This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a nature-inspired property in Quintana Roo, Mexico which claimed the SBID Award for Overall Winner 2019. Centric to this award-winning design was the drive to redefine life in the jungle, promoting a non-invasive dialogue between architecture and its natural surroundings. Roth Architecture crafted this unique residence to harmoniously blend in with the environment, respecting and honouring the natural habitat that hosts it.
The use of ferro-cement was specifically chosen to avoid the introduction of heavy machinery into the jungle, thus preventing the felling of 250 trees. The finish, carefully crafted with local materials, makes this a unique space of purely organic forms.
SBID Awards: Overall Winner
Sector: Residential Design
Company: Roth Architecture
Project: Uh May Residence
Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico
What was the client's brief?
The client’s request was to achieve a harmonious way of cohabiting with the idiosyncratic ecosystem. The main instruction was to have the least possible interference with nature by not cutting any trees and leaving the surface of the soil intact. The fundamental precept to preserve the curvature of the earth and not to cut any trees in the 10 hectares guided every step of the project. Our intention is to show that we can build by learning from nature and integrating and building on its teachings.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The project was inspired by the shape of the Fibonacci spiral. The house unfolds akin to the shell of a snail, respecting the golden cut while effortlessly meandering through the network of trees.
The purpose that guided the construction of the project was the integration of the intelligence of nature’s networking, specifically the information contained in the shape of the surface of the earth and conveyed through the network of trees. The intelligence of Earth’s ecosystem has evolved over millions of years, gradually becoming more accurate. Connected through mycelium, a complex fungus network that is still being researched, trees communicate, help and protect each other.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The toughest hurdle was, precisely, to not sacrifice any trees. We had to develop new construction techniques to preserve the natural fabric of the surroundings. Everything had to be done manually and in an artisanal manner, which resulted in fostering the collaborative spirit and consolidating our tribe akin to the experience Mayans would have had at the time the pyramids were built.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
For this project I worked for the first time with trained architects which was a new experience, especially since I never followed a formal curriculum myself. When I would trace the outline of the construction in the air with my hand, and the architects would first transpose it into drawings on paper.
Whereas the Mayan members of the team would immediately process the outline, almost like through a photographic process, and start building without previously translating the vision into a concept.
In the course of the project we could observe a cross pollination between the two approaches which was a highly rewarding experience.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
We are at a point in human evolution where it is necessary to redefine man’s place in the world through projects activating three fundamental pillars: art, nature and ancestral wisdom.
These three pillars inform not only each and every of our projects but also our organisational structure and the way we connect as a tribe.
Our architecture shows how human creation can harmoniously coexist with the natural world, a concept which was well understood by the original cultures who lived under these precepts and expressed them in a plastic way, with art and architecture operating as a bridge to the source.
Questions answered by Roth, Founder of Roth Architecture
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the first photography exhibit for famed Toronto photographer, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID Awards 2019 | Overall Winner
The highly anticipated winners of the SBID International Design Awards 2019 have been revealed today (Friday 25 October 2019) at a dazzling ceremony at the Grosvenor House in London’s Mayfair. With more entries than ever before, this year’s awards have been one of the most globally represented editions to date, with industry talent from over 48 countries across the globe. The competition this year was as inspiring as ever, with winning projects from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Qatar, Poland, Barbados, Monaco, Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Australia and more. Click here to see the full list of winners.
Winning a SBID International Design Award is truly a high achievement; all 15 categories are assessed by a technical panel, a public vote and a panel of leading industry experts, who look for outstanding examples of technical content and aesthetic creativity which ensures that all projects are assessed strictly on quality. Now in its ninth year, the SBID Awards are regarded as the most prestigious accolades for interior design. The SBID Awards were recently accredited as the first interior design awards scheme to achieve GOLD standard by The Independent Awards Standards Council and were commended as “exemplar in how awards should be operated”. As a proudly independent contest, the SBID awards are driven purely by a desire to recognise talent and creativity, with every entry fairly and equally considered. The annual event continues to reward and celebrate outstanding projects and products from the industry at large.
Judges this year included Directors and CEO’s from global design corporations such as Nike, MAC Cosmetics, Universal Studios and Soloman R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation.
The Overall Winner Award is presented to the project that received the highest score after both tiers of judging and the public votes considered. This year the overall award was given to Mexican-based practice Roth Architects for their Uh May Residence in Mexico.
Uh May residence is a habitable sculpture of 3,7502, located in a property of 10 hectares in the middle of the jungle, only 30 minutes away from the iconic town of Tulum, in the Yucatán Peninsula. The house harmoniously blends in with the environment of AZULIK Uh May whilst also respecting and honouring the natural habitat that hosts it. With no straight lines or sharp angles, it respects the organic shapes of the ground on which it was built. There is real purpose in its design: to force us to be present, paying attention and observing our every step.
The use of ferro-cement was specifically chosen to avoid the introduction of heavy machinery into the jungle, thus preventing the felling of 250 trees. Moreover, the material gives the space a cozy feeling. The finish, carefully crafted with local materials, makes this a unique space of purely organic forms. Meticulously conceived thorough attention to detail and amenities for entertainment, this property redefines life in the jungle, promoting a non-invasive dialogue between architecture and its natural surroundings.
SBID Founder and CEO, Dr Vanessa Brady OBE said: “Each year the SBID International Design Awards continue to grow from strength to strength. With a sell-out ceremony and more countries represented this year than any other, it truly is held as the premier interior design awards by the global industry and SBID is proud to present it each year. This year’s Overall Winner demonstrates the seriousness in which the design industry at large is taking in the environmental conservation and project procurement”.
All winners for each category received a bespoke crystal trophy crafted by Sans Souci glass deco. They have also been featured in the SBID Global Interior Design 2019 coffee table book which is available to purchase online at www.sbidawards.com.
CGI & Visualisation sponsored by Vectorworks
Angel O'Donnell for The Atlas Building
Club and Bar Design sponsored by Oxley's Furniture
House of Design by Suzy Habre for Iris
Development Sales Centre sponsored by Vessel Gallery
Matrix Design for Gemdale Fenghua International Sales Center NanJing
Healthcare & Wellness Design sponsored by The Stone Federation
Diana Interiors Group for The Salt Room
Hotel Bedrooms & Suites Design sponsored by Yves Delorme
G.A Group for Belmond Cadogan London
Hotel Public Space Design sponsored by Viva Lagoon
CCD / Cheng Chung Design for InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
KBB Design sponsored by VitrA UK
Masterwood Joinery for Slopehill Road
Office Design sponsored by KI Europe
ADP Architects for Axon Office - “Work-Space-Ship”
Public Space Design sponsored by Sans Souci
Tengyuan Design for China Railway Qingdao World Expo City Conference Center
Residential Apartment under £1M sponsored by Lalique
Kolomoiets-Project for Apartment with History
Residential Design over £1M sponsored by THG Paris
STA Architectural Group for Palazzo del Cielo
Residential House Design under £1M sponsored by Kassavello
LEIVARS for Esher Contemporary Open Plan Family Home
Restaurant Design sponsored by Perennials & Sutherland
Bishop Design by Paul Bishop for Torno Subito
Retail Design sponsored by Blooms Art
Hyphen and Portview Fit-Out for LUSH Liverpool
Show Flats and Development sponsored by Foglie D’oro
II BY IV DESIGN for Ten York
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the first photography exhibit for famed Toronto photographer, Elie Kimbembe who became personal photographer to The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Banks and Selena Gomez. Stacklab collaborated closely with Elie on the design of the 'Solo' exhibition which combined themes such as discovery and immersion, creating a sense of intimacy and interpersonal connection. The main gallery features a series of vaulted chambers, made up of a regular arrangement of diffusely lit fabric wells.
Sector: Public Space Design
Company: STACKLAB
Project: #Solo
We collaborated closely with acclaimed photographer, Elie Kimbembe on the design of his first solo exhibition. A social media icon, Elie was interested in creating a new gallery ‘type’ that offered a contemplative and interactive art viewing experience for the digital art consumer (in contrast to the ephemeral and solitary way his art is typically consumed). #Solo combined themes like discovery and immersion with intimacy and interpersonal connection.
The main gallery featured a series of eight vaulted chambers, made up of a regular arrangement of fifteen diffusely lit elastane wells. Harnessing Einstein’s theories on the curvature of space, each ‘well’ appeared to have been stretched from the top-down, emitting a deluge of ultrasonic mist across the luminous floor plane. Contrasted against the gravity of the conic piers, Sixteen of Elie’s photographs hung, back-to-back, in the quiet, vaporous space between them.
The bold, tectonic wells, each measuring 13 feet in diameter, framed and illuminated Elie’s photographs while obstructing others outside of the viewer’s direct sight line. This served a dual purpose of compelling the viewer to circulate the exhibit and created moments of intimacy between themselves, the art, and other observers.
In addition to carrying diffuse light throughout the exhibition space, the ultrasonic mist served two key, performative roles. Firstly, the mist elevated the visible ground plane to further frame the photographs within the vaults. Mostly, however, it precipitated a slow and calming pace to the circulation of viewers within the space. We designed this temporal aspect of the exhibition to answer one of the artist’s primary objectives - “to give people a chance to really interact with the work, and each other”.
The toughest hurdle was time. The quality of the effect we created was significantly improved on thorough iterative prototyping over a very short period. #Solo was fabricated in less than 30 days. On-site installation took a group of six two days, including calibrating the mist medium to the space. Take down took 12 hours, as will re-installation for subsequent uses.
Achieving specific cost targets, addressing the nuances of the artist’s brief, and (specifically with respect to mist) referencing our project sponsor, Up Cannabis’s signature medium- vapor - as a gateway to creativity were our key highlights of the project.
Questions answered by Jeffrey Forrest, Founder of STACKLAB
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a kitchen design inspired by clean and minimal styles from Scandinavia, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Public Space design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
We interviewed the SBID International Design Awards sponsor for the Restaurant Design category. Adam Hout, International Director at Perennials and Sutherland speaks about how the brand has developed since 1944 when founder, David Sutherland embarked on a mission to transform the outdoor furniture industry. From Sutherland furniture to the launch of Perennials fabrics, the brand now showcases the best of its luxury performance fabrics and rugs, as well as high grade outdoor furniture.
What are the origins of your brand?
The story begins over 40 years ago with David Sutherland who opened with his first multi-brand showroom in Houston. This was followed by a flagship showroom in Dallas. He was the first to bring high-end designs from the New York and Los Angeles markets to the booming Texas market. In 1994 David embarked on a mission with friend and collaborator John Hutton to transform the outdoor furniture industry by creating a collection of teak performance with a level of luxury and comfort never before seen outdoors. Sutherland pioneered tailored “deep-seating” cushions and was the first company to introduce fully upholstered outdoor collections. For David and John, it was time to bring indoor comfort and design to the outdoors which was revolutionary at the time. Only in recent years have others embraced this trend.
Creating the best outdoor furniture came with a problem, there were no outdoor fabrics luxurious enough! David partnered with his wife Ann to create outdoor fabrics which looked and felt natural, complementing nature and yet bringing luxury feel to the space. Perennials began as an outdoor fabric brand, but now it is a Luxury Performance fabric and rug brand, with much of its sales attributed to indoors, contract, and hospitality use. Perennials has grown substantially in that time and rightfully sits as the leader in luxury performance.
The company expanded its showrooms across the US and in 2017 opened a direct subsidiary in London UK; showcasing the best of Perennials performance fabrics, rugs, and Sutherland furniture. The strength of this company is in its multi-channel dynamic business model. P&S is a manufacturer, direct wholesaler to the trade industry, and private / white label manufacturer. It owes its success to the designers that it serves, and they remain the main focal point of the business.
How do you work with interior designers?
We manufacture and wholesale highly technical products, therefore specification of our product by a qualified individual or company is the focus of our company. We want the end users to use and enjoy our products in the correct format, setting, and design – for this the designer becomes of paramount importance. We sell direct to the trade and collaborate with them to fulfil their requirements. We educate, train and support our professional clients to get the most out of our products. We believe in one to one relationships and always strive to individualise the service to our clients.
What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?
It was never Ann Sutherland’s initial intention for the outdoor fabrics to become indoor / contract fabrics. It was the designers themselves that began using Perennials fabrics for that purpose and this developed the brand into what it is known and respected for today. This shows that performance is important to designers and end users alike. The issue with performance fabrics is that more often than not, luxury feel will be compromised, usually encouraging the client to go with an indoor fabric for those spaces. That is where Perennials fabrics comes in. We manufacture velvets, linens, silks, bouclets; in complex designs and weave structures which look and feel convincingly natural. The compromise becomes negligible, the client can enjoy the feel of a luxury velvet whilst not worrying about stains.
This is possible through the Perennials yarn technology which is known as 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic. The colour is embodied within the fibre which makes it very difficult to separate the colour from the yarn, unlike traditional yarns where the dye is added later on. Think of a carrot that, when peeled, remains orange – the same can be said about the Perennials fibre. The fabric is inherently resistant to water, mould, bleach, UV, and almost any stain you can think of. The use of bleach allows the user to remove most stains. Our fibre also has an inbuilt Nano-seal technology which adds repellence, with liquids splashing off.
Many other fabrics in the industry are also called Performance fabrics: Polyester and Polypropylene being two examples. They do not perform anywhere near as well, the colour does not hold and the quality and feel is not comparable. Many brands will add performance through using chemical top sprays which simply do not last and are not desirable. Customers often ask about sustainability: my answer is that Perennials is highly sustainable because it lasts an extremely long time and can easily be re-purposed.
What makes Perennials so special is that we have over 130 fabric lines, qualities, and over 1000 SKU’s of fabric using this technology. Whatever the project; whether a restaurant, a yacht, or a residential sofa, the client does not have to compromise to get luxury and performance together: a strong value proposition indeed.
How does your offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?
Our performance fabrics and rugs are not only an item of beauty, quality, and soft touch – but they bridge the gap into being a technology product. This enhances our client’s ability create a value proposition to their client. If something is beautiful, great, if it also more durable, cleanable, and will last longer than anything else, then even better!
Sutherland offers a unique aesthetic of understated luxury, combined with a focus on high grade raw materials, and comfort. The brand is world renown for bridging the gap between outdoor and indoor, not compromising on the outdoor area. Sutherland offers designers full customisation of product at a dedicated custom workshop. Whether you look to start from scratch or merely tweak an existing Sutherland piece, our product development team will partner with designers to create custom outdoor furniture guaranteed to be the perfect fit for your project.
What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?
The autumn trends appear to be embroidery, flowery prints, jacquard effects, and natural wool blends in fashion; and this has crossed over into the interiors industry. The Timothy Corrigan for Perennials collection reflects these trends well as do some of our longstanding natural weaves.
Why did you want to become a sponsor for the SBID Awards?
We want to give back to the industry and SBID is the perfect partner and platform for that. SBID is a shining light in the industry and is a strong facilitator for the the various participants.
The SBID International Design Awards winners for 2019 will be announced on Friday 25th October! Tables to attend this year's SBID Awards are now sold out, but a limited number of individual tickets are still available. Book a seat now! To find out more about sponsoring the SBID International Design Awards next year, email [email protected]
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a clean and minimal kitchen design, evoking the fresh and inspiring environment that is Scandinavia. Taking inspiration from Sweden, Norway and Finland, Mark Taylor Design produced a kitchen design scheme that was both practical and beautiful to complement the client's taste and lifestyle.
Sector: KBB Design
Company: Mark Taylor Design
Project: Scandinavian Inspired Kitchen
The clients wanted a large kitchen and entertaining space, where the children could have their playroom and sitting area, leading into the dining area, and then onto the kitchen. The kitchen needed to feel large but take up only enough space to allow the rest of the living area to feel spacious and fluid - the garden also needed to be very accessible from the kitchen and dining area, as this would also form an important part of the living space in the summer.
We talked to the wife and husband together. She is Scandinavian and likes simple, clean, light spaces, uncluttered. She and her husband are interested in fresh food and entertaining, so lots of space was required for fresh food storage and preparation, while they didn’t want a long worktop run. We needed to find a space for the walk-in larder and extra large double-width fridge, so we changed the building plans to incorporate them. This allowed us to build the rest of the kitchen around these core features. The space needed to be as free-flowing as possible at worktop level. The clients were very keen to have a large island and we used this as the metamorphosis between the dining area and the kitchen.
The hardest part was positioning the tall units so that they didn’t impinge on the rest of the space.
The horizontal dividing bi-folding doors with hidden magnets that keep them in an open position when required is our highlight of the design features. Also receiving our clients glowing report, "We absolutely love our MTD kitchen, down to the last detail. After working close with the MTD design team, we now have the kitchen that we feel perfectly fits our wishes and the style of our house. Aside from the look, what we enjoy the most is the quality of the workmanship which is outstanding! The MTD team were a pleasure to deal with throughout. They were responsive to what we wanted, creative and gave us some well needed advice on the design and layout. We were grateful that they were flexible to our timelines and coordinated well with our builders. Also, the installation team were great; meticulous, tidy and enjoyable to deal with."
Questions answered by Mark Taylor, Managing Director of Mark Taylor Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a super stylish, yet exquisitely comfortable interior for a residential development in Berkshire, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's KBB design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Photography Credits: Jonathan Bond Photography.
We interviewed the SBID International Design Awards sponsor for the Residential Design Over £1M category. Alexandra Lewis-Singer, UK Managing Director at THG Paris shares insight into the history of THG as a growing family venture lead by three successive generations. Since 1956, THG has evolved its designs and product lines, but their ethos remains the same. Representing timeless luxury and celebrating the art of living with a high-end collection of bathroom fittings and accessories.
Since 1956, THG Paris has established itself as the brand for high end bathroom fittings and accessories. THG Paris resulted from the meeting of three men, André Tétard, Julien Haudiquez and Alexandre Grisoni, who in 1950 created “Robinetterie de la Poste” in Béthencourt-sur-Mer. A few years later the company moved to new premises and changed its name to THG. The brand was active at that period in standard tapware. In the 1970s, THG turned to design valves and has since developed a large range of collections and a extensive catalogue which today, three successive generations continue to work on.
We endeavour to assist with providing expert knowledge, quality products and outstanding service. We also provide advice on specification for private properties & larger projects.
The bathroom has become one of the most important areas of a home. It is now the only room that remains private as open plans appear everywhere. As a result, clients turn that room into a Jewellery box and our luxurious brassware allows for bespoke designs.
Our sales consultants’ knowledge is both technical and aesthetic, and designers can rely on the service provided. It brings them peace of mind that nothing will be missed. Also, the vast range of products we offer (150 ranges of taps available in over 20 finishes!) goes from the most classical style with crystal and semi-precious stones to cutting-edge and contemporary.
Gold is back, but with a twist. A lot of bronzes, brushed finishes - and our pale gold is this year’s best seller!
We wanted to support the design industry and champion magnificent interiors. Craftsmanship is why we are in this industry and without these properties, we wouldn’t be able to manufacture these goods.
The SBID International Design Awards winners for 2019 will be announced on Friday 25th October!
Tables to attend this year's SBID Awards are now sold out, but a limited number of individual tickets are still available. Book a seat now!
To find out more about sponsoring the SBID International Design Awards next year, email [email protected]
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a four-bedroomed, new-build residential property in Berkshire. Allison Pidgeon Interiors worked together with the developer on the specification design throughout. Using their many years of expertise to uniquely tailor the interior design to flow seamlessly with the specification, reflect the aspirations of the purchaser profile, and also the Client’s vision for the development. This resulted in the delivery of a super stylish, yet exquisitely comfortable interior through a stress-free and enjoyable process enhanced by the collective commitment of trusted tradespeople, meticulous project management, and outstanding service. These carefully managed interiors were delivered on time and within budget without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or superior design.
Company: Allison Pidgeon Interiors
Project: Oak Apples Drive
Location: Berkshire, United Kingdom
We offered a uniquely personal service to our Client, drafting suggested furniture layouts for all plots on the development. These enabled him to plan functional heating, lighting and electrical layouts for all plots. We also assisted in specification selections throughout, ensuring a nice flow of palette and a high quality of finishes. We joined our Client in numerous meetings at various show rooms to select kitchen and bathroom products and finishes, floor and wall tiling, carpets and hard flooring, paint colours and internal doors and door furniture. We even selected paint colours for the front doors.
Once all these selections were made we used our extensive expertise in residential design, and our research in understanding the target market, to curate timeless interiors which reflect the high quality specification on the development.
The choice and quality of the specification, the purchaser profile, local competition and the Client’s own vision inspired the remainder of the project. We avoided whimsical trends, garish patterns and colours, and instead focused on providing tactile, comfortable interiors in a muted soothing palette, which are aspirational and sophisticated. We believe this direction was correct for the target market.
Many of the items we supplied were made bespoke for the project including upholstery, soft furnishings, window treatments, furniture, artwork and florals, and we sourced beautiful objects with which to complete dressing of the property.
To be honest the project was a dream with a delightful Client and we didn’t have any major hurdles.
We were delighted to see the property installed and complete, but this was surpassed by our Client’s sheer delight when we handed the property over to him (a day ahead of schedule). The positive feedback we’ve received from the selling agents and interested buyers and the fantastic testimonial our Client has written have all been highlights of the project.
Questions answered by Allison Pidgeon, Director of Allison Pidgeon Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a lavish interior for an new residential development, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Image Credits: Photography by Chris Snook
This year, the SBID International Design Awards became the first interior design award scheme to be accredited to GOLD standard by The Independent Awards Standards Council. Further cementing its position as one of the most prestigious interior design Awards in the global design calendar, The Gold Trust Mark is just another endorsement to the value that an SBID Award generates for the deserving winners.
Aside from the announcement of the highly anticipated SBID Awards winners for 2019, the Awards ceremony is a prestigious and glamorous affair. Bringing together the world’s most reputed interior designers and design practices to celebrate the past year of global design excellence. The winners across 15 SBID Awards categories will be presented with the beautiful SBID International Design Awards 2019 trophy, expertly crafted by Czech glass specialist, Sans Souci Glass Deco.
The SBID Master of Design 2019 will also be presented with an award which serves to recognise professional interior designers who have, across their career, made significant contributions to the global interior design industry through innovation and expertise; raising the overall standards of design. Last year saw David Chang, Founder and Chief Designer of David Chang Design Associates International take to the stage to claim this coveted Award for international design services to the highest level.
Consistent in the quest to recognise, reward and celebrate global interior design, this year’s edition will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of SBID with a captivating ceremony held in the Ballroom of the Grosvenor House hotel, Mayfair. Serving up a 3-course luncheon throughout the day, the food menu has been produced by the Executive Chef, Paul Bates.
Attendees of the Awards can also expect a special surprise guest who will be revealed on the day to host the event as the announcements unfold. Previous Awards presenters include a celebrity line up with the likes of Julian Clary, Gyles Brandreth and Ken Bruce. What’s more, each guest will receive their own complimentary copy of the SBID Global Interior Design 2019 coffee table book. This 360-page hardback publication will feature the breath-taking design projects from the 2019 shortlisted finalists and category winners.
The annual SBID International Design Awards also represent a unique opportunity to network with other design professionals and connect with peers from around the world. So, get the champagne at the ready and dress to impress with this year’s ‘Designer Glamour’ dress code to take full advantage of the Instagram hot spots - and make sure you capture your memories of the day with SBID’s GIF photobooth, courtesy of Momentous Photo Booth.
Where: Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London
When: 12-5pm, Friday 25th October 2019
Dress code: Designer Glamour
Can nature really increase our health and wellbeing? SBID Council expert, Oliver Heath is a qualified Domestic Energy and Green Deal Assessor who founded an architectural and interior design practice combining sustainability, consumer engagement and communications to inspire the uptake of future thinking in the built environment. He promotes happier, healthier places to live and work through his projects as designer, writer, and TV presenter. Oliver shares his thoughts with SBID on how Biophilic Design in interiors can impact health and wellbeing.
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest spending time in nature can increase our health and wellbeing. In fact, healthcare experts are now prescribing time in nature to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, we are spending less than 10% of our time outside,[i] and most of the time we do get to spend outside is still in the urban environment. So, what can we do when our day to day lives don’t support getting out into nature?
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This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavishly designed interior for an exciting, new residential development in India, providing luxury living in the heart of Mumbai. Elicyon designed this beautiful three-bedroom apartment, due for completion in late 2019, to blend a premium London aesthetic with the eclectic, Art Deco heritage of the city. Contrasting chevron marble flooring, brass details, bold colours and vibrant prints reflect the property’s tropical positioning and complement its surroundings.
Company: Elicyon
Project: Mumbai Development
Location: Mumbai, India
The client’s vision here was to create a ground-breaking project in Mumbai – a luxury apartment building which is on the same level as the world’s leading residential developments. We therefore brought our vast experience in working on such developments - One Hyde Park, Chiltern Place - and combined it with my personal knowledge of the local surroundings in Mumbai. We were brought on board to design the show apartment, so it was our role to create insight into how spaces within the development could be used and to tell its story to future residents.
We were inspired by both our previous work on some of the world’s leading developments - selecting the best suppliers and designing for a global, discerning client in mind – as well as the architecture, colours and textures of Mumbai. A fusion of bold, vibrant colours and tropical prints contrast a striking chevron marble floor with brass details, blending a sophisticated London aesthetic with the Art Deco heritage of the city. The luxurious and eclectic scheme is designed in perfect harmony with its setting.
As sometimes happens with longer-term projects, changes within government and building regulations presented a significant challenge on this project. The local authority in Mumbai amended the fire regulations and so fundamental changes to the layout of the building needed to be made. We are accustomed to such speedbumps and know how to work around them – either the current design can be transposed to the updated layout, or we simply have to start the story again. We work closely with our clients in these situations to ensure that the process is handled as smoothly as possible.
Having grown up in India and retaining strong roots, working in my home country had been a long-cherished ambition. It was wonderful to combine my knowledge of the city, culture and way of living to the project with a strong influence from my design studies, which are European in origin. The project’s vision represents a moment in my personal design journey, a confluence of east and west, celebrating both without detracting from either.
Questions answered by Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of Elicyon
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a warm and welcoming co-working space with a unique approach to office design, click here to see more.
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