This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features an elegant and modern spa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Ina Rinderknecht.
Situated in the Croatian town of Dubrovnik, sits the 5-star Rixos Premium, recently renovated by our design studio. Inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history, we were entrusted with the renovation of the hotel’s lobby, its two restaurants, the sports bar, the outdoor and indoor pools and the large spa area.
The spa area is over 2000 sqm featuring state-of-the-art treatments and offering various experiences. One enters the spa through the newly designed tea lounge featuring one of the best tea selections worldwide and a concept store that sells unique local pieces.
Passing through the spa, arched niches in white marble, rippled walls and the use of trees help to create a pleasant environment. A dry sauna, wet steam bath, cold room, a Himalayan salt room, a hammam and treatment rooms, together with small pools are all included in this spa as well as an indoor and outdoor pool.
SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design
Practice: Ina Rinderknecht
Project: Rixos Hotel Premium, Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik-Neretva, Croatia (Hrvatska)
Taking into account the client’s brief to modernize the hotel we were inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history. We were given creative freedom to reinterpret the Rixos lifestyle brand in a fresh and unexpected way. The idea was to create a boutique style hotel in the scale of a large commercial project.
Inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history, our design approach seeks to create a holistic environment where shapes, materials and light combine and balance each other naturally. The story is told across different areas always with a breeze of freshness and elegance. Playing with the symbolic meaning of ‘Libertas,’ the Latin word for freedom and liberty but also happiness and light, we created a place where people can express themselves whilst enjoying a sense of belonging. As with all of our projects, we have taken a holistic approach to interior design, to achieve architectural integrity and structural purity within the original building structure, simultaneously combining playful design elements and comfortable furniture.
Not only was the intensity of the time constraint from the beginning of conception to the end of construction was 8 months for a project of this scale, but the project was interrupted by the coronavirus and extreme collaboration and coordination between the international teams was very much needed during this time.
The 2000 sqm spa area was the heart of the project. The client’s wish was to transform the vast spa level into a unique oasis of recreation and well-being. The choice of treatment areas with sauna, steam bath, salt- and ice-rooms, massage rooms etc. were all fully renewed. The main focus was on creating a one of a mind tea lounge which would offer one of the largest tea selections worldwide.
We believe we have the high standards that represents SBID. We are a team of creative international designers who always seeks to create innovative yet timeless spaces, that are unexpected and fresh yet utterly comfortable.
Questions answered by Ina Rinderknecht, Owner & Creative Director, Ina Rinderknecht.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a stunning and unique steakhouse design by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, click here to read it.
In a particularly turbulent world (enduring an ongoing pandemic) where there is so much uncertainty, striving for wellbeing in our daily lives is all the more important. Our homes now act as a substitute for offices, gyms, entertainment centres and sanctuaries to name but a few of their additional uses. As we’re spending significantly greater time in them overall, it is clear they need to work harder than ever to meet our demands, suit our needs and ease our minds. The question is - can biophilic design really help? Peter Oudejans, director of leading biophilic design studio, Oudejans Interiors shares key insights on the benefits of integrating concepts of biophilia into our interior environments.
Biophilia, simply stated, is the human connection to nature that assists us in attaining wellness in our lives. Have you ever noticed how calm and uplifted you can feel when walking in the woods, strolling along the beach or simply sitting in a park? That’s the ‘Biophilia’ effect. In rural settings, this connection can be more obvious, but as more of us live in densely populated, urban environments, this connection is slowly being lost. That does not mean however, that we are unable to embrace nature’s beauty at home. There are numerous ways to live more meaningful, holistic lives and in practice this is about re-establishing links with nature to create healthy environments for life and work.
“It is the simple core truth that humans need a connection to nature to be content”, according to Sally Coulthard, author of the book Biophilia. It is the notion that humans need to feel connected to their natural environment not only to survive, but also to thrive.
Research undertaken over the past few decades has shown that biophilic design can improve cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being with benefits that include:
According to architect Claudia Bonollo of Monamour Natural Design, “our mood and our capacity for communication are influenced by a combination of physical, mental and sensory factors. Therefore, an environment that involves all the senses makes us happier and more receptive,” she says.
Oliver Heath Design, has found that the inclusion of Biophilia to the design process can increase productivity by 8% and rates of wellbeing by up to 13% in an office environment. In healthcare settings, pain medication was shown to be reduced by 22% and in the education setting, rates of learning can be increased by 20-25% where biophilic designs have been incorporated.
And finally, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing weighs in with “I shall never forget the rapture of fever patients over a bunch of bright-coloured flowers… People say the effect is only on the mind. It is no such thing. The effect is on the body too.”
With regard to interior design, Biophilia is considered more of a lifestyle than a design trend. It can be applied across the entire spectrum of interior styles from contemporary to classic and has a place in all areas of interior design, be it in a residential or commercial setting. Eco design and green architecture are very closely related concepts with a focus on environmentally-friendly design practices that are good for people and planet, just as Biophilia is focused on the wellbeing of humans through their connection to the natural world.
Biophilic design has three key threads that together make a space biophilic:
1. Being in a space that has a direct, physical contact with nature; 2. Being in a space that reminds you of nature through the use of natural items; 3. Being in a space that connects to natural rhythms and outside spaces.
There are numerous key elements of biophilic design which include incorporating a few or all of the following:
Take the example of firelight and candle light, which have slowly decreased in domestic settings as the use of heating (central and otherwise) and of course, electric light, now almost completely dominate in the modern home. Yet the ‘red’ light that emanates from firelight and candlelight plays an important trigger in the body’s preparation for rest and relaxation, making us feel calm and cosy.
In a study by the anthropologist Christopher Lynn, he measured people’s blood pressure and how sociable they felt after watching a log fire on a screen. One group watched with sound, the others no sound. The results found that those that watched with no sound showed little benefit, but those that experienced the audio and visual effects of the fire, had significantly reduced blood pressure, felt more mindful and focused on the present and were increasingly communicative and sociable. [1]
Including such a simple yet multi-sensory element such as a fireplace within the home can make a significant difference to the wellbeing of the individual. Just imagine the other benefits and sensations a real fire provides, such as the soothing radiant heat and comforting wood scent. And this is just one simple addition in the whole armament that nature and Biophilia can provide.
Biophilia is still deemed to be in its infancy within the interior design profession, despite being based on one of the most fundamental connections humans have with their environment. But with the current focus very much on the recovery, both physically and mentally, from a global pandemic, never has there been a better time or more crucial need to draw upon the healing powers of nature to improve our wellbeing.
Interior designer's approaches to home design should now be looking to design sustainably with nature at its core for the creation healthy, happy homes that are better for people and the planet. After all, it truly is all about creating nature-inspired spaces to support our health and wellbeing.
References:
[1] Lynn C.D. The Psychophysiology of Fireside Relaxation. American Journal of Human Biology 25 (2013). 265-265
Projects photographed are undertaken by Oudejans Interiors Ltd. All photos are credited to photographer Glenn MacKay.
About
As a leading biophilic design studio, Oudejans Interiors feels it is vital to live more sustainably, in an increasingly connected manner to the natural world. Their motivation for designing spaces is to consciously straddle the line between nature and interior architecture. From creating a living wall to redecorating with natural hues, incorporating biophilia into living spaces is an effective way to restoratively transform them, whilst boosting body and mind.
If you'd like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Nestled deep in the heart of the English countryside, Avalon at Broughton Hall is part of The Broughton Sanctuary in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The luxurious wellbeing retreat centre required a calming and harmonious aesthetic with sumptuous sound systems to play a key role in the Art of Being and relaxation.
Avalon, amidst the stunning 3000 acre Broughton Hall Estate in Yorkshire, is a retreat like no other. This special location was designed to serve the mind, body and spirit, creating the freedom for personal development and the pursuit of the inner voyage. This unique building was designed by Cirencester-based architects, Yiangou, with the interior design created by celebrated Opera and Ballet designer, Patrick Kinmonth.
The importance of the building and the way it helps people connect with it and each other during their journey cannot be underestimated. As a result, Patrick Kinmonth stage managed a deluxe and inventive interior for ultimate connectivity and wellness in mind. It is discreet, joyful and functional, combining natural materials, contemporary style and technology in a thoughtful and contextual way.
Sound is a key sense in the Art of Being. Kinmonth understands this well and with the invisibility of the buildings' technology being an integral part of the specification for Avalon, Patrick chose to deploy Amina invisible speakers throughout. Invisibility is, of course, key in keeping the interior space visually free and uncluttered. After all, a sanctuary is not a sanctuary when you are surrounded by technology. Amina was the logical step to ensure the audio solution fitted with the design concept and did not distract from the visual journey and intention of the spaces.
Not only was invisibility integral, but a sound that filled the space evenly with quality, calmness and control was of equal importance. Avalon is full of large open and empty spaces which is where the Amina speakers came into their own. Sound evenly fills the space and is delivered with aplomb, supporting and nurturing the beautiful Avalon experience.
When it comes to bass, there is only really only one name that stands out above the rest for quality without compromise; Velodyne. Or, more precisely in this case, the Velodyne 15" Digital Drive plus. Two of these power-house subwoofers are hidden away in descrete, bespoke cabinetry using vents to allow sound and bass pressure into the room. Bringing the Yoga Studio's Dolby Atmos experience to life with thunderously deep, tight and dynamic bass; whatever the audio application.
Needing high quality, deep and clean bass with an IP65 rating for the swimming pool area brought us to the Artison RCC320 range of subwoofers. Known for their phenomenal 'Reactance Cancelling' technology. Allowing them to achieve vibration-free, room-filling bass from a compact in wall unit.
About Redline
Formed in 2001, Redline's expertise lies in creating custom and discrete audio-visual solutions inline with client requirements. The brands they represent display a daring disregard for industry convention, while incorporating ground-breaking technology and a high attention to detail and superior quality.
The way we view and use our bathrooms has changed in recent years. It is now seen as a place for replenishing and relaxation as homeowners seek to a create more luxurious, spa-style experiences in the home, with dedicated space to unwind from the day and indulge the senses.
With the average female spending at least 29 minutes in this space every day, it’s becoming vital to ensure that bathroom environments are designed to deliver the right atmosphere of luxury and indulgence; redirecting the focus to our personal care and wellbeing rituals to cultivate more accessible wellness experiences without leaving the house.
The shower has become a large part of this wellness-driven, self-care lifestyle and in many homes it now replaces the traditional bath tub; with many showering in the morning to actively start the day or taking a shower in the evening to relax the body and soothe the soul. The ROYAL MIDAS shower light made by KEUCO creates a unique showering experience with the perfect combination of water and light.
The unique shower light concept has a large integrated shower head to create a stunning combination of light and water, providing positive effects on the person showering and offering a bespoke experience depending on the time of day. Single drops of water reflect the light, whilst the water streaming from shower above covers the body – whether refreshing, cooling and invigorating, or warming and relaxing, the shower light is a welcome addition to bathroom interiors for enhancing that at-home wellness experience.
The complete all-in-one shower solution means installation is quick, safe and easy in coordination with a KEUCO shower valve; the KEUCO shower light being autonomously operated via a momentary room switch providing on/off and light adjustment.
The shower light can be set or dimmed between 6500 kelvin (day light) and 2700 kelvin (warm white). This is especially good in winter time, allowing users to have a brighter ‘day light’ shower in the morning with a warming effect to activate the circulatory system. A dimmer, softer light during the evening shower creates a more relaxing ambience; mirroring the appearance of sunset to help stimulate the release of melatonin hormones, encouraging healthy sleep.
About KEUCO
KEUCO GmbH & Co. KG is an internationally active, full provider of premium bathroom furnishings. KEUCO offers a wide range of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, lights and mirrors, washbasins and bathroom furniture “made in Germany”. Design and function play a decisive role at KEUCO. The aim of perfectly crafted products is to combine aesthetic forms with sensible functionalities - a claim that is consistently taken into account right from the idea through to the implementation. KEUCO has a long tradition of working together with designers.
With over 20 years experience applying this intricate ancient wisdom to the modern built environment, Founder of Feng Shui Agency and classically trained Feng Shui master, Sarah McAllister shares her expert insights on applying feng shui principles in interior designs to create authentic wellness spaces.
Classical Feng Shui originated in ancient China and is one of the 8 Brocades of Traditional Chinese Medicine - if someone were chronically unwell despite acupuncture or herbal remedies, then the advice of the local Feng Shui master was sought out to see if sick earth chi might be the cause of their malaise.
Fast forward to the 21st century and Feng Shui is once again being acknowledged as a powerful energy medicine and is the perfect complement to the boom in Wellness Architecture and Wellness Real Estate. Wellness design cannot be complete without considering the subtle energies of the land and the built environment that contribute to our overall spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. While the energetic and intuitive dimension to feng shui creates luminous spaces that FEEL fantastic, there is also a very pragmatic methodology to feng shui recommendations. Each direction has an energetic link to a part of the body and an internal organ so in the case of persistent conditions it is wise to consider if the environment is indeed affecting you.
Some architects say feng shui is just common sense, and while there are very pragmatic aspects of feng shui that can be likened to good ‘ergonomics’ there is a huge amount of robust methodology, which can only be understood when properly trained. Classical Feng Shui has unique time-tested techniques that accurately identify and reduce potential problems. From Form School & Dowsing to advanced Flying Star and Hexagram "Chi-calculations", 24 Heaven Stars, 8 Mansion, Sam Hap Water and Sang Set methods, there is a technique to assess every type of space from a small apartments to large family homes, whether opulent mansions or the planning of an entire wellness community, spa resort, hotel, hospital or industrial complex – entire cities can be designed with feng shui principles.
How your home or business property sits in the landscape has a huge influence on how smooth your life or business will be, and whether or not you encounter more than your fair share of obstacles and what the key aspects of your life ‘story’ might be so far. The career and relationship prospects and to a certain extent, the health and finances of occupants can be read and subsequently improved, if there is scope to make modifications.
Even in townhouses with small gardens or apartments with no outdoor space, the influence of feng shui still weaves its chi as all buildings hold the resonance of the orientation - whether N-S or E-W etc. each configuration has a unique feeling and quality of energy. One can argue that it is even more important to implement feng shui measures in city homes, so that they can have as much connection with natural energy as possible within the urban setting.
It is quite remarkable how powerfully colour influences our moods and emotions and Feng Shui Five Element Theory helps us make wiser choices around design shapes, texture and colour for the best harmony, or whatever experience you wish to create. Not everyone wants harmony and restfulness, especially in an office space – they might want something more dynamic (lime green, striped/bamboo pattern – wood element) or inspirational (reds, purples, geometric – yang fire element). Those seeking a more restful mood will want to use warm blues and wave patterns (water element) or soft pinks, mauves, lavenders (yin fire element). Not only can Feng Shui design help to promote emotional balance, but it also helps occupants to have much deeper sleep, which is a fundamental factor for overall good health.
Feng Shui is primarily concerned with how to observe, protect and strengthen ‘chi’ or life force energy. Many other wisdom traditions, not just the Chinese, have words describing the animating force of life – in Japan it is known as ‘ki’ , in Ayurvedic tradition it is referred to as ‘prana’, in Cherokee Shamanic traditions ‘the spirit that moves through all things’ and even in the West we have terms such ‘orgone’ (Wilhelm Reich) and the Latin term Genus Loci, meaning ‘spirit of place’ also indicates that space has a spiritual or energetic quality.
Even if you didn’t have wellness architecture or feng shui considered in the original design, you can usually retrofit key aspects by removing outdated systems or materials and replacing with much healthier substances and systems for water and air purification for example. Some feng shui cures can be added into an existing property or specific changes made to the landscaping that improves the chi circulation. Colours and interior layouts can be very powerful especially when combined with the unique Chinese astrology of the occupants. At the end of the day, the proof for all this theory is largely qualitative rather than quantitative, and those who are open minded enjoy distinct benefits from implementing principles of Feng Shui.
About the Author
Sarah McAllister is a classically trained Feng Shui master qualified in Environmental Psychology. Sarah sits on the Wellness Architecture Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute. Her love of nature and deep experience of Wilderness Spirit Philosophy helps her create environments with a deep connection to the natural world. Her projects range from residential eco builds and £25m luxury mansions to award-winning urban spas, boutique hotels and wellness resorts.
Find out more
New to the market, Paragon Studio was founded in 2020 in Bath, where all its products are designed. Manufactured in the UK & Europe, the SBID Accredited Supplier designs high-end, sustainable gym equipment for private, residential and superyacht gyms across the globe. With years of experience in the luxury fitness sector, Paragon Studio meets the increased demand for customisation and bespoke gym design with its extensive collection.
The company ethos of 'form follows function' ensures all products meet the highest standards of quality, whilst boasting an exquisite design aesthetic. Understanding that luxury gym products are made for real people and not museums, its equipment stands up to the challenge of everyday use. The collection has been carefully crafted and rigorously tested to guarantee long-lasting durability.
The British company offers its customisable gym products using sustainable, natural materials. With its origins in the Superyacht and hospitality sectors, Paragon Studio understands that the identity of a boat or hotel is part of the whole experience and enjoyment of a space. Its ability to customise products with logos and monograms, whilst matching materials used throughout the rest of the space offers interior designers complete ease of design specification.
Similarly, when it comes to home gyms, working alongside designers and architects, Paragon Studio is able to customise and incorporate the same colours, finishes, materials and handle patterns used in the rest of the design scheme, ensuring seamless integration so the gym becomes an extension of the overall design rather than an obvious add-on.
Using only the finest and sustainably sourced materials, the entire collection is plastic-free, manufactured in the UK & Europe. Every product is made-to-order preventing any surplus of stock or wastage of materials. Reducing waste further, the whole collection comes with a lifetime warranty for mechanisms and structural integrity. Repairing products rather than simply replacing them, Paragon Studio offers a full refurbishment service to ensure equipment continues to look and perform beautifully.
All wood components are FSC Certified and locally sourced where possible. Unlike synthetic alternatives, wood's natural grain and quick-drying properties offer unparalleled grip - essential for handles and storage. With its natural antibacterial properties, easy maintenance and a warm-to-touch surface, the collection includes a range of standard wood options including Oak and the ever-popular American Walnut. However, products can be customised with any wood specifications if required.
Where possible, Stainless Steel is sourced from recycled steel billets in line with the company's sustainability ethos. Resistant to corrosion and extremely hard-wearing, Paragon Studio only uses the highest quality stainless steel across the range - including offering the option of 316 marine grade Stainless Steel components for use on superyachts. Alongside the classic steel finish, products are also available in bronze.
The collection comprises benches, barbells, dumbbells, wall bars, boxing equipment, storage solutions and accessories - including exercise balls, rollers, skipping ropes, push-up handles, and plyo boxes.
Discover more sustainable products for interior design, here.
Personal Line is the design-led home fitness equipment by SBID Accredited Supplier, Technogym. A premium collection that combines the style of the world-acclaimed designer Antonio Citterio, with Technogym’s experience in the world of fitness and sport as the Official Supplier of the last 8 Olympic Games.
Alongside state of the art biomechanics and digital technologies, Personal Line products are made using refined materials and top-level craftsmanship, conceived to be specified as beautiful furniture pieces in the most inspiring spaces of people's homes. The line includes the most iconic fitness equipment – Treadmill, Bike, Recline, Elliptical, Kinesis and Power Station – in order to offer people both the option of creating an entire home gym or to integrate their favourite equipment within their living room, bedroom or bathroom.
Personal Line products are now equipped with the newly launched Technogym Live console that allows users to choose personalised training experiences from extensive on-demand training contents including trainer-led session, athletic training routines, outdoor virtual training and endless entertainment options.
These innovative fitness features alongside the design-led nature of the collection makes it the perfect addition to enhance home gyms for aesthetic appeal and intuitive functionality.
Bike Personal is the latest product from Technogym’s Personal Line, it’s at the same time a professional bike, equipped with the most innovative training programs and a design object that can fit perfectly within any interior style. The materials chosen are elegant and refined, such as micro-polished steel and aluminium worked at the highest level of craftsmanship.
Cross Personal is the ideal piece of training equipment, suitable for everyone from beginners to professional athletes. The elliptical movement is smooth and well-suited for burning calories thanks to the combined movement of upper and lower limbs.
Run Personal is a revolutionary treadmill blending state-of-the-art technology with functional design. Highly innovative, it reveals close attention to the use of elegant and prestigious materials. Both performance and functional features are the result of over 30 years of experience that Technogym has acquired by helping 50 million people train across the world, each and every day.
Recline Personal represents the perfect combination of premium design and functionality. Ergonomically, the seat on Recline Personal is highly innovative with both seat and backrest. A blend of ergonomics and design makes Recline Personal the ideal solution for both the home environment and the office.
Technogym® Kinesis Personal is the start of “gentle gymnastics” taking fitness and wellness at home into a new era. As a design object or simply a work of art, Kinesis Personal is an eloquent expression and original piece of design. Perfectly suited to the home environment as well as office spaces, hotels or spas, Kinesis Personal offers 200 exercise possibilities in less than one square metre.
In the wake of the current hi-performance workout and professional training trends, the Power Personal consists of two chic elements: Bench Personal and Rack Personal. Bench Personal is the adjustable professional bench designed to carry out strengthening and toning exercises, characterised by a sophisticated design and top class materials. Rack Personal is the free weight training machine that combines sturdiness, efficiency and a compact design allowing barbells and plates to be supported safely and in style.
Vectorworks address the use of augmented reality and virtual reality within the interior design industry with a digital discussion in collaboration with SBID. Exploring the communication of design ideas and managing client expectations, to practical applications and industry perception.
Hosted by Kesoon Chance, Industry Specialist and Interior Architect at Vectorworks, the online panel discussion shares unique professional perspectives on the use and significance of virtual reality in interior design.
Joining Kesoon on the panel was Tommy Cairns, founder & director of Three Percent Design, and Steve Brann, founder of Cadschool; equipping design professionals to use design software and technology to show clients what they can achieve. Steve pioneered panoramic VR photography and now, with the advent of Realtime rendering solutions, he is championing the use of VR goggles for the ultimate VR experience!
SpeakEasy with Shalini Misra: A Masterclass in Wellbeing Design
In this episode of the SpeakEasy podcast, Grant Pierrus is joined by internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer, Shalini Misra as she sheds light on her journey in the interior design industry, shares her unique professional insight on interior wellness and provides a masterclass on the role and integration of wellbeing as a core design principle.
Shalini discusses an integral interplay in the relationship between our inner selves and our surrounding external environments, giving emphasis on how the interior design of these spaces can influence the way we feel and function within them.
She shares her expert insight on designing homes with wellness in mind, and explains her professional strategies for achieving an effective wellbeing design through lighting considerations, selection of materials, intelligent space planning and craftmanship.
Finally, Shalini talks about how interior design approaches to sustainability is intrinsically interlinked with these principles of wellbeing as an important component of personal and interior wellness; including the creation of nature connections through biophilic design.
Tune in to the whole conversation to discover more.
Shalini Misra
Founder and Creative Director, Shalini Misra is an internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer. Shalini has been creating spaces since she founded her multifaceted practice over 20 years ago. A qualified architect from the Delhi School of Architecture and Planning (SPA) in India, Shalini specialised in Urban Planning at the University of Columbia in New York before studying Virtual Reality in Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London.
As lockdown now begins to lift and life starts returning to a very new kind of 'normal', we've had the time to re-consider our lifestyles and re-asses our living environments. For many, the new normal sees much more of our time being spent at home. The focus therefore turns to residential design, as we look to upgrade tired interiors or reconfigure homes for a more functional layout. This month we're sharing some of the inspiring interior designs from last year's SBID Awards finalists, offering some much needed interior inspiration as the importance of residential design continues to grow.
Christopher Tan Design - One KL @ KLCC
Based closely on an aquatic theme, the use of blue accents and fluid lines infused a sense of serenity associated with the attributes of water. Engulfed by sleek, stylish furnishing details, this sophisticated design serves as a contemporary upgrade to the apartment while retaining the architectural brilliance of its structure. Functioning as a sanctuary and a place to entertain, the aquatic themed design, inspired by the pool, instinctively emboldens the interior with an aesthetic that echoes the chicness and grandeur of a home located at the heart of a city.
Kirsten Schwalgien Design - Loft BuresQ
Situated in one of the most iconic Modernist buildings, the loft adapts its historic space to contemporary use as a habitable, sophisticated home. Private zones were separated from the living area with a wooden clad ‘box’ and the gallery featuring industrial glass windows was included for enhanced privacy. All original pillars supporting the 4 metre height ceiling remained exposed and the rooms were developed around them. KSD designed almost all furniture custom to the place and person, not only in size but also in context, legacy and aesthetic. Main materials include veneered varnished chestnut, natural stone and original brick. Green marble was paired with elements in untreated brass that will age naturally developing a beautiful patina. KSD focused on specific qualities and tactility of materials, alternating textures cold with warm, glossy with raw, soft with hard.
Li Yizhong & Associates - Fortress Villa
To suit the personality of the owner, the structure of the space had to be free, open, smooth, and imposing. The building is on sloping land, with a difference of nearly one floor between the front and back: the entrance is low and the large garden is high up. The design included a sunken garden, which improved the ventilation and lighting at the back of the first floor and improved the quality of the space. On the second floor is the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a bedroom. This floor is benefits from an open and free layout closely connected to the outdoor garden, thus expanding the boundary of human activities and increasing the sense of freedom. The living room space is double height, which highlights the momentum of the space. The original beam cannot be removed because of the structure, so a bridge was designed to the third-storey balcony, increasing the level of space.
Sheree Stuart Design - Toronto Penthouse
The design of this two-story penthouse located in the heart of downtown Toronto takes a cue from the clients’ love of travel and their growing collection of Asian antiquities and art. The design team has imbued the space with the Japanese aesthetic of simplicity, modernism and an earth-toned palette. Every aspect of the penthouse is customised, from the lighting, millwork and flooring to the furniture and cabinet hardware. The result is a luxurious and tranquil retreat that more than meets the homeowners’ objectives and satisfies this designer’s criteria for a successful project: a customised interior that enhances the clients' living experience, delivered on time and on budget. The unique design of this penthouse fits beautifully into the wider environment and features 360-degree views of beautiful downtown Toronto.
AND Design Co - Chapters
Chiseled volumes, striking artworks and understated luxury define this home. The property bears a footprint of 2,500 square metres, with 1,000 square metres built-up. The layout of the house amalgamates into the letters H and I, which are the initials of the client’s names, making it a signature feature of the house. The ground floor has a double height foyer, a formal and informal living room, parents’ and guest bedrooms, a prayer room, dining room, kitchen and powder room. The outdoor space houses a swimming pool, sit-out deck, a dining nook and servant’s quarters, while the upper floor has the master bedroom, kid’s bedroom, another guest room, a gym and an open terrace. The concept of the project revolves around the idea of diminishing the barrier of built and natural environment by bringing in the exteriors within the interior habitat.
Cass Calder Smith Architecture & Interiors - Lagoon House
This 2,100-square-foot weekend residence was built in Seadrift on the Stinson Lagoon in Marin County, California. Although the lagoon is filled with Pacific Ocean sea water, it is shallow and warm – much like a lake and so used for swimming, paddling, and many other non-motorised water sports. While beach houses are often tattered and somewhat quirky, this one is meant to be modern and refined, yet casual. It was created for a family of five that live in San Francisco who surf, cook, craft, and party.
JIXI DESIGN STUDIO - 360 degrees, 180 degrees, 90 degrees
The design of the house is based on the situation of the building and the advantages of outdoor window views, with a 360-degree circle as the main axis. Double moving lines are adopted in the porch, making the centre the beginning of the space. The flowing circle runs through the public space, breaking the thinking that indoor space requires square planning to effectively use the space. The moving lines naturally and smoothly guide the movement within each block. Ceiling, spatial allocation, and even wall design all carry the round form, which lets the sensibility of flowing and roundness expand in space.
SHANGHAI BENJAI ARCHITECTURE - Shangkun Yueshan Peninsul Showcase
The Shangkun Yueshan Peninsula Project is located in Sheshan Plate, Songjiang District, Shanghai, an area surrounded by mountains, rivers and shade, all of which are aspects of island life that city dwellers desire when escaping urban living. The concepts of art and home were the starting point of the project. Using advanced colours, changeable space and concise lines; the design paints a picture of the modern dweller’s art and life intertwined. The most interesting feature is the ‘pipe’, which gives the project a more playful feel and an artistic edge; it makes the whole design more individual and dynamic. The whole underground space uses design to create a joyful feeling. It's an amusement park and an art salon; the space is staggered and the joy here is extraordinary.
Godwin Austen Johnson - Serenia Residences The Palm Jumeirah
Serenia is an exclusive gated beachfront residence located on a unique beachfront plot on the crescent of The Palm Jumeirah. This exclusive community offers residents an unrivalled connection to nature and relaxed bliss with its sophisticated architecture and contemporary interior design; floor-to-ceiling glass blurs the boundaries between outdoors and indoors providing panoramic views of the city skyline and ocean and a tranquil home.
STA Architectural Group - Palazzo del Cielo
With sweeping views of the Atlantic, the 47th-floor Palazzo del Cielo is perched atop an exclusive, oceanfront tower and located on Florida’s Riviera – Sunny Isles Beach. STA took great pleasure in handpicking each finish, travelling throughout Europe and Asia to find a unique collection of luxury stones. They created a memorable palette of materials which flow effortlessly – imbuing the space with a strong sense of permanence, freshness and colour. STA curated a collection of furniture and art with a colour palette echoing the accents of the natural environment and designed enormous, hand-cast light fixtures and hand-woven area rugs to fill the vast spaces of this penthouse. The end result is the culmination of a seven-year journey for STA and their long-time clients – one to craft a space that can be called ‘the world’s finest’.
Opaal Interiors - Mamsha Penthouse
Mamsha Al Saadiyat penthouse is a beachfront property located in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The penthouse offers a range of one to four-bedroom apartments as well as limited numbers of penthouses and townhouses. The residential property is adjacent to the 1.4km white sandy beach provide endless stunning sea views. These luxury apartments are is just minutes’ walking distance to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, as well as The District retail destination. Residents can enjoy the unique fusion of a lively downtown destination with a wonderfully relaxed coastal ambiance.
Roth Architecture - Uh May Residence
The residence harmoniously blends in with the environment, respecting and honouring the natural habitat that hosts it. With no straight lines or sharp angles, it respects the organic shapes of the ground on which it was built. There is real purpose in its design: to force us to be present, paying attention and observing our every step. The use of ferro-cement was specifically chosen to avoid the introduction of heavy machinery into the jungle, thus preventing the felling of 250 trees. Moreover, the material gives the space a cosy feeling. The finish, carefully crafted with local materials, makes this a unique space of purely organic forms. Meticulously conceived thorough attention to detail and amenities for entertainment, this property redefines life in the jungle, promoting a non-invasive dialogue between architecture and its natural surroundings.
The 2020 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now open for entries.
Entries close on Friday 12 June.
Visit sbidawards.com to enter now!
Join SBID
Find out more about our flexible membership structure.
By subscribing, you agree to be added to SBID’s mailing list. As an industry’s standard bearer organisation, we strive to bring you the most up to date news and access to exclusive industry content through our various newsletters.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
I accept the SBID Terms of Use