This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a neutral and biophilic salon design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Cocoon & Bauer.
Additional Lengths, a leading hair extension and hair care products brand based in Teesside, sought to relocate their salon and store from their original site on the outskirts of Stockton to a more central location in the town centre. They approached Cocoon & Bauer with a straightforward yet powerful brief: to create a unique and awe-inspiring ‘Super Salon’ that had never been seen before in the region. The client wanted their new building in Wellington Square to be stripped back to its bare bones, creating a breath taking and unforgettable environment which would leave customers in awe the moment they walked through the door.
SBID Awards Category: Retail Design
Practice: Cocoon & Bauer
Project: Additional Lengths Super Salon
Location: Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Our client approached us with a brief of bringing their vision to life and designing a space that was functional for Additional Lengths. Previously, Additional Lengths had a retail store and a salon, but these spaces were separated. Our task was to combine the two spaces, allowing them to expand their retail and salon space.
Photo backdrops were an important factor to the space, which will be changed every season and will allow clients to get their photographs taken in front of different backdrops for social media with their new hair. Lighting was an important feature that the client requested, as it was important for the space to be appropriately lit for purpose, but also to allow each bespoke element to become a feature. The overall aesthetics needed to hit the brief of being modern, clean, and neutral but reflect pops of colour from the branding.
The beginning of any project is so exciting – it’s the stage where we can lay all our initial ideas on the table and start sketching on a blank plan. We got the layout to work and then we started to add some meat to the bones. To keep the space neutral, we used a lot of oak in the space, which compliments the neutral tones and allows the pinks and purples throughout the interior to pop. With the space having high ceilings, we knew the display and salon area had to make a real impact. To contrast the neutrals, the design also features greenery and introduces biophilic design. Quirky features such as the ‘Fuel Bar’ and the ‘Additional Lengths’ phone box added a fun element - (unfortunately, if you call AL the phone box doesn’t ring).
Due to the concrete flooring of the space, we couldn’t move the services or amend the fall of the pipe work. We added a step up to the backwash area, so this coincided with the plumbing. The backwash area sits on a step up, which zones off this area and makes it a real feature.
I have a few highlights, there were a lot of bespoke elements (pretty much everything) to this project and seeing this project stage by stage, was so exciting! Our team going in at the end and cleaning, staging, and making final touches just made the whole project complete. Seeing the Additional Lengths team’s reaction was also a highlight, as this had been kept a secret from most! Having happy clients is one of the best feelings.
We wanted to showcase this project and enter the SBID awards to show off our hard work that we are very proud of.
Being a finalist is a huge deal for all of us – we were all so excited when we got the news. We’re very thrilled to attend the awards and be part of this opportunity.
Questions answered by Casey Hall, Interior Designer at Cocoon & Bauer.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a traditional and tranquil retail design by Aurora Design, click here to read it.
Poppy Peace, Founder and Creative Director at House of Red has given her insights into the industry.
My career journey in interior design was shaped by a fortuitous opportunity 16 years ago as a Design Consultant for a bespoke furniture company in Knightsbridge, working in furniture design. I then moved into Interiors, and over the years, through various roles and experiences, I eventually became the Managing Director and Group Creative Director of a well-established interior design studio. I managed the design departments for numerous design services from high end residential, BTR, home staging, Student accommodation/HMO and later living.
Ever since I can remember, I have always been intrigued by textures, colour and form. I loved being creative and had a fascination with interior design where I used to immerse myself with continually redesigning rooms in our family home!
I went on to study furniture and product design before delving deeper into the world of interior design. I found Interiors allowed me to be continuously creative whilst remaining on an ever-evolving journey, combining numerous business elements which gives the profession greater depth in my mind.
The interaction with such a varied range of people. Learning about new and old clients, and liaising with supply chain and contractors who share a wealth of knowledge, experience and who have amazing stories!
Alongside learning about people and their background, imparting my own knowledge on how we can improve their dwellings in a positive way, not only through aesthetics and function, but the improved mental health through designing a supportive environment to the individual, it is very satisfying.
My most memorable career highlight from the past year was launching my own business at the start of this year.
I am grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I had as a director at my previous studio, yet craved the autonomy of my own business. It is the greatest most enjoyable challenge I’ve set myself yet.
At House of Red we cover a wide number of services, so most projects are varied which keeps things interesting. However, it is always great fun when you have a client who is quite adventurous with their style and open to new ideas. This allows you to become really creative within the design process, pushing your innovation which feeds into continuous learning for new techniques and materials.
The best and also the most challenging, can be the clients! Ensuring it does not affect your confidence or dampen your passion. Every path has its puddle, so it is important to learn how to navigate through a project with them in a positive manner using effective communication.
Success is never a straight line! You will find your own stumbling blocks and decide what areas you genuinely enjoy in the industry yourself rather than coming with preconceived ideas.
Say yes to as many opportunities as possible. Be proactive in placing yourself outside your comfort zone on a regular basis to provide continued growth, learning within great new experiences which keep your passion for design and creativity ignited.
Creatives are very entrepreneurial so I believe we will see a couple of areas evolving. Firstly, great collaborations between known designers and supply chain that support a positive impact on sustainable products to influence the design world and clients at greater speed. Helping to bring more design desired pieces to the table whilst ensure aesthetic is not compromised. Hopefully these collaborations will also help to drive price point down if greater demand on volume is seen.
Secondly, an increase in the number of AI tools that we use as designers. We are slowly becoming more open minded and changing our practices by integrating AI tools into our daily tasks to increase work flow, especially when covering mundane tasks. I believe it to be an area we will need to start to embrace more to help support our clients within the design process.
It provides our business with professional recognition which in turn supports the credibility of the company, and helps to cement a feeling of trust for new and existing clients. It is also a great platform which helps to champion continued learning in the industry whilst proving a support network for the industry. We are proud to be SBID accredited.
About House of Red
Welcome to House of Red Interior Design studio. We create unique and original interior design for your property whilst also providing practical design solutions. Our team has built great relationships within the industry from supply chain, contractors and agents. Our valued knowledge and experience mean with approach each job with a unique and personal service to you, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience with us. Specialising in residential design we offer services from design consultancy, FF&E Interior Design, through to Luxury home staging and show homes.
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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a traditional and tranquil retail design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Aurora Design.
By using bamboo as the main theme, Jin Tea creates a modern retail environment for tea. The projection of bamboo leaves sets a serene atmosphere, while varying heights of bamboo leaves and slabs and bamboo shadow glass walls, adding texture and an oriental charm. Transitioning through the bamboo shadow creates a deep landscape, with the design integrating modern and traditional elements, hidden functionalities, and an enhanced sense of dimension. Jin Tea embodies the dynamic vitality and charm of traditional culture.
Practice: Aurora Design
Project: Jin Tea
Location: Kunming, China
The client wants to create a wonderfully blended tea retail space infused with Eastern culture, offering a harmonious integration of tradition and modernity, and providing visitors with a tranquil and emotionally resonant experiential environment.
Eastern Elegance and Balance: We emphasize the infusion of Eastern elegance into the design, utilising elements like bamboo shadows and green lighting to create a sense of beauty rooted in Eastern culture. Simultaneously, the article underscores the significance of balance by integrating ancient civilisations with modern aesthetics, thereby crafting a romantic and joyful space that offers urban dwellers a relaxing environment.
Feminine Perspective and Emotional Expression: We have honed an ethereal beauty from a feminine perspective, projecting emotional perception. The design strives for simplicity and understated elegance, conveying a sense of inner calm and contentment while resonating with the modern urban dweller's yearning for nature and tranquility.
Modern Interpretation of Tea Culture: We endeavor to draw inspiration from Yunnan's rich tea culture, intertwining traditional tea heritage with contemporary space to present fresh design concepts. By eschewing conventional embellishments in the tea space, we create a pleasant and tranquil ambiance, allowing individuals to experience serenity and relaxation amidst the bustling cityscape.
The design challenge lies in seamlessly integrating traditional tea culture with modern aesthetics while catering to diverse market demands. Among these, the material aspect challenge involves identifying materials that can effectively depict bamboo leaf shadows and bamboo silhouettes, as well as combining the bar counter's slate and the green bamboo shadow glass wall, ensuring texture and a natural effect. On the other hand, understanding market demands requires us to fully consider consumers' experiential and emotional triggers in the tea space, while providing personalised shopping experiences. Timing and communication are also challenges, seizing the right timing in design execution and thorough communication with clients to ensure alignment between design direction and expected goals. In facing these challenges, creativity and innovation will be key factors for success.
The innovation of this project lies in its ingenious fusion of traditional tea culture and modern design. Through the projection and interplay of bamboo leaf shadows, an ethereal and tranquil atmosphere is crafted, imparting consumers with the serene and distant tranquility of nature. Moreover, the bar counter combines rock slabs and green bamboo shadow glass walls, infusing an Oriental charm that enriches the space with tactile richness and natural variation. Expansive installations of bamboo-mimicking hard materials envelop the surroundings, creating a deep and immersive scenic arrangement that imparts a sense of dimensionality and dynamic "illusions." Utilising a minimalist approach with concise leaf-like contours and gradient green lighting, an aesthetic of understated simplicity is established between reality and illusion. This distinctive design combines tea culture and modern aesthetics, yielding fresh outcomes in the market and captivating consumers seeking unconventional experiences.
SBID International Design Award is a highly regarded international design awards, participation allows our work to gain broader international recognition and exposure. It enables our design creations to undergo professional evaluation, offering feedback from experts and peers. This helps us understand the strengths of our design and areas for improvement, fostering personal growth and enhancement. SBID International Design Award's ceremony, exhibitions, and events also provide designers with a platform to engage with peers, industry professionals, and potential clients. This can lead to the emergence of new business opportunities and collaborative partnerships.
The shortlisted entries are showcased globally, offering an opportunity to capture the attention of industry professionals, media, and potential clients. Winning this award can serve as a source of pride for the team, boosting confidence and bestowing us with honor. By shortlisted in high-level design competitions like SBID International Design Awards, we can set an example for the entire design industry, propelling its advancement and elevating design standards.
Questions answered by Yang Xuewan, Chief Designer and Founder of Aurora Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a whimsical apartment design by Chains Interior, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a whimsical apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Chains Interior.
The process of building a home is like the story that began with the rabbit leading Alice into Wonderland. It is a journey of self-exploration, to fall into one’s own subconscious in ever-shifting cosmoses, and being there is to realize one’s deepest desires in life.
SBID Awards Category: Residential Apartment Under £1M
Practice: Chains Interior
Project: Macaron Wonderland
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
The client is a family of four, the hostess is elegant and enthusiastic, hoping that the home will be full of beautiful energy.
The concept for this project was inspired by "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Alice's continuous and extraordinary encounters within Wonderland, as well as her observations and experiences, made us feel that it was a perfect fit for this house full of continuous surprises. In this design, we aimed to capture the whimsy and magic of Wonderland by infusing the space with elements of surprise, curiosity, and playfulness. Different atmospheres blend harmoniously, each element emanates a unique radiant energy, it is the home of dreams.
To me, the toughest part would be balancing creativity and practicality well. Interior design requires a balance between creative ideas and practical considerations. Innovative design concepts also need to consider factors such as functionality, safety, building codes, and budget limitations.
The highlight of this project lies in the diverse range of soft furnishings from various brands and the unique way they are combined, bringing a rich and distinctive style to the space. This mix-and-match and diverse design approach not only emphasizes the uniqueness of the living area but also showcases the residents' creativity and individual tastes.
SBID is one of the most representative award in the world. The project is highly acknowledged in Asia competition and we want to know if it is also appreciated by an international audience.
Being listed in a world-renowned award enhances the company's credibility and prestige within the industry. And also, the awards often generate extensive media coverage and attention, leading to increased visibility and exposure for the company. This exposure can attract new clients, partnerships, and projects.
Questions answered by Flora Mao, Lead Designer at Chains Interior.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a playfully futuristic cafe design by KLID, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a playfully futuristic cafe design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, KLID.
Art Toy Cafe is an immersive coffee, art and internet celebrity cafe club designed as a social utopia for Generation Z. Taking the ROBBi art as the subject of the space, customers pretend to be space walkers who are both users and explorers. The designer took the space capsule as the design idea and extracted design elements to create a trendy cafe in terms of texture, lighting and colour. The whole cafe is like a living room in the vast universe and has a concept unlike any other cafe.
SBID Awards Category: Club & Bar Design
Practice: KLID
Project: Art Toy Cafe
Location: Cangzhou, China
This case will be a combination of coffee and art toy Internet celebrity cafe. To create a social utopia for Generation Z. Taking the ROBBi art as the subject of the space, customers pretend to be space walkers, who are both users and explorers. The designer took the space capsule as the design idea and extracted design elements to create a trendy cafe in terms of texture, lighting and colour. The whole cafe is like a living room in the vast universe, here to rest, chat. The new space is different from the same type of commercial space. The designer create an immersive experience.
The designer took the space capsule as the design idea and extracted design elements to create a trendy cafe in terms of texture, lighting and colour. The whole cafe is like a living room in the vast universe, here to rest, empty, daze, chat, and dialogue with the space. The arc design symbolises the beauty of the curve of celestial bodies. The different splicing methods of the built-up sofa create different social atmospheres. Metallic tone not only has a strong science fiction attribute, but also brings infinite extension of mechanical aesthetics.
Our biggest challenge was the integration of contemporary art and space. The art toys are endowed with more artistic attributes. Through the joint name and re-creation of the brand works with artists, the toys become the art toys with multiple attributes, not only the single piece of fun, but also the integration of the trend and art. The art toys are endowed with more artistic attributes. Through the joint name and re-creation of the brand works with artists, the toys become the art toys with multiple attributes, not only the single piece of fun, but also the integration of the trend and art. The new space is different from the same type of commercial space. Art toy to meet the spiritual world of the younger.
The white bar is made of artificial stone, and its smooth lines and gloss reflect the characteristic streamline of space furniture. The polished stainless steel furniture presents a mirror effect, and the coloured transparent gel furniture expresses the space atmosphere of future science and technology.
The reason for our participation in the SBID Awards is because it is a highly recognised international design accolade that focuses on celebrating innovation, excellence, and contributions to the design industry. As a design team, we have always strived to achieve higher levels of accomplishment within the field of design, and the SBID Awards provide a platform to showcase our work and engage with other exceptional designers. Additionally, participating in this award also helps to expand our influence, allowing more individuals to become acquainted with our design philosophy and style.
Being an Award Finalist has significant implications for both me and my business. Firstly, it signifies recognition for the sustained efforts and unwavering dedication we have put into our work, affirming our achievements within the design realm. This honor not only validates my personal endeavors but also acknowledges the collective contributions of our entire team. The finalist status has brought heightened exposure and awareness to our business. This exposure offers more people the opportunity to grasp our design philosophy, creativity, and professional caliber. As finalists, we are poised to establish a stronger reputation within the industry, solidifying our brand identity and attracting potential clients and partners.
Questions answered by Kris Lin, Founder of KLID.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a sustainable desert home design by Daniel Joseph Chenin, click here to read it.
Luxury US interiors brand Arteriors has moved to a larger showroom within the prestigious Design Centre in London’s Chelsea Harbour. A firm favourite amongst interior designers globally for both residential and commercial specifications, clientele will be delighted to find the new space within the same centre, on the 2nd floor of Design Centre East within unit 206.
The new 2,000 sqft showroom, 50% larger than the previous space, opened on September 18th, coinciding with the start of the centre’s Focus/23 design event.
Offering a wide breadth of furniture, lighting, accessories and wall décor, the space has been designed and curated by a highly experienced in-house team to showcase the scope of product available, with items displayed within specific room sets as well as an extensive offering of sconces presented on a dedicated wall display.
With the addition of a kitchenette offering complimentary product, an inviting reception area, and with a dedicated team on hand to assist with product queries and design conundrums, the new space is a must-visit for interiors afficionados.
“We’ve been calling the Design Centre our home away from home for 5 years now and are excited to welcome designers into the new larger showroom. London is one of the world’s premier design destinations so it made absolute sense to invest in this space which works as both our gateway to UK designers, and our European flagship as we continue to expand globally.
Our team have worked hard to fashion a space that showcases the depth in our range, with the upcoming launch featuring more than 200 new products from the Fall collection, including items from the beautiful collaboration with Barry Dixon. Our ‘room set’ designs allow us to present product within living and dining set ups equally – showcasing the brand as the ultimate destination for designers both residential and commercial.” - Terry Clayton, Senior Vice President, sales & marketing at Arteriors.
About Arteriors
Arteriors began 35 years ago as a boutique accessories company and has evolved into a global force in the design industry. With premier lighting, furniture and accessories, Arteriors redefines interior spaces through unexpected creativity and meticulous craftsmanship.
Natalie Du Bois, Founder of Du Bois Design, has given her insights into the industry.
From a young age, I had a strong inclination towards pursuing a creative career. After leaving high school, I initially started as a trainee chef but soon realised that interior design was a better fit for me. I studied interior design full-time in Cape Town, South Africa and obtained my diploma. However, I faced difficulties finding an interior design role, so I ended up working in sales, specifically selling furniture, lighting, and soft furnishings. After working and saving for a couple of years, I moved to the United Kingdom to gain more experience in the field I loved. Initially, I continued working in a sales assistant role at Harrods, selling furniture. Eventually, I landed my first interior design job as a kitchen designer also in Knightsbridge. I worked for two different kitchen design companies in London before immigrating to New Zealand in 2000. Since then, I have won over 50 design awards, and gained valuable experience working for various companies and eventually started my own business in 2007.
I realised early on that our interior environments have a significant impact on us, shaping our moods and influencing our overall well-being. Being part of creating enjoyable environments for people felt like the right path for me. Interior design is a challenging and rewarding profession that allows for endless creativity.
One of the most wonderful aspects of my job is the meaningful relationships I establish with clients, suppliers, and tradespeople. A highlight for me is receiving positive feedback from clients at the end of a project, expressing how much their homes have improved. Knowing that my team and I have made a significant difference to their overall enjoyment of their homes is extremely satisfying.
Last year in New Zealand, I won all three top design awards - Supreme Kitchen Design, Supreme Bathroom Design, and Designer of the Year - at the National Kitchens and Bathrooms Association Design in Excellence Awards. Winning these awards validated the hard work I've put in over the past 23 years and made me feel that it was all worth it. Growing from my very first design award was whilst living in the UK when I received my very first design award for best young kitchen designer in 2000.
I particularly enjoy working on full home renovations as witnessing the transformation of spaces gives me a great sense of accomplishment. It's also incredibly fulfilling when clients are amazed by how much better their homes function after the renovation. Knowing that I've truly benefited them brings me joy.
While challenging, these aspects also provide rewarding experiences. Problem-solving skills are crucial as there are always areas where things don't go as planned. Finding unique solutions can be stressful, but once the problems are resolved, there's a sense of fulfillment. It's especially rewarding when clients recognise the efforts made to make the best out of any given situation.
I wish I had known that being an interior designer isn't always as glamorous or as profitable as it may seem. It's also difficult to switch off from work; design becomes a constant part of your life, with no strict 9-5 schedule. This can sometimes be challenging for loved ones to comprehend but I still wouldn’t change it for anything – I love what I do.
Perseverance is key. Many people aspire to be designers or are attracted to the idea of being one, but not everyone will make it. Success in this field requires immense hard work and perseverance. Don't expect instant success; learn from mistakes and let competition motivate you to work harder. The learning process never ends, with new solutions, products, and materials continuously emerging. As a designer, be prepared to invest time and effort into continued education. Balancing multiple responsibilities is essential, as technical knowledge, creativity, and excellent time-management skills are all necessary for success in this field.
In the coming year, we anticipate that the interior design industry will continue to be shaped by global trends, particularly due to the influence of social media. People now have access to knowledge from all over the world, allowing for remote designers to offer their clients exceptional service.
As designers, we are also increasingly focused on sustainability. We strive to incorporate more sustainable products and materials into our designs, aiming to provide longevity to our homes. This includes using more efficient bathroom fixtures and fittings to conserve water, as well as energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to lower electricity bills. We are also becoming more creative with lighting, offering both mood lighting and task lighting options. Plus, we prioritise non-toxic and renewable materials that can be recycled.
In terms of design concepts, we are seeing a shift towards purposeful spaces with less wastage. This involves creating smaller areas that optimise space usage. Additionally, we are designing calmer spaces to encourage a stress-free environment at home, including the integration of music throughout to appeal to all of ones. Increasing natural light is another focus, with larger windows and skylights being utilised to maximise exposure to natural light.
In terms of material selections, we are incorporating more pops of bold colours into our designs while moving away from solely neutral interiors. There is also a growing interest in sculptural elements and artisan furniture pieces that are handmade, contributing to the creation of real spaces for real people. Additionally, bold graphic patterns and statement prints are being used to add interest and depth to designs.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer holds significant meaning to me. It serves as proof to the public of the high level of design that myself and my business, Du Bois Design, offer. It showcases that I have received education in the field and continue to upskill, positioning me as an expert in my profession. Clients can trust that the designs they receive from me are of the highest calibre. Additionally, being part of SBID provides me with access to global interior influences, innovative ideas, educational events, and a wide network of suppliers and expert designers. This constant learning and growth sets me apart from companies that do not put the same amount of effort into their development.
About Du Bois Design
Original, innovative and award winning kitchen, bathroom & interior design.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sustainable desert home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Daniel Joseph Chenin.
Perched atop a rocky outcropping with views to surrounding canyons, Fort 137 was designed as a sustainable home using passive and active strategies. Large, operable fenestrations on the north and south facades extend the living space beyond the architectural perimeter and provide cross-ventilation and daylighting, along with expansive views. Louvered roof overhangs minimise heat gain during summer months while allowing natural light to permeate in the winter. Thick stone clad walls regulate thermal transmission.
SBID Awards Category: Residential House Over £1M
Practice: Daniel Joseph Chenin
Project: Fort 137
Location: Nevada, United States of America
There wasn’t a brief, so to speak, or a strong directive from our clients, but through our pre-design conversations, we learned our client’s priorities which included sustainability, generous space for family connections, and integration with the surrounding natural environment.
The client’s site sits at the most remote edge of the Las Vegas Valley, with unobstructed views of the surround federally protected desert and canyons. This intentionally remote location, coupled with our client’s desire to be immersed in the landscape with an environmentally conscious home, served as our inspiration. The ‘Old Mormon Fort’, one of the oldest remaining structures from Las Vegas’ early settlement days, immediately came to mind. Dating back to the 1800s, this historic structure serves as a case study on passive design for the desert. With thick walls, comprised of regional stone, deep-set fenestration, trellis shade structures, and a courtyard configuration, Fort 137 reclaims the vernacular architecture of the American frontier. The exterior material palette is compatible with the contextual desert environment and is terraced into the hillside, appearing to emerge from the rock-strewn desert.
At first glance, the undeveloped site presented a challenge. While situated on a hillside, the site itself was in a crest that blocked many of the views of Red Rock Canyon that our clients wanted to capture. Recognising the importance of the views and sightlines, our design elevated portions of the home by 1.5 meters through a subtle grading approach. Ultimately, we were able to deliver the spectacular desert views that originally drew our clients to the site with no steps or level changes inside the residence.
The entry rotunda is one of the stand-out elements of the design. It is the lone round element in an otherwise orthogonal structure, so it an anomaly from a form perspective, but it is even more unique functionally and conceptually. Outwardly unassuming, the cylindrical volume acts as a point of reflection and transition. A bubbling water feature located at the center of the darkened space transports visitors from the fast-paced world outside with the sounds and smells of a desert monsoon rain. The portal serves as palette cleanser of sorts, setting the scene for this modern interpretation of a fort.
The SBID Awards is an opportunity to showcase our designs to an international audience along with a highly respected panel of judges representing a cross section of the industry.
As a designer, it is always extremely gratifying to have your work recognised by peers and industry leaders alike. My team and I invest so much of ourselves in our projects - each of which take years to bring to fruition. We are grateful and honored to be an SBID Award Finalist.
Questions answered by Daniel Chenin, Founder of Daniel Joseph Chenin.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a serene spa design by Rodrigo Vargas Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a serene spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Rodrigo Vargas Design.
This Spa is the first of its kind, complete with personalised treatments, immersive facilities and approachable wellness offerings. The modern, warm space draws upon the principles of the golden ratio with rounded rooms, curvilinear walls and intuitive design to promote a transformative and holistic experience. Rich texture and luxurious materials embrace the client, while unexpected elements create moments of surprise and delight. Lighting sparkles in hushed golden passageways, leading to an immersive oasis, transporting the mind and body through design. Earth- borne finishes of stone, cerused wood, grass cloth and linen bring the soothing serenity of nature to one’s fingertips.
SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design
Practice: Rodrigo Vargas Design
Project: Awana Spa at Resorts World Las Vegas
There was no brief but the following directive: work within existing planning and programming and time sensitive delivery.
We wanted to create a transformative experience that transports you to a different place. A full departure from the wild aesthetic of a casino hotel. Juxtapose the high energy and colour saturated world above to a quiet spa space, a completely calming and rejuvenating experience.
The project was in the basement of the casino hotel, and the ceiling above received all of the mechanical from the entire operation above. Heights were low and long, at moments, claustrophobic. We shaped, contoured and divided the ceiling and spaces into a path of discovery and movement.
Collaboration with the other teams and ownership, they were understanding and encouraging of our vision.
To be part of the greater design community and acknowledge what our community does.
We are honored to be considered as part of a larger group including both our clients, vendors and peers, who are interested in the process of creating beautiful spaces. It's wonderful to have our design as part of a whole and not just stand alone.
Questions answered by Rodrigo Vargas, Principal at Rodrigo Vargas Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a modern penthouse design by Fenton Whelan, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern penthouse design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Fenton Whelan.
Situated on Kensington Gardens, Park Modern by Fenton Whelan is an extraordinary £550m residential development, showcasing 55 exquisite apartments. The crown jewel of Park Modern is the 9th floor marquee penthouse, meticulously designed by Fenton Whelan’s in-house design studio. This five-bedroom penthouse offers expansive lateral living of over 6,800 ft2. The innovative design and meticulous attention to detail bring forth unrivalled quality, surpassing the standards of London’s super-prime marketplace. Park Modern Penthouse sets a new benchmark by offering unparalleled design features, lifestyle amenities, and a truly exceptional living environment overlooking one of the most well-known parks in the world.
SBID Awards Category: CGI & Visualisation
Practice: Fenton Whelan
Project: Park Modern
Location: London, United Kingdom
The client's brief was a compelling challenge – to craft an exceptional aesthetic that seamlessly merged modernity, international influences, and a timeless allure, creating a living space that resonates uniquely with each individual resident.
The project's design narrative is an homage to London's alluring charm and the awe-inspiring Hyde Park. The essence of this iconic location served as the catalyst, infusing the design with a sense of grandeur and tranquility.
A paramount challenge was defying spatial conventions to preserve the openness and panoramic view of one of the world's most celebrated parks. This meant artfully avoiding the intrusion of walls, while also orchestrating an intricate dance between materials. The fusion of metal and solid wood, accentuated by the opulence of natural stone, was a technical puzzle that required meticulous craftsmanship.
Amid the array of accomplishments, the spotlight undoubtedly falls on the featured floated marble fireplace. Positioned at the heart of the space, this architectural marvel transcends conventional boundaries. The fireplace stands as a testament to our innovation, where it levitates gracefully, enveloped by marble on two sides, and adorned with transparent glass elements. Its presence not only offers warmth but also bestows an exquisite blend of design and functionality that is truly captivating. This singular element epitomizes the seamless fusion of aesthetics and engineering in our project. Among the many triumphs, the contemporary artwork stands out as a masterpiece of finesse. This piece serves as both a focal point and a harmonious complement, exuding an aura of elegance and an artistic ambiance that elevates the space.
Entering the SBID Awards was a quest for excellence and an aspiration to bring home the coveted trophy, an acknowledgment of our creative dedication, and a testament to the remarkable results we've achieved through our passion for design.
Being selected as an Award Finalist is an immensely gratifying affirmation of the passion and dedication that have gone into these projects. This recognition on such a prestigious platform amplifies our sense of achievement, motivating us to continue pushing boundaries and redefining interior design standards.
Questions answered by Arta Marku, Creative Director at Fenton Whelan Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Japanese inspired restaurant design by Filipao Nunes, click here to read it.
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