted their brief and understood just how important retaining these heirloom pieces was to them. Of course seeing our project featured in Homes & Gardens was also a moment of great pride!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Sustainability is at the heart and soul of everything Pia Design does, and this project has been such a perfect showcase of our commitment to our ethos and a testament to the fact that it is possible to design around what the client already owns without compromising the design aesthetic significantly. I think it would be a great achievement and even further testament to this if the project was deemed award-worthy.

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

Having been an SBID member for a few years now, to have been selected as a finalist, particularly with our sustainable project, has been a huge honour. We are still a young and growing business as well, so to be a finalist has given our team an enormous boost of confidence. I’m sure our clients will be excited to hear about our nomination as well!

Questions answered by Pia Pelkonen, Creative Director at Pia Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a fun and photogenic restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Quadrant Design.

Quadrant Design was commissioned to design and specify the finishes for EL&N London in Atelier La Vie.

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief focuses on creating a completely unique concept in each EL&N cafe, allowing the customers to experience something different when visiting different branches across the globe. EL&N cafe’s want a fun atmosphere that encourages customers to take photos and share these on social media, which the brand has become recognised globally for. EL&N want to create special ‘instagrammable moments’ in each of their cafes and create an environment where customers feel that every seat is the best in the house.

What inspired the design of the project?

The brief for every EL&N restaurant is that each should be unique in its own way, linking to the location, so we based our inspiration for this site on the French Riviera, with the development in Jeddah being fondly named Atelier La Vie taking inspiration from the French Riviera as it is positioned within a warm, large and captivating development in Jeddah. Inspired by coastal colours, geometric shapes, iconic, bespoke patterning and bold architectural arches, we created a two storey oasis where every seat is the best seat in the house.

We used a mixed palette of materials which were bright and bold in tone and texture, mixing Fabrics, solid surfaces, florals, metal chains and bespoke terrazzo finishes throughout. Many materials used for this location were created as bespoke finishes to create a truly unique space, including bespoke wall coverings, fret cut metal screening with bespoke geometric prints, custom poured terrazzo tiles, printed metallic chains which span 6m in length. We also worked with Panaz fabrics to create bespoke fabrics especially for this project, creating custom patterns and prints which linked to the styling and colour ways of the French Riviera.

The ground floor was designed as an external garden space with custom made concrete blocks to create the striking bar and cake counter, geometric flooring tiles and garden flower wall linking in with the Riviera coast. The 6m tall hanging chains with printed illustrations grabs the attention of visitors and features EL&N founder, Alexander Miller. We wanted to bring the outdoors inside by creating the ground floor terrace space which in turn allowed us to create a unique space on the first floor. We designed the space so that every single seat is the best seat in the house, with every cover having a unique and striking Instagram backdrop.

We wanted the two areas to offer a different experience, with the first floor providing a luxurious dining space with plush seating, opal lighting, custom Instagram garden swing and neon wall paneling all accessed by a floral lined staircase. We created bespoke wall coverings which adorned the staircase wall and first floor, along with a bespoke geometric fret cut brass screen which encased the stairwell.

Being positioned along the boulevard with a strong vista to the facade from the roadside, we accentuated the double story shop front facade by creating vertical illuminated portals to all of the window apertures as well as highlighting the secondary double height arches we installed within the space to really make the building sing at night time. The whole building glows proudly on the boulevard and can be seen from afar both from the road and within the development. The space also boasts of a large external dining terrace which seats 40 covers, encased with floral displays and air conditioning units & parasols to create the perfect al fresco experience.

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

Working between the UK and KSA, we remotely managed the project using video conferencing facilities and keeping great communication throughout the project lifespan. The most challenging element to coordinate was the ceiling custom Kriskadecor chains which needed to be coordinated with existing M&E services and structural fixing details. With the chains also being supplied from Europe, the coordination was tricky but great communication and commitment between us Quadrant Design, Kriskadecor and the local team we were able to deliver and install and beautiful feature ceiling!

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We absolutely love working with EL&N, as each restaurant across the world features completely unique design and finishes. The team loved working on Atelier La Vie, creating the design concept based specifically on its location, taking inspiration from the French Riviera creating a space which feels authentically European.

We got to work with exciting colours, patterns & materials, such as Kriskadecor metal decorative chains in which we printed a bespoke illustration of EL&N’s founder, Alexander Miller and suspended it from the 6m high ceiling void. The chains also sweep across the width of the store, creating a unique waved ceiling feature made from a selection of 4 types of pink metal links.

All of the upholstery materials throughout the space were all created as bespoke graphic patterns which we then had printed to create our very own Riviera fabric collection. We wanted all of the interior elements to be customised to suit the localisation of the site as much as possible, so as well as creating our own patterns and prints for the fabrics, we also created our own wall coverings which feature bespoke illustrations and prints to link in with the EL&N brand.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is a huge celebration of global talent for interior design projects and we knew it would be a privilege to be shortlisted alongside some great designer studios in a number of categories. We worked on some amazing projects last year so we entered in the hope we would get the opportunity to celebrate the teams’ achievements, and reward individuals for their hard work. This was a very large space for EL&N and their first in Jeddah, the finished result is a very striking restaurant that we’re very proud to have been involved with. The restaurant has been a huge success locally and has also gained global attraction from Bloggers and Design enthusiasts who have celebrated the design from afar.

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

It’s been fantastic to be recognised for this project, and two other projects in different categories, at the SBID Awards. We were so proud to have created the concept for this unique project, so being shortlisted for restaurant design at the SBID Awards is the cherry on the cake.

Questions answered by Sonia Brown, Head of Design at Quadrant Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and sleek restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

Jun’s is the brainchild of eminent chef Kelvin Cheung. 4SPACE Design created Jun’s concept to celebrate community. The inspiration is drawn from horse stables, and the vibe reflects the natural materials that are simple, sleek, rustic, and refined. The soothing interiors are of a sand-colored palette with natural materials and various interesting textures, including timber, marble and white bricks.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief for JUN’s, designed by 4SPACE, was to create a bold, modern, and inviting restaurant that harmoniously blends Asian and North American flavors. Chef Kelvin Cheung and Kings Group Ventures sought a contemporary venue that would capture the essence of community and connection over food. The restaurant was envisioned as a warm and welcoming environment, reflecting the culinary expertise of Chef Cheung and inviting guests to gather and celebrate.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of JUN’s was inspired by the concept of community and coming together. 4SPACE created a space that celebrated the importance of life, drawing inspiration from the imagery of horse stables. The design concept embraces natural materials, reflecting simplicity, rustic elegance, and modern refinement. The sand-colored palette, textured surfaces, and use of timber, marble, and white bricks contribute to a soothing and inviting ambiance.

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

The main challenge overcome during the JUN’s project was merging two separate units to create a cohesive space, while respecting the residential condominium above and minimizing disturbances to residents. Additionally, the challenge of seamlessly blending the different design elements, such as the incorporation of the unique I-mesh material and the suspended installations, required careful planning and execution.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the JUN’s project for the 4SPACE team was the successful creation of an environment that celebrates community and culinary excellence. The innovative use of I-mesh installations and the integration of various design accents throughout the interior added vibrancy and dimension to the space. The elevated dining experience at the chef’s table, where special menus are prepared under invitation from Chef Cheung, stood out as a unique and exclusive feature.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The decision to participate in the SBID Awards was driven by the desire to spotlight the innovative and cohesive design of JUN’s. The project’s seamless fusion of both rustic and refined elements, its emphasis on fostering a sense of community, and its capacity to provide an exceptional dining experience positioned it as a candidate for acknowledgement and acclaim within the design realm.

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

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards held special significance for 4SPACE and their business. The recognition affirmed their ability to translate Chef Cheung’s vision into a captivating reality, merging different design influences into a cohesive and inviting dining space. The acknowledgement from the awards highlighted their expertise in creating immersive environments that enhance the dining experience.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE.