Blue Agate Stone at the Heart of a Luxury Apartment

This week's instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features a luxurious residential apartment design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Mane Design.

An apartment with an area of 260 sqm is located in the very centre of Kiev, on the last 32nd floor. It has with terraces that offer stunning views of the city. The apartment is designed in a modern classical style, using expensive materials and furniture.

Blue Agate Stone - the heart of the apartment - was brought from India. It is a delicate stone that carries harmony, tranquillity and grace. The atmosphere in the apartment is soothing; pleasant colours and natural textures add elegance to the interior, while brass adds warmth.

The apartment is not only beautiful, but also has a comfortable and functional plan. Its divided into zones: public, children's and the owner's zone. The public area consists of a living room-kitchen where there is a bar, which is successfully hidden behind panels that can be pulled apart with a slight movement of the hand. There is access to a huge terrace with a barbecue, a seating area with a sofa, tables and chairs for eating. In the entrance part there is a guest toilet and a large dressing room, as well as a separate laundry. The children's area has two bedrooms, a separate children's wardrobe, a bathroom and an access to terrace from each bedroom.

What was the client's brief? 

The clients are a young, successful and hard-working couple. They are modern, lively and value comfort and beauty. Therefore, the brief asked for a bright colours and non-standard, interesting solutions but at the same time a comfortable and functional design - the place where they can relax after a work day or have parties with friends.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were inspired by our clients themselves: by their lifestyle, ideas, attitude to design, and, of course, complete creative freedom given to us.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Our team did not encounter any special difficulties during this project.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

This entire project consists of highlights. In every corner you can find something interesting. There are a lot of details that you will want to examine, things that attract attention, such as: wonderful natural agate stone brought from India, an art object “Fishes” specially designed by us for this project, which glows in millions sparks, the TV which moves out from the stand by pressing the button on the remote control (because our client did not want to see TV in the interior), a hidden bar, a hidden projector and a screen coming out of the ceiling, a toilet in front of the window, delightful lighting everywhere… and, of course, an unforgettable view from the apartment.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We respect SBID International Design Awards and consider the judges' decisions to be fair.

Questions answered by Mane Megrabyan, Interior Designer and Head of Studio, Mane Design.

Project of the Week

This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavish apartment design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Cheng Chung Design. The skyscraper One Sanlitun is already a valuable addition to Beijing's skyline, and the luxurious apartments furnished by CCD are a feast for the eyes.

Cheng Chung Design (CCD) used inspiration from international brands of the highest level, such as Armani, Aston Martin, Chanel, Hermès, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, for a series of luxury apartments in this skyscraper. CCD is known for introducing Western artistic forms into Oriental concepts. The apartment we see here takes characteristic elements from the Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi bringing the classic style of Rome to Beijing.

For the apartment One Sanlitun - Fendi, CCD was inspired by the philosophy where a balance is sought between the classical and the modern, the sophisticated and the playful. It integrates Italian history and humanity with Fendi's brand story as the design inspiration, and presents Fendi’s art, fashion and lifestyle in an elegant way.

SBID Awards Category: Residential House Under £1 Million Sponsored by Sans Souci

Practise: Cheng Chung Design

Project: One Sanlitun - Fendi

Location: Beijing, China

What was the client's brief? 

Beijing Topwin investment group was founded in 1996. The company adheres to the concept of quality to rejuvenate areas such as real estate, hotel, golf court, energy investment and management, among other diverse sectors. Topwin Group is the owner who pursues aesthetics and hopes to lead in the high-quality domestic real estate, using art and design works.

What inspired the design of the project?

It is the unique charm of the Fendi brand. Fendi stems from the history, art and aesthetics of Rome. CCD combines Fendi's brand concept with the interior design of luxury apartments in the bustling business district of Beijing to create a brand-new experience, where guests can interact with Fendi's furniture and accessories more intuitively and deeply, along with the artistic appeal brought by artworks.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The most difficult part of the design is the integration of the huge cultural differences. Fendi is based in Rome, the eternal city of Italy, while Beijing is famous in the oriental cultures and history. Therefore, it is hard to balance the collision between the two cities. The design needs to maintain harmony between classic and modern, elegant and stable, without losing the focus on space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The focal point of the design is the combination of practicality of space and the classic Fendi's brand style. Returning to the examination of this exquisite living space, we focus on the juxtaposition of decorative materials, Fendi's ultimate luxurious aesthetic, and the display effect.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the design industry. Winning the SBID International Design Award symbolizes high achievement and honour. We think that the unique design and ambience of the space, which reflects functional and aesthetic consideration, thoughtful material selection, technology, light and shadow make One Sanlitun – Fendi a brilliant piece of interior design, that is worthy of this award.