Arsight Design a Rustic Apartment With Urban Elements

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and urban residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Arsight.

Designed by Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight, this interior project in Tribeca curates an intuitive and personalized living space that beautifully interweaves the rough charm of natural materials with high-end features. A testament to creative craftsmanship, the apartment is imbued with unique elements such as hand-troweled fluted plaster walls, a hand-carved kitchen island, and heavyweight linen curtains. The design, valuing authenticity and embracing imperfections, tells a compelling story of human touch and history. This innovative fusion of refined elegance and rustic appeal, underscored by a commitment to sustainability, offers a refreshing divergence from prevailing trends.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief was wonderfully open-ended and truly allowed us to connect with our deepest design inclinations. They sought an interior space that drew inspiration from the heart of nature, a setting that would be not just a living space, but a narrative – a reflection of nature's unparalleled beauty. They envisioned a space that would harmoniously blend the raw beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of an urban dwelling.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our primary inspiration for this design was the enchanting allure of nature itself. This wasn't just confined to theoretical concepts; we actively ventured into the wilderness landscapes of Connecticut. Here, we were particularly moved by the timeless beauty of driftwood and stones that had been molded by nature over millennia. These elements, in their most authentic form, became vital components in our design, serving as a tangible bridge between the natural world and the constructed urban environment.

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

The most challenging aspect of this project was ensuring that the raw, natural elements we introduced, such as driftwood and stones, seamlessly integrated with the modern features of the apartment. This meant balancing the ruggedness of these elements with the refined aspects of modern design without losing the authenticity of either. It was essential that the space felt both luxurious and raw, opulent yet genuinely connected to the natural world.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the hand-chiselled kitchen island, an epitome of our design philosophy, come to life. Witnessing raw stone transform into an exquisite functional and artistic centrepiece was a validation of our vision. This island epitomized the harmony between rough and refined, and watching it anchor the space was truly a joy.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because we genuinely believe in the integrity and authenticity of our design. The SBID represents the pinnacle of interior design recognition in our industry. It’s not just about accolades; it’s a platform that recognizes dedication, innovation, and true excellence in design. We felt that our project, with its unique blend of nature and luxury, resonated with the values that SBID champions.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Becoming an Award Finalist at the SBID has been an immense honour. It is not just a testament to the hard work and dedication our team has poured into the project, but it also offers validation from a community of esteemed peers. For our business, this recognition has bolstered our reputation and credibility in the industry.

Questions answered by Artem Kropovinsky, Founder and Principal Designer at Arsight.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful, Armenian-inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

The name “VAGA” comes from the word “vagabond,” which means “nomad” and serves as the inspiration behind the concept. 4SPACE created a world-fresh time-traveler vibe that takes you on a journey through traditional Arabic cuisine and colorful Armenian culture – a lifestyle destination that embodies the wandering, explorative nature of the vagabond. The restaurant offers exceptional views of Ain Dubai and a contemporary design that takes your dining experience to the next level. Revelers looking for secrecy can enjoy the private room that offers a world of speakeasy fantasy, perfect for those looking for a little adventure to their dining experience.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief for VAGA Restaurant and Bar, designed by 4SPACE, was to create a contemporary dining destination that harmoniously blends Arabic and Armenian cultures. The restaurant was envisioned as a space where diners could embark on a captivating journey, experiencing the fusion of these two vibrant traditions. The goal was to design a restaurant that pays homage to both cultures while providing extraordinary views of Ain Dubai, the world's biggest and tallest Ferris wheel, on Bluewaters Island.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of VAGA was inspired by the concept of a magical vagabond, a time traveler who traverses different eras and worlds, experiencing grand adventures along the way. This inspiration led to the creation of a space that beautifully weaves together Arabic and Armenian elements, with a focus on kitchen drama, textures, and reflective surfaces. The design represents the wanderlust and explorative nature of the vagabond, capturing the essence of discovery and wonder.

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

The toughest challenge that 4SPACE overcame during the VAGA project was designing and connecting two distinct spaces that represent Armenian and Arabic cultures, while still maintaining a sense of harmony and unity. Creating a seamless transition between the ground floor, which reflects Armenian influences, and the first floor, which is inspired by Arabic aesthetics, required careful design and meticulous execution.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the VAGA project for the 4SPACE team was the creation of the impressive chandelier on the ground floor. Comprising large metallic rings intricately adorned with the Vannic alphabet, this chandelier is a stunning focal point that captures the essence of the restaurant's concept. Additionally, the unique DJ booth, which becomes the center of attention for diners and late-night revellers, added a dynamic and interactive element to the space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

4SPACE entered the SBID Awards to showcase the innovative and culturally rich design of VAGA. The project's successful fusion of Arabic and Armenian influences, along with its captivating design elements and attention to detail, made it a compelling contender for recognition within the design industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards held significant meaning for 4SPACE and their design business. It affirmed their ability to merge diverse cultural influences into a harmonious and visually striking space. The recognition from the awards highlighted their expertise in creating immersive and experiential environments, enhancing their reputation in the design community and among potential clients.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a retro styled residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Harmony World Consultant & Design.

Harmony World Consultant & Design was commissioned to design interior space for The Catania Wuhan project.

What was the client's brief? 

In a globalised city, art and life have never been separated. Under the trend of the overall environment, the design of this project tends to create an artistic living space, which can better experience the architectural form and space volume by emphasising artistic decoration and infiltrating art.

What inspired the design of the project?

We provide each viewer with a certain identity of presence in this immersive space, which means that they have various possibilities to reconstruct their feelings as individuals and continue to write stories. This is the meaning of our design.

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

The integration of various design elements in the space has become our main design consideration. In order to continue the cultural attribute of the integration of multiple cultures, we also focused on the retro style of multi focus, artistic and cultural heritage and French elegance when creating this house style.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The overall beige tone shows its elegance to the audience. At the same time, the entrance is a master sculpture from the Paris. Through the appreciation of artistic sculpture and the continuity of metal chandelier space, the audience is constantly attracted to explore the space, to re-establish their feelings of space in their minds and create the artistic atmosphere of Home Gallery. It shows the collision and integration of modern and classical art in space as a whole, and the experience of "crossing multi-dimensional space" is completed by the design. Innovation and retro, collision and blending, thus reflecting the instantaneous eternity of the concept of art space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As one of the most prestigious awards in the world, SBID has attracted the attention and participation of many internationally renowned designers with its strict selection criteria. From a professional perspective, SBID focuses on exploring, summarising and exploring the latest trends in the field of design. It also has high standards and requirements for the design works participating in the awards. Every year, authoritative experts in the industry assess the technical content and aesthetic creativity of the entries, and is committed to commendation, reward and publicity of various excellent designs.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The SBID Design Award has a very high competitiveness and influence in the international design industry. Being shortlisted for the SBID Design Award is not only a recognition of designers' professional ability, but also a recognition of their design achievements in the world.

Questions answered by Hongjun Lin, Managing Director at Harmony World Consultant & Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a nature-inspired, family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Pia Design.

Pia Design was commissioned for the sensitive refresh and redecoration of this dated but loved Georgian country family house. The clients wanted to keep as many of their existing furniture pieces as possible, opting to reupholster much loved heirloom items rather than buying new. Inspired by the stunning hilltop views of the North Downs surrounding the house, the concept was directly inspired by the natural surroundings and referenced the panoramic views of nature and invited the landscape in.

What was the client's brief? 

This project was an exemplary case study for us in sustainable design. Our client had collected good quality furniture pieces of the years, some of which were handed down throughout the generations and had a lot of personal meaning to the homeowners. They wanted to keep as much of their existing furniture as possible, whilst being conscious that they want to modernise the look of their home. We successfully reused every single item of furniture, only filling in gaps with new pieces where necessary. Their existing furniture was lovingly restored and reupholstered and the new pieces carefully selected or made bespoke to fit in cohesively with the existing.

What inspired the design of the project?

The entire design of the house from concept to design development was inspired by nature. Firstly, we considered the panoramic views of the South Downs visible from this hilltop house and how the colours would change throughout the seasons - this was reflected in the colours schemes, patterns and textures we selected for the house - from nature murals to a soft, seasonal palette of blues and greens, always offset with pops of warming accent colours. Secondly, the materials we chose were primarily natural, sustainable materials, such as Carrara marble, wooden flooring, and fabrics which were at least 75% natural fibres.

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

I would say that working with the client’s existing furniture and focusing so rigorously on not sending anything to landfill unnecessarily did come with its own challenges - we spent a long time playing around with what furniture could be reused in what room and how to refurbish existing pieces - often reupholstering can be more expensive than buying new furniture, so we had to consider carefully how to sensitively and cost effectively breathe new life into existing furniture that didn’t always feel like the best fit for some design schemes. For example, the client’s existing main bedroom bed was a very heavy, ornate wooden sleigh bed which felt overwhelming against the soft blue colour palette we recommended. We overcame this by opting for a custom, handpainted mural by De Gournay behind the bed, as well as large, bright coloured cushions, to draw the eye to these details as opposed to the heavy bed.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was undoubtedly when the client saw her home finished for the first time after the re-upholstered furniture arrived back from the workshop. When she reacted to her grandmother’s chaise longue brought back to life, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. It was very emotional and hugely satisfying to see the hard work we had put into the project be so appreciated and to see just how personal and meaningful everything in their home was to them, and to hear their feedback on how well they felt we had interpreted their brief and understood just how important retaining these heirloom pieces was to them. Of course seeing our project featured in Homes & Gardens was also a moment of great pride!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Sustainability is at the heart and soul of everything Pia Design does, and this project has been such a perfect showcase of our commitment to our ethos and a testament to the fact that it is possible to design around what the client already owns without compromising the design aesthetic significantly. I think it would be a great achievement and even further testament to this if the project was deemed award-worthy.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Having been an SBID member for a few years now, to have been selected as a finalist, particularly with our sustainable project, has been a huge honour. We are still a young and growing business as well, so to be a finalist has given our team an enormous boost of confidence. I’m sure our clients will be excited to hear about our nomination as well!

Questions answered by Pia Pelkonen, Creative Director at Pia Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a fun and photogenic restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Quadrant Design.

Quadrant Design was commissioned to design and specify the finishes for EL&N London in Atelier La Vie.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief focuses on creating a completely unique concept in each EL&N cafe, allowing the customers to experience something different when visiting different branches across the globe. EL&N cafe’s want a fun atmosphere that encourages customers to take photos and share these on social media, which the brand has become recognised globally for. EL&N want to create special ‘instagrammable moments’ in each of their cafes and create an environment where customers feel that every seat is the best in the house.

What inspired the design of the project?

The brief for every EL&N restaurant is that each should be unique in its own way, linking to the location, so we based our inspiration for this site on the French Riviera, with the development in Jeddah being fondly named Atelier La Vie taking inspiration from the French Riviera as it is positioned within a warm, large and captivating development in Jeddah. Inspired by coastal colours, geometric shapes, iconic, bespoke patterning and bold architectural arches, we created a two storey oasis where every seat is the best seat in the house.

We used a mixed palette of materials which were bright and bold in tone and texture, mixing Fabrics, solid surfaces, florals, metal chains and bespoke terrazzo finishes throughout. Many materials used for this location were created as bespoke finishes to create a truly unique space, including bespoke wall coverings, fret cut metal screening with bespoke geometric prints, custom poured terrazzo tiles, printed metallic chains which span 6m in length. We also worked with Panaz fabrics to create bespoke fabrics especially for this project, creating custom patterns and prints which linked to the styling and colour ways of the French Riviera.

The ground floor was designed as an external garden space with custom made concrete blocks to create the striking bar and cake counter, geometric flooring tiles and garden flower wall linking in with the Riviera coast. The 6m tall hanging chains with printed illustrations grabs the attention of visitors and features EL&N founder, Alexander Miller. We wanted to bring the outdoors inside by creating the ground floor terrace space which in turn allowed us to create a unique space on the first floor. We designed the space so that every single seat is the best seat in the house, with every cover having a unique and striking Instagram backdrop.

We wanted the two areas to offer a different experience, with the first floor providing a luxurious dining space with plush seating, opal lighting, custom Instagram garden swing and neon wall paneling all accessed by a floral lined staircase. We created bespoke wall coverings which adorned the staircase wall and first floor, along with a bespoke geometric fret cut brass screen which encased the stairwell.

Being positioned along the boulevard with a strong vista to the facade from the roadside, we accentuated the double story shop front facade by creating vertical illuminated portals to all of the window apertures as well as highlighting the secondary double height arches we installed within the space to really make the building sing at night time. The whole building glows proudly on the boulevard and can be seen from afar both from the road and within the development. The space also boasts of a large external dining terrace which seats 40 covers, encased with floral displays and air conditioning units & parasols to create the perfect al fresco experience.

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

Working between the UK and KSA, we remotely managed the project using video conferencing facilities and keeping great communication throughout the project lifespan. The most challenging element to coordinate was the ceiling custom Kriskadecor chains which needed to be coordinated with existing M&E services and structural fixing details. With the chains also being supplied from Europe, the coordination was tricky but great communication and commitment between us Quadrant Design, Kriskadecor and the local team we were able to deliver and install and beautiful feature ceiling!

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We absolutely love working with EL&N, as each restaurant across the world features completely unique design and finishes. The team loved working on Atelier La Vie, creating the design concept based specifically on its location, taking inspiration from the French Riviera creating a space which feels authentically European.

We got to work with exciting colours, patterns & materials, such as Kriskadecor metal decorative chains in which we printed a bespoke illustration of EL&N’s founder, Alexander Miller and suspended it from the 6m high ceiling void. The chains also sweep across the width of the store, creating a unique waved ceiling feature made from a selection of 4 types of pink metal links.

All of the upholstery materials throughout the space were all created as bespoke graphic patterns which we then had printed to create our very own Riviera fabric collection. We wanted all of the interior elements to be customised to suit the localisation of the site as much as possible, so as well as creating our own patterns and prints for the fabrics, we also created our own wall coverings which feature bespoke illustrations and prints to link in with the EL&N brand.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is a huge celebration of global talent for interior design projects and we knew it would be a privilege to be shortlisted alongside some great designer studios in a number of categories. We worked on some amazing projects last year so we entered in the hope we would get the opportunity to celebrate the teams' achievements, and reward individuals for their hard work. This was a very large space for EL&N and their first in Jeddah, the finished result is a very striking restaurant that we’re very proud to have been involved with. The restaurant has been a huge success locally and has also gained global attraction from Bloggers and Design enthusiasts who have celebrated the design from afar.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s been fantastic to be recognised for this project, and two other projects in different categories, at the SBID Awards. We were so proud to have created the concept for this unique project, so being shortlisted for restaurant design at the SBID Awards is the cherry on the cake.

Questions answered by Sonia Brown, Head of Design at Quadrant Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and sleek restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

Jun’s is the brainchild of eminent chef Kelvin Cheung. 4SPACE Design created Jun’s concept to celebrate community. The inspiration is drawn from horse stables, and the vibe reflects the natural materials that are simple, sleek, rustic, and refined. The soothing interiors are of a sand-colored palette with natural materials and various interesting textures, including timber, marble and white bricks.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief for JUN's, designed by 4SPACE, was to create a bold, modern, and inviting restaurant that harmoniously blends Asian and North American flavors. Chef Kelvin Cheung and Kings Group Ventures sought a contemporary venue that would capture the essence of community and connection over food. The restaurant was envisioned as a warm and welcoming environment, reflecting the culinary expertise of Chef Cheung and inviting guests to gather and celebrate.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of JUN's was inspired by the concept of community and coming together. 4SPACE created a space that celebrated the importance of life, drawing inspiration from the imagery of horse stables. The design concept embraces natural materials, reflecting simplicity, rustic elegance, and modern refinement. The sand-colored palette, textured surfaces, and use of timber, marble, and white bricks contribute to a soothing and inviting ambiance.

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

The main challenge overcome during the JUN's project was merging two separate units to create a cohesive space, while respecting the residential condominium above and minimizing disturbances to residents. Additionally, the challenge of seamlessly blending the different design elements, such as the incorporation of the unique I-mesh material and the suspended installations, required careful planning and execution.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the JUN's project for the 4SPACE team was the successful creation of an environment that celebrates community and culinary excellence. The innovative use of I-mesh installations and the integration of various design accents throughout the interior added vibrancy and dimension to the space. The elevated dining experience at the chef's table, where special menus are prepared under invitation from Chef Cheung, stood out as a unique and exclusive feature.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The decision to participate in the SBID Awards was driven by the desire to spotlight the innovative and cohesive design of JUN's. The project's seamless fusion of both rustic and refined elements, its emphasis on fostering a sense of community, and its capacity to provide an exceptional dining experience positioned it as a candidate for acknowledgement and acclaim within the design realm.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards held special significance for 4SPACE and their business. The recognition affirmed their ability to translate Chef Cheung's vision into a captivating reality, merging different design influences into a cohesive and inviting dining space. The acknowledgement from the awards highlighted their expertise in creating immersive environments that enhance the dining experience.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an Italian styled, modern residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Harmony World Consultant & Design.

Harmony World Consultant & Design was commissioned to design the interior spaces for Shenzhen Oct The One project.

What was the client's brief? 

The project chooses the coastline of Shenzhen Bay. The unique geographical advantage of the peninsula endows the project with a natural landscape surrounded by the sea on three sides. The design of all floor to ceiling windows maximises the view. Every stay in different outdoor corners will be accompanied by mountains and seas outside the window. Every moment is romantic.

What inspired the design of the project?

We extract humanistic ideas and spiritual pursuits from the project area, strive for natural, artistic and humanistic design concepts, inject romance and elegance into the coastal life, and create an era image with unique characteristics of the bay area city with diversified scenes.

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

In the design, we need to think about how to maximise the functionality of the space, and at the same time, have artistic aesthetics, so that the design can reflect the characteristics of the city, show the classic design model of coastal luxury houses, and create a comfortable space that integrates multiple attributes such as living, social, and aesthetics.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The overall space is dominated by Italian style. The simple and elegant tone of the living room is blended with retro orange, adding romantic Italian style to create a romantic comfort in the warm sun, which makes people sit down quietly and release a relaxed and fulfilling life state. The integrated design is adopted between the reception hall and the dining room, creating a sense of space integration, open and comfortable. The restaurant should be a place of comfort from the beginning of vision. Therefore, the restaurant is placed next to the seascape, and the whole floor to ceiling windows are used for lighting, so that the space is full of light and shadow vitality, while introducing endless scenery outside the window, and offering a feast of food. In the master bedroom space, the Italian style artistic atmosphere is fully displayed. With gray white as the bottom and warm caramel color as the decoration, the modern atmosphere spreads and grows, and the space becomes interesting. The master bedroom is equipped with independent cloakroom and master bathroom, so the master's taste can be properly placed. The master bathtub facing the sea, with a design full of ritual and privacy, feels the daily life with the sea, pure and quiet.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As one of the most prestigious awards in the world, SBID has attracted the attention and participation of many internationally renowned designers with its strict selection criteria. From a professional perspective, SBID focuses on exploring, summarising and exploring the latest trends in the field of design. It also has high standards and requirements for the design works participating in the awards. Every year, authoritative experts in the industry assess the technical content and aesthetic creativity of the entries, and is committed to commendation, reward and publicity of various excellent designs.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The SBID Design Award has a very high competitiveness and influence in the international design industry. Being shortlisted for the SBID Design Award is not only a recognition of designers' professional ability, but also a recognition of their design achievements in the world.

Questions answered by Hongjun Lin, Managing Director at Harmony World Consultant & Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful and bold home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Oakley Moore Interior Design.

Oakley Moore Interior Design was commissioned to carry out a full refurbishment and redecoration of this Victorian terraced house in the heart of Fulham in London. The brief was to bring the property to life with a focus on the client’s art collection, using creative layering of textiles, materials and bold colours to deliver an expertly layered and characterful home. Kate Aslangul of Oakley Moore lead the design for the interior architecture, soft furnishings, bespoke furniture pieces and the hanging of all artwork.

What was the client's brief? 

Mandated to oversee a full refurbishment and redecoration of this Victorian terraced house in the heart of Fulham, our brief was to improve the flow of the property and breath new life into it with a focus on the client's art collection, using creative layering of textiles, materials, and bold colours.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspiration for the design of the project came from the client, his love of art and his collection; he has many interests and has not only lived in the UK but also in the USA and France, so it was important to find creative ways to reference this and weave the threads to tell a story. He’s collected throughout his travels, so we had some strong pieces and colour references to use as starting points for the design.

To infuse sunshine and Provencal colour all year round I decided to make a feature of the kitchen/dining room wall which is a key siteline throughout the ground floor by designing a mural inspired by the work of Etel Adnan, a Lebanese/American artist who lived in Paris whose work I admire. The spare bedroom has a distinctly traditional French feel and using bright, modern colour and unusual fabrics makes it feel more contemporary.

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

The toughest hurdle was getting supplies and artisans as we started work during the Covid pandemic, so logistics and planning were incredibly important for the smooth running of the project to ensure that we delivered on time and on budget.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

This was such a special project for me as the client wanted something very layered and beautiful and allowed me the freedom to play with colour and fabric. His trust in me was a real highlight.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I’m honoured to be an accredited SBID designer and it’s always wonderful to be recognised within one’s industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It is thrilling and a huge honour to be singled out within one’s industry. These prestigious awards are internationally recognised and provide a rare platform to gain recognition in a competitive industry for all the work involved in interior design projects. The awards not only put designers in the spotlight, but they give value to the craft and the industry.

Questions answered by Kate Aslangul, Founder and Creative Director at Oakley Moore Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an ocean-view residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Katja Kessler Kreation.

The client owned a vacation home which was only an empty shell and asked for an interior design concept. The empty shell turned out to be a seven-metre-high postmodern recently built concrete building.

What was the client's brief? 

My client dreamed of an interior design, that would bring together regional heritage and modern vibes, creating a powerful and emotional yet stylish space. A place to sense the refreshing breeze of the Baltic Sea during the day; a place to cuddle in front of the crackling fire, listening to the raging waves at night.

What inspired the design of the project?

Entering the shell of the building I had the sensation of standing inside a modern, concrete-formed cathedral – an overwhelming feeling. One central idea was spiraling in my head: Why conceal anything here? The rough cold DNA of the building's structure should be palpable at every point!

So, I left the seven-meter-high concrete walls completely unplastered and used them as a backdrop for a historic church staircase, proudly displaying its 200-year-old scarred woodworm patina skin. 150-year-old weathered iron windows from a nearby decommissioned distillery, repurposed as kitchen walls, also pay homage to past times. In contrast postmodern XL window fronts that can be folded open across their full width like an accordion serve as bridges between the past and the present, as well as between indoor and outdoor. These windows bring in sunlight, wind, and the calls of seagulls, turning the expansive terrace into an additional living room on beautiful days. A ceiling mounted 360-degree swiveling XL fireplace accentuates the cathedral-like height of the building's structure, though sitting in front of the crackling fire, it simultaneously provides a cave-like ambiance.

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

Moving and fitting the old 1000 kg spiral staircase into the shell required the assistance of five hard-trained carpenters and the same amount of champagne bottles to celebrate what we had achieved.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Sitting on the ocean-view terrace for the very first time with the entire crew gazing beyond the horizon on a quiet Sunday afternoon, resembled the cathedral like spirit I had experienced when first visiting this place. It was a moment of reward for what we had accomplished together.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I've been following the SBID Awards for a long time and have repeatedly been inspired and impressed by the submitted projects. This year, I thought now or never and submitted my own application.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

So many people congratulated us for the nomination via social media. It feels like participating in a kind of interior Oscar. That alone has been a great compliment for me and the rest of my team.

Questions answered by Dr. Katja Kessler, Interior Designer and Founder of Katja Kessler Kreation.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist laundry service design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

Whites sets the benchmark as a next-generation premium dry-cleaning and laundry service, known for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of garment care. The design of the shop is pivotal in attracting customers and providing a comfortable and functional space. It plays a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects Whites’ commitment to excellence while ensuring customers feel at ease during their visits. The design embodies a refined and thoughtful approach creating Whites a modern and functional space that is both inviting and inspiring.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief for Whites was to create a distinctive dry-cleaning and laundry service located within Dubai Hills Mall that defies conventional expectations. The aim was to design an environment that encourages visitors to embark on a conceptual exploration while utilizing garment care services.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of Whites was inspired by a fusion of modernity, tranquility, and sustainability. The carefully curated color palette of pristine white and serene sky blue imparts a harmonious and open ambiance. The mesmerising epoxy flooring, with its gradient of blue, mirrors the transformative nature of Whites' services. Sustainability was a driving inspiration, evident in the selection of state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to minimising environmental impact.

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

The toughest hurdle our team overcame during the project was achieving the delicate balance between minimalism and functionality. Ensuring that every chosen element held significance and purpose while maintaining a clean and uncluttered space required meticulous design and planning.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of our team's journey with Whites was the creation of the main counter, a sophisticated blend of Corian and acrylic accents. This elegant centerpiece, illuminated by gentle, indirect lighting, symbolises the intimate connection between our knowledgeable staff and valued patrons.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards driven by the exceptional standout of Whites' design. The project's unique combination of conceptual exploration, sustainability, and its transformative impact on the garment care experience we believe in the project’s unique standout.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being chosen as an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards is a testament to the remarkable standout of Whites' design. It reaffirms our commitment to innovative and purposeful design that leaves a lasting impression. This recognition elevates our reputation in the design community and underscores our dedication to sustainability and excellence, enhancing our appeal to potential clients and partners.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE Design.