This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an urban resort that offers sweeping lake views, located on the shore of Lake Chao; one of the largest lakes in China. The hotel is a hillside building in the Neo-Huizhou-style with 206 guestrooms. Each room has a balcony from which guests may enjoy 180-degree views of the beautiful lake. The interior design features white walls, black tiles and grey bricks, all of which are typical of Hui-style architecture. Respect is also paid to Huizhou's aesthetic style of order and symmetry. A core design feature of the guestrooms embraces the ideas of the 'Four treasuries of the Chinese Study' including study space with writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper. This has great local and cultural significance in expressing the 'Impressions of Huizhou' design theme.
Company: Wanda Hotel Design Institute
Project:Wanda Vista Hefei
Project Location: Hefei, China
What was the client's brief?
Our client is our parent company, Wanda Hotels & Resorts. Founded in 2007, Wanda Hotels & Resorts has been achieved through integrated business resources including hotel design, hotel construction and hotel management.
As the capital of Anhui province, Hefei is the economic and cultural centre with a profound history. Our purpose is to build the most luxurious and high-end urban resort in Hefei, which can meet both business and vacation demand. That’s why we choose Wanda Vista, the highest brand among Hefei hotels group. As the hotel is located near city, it owns the convenient traffic without too much noise and disturbance from city centre. We hope Wanda Vista has complete supporting facilities, breath-taking landscape scenery as well as high-quality service. In addition, we wish the cultural elements of Anhui is embodied in the interior design of the hotel, to give our guests deeper understanding of Anhui culture during their stay here. Also, as Vista brand is not commonly seen the east area of China, we hope Vista Hefei has stronger characteristics.
What inspired the design of the project?
Anhui is situated next to Huizhou, which is renowned for Hui-style architecture - a school of Chinese architecture. For another, Anhui is a combination of exquisite scenery and distinctive cultural features. In short, the above two factors - architecture and cultural characteristics - are our inspirations for this project. Other inspirational resources derive from the white wall, black tiles and grey bricks of Hui-style architecture, the order and symmetrical aesthetics, local decorative materials and the art of Huizhou carving (e.g. Brick carving, wood carving and stone carving).
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
Well, the greatest difficulty lies in how to express classic aesthetics using modern techniques. If we adopt traditional techniques to manifest these Hui-style characteristics, we will be confronted with great difficulty when it comes to spatial considerations; especially with a large space like the hotel lobby. Interior spaces were not as expansive as this in the past, so all the architectural components such as brick carving, roof overhang and folding screens were produced according to their actual dimension. It would therefore be impossible for us to enlarge the past material and craft it to today’s space, that’s why we needed to think about the kinds of modern materials and techniques which could be used for these creations. For instance, we designed four screens of 12 metres high to increase the levels of layer. When investigating the folk embroidery craft, our designers were inspired to replace the base fabric of embroidery with metal, and embroider Huizhou scenery on the metal net. In this way, we were able to realise the same effect with the same impact, which wouldn’t be achieved by using traditional metal or other metal materials.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Well, I think the highlight for me is the hotel lobby. The spatial vastness of the area integrates the exquisite features of Hui-style architecture and strong sense of decoration manifested through modern techniques. The lobby covers an area of 700 square meters, preserving the top structure of the original building with the highest height of near 20 metres. For the interior design, we embodied the traditional Hui-style wood carving technique into the decoration of wooden circular columns, beam and wall surfaces, focusing on the design theme; 'Huizhou Impression'. For colour use, the combination of grey brick, black tile and white wall from Hui-style architecture which represent the nature is put into use in the whole colour adoption. The lintel decorated with hanging flowers is made from bronze, and it implements with the wharf wall harmoniously.
Also, speaking of Huizhou culture, what first comes into our mind must be the Chinese 'Four Treasures of the Study', which includes writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper, which are expressed by different techniques in the hotel space. For example, we designed a 20-metre high Chandelier in the shape of a writing brush, to give the appearance of it pouring down from the roof; the pool carved from black stone is the integration of ink and ink stone; the ten-metre high scroll painting 'Huangshan Scenery' looks like wash painting on Chinese Xuan paper. Through the design of a ten-metre high ground glass window, the hotel lobby connects with a borderless lake view perfectly, inviting the glorious views and lake scenery into the hotel.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
SBID is a renowned international award. Participating in the award is a test on our design ability. We will be more thankful and honoured if we were to win an award because it will be an honour both for the design team and for a single designer. On the other hand, if we unfortunately fail in winning an award, it still offers us a precious opportunity to compete with other design teams in the world and allows us to learn from each other.
Questions answered by Haonan Zhen, Design Director at Wanda Hotel Design Institute
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a private luxury oasis comprising of villa and pool house in southeastern France, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Wanda Hotel Design Institute | SBID International Design Awards 2018
The festive season is looming; but the design industry never sleeps. With Christmas just around the corner and the final leg of the year fast approaching, don't forget to catch up on the latest industry news and upcoming design events for December!
Read below to discover this month's curated selection of art with Velvenoir and find out how SBID Members can claim their exclusive discount...
3rd - 8th December
Business of Design Week HK - Hong Kong, China
Asia’s premier annual event on design, innovation and brands since 2002, Business of Design Week (BODW) organised by Hong Kong Design Centre brings some of the world’s most outstanding design masters and influential business figures to Hong Kong. It provides a valuable platform for business and creative leaders to exchange ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities. This year’s summit will take on the theme of ‘Think ∙ Collaborate ∙ Create’ and be presented in collaboration with partner city Melbourne, cited as the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit for seven consecutive years (2011-2017). The event features more than 70 speakers from over 15 countries and regions to present the latest industry insights and to promote the advancement of the creative industries.
4th - 6th December
ICFF South Florida - Florida, US
The 3rd annual South Florida edition of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) will take place at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Centre. The ICFF South Florida is the natural extension of ICFF NYC, attracting over 3,000 interior designers, architects, retailers, developers and distributors to the Caribbean, South Florida, and Latin American markets. Offering an unparalleled opportunity to view innovative design trends from all over the globe as well as interactive, educational programming led by some of industry's top leading designers and icons.
5th - 9th December
Design Miami/ - Miami, US
Design Miami is the global forum for design, bringing together gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world to celebrate and promote collectable design. It is more than a marketplace for design, where the world’s top galleries gather to present museum-quality exhibitions of twentieth and twenty-first century furniture, lighting and objets d’art. Each show balances exclusive commercial opportunities with progressive cultural programming, creating exciting collaborations with designers and design institutions, panels and lectures with luminaries from the worlds of design, architecture, art and fashion, and unique commissions from the world’s top emerging and established designers and architects.
6th December
A Conversation about Design... With Maison&Objet - Edinburgh, UK
Maison&Objet are organising a breakfast meeting on Thursday 6th December at 8.30am - 10.30am for a small selection of Edinburgh based interior designers to exchange and share their views on the latest evolutions of the design industry, as well as offer their opinions and advice on how to improve the show. Held at The Balmoral Hotel, the organisers believe that first-hand perspectives, experiences and opinions from designers would add great value to this meeting for an insightful and progressive discussion about design.
RSVP by Friday 30th November to [email protected]
VELVENOIR releases their curated art selection for November with 10% discount for SBID Members
The international boutique art consultancy and concierge, Velvenoir offer SBID Members complimentary art consultancy services and access to a curated, in-house art inventory with expert guidance. This strategic partnership allows interior designers to work directly with a variety of art consultants saving valuable time and money for residential, hospitality and commercial projects. Velvenoir are now also offering an exclusive trade discount of 10% to SBID Member's art acquisition from any piece of art within their November selection.
Click here to browse the selection and be ready provide your SBID Membership number to claim your 10% discount
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a local luxury oasis comprising of private villa and pool house located in southeastern France, bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Built using the warm, honey-toned local stone, the interior design scheme was designed to reflect the authentic and characterful charm of the villa's exterior with a subtle palette of restful colours throughout, finished with highlights of silver, lavender and turquoise to bring in the colours of Provence. The 21st century home acts as a sanctuary, but also an inviting family home so it had to be well-thought-out, sympathetic with its glorious surroundings and suitable to the needs of everyone spending time in it. This meant open-plan areas for socialising and entertaining, with cosier, more intimate spaces to provide solitude when required. To achieve the quality required by the client, and for the furniture to fit both the generous space and the colours requested, the majority of pieces were individually designed by Juliettes Interiors as bespoke items.
Company: Juliettes Interiors
Project: Provence Villa
Project Location: Provence, France
The brief was straightforward: to create a light, airy pied-à-terre using the finest European furniture and incorporating the colours of Provence. Above all, it was to be comfortable, relaxing and sociable with a focus on quality. This was to be a sanctuary but still a place to share with family and friends. The client’s architects had already specified finishes for floors and walls so, for Juliettes Interiors, it meant coming into the project part way through. Taking this in our stride, we quickly got ourselves up to speed, working seamlessly with contractors and taking the project through to completion and final snagging.
Initially, the client intended to design and project manage this renovation himself but ran into problems with communication, space planning, design and trying to pull everything together. He later admitted that he felt as though he was drowning in the project management of a villa that had been bought to provide a respite from the hurly burly of everyday life.
He originally came to us simply to source a couple of bedside tables but this proved to be a turning point for the project. Talking through his ideas with Design Director Micaela Rossi, he realised that, as well as sourcing the items he was looking for, we could provide a complete interior design service as well as taking on full responsibility for procurement, product design, space planning, installation and project management. From a couple of bedside tables, Juliettes Interiors ended up specifying and sourcing new bathrooms as well as all interior furniture, outdoor and pool furniture, fabrics, finishes, lighting, bed linens, curtains and accessories.
This was a beautiful, traditional Provence villa on the outside, constructed using the warm, honey-toned local stone. However, none of this character followed through to the bland, dated interior. Using this local stone throughout the interior brought warmth and texture to every part of the villa and its pool house. We also used the soft greys, greens and lavenders of the spectacular Provence countryside as our base colour palette to create the calm, restful and welcoming space the client craved as a retreat from his hectic day-to-day lifestyle.
The main house comprised 4 en-suite bedrooms plus a housekeeper’s apartment, and a large hallway leading into an extensive, open plan living area. Together with a further 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large kitchen/living space in the pool house, this gave us plenty of scope to transform the tired, uninspiring interior and turn it into a well-thought-out and functional 21st century home, sympathetic with its glorious surroundings and to the needs of everyone spending time in it.
The finished villa, pool house and pool area blend beautifully into the surrounding countryside, with natural, local materials, honey-coloured stone, thoughtfully-landscaped gardens and restful colours designed to reflect the tones of the encompassing hillside. Inside, the design team used clever lighting and coordinating colours in shades of lavender, grey and turquoise to bring in elements of the Provençal landscape. They have made the most of the expansive, open plan living area, creating open spaces for socialising, dining and entertaining, along with cosy nooks and more intimate spaces, plus a TV snug and library. The pool house is perfect for visiting guests with its 2 cool and airy bedrooms, stunning contemporary bathrooms and a fresh, open plan living and kitchen area.
The client could not have been happier with the finished project. Every item of furniture was exactly as he had envisaged. Skilled project management meant that delivery and installation all went off without a hitch and snagging was minimal. Set in its extensive, spectacularly landscaped gardens, the villa is now a sanctuary of peace and harmony, an oasis of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. Originally intended as a bolt hole for brief visits, the client instantly fell in love with this gorgeous home and admits that he now spends most of his time there.
Due to the client’s hectic international schedule, much of the day-to-day communication was carried out online. There were only 3 further face-to-face meetings at the showroom to finalise furniture layout, agree technical drawings for the many bespoke items, and to choose colours, fabrics and finishes for furniture, light fittings, curtains and linens. Almost every item of furniture was fully bespoke or at least customised, meaning a lot of research into special finishes and an exceptional level of detail. Throughout the project, we made visits to the property to take accurate measurements, to appraise the villa and its pool house, and to explore its surroundings.
This has been one of the most interesting and exciting projects we have worked on and we loved every minute of it. Obviously, we were delighted at the client’s reaction and the fact that he now considers this his main residence. However, we have to admit, for our design team, winning a 5 star award for our design, skills, creativity and the standard of our service was a key highlight for the outcome of the project.
Questions answered by Micaela Rossi, Design Director and Juliette Thomas, Director at Juliettes Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a boutique hotel juxtaposing the austere beauty and fiery drama of Iceland’s natural wonders, click here to see more.
Juliettes Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
In the most recent issue of eSociety, Volume 7 Issue 3, SBID spoke to Russian entrepreneur and the founder of the BE OPEN Foundation, Elena Baturina. The international creative think-tank, BE OPEN has recently collaborated with SBID to organise a student competition with a £30,000 cash prize. We find out more about what lead her to the creative industry and how creativity plays a vital role in business and building the future.
What is your own relationship with creativity? How has it enhanced your life?
I’m first of all a businesswoman and entrepreneur. Being involved in a wide spectrum of industries for many years, from construction and manufacturing to hospitality and renewable energy production, I have identified one common thing that lies at the core of a sustainable and productive endeavour and that is creativity.
From the design of a new building or product to a business development idea – it is the originality of thought that is required. That is why I believe that developing creative thinking in young people is so important, for they will shape of our future. Working with students and children in that sphere is at the heart of my BE OPEN Foundation, which was formed as a cultural and social initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between the great minds of our time and the promising new minds of the next generation, providing the necessary link to the knowledge and experience.
Do you think that, in general, creative skills are viewed as being as important to our economy and financial prosperity as, say, business or IT skills?
I think we are getting there slowly but gradually. The progress is definitely obvious here in the UK. As I already mentioned, creative thinking is at the heart of all my businesses and I see it as a vital ingredient to every aspect of life. It’s important that the business leaders and politicians of tomorrow are able to have a, let me say, well-designed vision for what they would like to achieve and not solely rely on balance sheets. Injecting creativity into your thinking can give you a totally new approach – and sometimes that is the difference between success and failure.
Why have you teamed up with SBID to offer this fantastic opportunity for the winner of the competition?
The world is a competitive place, especially in the creative industry, and sometimes we all need a little help to achieve our goals. BE Open and SBID are both of the opinion that if we really want to make a difference then we have to offer students a very real, life-changing opportunity and this competition seemed like the perfect way to do that. The £30,000 prize is a life-changing amount of money and will either help a student launch their own creative business or pay their student debts, so they feel free to be creative rather than worrying about money.
Discover more about why Elena strives to support young creatives in the creative industry, what she predicts for the next generation of designers and how she thinks a creative and well-designed environment can influence the way we act, feel and think.
Read the rest of this feature →
Elena Baturina, Founder of the BE OPEN Foundation
This feature originally appeared in Volume 7 Issue 3 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a boutique hotel which juxtaposes the austere beauty and fiery drama of Iceland’s natural wonders with the City Center district by using natural materials in their most organic form and monochromatic colour schemes that mirror Icelandic nature and culture. Sustainable materials native to Iceland provide the perfect touch for this unique and eco-conscious hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland, the hotel was originally a hostel for Reykjavík backpackers which was renovated to offer a sustainable and tranquil refuge to its guests.
Inside one instantly feels transported to the pristine countryside of this otherworldly isle of fire and ice. In the lobby sits a glacier-like front desk and infinity hallways connecting guest quarters mimic hot lava floes zigzagging across a vast blackened field. Each private bath even features geothermal hot water, sourced from the surrounding natural springs. Design elements are also oriented to take maximal advantage of natural light and ventilation. A profusion of natural light streams through the expansive guestroom windows with sweeping views of the North Atlantic sea and snow-capped mountains to the North. Sustainable heating was introduced and LED lighting is utilised throughout to decrease electricity usage by up to 75%, with hallways using motion detection. Not only does the guest feel a sense of magic when the lights turn on, but the hotel saves energy when there are no guests in the hallways!
Company: Minarc Inc
Project: Ion City
Project Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
To design a functional, urban, aesthetically pleasing space that would accommodate all amenities necessary for a great experience for future guests.
Icelandic nature was the main influence to the interior design of the hotel. The concept story of the hotel design was to bring the nature inside, in the form of materials and colour schemes to experience and get the sense of the austere Icelandic nature, without getting out of the city. We wanted to create an experience for the guests that will live in their memory.
The challenges to work with the existing building, local regulations along with the essential amenities needed to accommodate a happy stay for the hotel guests. The hallways were a challenge as they were short and small so we wanted to utilise them to their full potential. The design is inspired by the countryside’s rugged terrain, with cuts of light illuminating to the guest rooms and mirrors on each end of the short hallway, they play with perspective creating a memorable experience like walking through infinitive lava fields.
There are many items and elements of the interior design we are especially proud of and have personal meaning to us, including the bathroom works on the walls, which are custom handmade by Erla. The illuminating hallway connecting the guestrooms imitate the flowing lava fields; the white Corian lobby desk inspired by the surrounding glaciers; the Dropi chair in the lobby that suspends from the ceiling in the intentional shape of a raindrop; the Nest chandelier hanging above diffusing light through it’s intertwined form along, with the overall cohesion and outcome of the design as a whole.
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious awards celebrating interior design and architecture today, we consider it an achievement to receive an SBID International Design Award and we would be honoured to win one for our designs. We have previously won for a house we designed in Iceland, Big Little Rock and nominated for our Ion Adventure Hotel.
Questions answered by Tryggvi Thorsteinsson and Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, Principal Designers at Minarc Inc
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an American neoclassical design concept with comfort and function, click here to see more.
Minarc Inc | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Creating spaces and buildings that are as eco-conscious as they are design-forward is becoming a pressing requirement for the interiors industry. Russell Owens from Zip Water UK explains why the future lies in making sustainable design beautiful. ‘Sustainable design’ aims to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impact through thoughtful design. This means working to create buildings and products that are more energy-efficient, reduce waste and use limited resources throughout their life-cycle. Further to this, specifiers and designers can give preference to materials that will contribute to people’s health and wellbeing – another important element of sustainability that is often overlooked. . .
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This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an American neoclassical design concept which lays a keynote of both comfort and function, executed with grandeur and sophistication at its helm. Borrowing the traditional Chinese ideas of aesthetics depicted in the Tang Dynasty poem, 'with lengthening daytime, the scenic landscape emanates plant aroma amid the spring breeze,' the design adopts modern, fashionable elements to brighten the space and create the feature of squareness and beauty. The villa has a spacious and grand structure, which strives to represent the classic Western approach of axial symmetry in a 3D view, as well as a balance of size and proportion. The lifted building structure and the supporting framework deliver a sense of bold heroism exclusive to the first-generation pioneers. It can be traced back to architectural form in ancient Greece since it highlights clear lines and graceful decoration. Meanwhile, it integrates the concept of European luxury and elegance, American freedom and progressiveness, and Chinese solemnity and exquisiteness – all of which showcase a fresh, smooth and bright style.
Company: David Chang Design Associates International (DCDA)
Project: China North Island B Type Villa
Project Location: Tianjin, China
The client’s belief was to build a villa which reflects an exquisite and elegant lifestyle.
The inspiration came from the verses of an ancient Chinese poet named Du Fu, 'over a beautiful scene, the sun is lingering, alive with birds and sweet with the breath of early spring'. The design is based on the traditional Chinese aesthetics, combined with the neoclassical interior architectural elements. Wallpaper with hand-painted flowers and birds and modern oil paintings, portraying mountains and rivers, are extensively applied in several areas of the villa. Together, they translate a beautiful Chinese vision of reunion in a nice season, set off in an elegant style.
At the early planning stage, the existing villa structure needed to be studied and modified thoroughly to have the floor layout optimised on the basis of the traffic circulation and flow. This includes swapping the elevator and the main staircase location, and adding a service elevator to the existing villa.
Although urbane residences bayside, seaside or in the mountains are among the beloved lifestyle choice for the famous and the rich, this no longer meets the need of high-end customers. A new 'island of residence' lifestyle has emerged to attract the attention of these elites. The villa surrounded by a 520,000 sqm lake in the heart of Tianjin city, with a well developed ecological environment and neoclassical architecture has become an excellent paradigm of a new lifestyle in the city. This project is the only downtown island-style villa development in northern China and one of the world’s most luxurious island-style developments. The villa is configured in a classical symmetrical layout to achieve harmony of the space. The archway and the powerful interior architectural framework convey the sense of luxury and comfort. Tracing back to the Greek architecture, the design not only emphasises the application of lines and elegant details, but also displays the sense of European luxury as well as the touch of Chinese elegance and delicacy.
SBID is the most competitive, prestigious, and unadulterated international award in the global interior design award field. The jury panel consists of gurus from a wide array of professions from design and fashion, to hi-tech. In addition, we love to share our design with people from different parts of the world. SBID both serves as a direct channel and an influential medium to expose our talents and creative designs to the world. The ability to be shortlisted in SBID is an honour, whereas the ability to win in SBID is a prestige.
Questions answered by the David Chang, Founder and Chief Design Director of DCDA
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a luxury residence which echoes the Renaissance elegance of the Château de Chambord, click here to see more.
David Chang Design Associates International | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Feast your eyes on this month's product update for the latest products and innovations to specify for your projects. If your focus is to design with sustainability in mind, why not check out the industry's most advanced drinking water appliances with multi-functional, energy-efficient taps, or even a new range of stylish and recyclable bathroom suites with baths, shower floors and washbasins made from entirely natural materials...
Alexander Joseph have just launched the world’s first luxury cordless lamps. The decision to create the range of lamps came following a fruitless search by the founder, Mark Robinson. He explains, “around a year ago my wife and I looked for decorative cordless lamps, all we could find were entry level or novelty varieties with very limited endurance. I spoke to several interiors’ organisations, lighting companies and retailers, then decided there was a place in the market for Luxury Cordless Lamps”. The patent pending technology used to power lamps provides at least 50 hours of continuous use before the need for recharging. Put another way, 3-4 weeks of normal use. Hidden in a sealed base, the technology is discrete and robust. The company have designed their own LED bulb, preferring to house the drivers in the base rather than within the bulb itself. This allows Alexander Joseph to provide a consistent soft light equivalent to a traditional 60w bulb. The idea has always been to hide the technology so lamps look as decorative as other luxury brands, but without the cord and plug.
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Atelier MIRU delivers to daring individuals with an artistic flair and appreciation for the mastery of hand-made craftsmanship. The Resurrection Collection of bespoke, painted furniture by Atelier MIRU was born from a poignant moment in the artist’s life, which became the main inspiration in her creative process. All Eyes on You was created exclusively as part of this collection. Hand painted in oil, the mirror is reminiscent of the human iris and alludes to its various anthropological symbolic values. The eye is not only a gate to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness, but also enlightenment and mindfulness among many. Through its magnified and in-your-face quality, the piece emphasises and deliberates these connotations. By enticing both the visual and emotional, this mirror will easily become the focal point of any luxury interior.
German bathroom product manufacturer, Bette, will be exhibiting its ‘30 year warranty’ glazed titanium-steel baths, shower floors and washbasins; showcasing the latest in bathroom design, colour and safety at Sleep + Eat (November 20-21). They will be giving live demonstrations on the durability of its products, which are finished in BetteGlaze; a glass-like surface which is harder than marble, plastic or epoxy granite, is non-porous, scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Products are available in both gloss and matt finishes, in an extensive range of colours, with the opportunity to colour-match ceramic items, such as tiles. Bespoke colours can be created to fit with interior themes, as well as bespoke sized products to fit the desired space perfectly. The latest edition to Bette's range of baths will be exhibited with the freestanding bath in one of their new stand-out shimmering colours; welcoming the BetteLux Oval Silhouette bath in new 'Blue Satin' finish. What's more, is Bette baths, shower floors and washbasins are made from entirely natural materials and are 100% recyclable. Bette has also invested heavily in green technologies at its factory in Germany to create 2/3 of its energy requirements from renewable resources!
Since 2006, eggersmann has been busy realising the idea of manufacturing and further developing a collection of kitchens and equipment which can hardly be matched for its timelessness and minimalism. The name UNIQUE really says it all. The focus is on individuality, also exceptional and exquisite materials. A decisive and fundamental idea for this system is the homogeneity of all relevant surfaces. Front and side surfaces, also handles and working surfaces are made of just one identical material, creating this very unique and stunning style for the discerning clientele.
Next level functionality meets flawless design in Zip Water UK’s latest HydroTap, the All-in-One Celsius Arc. The brand behind the world’s most advanced drinking water systems brings homeowners the very best in style and substance with this high-performance multi-functional tap. The new HydroTap instantly dispenses five different water types from a single tap and under-counter unit, including highly filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water, plus unfiltered hot and cold water for washing up. Available in Zip’s expansive range of stylish finishes, including rose gold, brushed gold and gunmetal, all this functionality is also wrapped up in the Arc’s elegant ‘swan neck’ and dual-lever design making it perfectly suited to both modern and period kitchens.
As well as offering interior enthusiasts huge design scope, the HydroTap also boasts filtration 25 times more powerful than a water filter jug. Eliminating the need for still and sparkling bottled water, a kettle and additional mixer tap, owners can de-clutter countertops at the same time as reducing their household’s single-use plastic waste. By specifying the Zip HydroTap All-in-One Celsius Arc, clients can also be confident that they’re contributing to the energy efficiency of their home. With advanced energy saving features and best-in-class air-cooled technology, the tap performs to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury residence with an exterior which echoes the Renaissance elegance of the Château de Chambord. The interior design scheme draws its inspirations from the history of the Silk Road and the cultural interactions it enabled; this ancient network of trade routes was essential in connecting the East and West, so an interplay of Asian influences and European Renaissance style details became a recurrent design theme throughout the property. From imperial gold, elegant blues, translucent glass, refined silk and sumptuous satin… Every interior decision aims to convey a language that speaks of both a classic era and that of the modern day.
Company: Chains Interior
Project: The Silk Road
Project Location: Chongqing, China
The client’s career map is spread all over the country, so he hopes to combine and elegantly blend different kinds of cultures in his new residence, as well as showcase the most exquisite tastes, designs and the character of himself.
Nestled in the city, the project’s symmetrical arch windows and angled roof resonate with the Renaissance elegance of Castle Chambord in France. Inside the castle are glass-cuts and curtains whose patterns derive from Chinese octagon motifs and a fascination of Chinese textile, an evidence of cultural interactions nurtured by the Silk Road. The project concept, with silk being an integral design element, is therefore inspired by those reciprocal exchanges between Eastern and Western thinking as well as aesthetics brought about by the ancient trade route.
This project is a huge villa in China. The first problem we faced was how to perfectly express the image of the trade which is a symbolic part of the owner. How to show the concept clearly and integrate into modern Chinese lifestyle? Second, our company is located in Taipei and the project is far away from us so we can’t always supervise the decorating process. We search local professionals for help to complete this difficult project.
The satin, shimmering like pearls on the vertical façade, is like the golden sand which whirled across the Silk Road by sweeping winds. The arches decorate the basement like ribbons as well as divide it into spheres serving various functions, a light bar and recreational use, mahjong and games, guzheng performance… The extravagant gold colour imbues the bar with a contemporary charm, while the glass mosaic unfolds into continuous, symmetrical damask patterns that emanate aristocratic elegance.
The fine silk conveys a tinge of allure in the grand living room. The glass railing winds up the staircase as if dancing to a tune with the air current. The dome-shaped ceiling hovers above like a scarf in midair, forming a collage of hexagons in three metallic shades that allude to French glamour. Walking up to the second floor, intricately embroidered flowers, birds and mountains in resplendent colours in the master bedroom show magpies perched on plum trees. This motif, symbolic of everlasting happiness, is an offering of goodwill to the owner.
Thin as cicada wings, the silk screen that divides the space seamlessly is resplendent, yet light and cosy, as if veiled by ancient blessings. Meanwhile, refined glass and metal reflect the morning light as they caress the European broad-leaf plants on the carpet and curtain. Life, can be a delightful dream. Imperial gold, elegant blue, translucent glass, refined silk… felicity is woven into warps and wefts to convey a language that speak of both a classic era and the modern day.
SBID is one of the most representative Awards in the world. Our project is highly acknowledged in Asia competitions and we want to know if it is also appreciated by an international audience.
Questions answered by the Lien Wu Chen, Design Director at Chains Interior
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a heritage conversion property rich in original detailing and upscale interest, click here to see more.
Chains Interior | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week SBID interviewed Michael Seum, VP Design at GROHE to discover more about his journey through the interior design industry; from a vision for architecture to finding his calling in product design. Michael gives us the inside scoop on his role as VP Design, the importance of motivation, and even shares his secret for inspiring and maintaining creativity!
Can you describe your current job?
As VP Design for GROHE, my job is to connect creativity with commercial for the company and be the creative horsepower and the biggest advocate of Grohe’s excellent design team. It’s my job to lead a team that focuses not just on consumer needs, but consumers’ desires and we put a lot of passion and emotion in our work.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
My background is in industrial design and I started my career with the intention of going into architecture. As a child I was always very curious and a creative nature which I was fortunate enough to have fostered by my parents. However, I have always felt an affinity for space and experience and it was actually this that brought me to product design. I have always been interested in the relation of people to an object or an experience, just like an interior designer does; in this role, I am bringing products that work within the interior space wherever there is a water experience.
Describe an average day in your job role..
Whilst there is no such thing as a truly ‘average’ day in my role, an ideal day would begin with breakfast with my children at home at 7am. I then head to the office at 8.30am where I have a cup of coffee. I’ll check my to do list and walk through the office to see my team. From 10am I jump straight into project work and meetings to make sure projects are moving. This takes most of the morning. I always eat lunch at my desk, around 1pm, for efficiency and in the early afternoon I will spend time catching up on the latest world design news and developments. The rest of the day will revolve around further project work and meetings until I leave the office at 6pm. I go to the gym religiously and believe a healthy mind is good for creativity. I then go home and recharge for the next day.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
Working with a talented team that actually operates as a team and a collective community is incredibly rewarding, especially as it shows in our work.
What are the latest plans for Grohe? Is there anything new you are working on?
We are focused on reframing the relationship we have with water. Whether you are consuming water or using it for hygiene, it’s always going to re-energise us. Without revealing too much, we’re focusing on really meaningful innovations that reframe our relationship to the precious resource of water. You will see this in the coming months, especially as we get closer to the ISH show in Frankfurt.
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
For me, the challenge is the same as the reward; keeping the team motivated. It’s not easy to get a product from a price of paper to a world-wide marketed product and sometimes that can mean working behind the scenes to break down barriers to keep the focus on the long-term design plan. I find keeping a positive mindset helps with this.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
I came into the field knowing it would be different every day. But I guess it would have been nice to have known just how diverse it could be. I never expected that I would have the opportunity to work all over the world!
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
That extra hour at lunch is not a bad idea!
What has been your favourite project to work on?
The next project, always! For me, the whole reason for being a designer was to take on the challenge of the next project. I love not knowing what could be next, and then drawing inspiration from my experiences so far to make improvements on the next project.
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
Instagram! There is so much digital influence on a daily basis now that consumers are seeing similar styles echoed. I find that if I want to seek new inspiration then I need to look outside of Instagram. It also surprises me how so many inspiring interior design shots are void of people when, ultimately, these spaces are designed for people.
Which people do you admire the most in the industry and why?
The people I admire most in the industry are very humble; they are the people working behind the scenes, avoiding the limelight but still producing amazing work.
What are you most looking forward to at Sleep + Eat 2018?
I like that Sleep + Eat focuses on a big design topic – the hospitality industry. This interior design sector encompasses a lot of design considerations and, whilst GROHE has a lot of expertise in the sector, I go to the show to learn.
If you were inspired by Michael’s story and want to learn more about interior design, click here.
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