This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the breath-taking 'Whale Bar' designed by WOW Architects. We spoke to Wong Chiu Man (Founder and Managing Director) of WOW Architects about this extraordinary project, our overall winner of the SBID Awards 2017.
The Whale Bar’s iconic shape was inspired by the majestic whale shark. This imaginative yet elegant retreat is elevated by light oak interiors and a softly lit neutral palette. The use of fish scale inspired timber shingles around the kitchen and smooth iridescent stucco inside the “body” of the whale emphasises the marine iconography that is unmistakable. The team endeavoured to make as many aspects of the project as sustainable as possible, up-cycling and recycling wherever appropriate, focusing their attentions on highlighting the fragility of the surrounding environment within their design in the hope that this would motivate guests to contemplate the creation of a responsible future for the next generations.
Company: WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design
Project: THE WHALE BAR
Project Location: St Regis Resort Vommuli Island, Maldives
What was the client’s brief?
The clients desire was to create a resort destination that would standout from the existing resorts in the Maldives and be commercially successful. After much research and discussion, the components of the brief were decided upon, the master plan designed and construction started. Upon appointing the St Regis as the operator, the brief was evolved further and refined, and improvements were made to fully achieve the brand’s potential, and the clients vision for a leading resort hotel.
What inspired the design of the Project?
After visiting many resorts in the Maldives, we understood the evolution of resort design throughout the last twenty years. The latest and best resorts had a strong ecological aspect but still stayed within the realm of design inspirations from the human perspective. We saw an opportunity to create even more eco awareness and draw inspirations directly from nature itself, and to pointedly draw attention through our design to the fragility of atoll and marine habitats in particular. Thus, the design evolved through our inspirations and observations on atoll ecology and marine biology. We hope that the design will uplift and motivate our guests in creating a responsible future for the next generations.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
Building sensitively with minimal waste and consideration for protecting the islands ecology was by far the biggest challenge. Efficiency and speed minimises waste and the logistic and carbon footprint on the Maldives and resources we needed. Despite using all forms of prefabrication and eco friendly materials, up-cycling and recycling, the longer the construction time is, the larger the waste footprint. Our challenge on a daily basis was to find affordable and intelligent solutions to minimise the waste while achieving a high standard of construction and finish.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
We had many highlights over 4 years. From the beauty of the sunsets to the drama of the storms, and the pleasure of seeing and preserving the island and the marine life around us.
However, an unexpected reward was how we were able to connect with the villagers from the neighbouring islands by offering them employment and gaining their trust and respect. They were instrumental in minimising waste because they up-cycled many leftover building materials and packaging materials into their villages and our project actually improved the villagers lives. This was truly sustainability in practice.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
We hoped to gain recognition for a project very close to our hearts and wished that by winning an SBID award, we could not only celebrate the design, but tell the meaningful stories that made the design possible. For receiving the overall winners award, we are extremely proud and grateful, but also humbled by the quality of the other winners.
Questions answered by Wong Chiu Man (Founder and Managing Director) WOW Architects.
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If you missed last week's Project of the Week with Orkun Indere's winter wonderland 'Log House Extension' click here to see more
Entries were received, finalists deliberated and the winners of the SBID International Design Awards 2017 have been announced! Click here to see the full list.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
WOW Architects | SBID International Design Awards 2017
2018 copyright WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the magical 'Log House Extension' by Orkun Indere Interiors. Located in Kazan, this project features all the seasonal cheer you'd expect from a stunning 'chalet' in the wintertime. Decked with Christmas decorations and high end interiors, this project is the epitome of festive opulence.
The extension was created to expand on this family home to meet the families growing needs. Conventional log house patterns around the location and separate building blocks were designed to emphasise the warm & cosy “chalet” feeling. Every single-functioning building block is connected by hallways. All the new buildings are made of timber and constructed with special joinery techniques which forgo the use of screws and bolts. The new main space is to be used as a living room, while also functioning as a flamboyant area to welcome guests. In contrast to the traditional log house aesthetic this area has a very high ceiling profile.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Orkun Indere, Founder & Designer of Orkun Indere Interiors about this magical project.
Company: Orkun Indere Interiors
Project: Log House Extension
Project Location: Kazan, Russian Federation
The idea of adding an extension started with the need for more space. The existing building didn't meet the client’s needs as the whole family (of five) was about to move into the house. The existing building was quite small in relation to its mass. The vernacular architecture of the district which consisted of highly inclined roofing was diminishing the beneficial use of interior areas.
With a new life beginning, the client required a bigger en-suite bedroom, three rooms, one for each child, a bigger area for the walk in closet, a proper entrance to the building (the building entrance was not suitable due to its mass and the connection to the living room was not suitable for the guests), a proper dining room and a stunning reception room. We decided to extend the existing building, adding a new area to be connected to the previous. After this change the whole complex would be seen as one chain of buildings.
The design emphasises every single room as a building block thus maximising the perception of space in every room. The joint points of short hallways which connect the buildings together, give an extra spacious feeling to every new room you step into.
The new layout also affected the existing building as a part of the new chain. After resolving the facilities of dining room, reception room and entrance hall in the new extended blocks, the existing building then turned out to be the intimate and most private part for the family. The new blocks were for welcoming the guests, entertaining and organising special events for celebrations so that the existing building could be used for the private, everyday life of the family.
The toughest hurdle was to connect the two existing buildings (the main house and barbecue house) and constructing new buildings in between them, so that the position, angle and distance between existing buildings was a big reference for the shape of the final design. Firstly we positioned the new reception room building with an area of 9 x 8 metres, we had to connect them one by one to the existing building. There planned three main blocks approaching to the existing house; reception room, entrance space and joint block which includes the staircase around a preserved tree existing on the land. We chose the side façade of the existing building (the kitchen façade also including an exit to the land) for the joint point of new blocks.
The plan layout and shape of each single block, derived from the positions of the buildings as came out of the joint angles. As many different blocks had to join each other properly we wanted to use the biggest block (reception room) as the conjunction unit, so the first idea was to design it in an octagonal shape to use some façades to connect to other blocks.
For this project there were a variety of of highlights. One of my favourite aspects of this project includes the height of the rooftop of the main building block used as the living room, it was 8,5 meters high inside the building, supported with a mesh of beams to keep the huge block stable. Stunning!
Another highlight was the preservation of an existing tree so at the time of snow in winter you can have a well snowed tree inside the house right in the middle of the staircase.
SBID is an internationally known professional body registered in the UK to accredit professionals in interior design, to be accredited by SBID is a great opportunity to spread our design approach and projects to an international platform. That’s why I wanted to enter and be chosen by SBID.
Questions answered by Orkun Indere, Founder & Designer of Orkun Indere Interiors.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with HBA's outstanding Ultima click here to see more
Orkun Indere Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features Ultima a spectacular luxury clubhouse that uses decadent lines and curves inspired by it's hillside location overlooking a remarkable view of the famous Victoria Harbour.
The designers were tasked with imagining a clubhouse for a leading local developer as part of a package that also included standard provisions for lift lobbies, bathroom and kitchens in the six tower complex and adjacent houses. The clubhouse, a three storey, 3,995 square metre space, is situated in the podium below the towers. The programme encompassed front of house areas including a lobby, fitness centre, spa, indoor ball court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, library, bar, billiards room, private dining rooms and all supporting back of house areas. The clubhouse’s position on a hill in southeast Kowloon commands unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong island beyond.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Mathew Lui, Partner of Hirsch Bedner Associates Hong Kong about this exceptional project.
Company: HBA
Project: Ultima
Project Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
The developer already had a flagship residential property on Hong Kong Island, and intended for this development to be its flagship Kowloon residence. The lead designer, who grew up visiting the site when it was formerly a low rise hill village, was intimately familiar with its orientation and panoramic views. Unusually for a project of this calibre, the developer had no brief for the designer; instead, architectural renderings were provided and the designer had to come up with the programme based on their experience with residential developments. As the building’s architecture included curves and aerodynamic-like details, the yacht concept became all the more relevant to the design scheme.
As the designer was also responsible for the property’s standard provisions, and the clubhouse's targeted market would be high net worth individuals, whose children may be attending boarding school overseas. The children’s play area was therefore reduced; instead, an indoor ball court for teens returning for holidays was designed with vibrant colours. Hip hop culture was kept in mind to appeal to that particular demographic. The F&B components were styled to flow between pre-dining lounges, bars and private rooms, allowing for a whole evening of entertainment which is an extension of hosting parties at home. The designer felt that residents would regard health and wellness as a priority, and ample square footage was devoted to a well-equipped gym and two pools along with a spa, which ladies could enjoy alone, with friends or as a group.
In response to the site, the theme tying together the different aspects of the programme was inspired by luxury yachts and the former colony’s English roots. It took advantage of the double height volume on the ground floor by creating a central “crown-like” structure embellished with crisscrossed chrome lattice upon glass back-lit for an incandescent glow. A circular planned library below offers plush seating, while upstairs is dominated by an onyx back-lit whiskey bar. Each subsequent area was given its own distinct identity to appeal to different target demographic and user types. For example, the billiards room was designed as a “gentleman’s retreat” and references the glamour of James Bond films, with mirrored panelling that in theory could hide a sophisticated arsenal of pool cues. Overall, the clubhouse’s design reflects an aspirational lifestyle akin to a five star hotel.
As the designer developed the overall programme as well as the interior design, a major challenge was determining the hierarchy of spaces. In order to maximise efficiency and eventual usage, each area had to be proportional to the overall project size and scope. It was the first project that this designer was responsible for an entire residential complex, and another challenge was to consider a script for how to sell the residences through the interiors. The clubhouse had to be imbued with the look and feel of a value added component to the unit’s selling price, while also reflecting the developer’s brand as a stylish home builder that employs top materials and fine craftsmanship. An intricate network of perceived value with hardware and software alongside an enviable address had to be conveyed through the interior design.
Many new residential developments in Hong Kong offer on-site clubhouses with nondescript design and a standard programme. The results are that some rooms are under-utilised, while others are booked solid throughout the year. With this project, the designer came up with the programme with different intended users in mind. The goal was to ensure that every corner of the clubhouse was functional and appealing to the property owners’ various family members. Each area has its own personality while at the same time there is a logical, efficient progression of spaces.
Using curved lines, extensive use of wood such as Ziricote, textured glass, tinted mirrors, and stone contributed to the nautical aesthetic that form the core of the clubhouse’s design. Yet a novel approach was to embellish that core with self-contained areas that reference the energy of a Nike shop for the ball court, the tongue-in-cheek reference of a Double Zero film for the billiards room, and a Gucci café chic for the VIP dining rooms. Each special area with its own take on a concept helps provide a more immersive experience for the user, underscoring memorable story-lines for the spaces. The clubhouse’s strong narrative concepts led to its eventual design solution.
Winning an SBID International Design Award is truly a high achievement; the Awards 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. It is a great acknowledgment of hard work and expertise.
Questions answered by Mathew Lui, Partner of Hirsch Bedner Associates Hong Kong.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the artful restaurant Alkimia click here to see more
HBA | SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the re-development of DeVere Tortworth Court Hotel, a historic Gothic mansion which is located within a scenic parkland on the Cotswold Edge, beside the Severn Valley and close to Bristol.
Tortworth Court is an elegant and sophisticated hotel surrounded by enchanting scenery located just outside of Bristol and dating back to the 11th Century. Over the past 12 months the hotel has undergone a lavish refurbishment as part of the DeVere property refurbishment programme. Virtual Resolution has been working alongside DeVerve and its design/development teams to visualise the proposals for Tortworth Court, Wokefield Estate, Latimer Estate and Wotton House. This project was particularly challenging due to the listed nature of parts of the building, the complex ceilings, bookcases and fireplaces required detailed modelling. The CGI’s & 360-degree views created within 3Ds Max, Vray & Photoshop have been used not only to inform guests of the re-development, but also assist the design team and management specify fittings and fixtures that would enhance this beautiful building.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Tim Power, Director of Virtual Resolution about this outstanding CGI & Visualisation project.
Company: Virtual Resolution
Project: DeVere Tortworth Court Hotel
Project Location: Britsol, United Kingdom
We have worked on a wide range of projects with the Principal Hotel group to support a major UK wide refurbishment programme. Our CGIs and 360 degree views have helped bring to life proposed multi-million pound refurbishments at a number of their properties.
For this project DeVere’s design and development team partnered with us to visualise their proposals to transform Tortworth Court in the Cotswolds. Each image was to be used as part of the design, sign off and public engagement process and therefore had to accurately portray the internal and external design teams’ aspirations.
Each view clearly visualised the proposed fittings and fixtures as well as showcasing exactly how each detail integrated with the existing buildings and complemented the features that would be retained. We were commissioned to create stunning visuals that accurately represented the design proposals for the mansion house, including its guest suites, bathrooms, main bar, function rooms, meeting rooms and exceptional Victorian conservatory, The Orangery.
What inspired the design of the project?
The inspiration for this tasteful refurbishment was to maximise the essence of a grand English Country Estate, rooted in tradition but with a contemporary and eclectic approach. The space would reflect the grand traditions of Great Britain and the country manor house, with a modern feel that combined comfort and style with grace and character.
Tortworth Court is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion and the complex ceilings, bookcases and fireplaces required detailed modelling. The building has some stunning features and our challenge was to portray these accurately and to scale in each of our visualisations, whilst showing how the contemporary design elements would work seamlessly with these assets to create an impressive overall impact.
The design team at DeVere Hotels had truly great vision and it was a real privilege to work alongside them to bring their ideas to life. The whole Virtual Resolution team found this an inspiring project to work on and we enjoyed playing our part in creating a series of great images which have now been turned into reality.
We do some fantastic work that regularly pushes boundaries and exceeds client expectations. We rarely shout about it but in the case of Tortworth Court we felt the project was a perfect example of how CGI and visualisation can be used effectively to create a more experiential approach to marketing and interior design.
Questions answered by Tim Power, Director at Virtual Resolution.
Virtual Resolution | SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features Alkimia, an artfully abstract restaurant located within the heart of Barcelona.
Alkimia is located on the main floor of a modernist building (dating back to 1864) which had previously been left unoccupied for 40 years. The project design was carried out taking into consideration two main elements: the pre-existing architectural context (including its old patina & typology) and the specific gastronomic offer of the Michelin-starred restaurant Alkimia (the menu is 80% fish). The designers wanted to establish a meaningful relationship between the architectural context & the new design. Safeguarding the existing architectural context of the building was paramount. Generating a sensory path where customers are indulged by flavours, fragrances, and all sorts of perceptions were also an vital part of the Alkimia experience.
The restaurant has been conceived as a continuous scenography fostering a seamless sensory experience. The different parts of this scenography feature ocean inspired skins, art installations & custom-made furniture which establish a unique relationship with the surrounding space. Nothing is forever, everything is bespoke. In order to preserve the existing architecture, neither structural interventions nor permanent transformation of the building were proposed. Even the vintage patina on the walls has been kept. Overall, the project is based on a dialogue between digital fabrication and craftsmanship.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Carmelo Zappulla, PHd Architect with External Reference.
Company: External Reference and Chu Uroz
Project: Alkimia
Project Location: Barcelona, Spain.
The restaurant is located in the centre of Barcelona, on the main floor of a modernist building (dating back to 1864) left unoccupied for 40 years. The project design has been carried out taking into consideration two elements: the pre-existing architectural context (including its old patina and typology) and the specific gastronomic offer of the Michelin-starred restaurant Alkimia (which is 80% based on fish).
1 - The relationship between old and new, digital and artisan.
The project was conceived as a series of physical interventions, or artistic installations that work as mobile or ephemeral devices in dialogue with the old apartment. These elements are the ‘fish spine’ which generates a path that bring you from the reception to the dining rooms and which separates the Unplugged from the formal area.
2. The ‘Alkimia Lab’ is making a new interpretation of the nobiliary entrance of the apartment.
3. The winery, the gallery, the sofa, all the elements are contemporary, new filters that allow you to see the old space and patina.
All these elements are designed using cutting edges parametric software. The fabrication is created through a digital fabrication process, artisanal knowledge and hard work. For example the mold of the AURA chair is 3D printed however its production is completely traditional: cast aluminium, hand welding and polishing, upholstery…
4. The Jordi Vila’s Cousin and his vision of mixing together traditional ingredients with new techniques like an alchemist. From this, the name Alkimia.
To design all the custom made furniture, components and manage and instruct manufacturers who had never completed something as challenging.
Because it is a very prestigious award.
Questions answered by Carmelo Zappulla, PHd Architect at External Reference.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the historic York Theatre Royal click here to see more
External Reference| SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features the grand refurbishment of the historic York Theatre Royal completed by De Matos Ryan.
York Theatre Royal received a significant re-development by De Matos Ryan in 2016, dramatically transforming the theatre’s spaces and visitor experience. The theatre has occupied the site since 1744 and has since under gone several alterations over the years, including the construction of a new foyer, a vaulted concrete pavilion built alongside the original building by Patrick Gwynne in 1967. The redevelopment of the Grade II* listed building unlocks the full potential of a complex site that had developed incrementally over 270 years. It has created additional space the theatre urgently needed in order to appeal to and engage a wider community, bring more people into the building and create the opportunity to increase revenue, enabling it to be more financially resilient in the future.
Company: De Matos Ryan
Project: York Theatre Royal
Project Location: York, England.
York Theatre Royal was founded in 1744 and is one of the UK’s oldest producing theatres, serving audiences of all ages and welcoming over 200,000 visitors each year.
The buildings are Grade II* listed and a wonderful patchwork of periods starting with the Georgians and culminating in 1968 with a Patrick Gwynne Modernist glass and concrete vaulted foyer extension.
The project needed to unlock the full potential of a complex Grade II* listed site that had been developed incrementally over 270 years with the aim to engage a wider community, bring more people into the building, ensuring increased revenue, enabling York Theatre Royal to be more financially resilient in the future.
We focused on three fundamental actions. Firstly, to improve the customer experience by creating the conditions for a better welcome, improved access and enhancing the audience experience in the main auditorium by increasing the rake of the seating to improve sight lines.
Secondly, to create the context for a sustainable business by making a more commercial front of house, but also, by making efficiency savings through backstage technical and storage upgrades, there was an aspiration to reduce operational costs and improve safety.
Thirdly, to improve the scope for creative output by creating the conditions for a wider scope of artistic possibilities by expanding the potential of the staging and improving acoustic separation between the main spaces in the theatre.
We applied the '7 lenses', a strategy we have developed at De Matos Ryan to scrutinise the benefit of every intervention and make a judgement about what to prioritise.
All aspects of the building - the front of house and auditorium - have been improved with a new contemporary language that binds all periods together without stifling them, bringing a sense of cohesion to the whole site. The most demonstrable changes are within the Front of House spaces with the glazing of the Victorian colonnade. Occupied by the café it gives an animated face to the street akin to a storefront.
The toughest hurdle was the discovery of archaeology below the stalls and new foyer that was of greater significance than previously anticipated. This added to an already tight construction programme as more time was required to properly record the findings. The Georgians had built their theatre on top of the foundations of the 13th century medieval Hospital of St Peters. From extensive archive research, we had overlaid the plans of each historic period in order to understand how the theatre had evolved and, as such, we knew where the medieval column bases would be if we dug down. What we had not anticipated is that the Georgians had left this ground absolutely intact. The ability to sift through the layers of fine deposits between these columns and walls, over such a large city centre area gave the community a unique insight into their past.
We entered the project in the category of Public Space Design because the project demonstrates successfully how the public sector should be operating under increasing financial constraints. The public sector needs to review and upgrade its assets and capital investment architectural interventions need to be considered more carefully through the lenses of resilience and sustainability. Our careful and strategic upgrade of York Theatre Royal has created a more welcoming space, which is used by all members of the community – not just theatre goers - at all times of the day. It demonstrates how culture can operate as an intersection for people to meet and help to cement a community and develop a strong sense of place in our increasingly homogeneous cities.
Questions answered by Angus Morrogh Ryan, Director of De Matos Ryan.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the opulent Cumberland Art Gallery, Hampton Court Palace click here to see more
De Matos Ryan| SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire features the remarkable design of the Cumberland Art Gallery Suite located within the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace.
The Cumberland Art Gallery is a dedicated space that allows visitors to view artworks from the Royal Collection in a stunning setting, which reflects the Palace’s history as a destination for the work of artists such as Holbein, Caravaggio and Gainsborough. The Gallery occupies a newly restored suite of rooms designed by William Kent in the 1730s as private apartments for the Duke of Cumberland.
With architects and designers Purcell, Hoare Lea Lighting developed a scheme to illuminate the paintings while minimising impact on the sensitive building fabric. Hoare Lea CGI combined its expertise in the niche area of accurate lighting visualisation with a mastery of 3D-modelling and physically-based rendering tools, such as 3ds Max and Vray, to create photo-realistic visuals. The resulting visualisations (created without the benefit of CAD drawings) accurately represented the final, relit Gallery and proved highly effective in communicating design ideas and showing how the Gallery would look.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Simon Dove, Associate at Hoare Lea & Karam Bhamra, Principal CGI Designer of Hoare Lea.
Company: Hoare Lea
Project: Cumberland Art Gallery Suite
Project Location: Hampton Court Palace, England.
The Cumberland Gallery at Hampton Court Palace is a dedicated space for artworks from the Royal Collection. It enables visitors to view the artworks in a stunning gallery setting, which reflects the palace’s history as a destination for the work of artists, such as Holbein, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Bassano and Gainsborough. The Gallery occupies a newly restored suite of rooms designed by the architect William Kent in the 1730s, as private apartments for George II’s son, William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland.
The brief given to architects Purcell and the lighting design team at Hoare Lea was to return the Cumberland Suite as closely as possible to Kent’s original scheme. Historic Royal Palaces wanted to create a dedicated space to highlight some of the works of the Royal Collection, and to use Art as the lens through which to understand the royal history, stories and material culture of the Palace.
With architects and designers Purcell, Hoare Lea developed a scheme to illuminate the paintings, while minimising impact on the sensitive building fabric.
While remaining faithful to the architecture and finishes, the intent was for the environment to have the feel of a gallery, and the lighting immediately announces that this is a different type of space. Picture rails supply power to LED spotlights, which highlight the paintings. Although, Tungsten has often been used in gallery settings, the quality of the white light now produced by LEDs, together with benefits, such as energy efficiency, small size, high-colour rendering of 95+, warm colour temperature, ease of dimming and the lack of ultraviolet light created, made LED an ideal choice.
The look of each fitting was carefully considered to ensure the scheme complemented the space during the day, as well as enhancing it at night. These fittings, developed in favour of the traditional linear picture lights usually specified in heritage buildings, give a contemporary elegance to the rooms.
To incorporate flexibility, achieve the precise lux levels required, and create the desired visual impression, individual dimming control of every fitting was important. Simon Dove, Associate, Hoare Lea explains: ‘It was a key requirement to dim each luminaire from within the space, rather than from a remote location or via a complex lighting control system.”
Understanding the heritage of the space, while creating a contemporary solution, was crucial. Simon Dove explains, ‘Working within a listed building such as Hampton Court inevitably presented challenges, and mock-ups were used to explore the implications of introducing light fittings and to communicate design ideas.’ For lighting designers, one of the biggest challenges is to communicate the lit impression of their proposed designs, and this is where our use of specialist visualisation came in. Hoare Lea CGI combined its expertise in the niche area of accurate lighting visualisation, with a mastery of 3D-modelling and physically-based rendering tools (such as 3ds Max and Vray) to create photo-realistic visuals. The resulting visualisations accurately represented the final, relit Gallery and proved highly effective in communicating design ideas.
In terms of hurdles we faced for the visualisation of the project - there were no existing plans, drawings or models of the Cumberland Suite. A survey was carried out to obtain basic room dimensions, but this did not include any of the bespoke, heavily ornate detailing present in each room. Producing accurate and realistic 3D scenes to give as true a representation as possible of the proposed refurbishment - including new paint, material finishes, furnishings, artworks and of course the lighting scheme – was a challenge.
The only option was to build our 3D models from reference photographs, which we took on-site. Every room has a different feature ceiling design and none of it was simple! Making sure we captured and modelled all the necessary detail was a difficult and time-consuming task – but well worth it when you consider the realism of the final result.
‘The lighting was carefully designed to provide beautiful illumination of the paintings using the latest LED technology, but minimising the impact on the sensitive building fabric. The result greatly enhances the artwork and the room’s architectural features.’
The Historic Royal Palaces team we worked with know the spaces intimately, so for them to commend the accuracy of our visualisations was very satisfying. The positive feedback Hoare Lea received regarding how valuable the visuals proved in communicating the design proposals was unanimous across the team.
We had followed the SBID Awards Visualisation category but had not previously submitted our work. This time we thought we would give it a shot as the Cumberland Suite project seemed very different to the visualisation projects usually entered. We felt its uniqueness and the way the lighting design and visualisation worked together to play such an integral role in the project delivery, deserved recognition.
Winning an SBID International Design Award is a real achievement as the Awards are regarded as one of the highest accolades of interior design excellence.
Commenting on the award win Karam Bhamra of Hoare Lea said: “It means a lot to us to have the quality of our work recognised by the judges. We didn’t think we would win as this is the first time we have entered the SBID Awards and the standard in the category is really high… we are absolutely delighted!”
Questions answered by Simon Dove, Associate, Hoare Lea & Karam Bhamra, Principal CGI Designer, Hoare Lea.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel's decadent Presidential Suite click here to see more
Hoare Lea| SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire features a design project with particular grandeur. Stonehill & Taylor upheld a traditional design scheme sympathetic to the historically Federalist architecture as they crafted a hotel suite fit for royalty - or in this case, a Presidential audience.
Located on the 14th floor and newly expanded to 4,000 square-feet, the Presidential Suite features historic accents and elegant furnishings, as well as an array of artwork ranging from pastoral landscapes to Chinoiserie accent pieces. Immediately upon entrance to the space, the grand entry hallway sets the tone for the suite, with floors elaborately patterned in three types of marble. This exits dramatically into the rotunda, a bright, 12-foot-high octagonal dome that opens to the reception, fitness room, and master bedroom entryway. The living room area features gold, rich red, and pewter details with a baby grand piano as the focal point, while the bedrooms have a palette of powder blue, cream and taupe. The master bedroom leads to a spacious bathroom haven that features a steam shower and the only freestanding tub in the hotel.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Vince Stroop, Principal with Stonehill & Taylor.
Company: Stonehill & Taylor
Project: InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel - Presidential Suite
Project Location: New York, United States
In 2012, Stonehill & Taylor came on board to manage the architecture and interior design of room 702 of the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel. Because the hotel has been renovated multiple times throughout the years, its style was often mismatched. Our brief was to strip the hotel back to its original intention, following a Federalist style of architecture and interior design. More specifically, we wanted to create flourishes in the Presidential Suite to distinguish it from the rest of the hotel—as a result, you’ll see lots of symmetry, millwork detailing, and the layering of materials like marble and stone.
The hotel was originally built in 1926 when there was a revival of the Federalist period. We sought to return to these design principles. Take for example, the Presidential Suite’s grand entry hallway. It features a classic floor pattern created using three types of Italian marble and leads to a dramatic rotunda featuring an 11-foot-high octagonal dome and acts as the centre point of the suite which opens to several of the other main spaces.
The Presidential Suite is heavily used by world dignitaries and demanded the latest in technology and high security standards—it required a separate HVAC system, shatter-proof glass, bulletproof wall construction, and sound-proofing—which was tricky to reconcile with the classic nature and traditional style of the design brief.
This hotel is located very close to the United Nations Complex and deeply rooted in political history. Bill Clinton even ran his 1992 Presidential campaign from its very address. The real excitement however, is that former President Barack Obama has stayed in the Presidential Suite both before and after restoration and former Vice President Joe Biden was the first to occupy the suite post-renovation. Our involvement with the hotel and the suite was a labour of love, and it’s thrilling to think that it’s used and appreciated by leaders from around the world.
We entered the competition to bring recognition to this project and to offer the SBID audience a window in to the hotel’s design. The wider public may not have the opportunity to visit the hotel, but through this competition, they can get a glimpse of what it would be like to stay in the Presidential Suite.
Questions answered by Vince Stroop, Principal with Stonehill & Taylor.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with Zebrano in the City click here to see more
Entries to the SBID Awards 2017 are now closed. To find out more about booking a table, click here
Stonehill & Taylor | SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the eclectic London bar, Zebrano in the City. 4M Group aimed to merge the interior basic shell of this space with the exterior energy of the streets, highlighting the vibrant design scheme and the materials used to create the space as a unified whole. At the same time the environment makes free use of forms inspired by and representative of the natural world.
The interior design scheme is a combination of organic impulse and urban elegance. Starting completely from scratch, 4M Group worked with a range of recycled urban materials – wood, brick and steel – to create an area where the corrosion of metals reigns supreme, in a manner that creates a striking multi-dimensional sensory experience and sparks a conversation on sustainability. The grand metal doors were corroded for several weeks prior to installation. They were also both made out of reclaimed oak and were installed by local specialists.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Perparim Rama, CEO of 4M Group.
Company: 4M Group
Project: Zebrano in the City
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
The client wanted to create a multi-functional place, where you would arrive for afternoon drinks, eat fabulous food and continue the night downstairs with live music and performances. As a result, Zebrano in the City is brave and bold. It is different, and not afraid to show it. It is a restaurant that on many levels is not about the end result—it is also about the processes that occur in nature and a celebration of them. The space incorporates the rustication of materials, aging, movement flow, deterioration, explosion, force fields, and the transformation of energy into mass. It is about celebrating nature and the life of the materials as they are transformed though the processes of oxidation, aging, or maturing, and it is also about revealing the true nature of construction processes and how things are put together. Zebrano in the City is about exploration using all of the senses. It is about the unknown, about the search for the new and the love of surprise. It is about being true and open. The design may appear to be complex, but it is actually a result of the interaction of simple rules combined with the parameters that have created it. The design is ultimately about the path of least resistance, the energy, the flow. It is about celebrating explosion and what happens to the elements that are transformed as a result of these forces, it is about the transformation of energy into functional form, into mass.
Nature and the subconscious human mind are my two key inspirations. These two always coupled with and adapted to specific sites and contexts, programs, clients and budgets. The above are key parameters, but they are always different in different contexts, and as such the outcome is never the same. Zebrano in the city is an emergent outcome of the context related to the above parameters.
When you think of the two existing Zebrano Bars you cannot help but feel the explosion of fun in these places. They celebrate an explosion of energy and are filled with fun-loving people having a great time. This was the initial idea of explosion of energy, and we created the space by asking what the effect of this explosion would be once it was intertwined with materials and space.
When one discusses concepts which start with an abstract base or out-of-the-box thinking, one has to also surround oneself with like-minded people that have a passion for exploration and are excited about finding creative solutions to problems. Together, you must create a platform of collaboration where a problem is only a parameter for an interesting and innovative design, thus becoming a positive part of the process. In this respect I was very lucky to have clients such as Don, Cevat and Pauline, who were completely open and embraced the explorative and unknown. I was also lucky to have collaborators, staff, manufacturers who did not shy away from this challenge but plunged into the deep to help reveal the new and unknown. I believe that the result is truly explosive, exciting and unique.
Many of the interior furniture was manufactured abroad, in Kosova. We therefore had to send precise drawings and information and at the same time have people in the factory control the items locally. Having all of the fit together as one large puzzle was quite challenging, especially with the lighting sculptural components on the underground level.
Pulling it all together within a very limited budget and timeline - all to the client’s satisfaction. To see a client happy and pleased with the results at the end of a project, money simply cannot buy.
We recognise SBID's International Design Awards as a great platform to showcase and measure our latest interior design thinking and developments around various parts of the world. We also love the team behind it, and the event ceremony itself is a joy to be apart of.
Questions answered by Perparim Rama, CEO at 4M Group.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with Siddharta Lounge, Dubai, click here to see more
Winners of the SBID Awards 2017 have now been announced! To find out more click here
4M Group | SBID International Design Awards 2017
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features Siddharta Lounge, Dubai. LW Design's ode to Buddhism through contemporary restaurant design. Utilising the aesthetics of spirituality to gain true design enlightenment.
Plants & trees are used to evoke feelings of relaxation and harmonise the interior and exterior spaces, which in turn compliments the extraordinary 360 degree views across Dubai Marina.
Inspired by the spiritual teacher, the Buddha, Siddharta Lounge in Grosvenor House offers an modern experience juxtaposed by nature. The interior is focused around a exotic, botanical theme. Eclectic accessories accentuate the concepts of Buddhism. The use of bi-folding doors creates a seamless transformation which allows the guests to experience the restaurant as both an indoor and outdoor space, where statement plants and lights create extra ambience for guests to soak up.
SBID had the opportunity to speak with Sian Whitmore, Senior FF&E Designer at LW Design.
Company: LW Design
Project: Siddharta Lounge
Project Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The brief was to completely refurbish the restaurant inside & out and in doing so create a new generation of Siddharta Lounge for the Buddha Bar brand. We were tasked with maximising seating & views across Dubai Marina & the Arabian Gulf. We feel that we have achieved a truly integrated space blending the inside and outside space whilst creating something fresh, vibrant & exciting to stand out from the competition.
The Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment, provides the main inspiration behind the new look Siddharta Lounge. Statement green walls and built-in planting throughout create a lush and vibrant ambience. Bi-folding doors open up the main restaurant and transform the space, seamlessly blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior environment. Concrete graphic walls continue the botanical theme both inside and out, adding a more urban and edgy element to the design. Lighting plays a key role within the space to create drama and atmosphere and transform the venue from day to night. Eclectic accessories featuring rustic woven baskets and stone Buddha heads, accent furniture pieces and dip dyed macramé pendant lights add a handcrafted feel and a sense of travel to exotics climes. All of this comes together to create a truly tropical and relaxing vibe.
The main challenge of the refurbishment was the re-working of certain elements to follow the new design aesthetic. The other main challenge was down to time constraints. With a very short time frame to complete the refurbishment we had to be very mindful and selective about the availability of all items and materials specified.
The primary highlight of the project for us was having the opportunity and creative freedom to create a new hot spot in Dubai’s thriving social scene. We are able to drive the brand into a fresh new direction and as a result, witness its success within the competitive marketplace.
We recognise the SBID awards as amongst the top design awards in the industry celebrating design excellence. To be shortlisted together with other inspirational international projects is a privilege. It is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase our design capabilities and to introduce ourselves to the UK market having recently opened up a design branch in London.
Questions answered by Sian Whitmore, Senior FF&E Designer at LW Design.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with Goddard Littlefair for their take on a One Stop Doctors, click here to see more
LW DESIGN | SBID International Design Awards 2017
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