The launch acknowledged the SBID IP Register as a first-of-its-kind management tool to help designers ensure their work is legally protected, which in the case of a breach, gives IP crime experts, TM-Eye, the basis to quickly initiate an investigation.
In light of this recent development with SBID forging the pathway for designers to seek IP protection, SBID spoke to a legal expert from Mishcon De Reya LLP. Suzi Sendama, Associate at Mischon, who challenges the myths surrounding IP rights to ensure you don't find yourself inadvertently on the wrong side of the law!
At a recent SBID 20:20 Event at The Dorchester, Suzi spoke about a number of common misconceptions relating to intellectual property rights. While many designers have a good idea of what intellectual property is - indeed, is is a company's most valuable asset and exploiting it can be the key to maximising the profits of a business - there are so many commonly believed IP myths that could land you on the wrong side of an expensive claim for IP infringement.
Many of these misconceptions surround what a designer can and cannot do when inspired by the work of others. From product design and written content, to the legalities of using trademarks. It is said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But not all designers would consider it to be a compliment to see their design copied by a competitor. To avoid inadvertently infringing an earlier design, make sure you are clued up on what you can and cannot do if you are designing a product which is similar to one which is already on the market.
Find out what Suzi suggests are the most common misconceptions, what the legal implications of these misconceptions would be, and how you can best protect your work by reading the full feature.
Read this feature →
For further information on Intellectual Property Protection and what we are doing to combat the issue, visit our website.
Suzi Sendama at Mishcon De Reya LLP
[email protected], +44 (0) 203 321 6794.
Have you missed Suzi's most recent article on the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules that will be enforced and how they could affect your business? Click here to see more.
This feature originally appeared in the Business section within Volume 6 Issue 4 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.
Click here to read the full issue.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a glamorous 5* Swiss resort with captivatingly panoramic views, uniquely positioned in Canton Nidwalden. Perched amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountainous landscapes in the heart of Switzerland, the resort is strategically and seamlessly nestled beside the summit of mountain Bürgenstock. Taking full advantage of the profoundly awakening scenes bestowed by this scenic peninsula, the complex sits 874 m above sea level, surrounded almost in its entirety by the vast, deep-blue expanse of Lake Lucerne and winding Alpine foothills.
MKV Design took on this extraordinary project with the aim of creating a luxurious hotel resort which sits harmoniously with the serene natural landscapes that subsequently envelop this lavish retreat, where each uniquely tailored space brings about a synergy between the resort's guests and the encompassing natural environment. Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director at MKV Design, tells us more.
Company: MKV Design
Project: The Bürgenstock Resort
Project Location: Switzerland
What was the client's brief?
For over 100 years, Bürgenstock was one of Europe’s most legendary resorts, the glamorous destination for celebrities, a place of immense design vision and a location that offered complete immersion into the natural world. Our task was to restore its iconic status by drawing on this inheritance to create a new legacy for the future. We achieved this by creating several of the resort’s highlights, including the Bürgenstock Hotel, the 108,000-square-foot Alpine Spa, The Palace Hotel and Conferences, The Grand Residence Suites and the Sharq Oriental Restaurant and Shisha Lounge. Our design provides a guest experience that is specific to each part with buildings that nevertheless create a homogeneous destination.
What inspired the design of the Project?
Our interior design concept celebrates the heritage of this iconic resort dating from the 19th and through the 20th Century from Belle Epoque to ‘Palm Springs’ in the 1950's, which helped to make the resort synonymous with glamour and sophistication. Nevertheless, the resort is very much designed with today’s high guest expectations in mind and is aimed at a geographically diverse clientele.
We also took inspiration from the resort’s unbeatable location atop the mountains overlooking Lake Lucerne. Meaningful engagement with the natural world is everything. In the Bürgenstock Hotel for example, the interior design is deliberately held in check to allow the natural world to be the star. Materials are natural, textural and local – stone from the mountains for instance – achieving a sense of uninterrupted transition from the world outside to the environment indoors.
The magnificence and sheer power of the natural terrain has informed the design of the spa, which has been dramatically extended by tunnelling through the mountain and adding a cantilevered glass box that is perched on the side of the mountain above the lake, offering visitors panoramic, bird’s eye views. From the 35°C outdoor infinity hydropool – one of three pools on site – where you can gaze across to Mount Pilatus, to the treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lake, the location takes centre stage with views that soothe the soul.
The Palace Hotel and Conferences has been reinvented as a synthesis of grand fin-de-siècle architecture and state-of-the-art interior design. It opened originally in 1903 and is a magnificent example of classical architecture. While working in line with all the principles of historic preservation, we have essentially created a new hotel. The ground floor public areas have been recreated as faithful interpretation of the original, while the function areas and guestroom levels above are contemporary in style.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
We were entrusted with the review of the original architectural master-planning for the new Bürgenstock Hotel. When we design hotels, we want them to work from the inside out. This is the only way to ensure that the narrative will be coherent and the experience compelling. After careful consideration, we came up with the solution of a smaller footprint, creating an L-shaped building that is the hotel today, that not only achieved the most amazing views from all the guestrooms and public areas, but also made space for a large outside terrace which enhanced the visual connection with The Palace Hotel next door and created an outdoor route from the Piazza through the wonderful elevated garden walk that connects The Bürgenstock Hotel with the Palace Hotel.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
For me, I would say The Bürgenstock Hotel and the Alpine Spa. All the hotel’s 102 guestrooms project the guest towards the view as soon as they open their door with a perfect flow of spaces from arrival through the lounge area to the bedroom and then on to the full height window with integrated seating. The bathrooms offer a similar flow towards the window where, in the luxury of a sunken double-size tub, guests can soak in wonder. Similarly, every step of the journey, from the entrance procession through the ethereal glowing rock face walls of the tunnel, to the breathtaking panoramas from the pool and zen-like experience of the relaxation areas, celebrates the wonder of nature and the wellbeing of both body and soul. Spas are frequently introverted but we wanted the Alpine Spa to be extraverted – or look outward – because of the magnificently calming and rejuvenating views.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
SBID is one of the most highly respected awards schemes in the interior design industry. We value the calibre of the projects entered and take pride in having our work judged by such an esteemed panel.
Questions answered by Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director at MKV Design.
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If you missed last week's Project of the Week with London-based design & build company who transformed a Victorian building at King’s Cross Station into a remarkable, ultra-modern workspace, click here to see more.
The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
MKV Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
However, even if you don't enter your project for an Award, we're always interested in sharing and celebrating impressive design projects from around the world. So much so that in every issue of our eSociety magazine we take a look at some of the most inspiring projects, from large-scale retail designs and global hotel projects to high-end luxury residential developments, to see how creativity in interior design is transforming the way we work and live our lives.
In this issue, we explored a new luxury destination nestled between Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Hotel Californian is idyllically placed in the Santa Barbara, coined the American Riviera for it's picturesque landscapes and Mediterranean climate. Designed by LA-based interior designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard sensitively retained the façade of the original 1925 Hotel Californian, whilst incorporating the rich, eclectic vibrancy of traditional Mediterranean designs.
This 121 room seaside destination comprises of a rooftop pool, featuring panoramic views of the coastline. Brimming with Mediterranean influences and sultry Moroccan details, this project included the hotel's two restaurants and spa; the hotel's signature restaurant, Blackbird; the more casual dining option, the Goat Tree Cafe; and Spa Marjorelle, the hotel's resident luxury spa. Discover more about how Martyn Lawrence Bullard captured the authentic Moroccan character and imbued the essence of Marrakech throughout this stunning hotel design.
This feature originally appeared in the Portfolio section within Volume 7 Issue 1 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.
Click here to read the full issue or see more inspiring projects in the Portfolio section, here.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features London-based design and build company Oktra who took on the challenge of transforming a Victorian building at King’s Cross Station into a remarkable ultra-modern workspace for 300 people. The brief was to create a forwarding-thinking collaborative workplace without affecting the original architecture of the building. The Oktra team inserted contemporary design using intriguing landscapes and modern shapes into the industrial period building. The space includes 300 fixed workstations, open plan desking and several meeting pods over an expansive café area. Biophilia is used throughout to create a relaxing natural environment and bring a sense of the outdoors in. The space allows NewDay to choose how, when and where they work by offering a range of work settings. Each area is designed for a different type of task.
Company: Oktra
Project: NewDay
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
NewDay appointed our team to design a bold and modern 30,000 sq ft workspace in a magnificent Victorian building. They required a design which would grant more working space to help promote collaboration. NewDay wanted a mixture of formal and informal meeting places, including 300 fixed workstations to encourage productivity and communication.
Our vision was to achieve a contemporary design whilst retaining the building’s original mid-18th century features. To achieve this we inserted intriguing landscapes and modern shapes against the period brickwork backdrop to create an interesting and engaging juxtaposition which created a complimentary contrast between modern features and the characterful components of the previous architectural structure. We therefore had to come up with a design which was sympathetic to the buildings original features but also able to inject a lively and contemporary spirit into the property.
Working with and around the Grade II Listed building, and connecting the 2 parts of the building together visually was definitely the most challenging aspect of the project. The site has close proximity to rail tunnels below the ground floor and an acoustic floor separates the demise at first floor level so there were various reasons to tread carefully which we had to navigate as the project developed in order to complete the work without compromising on our original vision.
The project’s most remarkable feature is a floating 60m long mezzanine suspended over an acoustic floor, leaving a striking impression on everyone who enters the space. This complex piece of engineering is completely independent of the existing building fabric, and maximises use of the space while offering a different perspective. This involved lengthy coordination of services from our team alongside a series of structural gymnastics within the raised floor.
Being one of the most prestigious awards in the design industry, we were honoured to be finalists in the 2017 SBID International Design Awards. To be recognised by SBID is a true testament to the work we do as leading design and build specialists.
Questions answered by David Bishop, Senior Designer at Oktra
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with a sleek and faceted interior concept, inspired by the striking linear architecture of the Dollar Bay development in Canary Wharf, click here to see more.
The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries!
Click here to register or enter your project!
Oktra | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Established in 1829 by two young Scottish entrepreneurs James Craig & Hugh Rose, Craig & Rose built a long established reputation as specialist paint providers in their field. This reputation spread swiftly throughout the UK, enabling Craig & Rose to become the paint of choice for the professional painter and decorator. Edward Brown, the Technical Director at Craig & Rose, gives us his informed insight on which colour palette the Spring season is set to usher in to the market and where the trend for paint finishes will lead in the coming months.
To find out more about Edward Brown's forecast for paint colours and finishes, read his feature here.
The Czech Republic headquarters of energy company, innogy, is using a new LED lighting system to support the circadian rhythms of the people who work there.
Installed by Philips Lighting, the system is tuned to stimulate the energy levels of the 550 staff at set times in the day. According to Philips, "the stimulus from the 'human centric lighting' fixtures is likened to a strong cup of coffee".
Tomas Michna, Senior Manager for Facility and Services at innogy Czech Republic explains how the system works and why this new innovation in using responsive lighting technology in the workplace can help to improve operational efficiency through remote monitoring and maintenance.
Learn more about this revolutionary lighting system, the effects of using advanced lighting technology on psychological patterns and behaviours and how this can be implemented in interior design, here.
This Special Report Case Study originally appeared in the Volume 7 Issue 1 edition of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.
Click here to read the full issue or see the full Special Report on Lighting and Surface, here.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the interior specification design for the Dollar Bay Penthouses located in Canary Wharf, London. Suna Interior Design was selected by Mount Anvil and Citystyle (One Housing) to translate the faceted and linear qualities of this unique building in different ways throughout the property. Complimenting the striking architecture and creating a harmony between the exterior and interior elements were integral to the style and design of this luxury residential development. Dollar Bay sits in a glamorous enclave where elite fashion brands, high-end dining, leisure and charismatic nightlife come together to offer a cultured and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Suna Interior Design carefully considered every design decision to reflect this aura of affluence and style, typified by the building's opulent surroundings.
Company: Suna Interior Design
Project: Dollar Bay Penthouse
When we work with developers on any specification work, we take into account many contributory factors.
In this instance, we were working on only two apartments but they were the jewel in the crown of this development as they were the triplex penthouse units atop the striking Dollar Bay development for Mount Anvil. The penthouse apartments offered a truly unique space as the interior was spread across four floors finishing with an impressive multifunctional area consisting of a spa, dining and lounge area with triple height glazing and views across the docklands landscape.
As with all penthouse designs, the client needed us to come up with a design for the interior which would impress their potential buyers and maximise the space within. When specifying interiors that need to stand the test of time it is important to select finishes that will not date and choose products that have a long aesthetic lifespan. We combine this with adding in individual design details to add some identity to the interior and touch points to link it to the architecture.
The fundamental starting point for all of the design was the architecture of the building. The external glazing facets in and out which ran all the way up the structure created a truly impressive and dramatic design aesthetic. This influenced many key features of the interior design. Specifically the internal doors and ironmongery were bespoke, designed to incorporate the same faceted and angled designs to mirror the rest of the property. Having a direct correlation between the interior and the exterior creates an intelligently curated overall aesthetic with synergy between all areas.
One of the hardest areas to design was the master ensuite due to the layout of the room and the desire to create an impressive addition to the master bedroom. The area we were working with reflected the angled features of the architecture. The unusual space with large glazing panels displayed incredible views across Canary Wharf and linked the ensuite to the generous winter garden which wrapped around the perimeter of the rooms. The angled shape of the space ended up working to our advantage, allowing us to position the shower enclosure to the rear, hiding the WC between the smoked shower screen and a bespoke slatted divider beside the vanity unit. The double basin vanity was a truly impressive feature with a bespoke marble vanity unit and shelf that bisected a full height mirror with integrated Led lighting. We used the Agape Sen range of brassware that followed the linear lines of the vanity and finished off this area perfectly. We sourced a unique slash sided freestanding bath that butted to the angled wall and provided a luxurious bathing area with fantastic views.
The most impressive area within the apartment is the last one you come across. At the top of the building there is a 3 storey open spa which links the dining room and an upper open floor as a second lounge. We knew when we started looking at this impressive space that the large wall that forms the backdrop to the spa area needed to have impact. As it is such a large wall area we wanted to add product which would break it up and add interest. We selected a tile product that was available in multiple sizes and surface finishes so that each one would catch the light differently. In addition we added in recess strip lighting to the wall in specific areas so that the whole area would transform from day to night.
We hold the opinions of those at SBID very high as we know they have high expectations and broad industry experience. Achieving success at these awards would be an accolade we would be immensely proud off and a testament to the work we have produced.
Questions answered by Helen Fewster, Director at Suna Interior Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the virtual reality theme park inspired by the vibrant cityscape of Dubai, click here to see more.
Suna Interior Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
I think the Colour Council is very relevant to the creative industry in general. With any subject it’s important to have access to a reliable source of information. SBID’s Colour Council initiative not only allows the organisation to share information on colour knowledge but also to set standards in the way we work with colour. It’s also an opportunity to create a permanent knowledge resource for using colour successfully. We will be looking into colour theory, working with colour in space and colour forecasting as well as looking to colour combinations for inspiration; this will enable interior designers to connect with colour experts and establish a reliable information source.
For the past 11 years I have worked with many brands, helping them with product development and marketing strategies. I have built a broad knowledge in colour nuances and how different cultures react to colour by working with paint companies around the world. I have also worked with materials manufacturers as Finsa, Formica, DuPont, Ceasarstone and LG Haus as well as companies as Kimberley Clarks, Samsung, Logitech or Panasonic. I would say that this experience has really helped me to understand how consumers think.
I think designers are fully aware of the need to have the right information. We are a savvy industry and understand that having the right knowledge helps us create customer satisfaction. Right now, you need to search the internet to find colour information which is time consuming. Also because data comes from different sources, how can you be sure it’s reliable? Getting good data on colour is also a challenge for students and anyone else who works in design. Colour is a fabulous tool for creativity but a lack of knowledge in this area can hold you back creatively. That’s why I am strong believer in making information available from a reliable source as SBID.
Co-chair of the SBID Colour Council & SBID East Anglia Regional Director
This interview originally appeared in the Volume 7 Issue 1 edition of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.
Click here to read the full issue or see the rest of the interview with Carolina, here.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series introduces a new age of theme park with a thought-provoking and awe-inspiring dimension that Dubai has never seen before. The design concept pays a very unique homage to the vibrant city that is Dubai, featuring a life-like replica of the infamous skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, from an entirely new perspective. 4SPACE Design took the brief of bringing the Dubai cityscape to life for this innovative theme park and made it a virtual reality to amaze and inspire the imagination of all its visitors!
Company: 4SPACE Design
Project: VR Park, Dubai
Project Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
EMAAR Entertainment wanted to create a one of a kind virtual reality theme park that has never been created in Dubai before. The design concept was to create a unique experience with a futuristic ambience which introduced visitors to the wonderful world of virtual reality. They were hoping for an innovative and thought-provoking design approach that would blow the minds of users visiting the space.
The project is inspired by Dubai city itself. The focal point of the entire theme park interior is a giant model of the Burj Khalifa hanging upside down from the ceiling to the floor. The initial concept sketch started with the upside down Burj Khalifa and we collaborated with the theming company to get the proper proportion, finish, look and feel of the real building.
The infrastructure of downtown Dubai is projected as a video map on the ceiling while the columns beside the Burj Khalifa are designed as building models to create the illusion of walking through the upside-down version of Dubai.
This reoccurring theme influences the design approach of the entire interior space. For example, the reflective blue epoxy flooring replicates the Dubai night sky while the handrails and staircase are designed to demonstrate the look and feel of Burj Khalifa itself.
The biggest challenge was achieving an upside down cityscape of Dubai. The scheme was to replicate the city so we teamed up with a theming company that was able to execute the life-like details of the cityscape.
The façade was the highlight of the project. It tells the entire story. We wanted to start the story from entrance which would be reinforced as you walked through the entire space. 4SPACE crafted an innovative, unique, and delightful design using modern technology. The large 90 degree curved LED display screen panel shows a complete cityscape of downtown Dubai bent upside down. It was designed with the intention of alluding to the user, the magnificent experience awaiting them inside. The LED screen showcases Dubai during the day and night with fascinating animations.
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious, credible, and enjoyable events in the design industry calendar. It pays tribute to the projects and designers making their mark in the interior design industry. The awards attract the world’s top designers and potential clients around the globe.
Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Interior Architect / Managing Director at 4SPACE Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the transformation of an uninspiring driveway into the ultimate luxury man cave, click here to see more.
4SPACE Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
The GDPR introduces more stringent data protection obligations on companies and will strengthen the rights of individuals. Its implementation and effect is therefore of relevance both to corporate entities and to those seeking to enforce their rights. It will be implemented across all EU Member States and its provisions will continue to apply in the UK post-Brexit through the UK's proposed Data Protection Bill.
The GDPR sets out new rules for any organisations that collect or process personal data of individuals (known as data subjects). Personal data is any information relating to an individual, including names, addresses, photographs of individuals, email addresses, bank details, IP addresses and even social media posts – as a result, the GDPR will apply to most organisations that do business in the EU.
As a result of the changes in the law, and the publicity surrounding the introduction of the GDPR, individuals are more likely to scrutinise the way in which information about them is held by organisations.
Two key themes arising from GDPR are transparency and accountability. Companies will need to explicitly and clearly tell individuals what data they are holding, why they have captured it and what they intend to do with it. Companies will also need to be able to show that what they are doing is in accordance with the law. In practical terms, this is likely to involve at the very least updating your privacy policy to ensure that it is in plain English and that it accurately reflects what data you are processing.
Electronic direct marketing, such as emails sent to people who are not existing customers, will require a higher level of 'consent' than now: consent needs to be explicit and freely given, by way of a positive opt in. The GDPR also introduces a requirement for some types of organisation to appoint an expert in data protection law as a Data Protection Officer.
Reputation management should be a key consideration for all companies. Ensure that you have a crisis plan in place for dealing with data breaches. You could also face enforcement action if you are unable to demonstrate that you have addressed the new requirements. The legislation introduces hefty fines for data breaches of up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20million, whichever is more.
Think carefully about a notification strategy for breaches. In the event of a data breach, companies will often have just 72 hours to notify both data subjects and the Information Commissioner's Office, so having a strategy in place for dealing with this will be crucial.
Data breaches are most likely to occur as a result of human error – make sure that members of staff are appropriately trained on the changes which are coming into force and ensure that you have policies in place in relation to data security and how to handle data breaches.
If you are an employer, you will also need to ensure that the way in which you handle your employees' data is GDPR compliant. Review any HR policies to ensure that you have systems in place to deal with your obligations under the GDPR and inform employees and any job applicants about the purpose and legal basis for processing their personal data.
For further information on the GDPR and how it could affect your business, please contact Suzi Sendama at Mishcon De Reya LLP, [email protected], +44 (0) 203 321 6794.
Suzi Sendama, Mishcon De Reya LLP
Did you miss Suzi's article on Intellectual Property and Copyright Law? Click here to see more.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the ultimate luxury man cave! The dark, sultry and masculine design of this glorified garage was built to house the client's invaluable collection of sports cars. The space now embodies the essence of a moody underground club, doubling up as a sanctum of entertainment where the client can play pool in the glamour of a subterranean bar. The project evolved to include a plethora of cutting-edge technology. Every carefully considered curve and specially selected surface, combined with the un-apologetically flashy and unmistakably contemporary design, has managed to transform what used to be an uninspiring driveway into a gallant showcase of masculinity, impressive enough to rival any Hollywood-style superhero garage. We think this project would give the likes of Tony Stark a run for his money!
Company: The Design Practice by UBER
Project: Man Cave
Project Location: Manchester, UK
What was the clients brief?
Following the completion of the main house and its enjoyment for a year or two the client realised that there was a fundamental piece of the jigsaw missing from the lifestyle he had created. Looking out onto the driveway hinted at the missing component. The client’s collection of sports cars sat on a driveway in the affluent south Manchester suburb where the weather was not always as pretty as the cars themselves.
The cars were isolated, hardly ever garaged as a result of an awkward entry point to the garage itself which involved reversing back up a steep driveway to get the cars out. From within the blank canvas space there was the usual hoarding of garage paraphernalia and wheelie bins to negotiate and for remodelling consideration there were some fundamental construction obstacles to overcome. Not least there were two huge structural columns which were positioned awkwardly in the space. The floor to ceiling heights were already on the low side and yet we needed to get air conditioning and fresh air into the space. We then had the challenge of allowing for the cars to turn and enter and exit the space comfortably (rather than reversing up the drive) as well as providing a break between the garage space and living space that met with building regulations.
The wish list then evolved to include a moody underground club feel entertaining space where the client could play pool in the glamour of a subterranean bar and watch the football with his mates. He wanted the space to feel like an exciting break from the every day and quickly caught the technology bug desiring to push the boundaries within a tight pre-built space wanting luxury, intrigue and showmanship.
The Design Practice by UBER set about creating a car ‘trophy cabinet’, to take the very finishes from inside these stunning vehicles and translate them onto the walls of the garage together with some bespoke hotel inspired materials. The client loved our initial concept including a turntable to showcase his showcase sports cars and allow them to be rotated in a small space, making it also extremely practical. The brief quickly evolved to include a plethora of cutting-edge technology to rival superhero garages from a Hollywood blockbuster.
The circular ceiling feature that sits above the turntable was a masterpiece in design and engineering in itself. Weighing over a ton and being suspended from a heavily clustered ceiling full of pipe work and cabling, it needed a great deal of thought. In the design intent it was critical that we achieved a glow from the amber back-lit precious quartz that we had set our hearts on using together with a smoked mirrored central section to show the car off and reflect across the roofline.
However, the weight of the stone was substantial and proved a problem for use in the ceiling detail as well as the fact that the waste material would have been enormous. We managed to get the slabs of the precious stone to site and once correctly illuminated we photographed the pieces and then printed the high resolution image onto lightweight acrylic to use on the ceiling section. This was highly successful and the faux material works harmoniously with the real precious stone in the bar and wine cabinet areas, something that would have been almost impossible to achieve had we not photographed and used the same pieces.
The enthusiasm of the client was evident throughout pushing us to bring together services at the very cutting edge of technology. The car turntable was designed to be controlled by custom designed Crestron wall panels to create a bespoke “man-cave” feel. The system shows the exact rotational position of the car on the turntable. With a simple swipe, the car can be rotated to specific angles to show off its best side in a pre-set positions or simply spin 360° for “look at me” appeal. And when the system is not in use the vehicle will always come to rest pointing outwards, towards the garage entrance for fast drive away convenience.
Due to sensors in the car and driveway, as the homeowner simply approaches the home’s lighting, heating and music systems fires into life matching the predetermined preferences of the particular car that has arrived.
There are sensors on every door within the man-cave, which not only enhance safety (the turntable won’t operate if the door is open), but also notifies the owner if the wine cellar door is left open.
The lighting scheme has been carefully considered to work with all the contrasting surfaces to give the most dramatic impact possible to this moody space. From the shiny and reflective surfaces of floors and polished plaster ceilings, to the soft leather paneling and backlit quartz pops of colour. Along with the industrial decorative drop lights, each aspect of the lighting was crucial in bringing this theatre spectacularly to life for the most incredible impact possible.
As an esteemed society within the industry, the SBID awards are hugely influential for awareness and recognition to a global audience. As a long-standing member we look forward to submitting our projects which allows us to realise, each year, how our esteem peers push us forward to achieve greater things.
Questions answered by Jim Evans, Director at The Design Practice by UBER
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with a lavish and tranquil family home based in Kuwait City, inspired by a vast collection of Middle Eastern treasures, click here to see more.
Entries were received, finalists deliberated and the winners of the SBID International Design Awards 2017 were announced! Click here to see the full list.
The Design Practice by UBER | SBID International Design Awards 2018
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