Modern and Holistic Spa Created for Relaxation and Balance

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.

What was the client’s brief? 

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.

What inspired the design of the 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.

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

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.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

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.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

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.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a stunning and unique restaurant design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief for Carna was simple, yet the end result is breath taking. Discovered on the 74^th floor SLS Hotel & Residences, Carna was to be a contemporary steakhouse and immersive meat experience.

What inspired the design of the project?

Meat is art, from preparation through to first taste, and it’s this story we aimed to capture through the interior. We appreciate the butcher to be a respectable symbol of society; a community monarch. They satisfy the most famished, and bring their unique skills to the table to fulfil the deepest of cravings. Their ancient trait is passed down through generations, and it’s this authentic craftsmanship that seethes through every crevice.

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

The sheer volume of space is jaw-dropping, and posed challenges at the onset, yet no corner has been left untouched. It’s strong, sensual and tantalizing of all the senses.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

On the left resides a theatrical bar where seductive red provides a colour bomb to an architectural wardrobe otherwise dressed in shades of green and brown. Hand cut green tiles provide the backdrop to a magnificent showcase of rustic brass finishes which elegantly display the bar’s liquor sensations.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards celebrate the best in design and it is events like this that continuously motivate our team to create iconic experiences all over the world.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a luxurious and warm bathroom design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Crimson Park Design.

An 80’s-era ensuite bathroom in Bellevue, WA, USA is opened up to solve outdated design and inefficient geometry. Featured are custom Sinker Cypress vanity, linen cabinet, and a 48” wide barn-style door with header and column, also of Sinker Cypress. A white ofuro-style tub, backed by new floor-to-ceiling glazing, sits in a stream of black polished river stones extending along the East wall under the vanity. Full slab, sumi-e-esque quartz lines the shower. Large field, textured Italian porcelain tile runs, offset, from West to East and up the wall behind the vanity. “When I walk into my bathroom I feel like a queen.” – Client, M. Chandler.

What was the client’s brief? 

• Update bathroom design and create a spa feel
• Clean and bright without being sterile
• Plan for future aging-in-place
• The bathroom has to be warm. Always.
• Sufficient storage – (items to be stored were inventoried to assure sufficient storage)
• Plenty of outlets at vanity
• No handles or hardware to bump into, or catch on clothing
• A bench large enough to sit on and to hold clothes

What inspired the design of the project?

I wanted to create a space that would allow my client to feel that her bathroom is a place of refuge; a place where she can begin and end her day at an arm’s length from the stress of life; a place to feel refreshed. I was fortunate enough to be given the creative freedom to incorporate some of my artistic sensibility into the design. After having As-Builts created, I began to sketch conceptual shapes in plan view, with the goal of keeping the main plumbing sites relatively intact. I like to work with organic shapes, and Mary gave me a bit of a free hand in coming up with design elements. In my art I tend to use circles, spirals, and other curving lines. I let instinct guide my pencil to create lines that would soften the space and hard angles that draw the eye around the room. I, then, scaled the concept back to reality and budget, keeping one curving line for the black river rock stream. The tile was cut to my hand drawn line that had been translated to a template by the CAD tech.

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

The most challenging part of the project was tackling the angle of the bedroom-to-bath transition hallway relative to the opening of the bathroom, in order to enclose the space, reducing the draft. I designed the Sinker Cypress header and column to properly catch the bespoke sliding door. It took a couple of iterations but I’m pleased with the result, which is a monolithic, yet in-scale, practical and user-friendly design element, warming the space both literally and aesthetically.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlights of any project for me are the joy of problem solving and collaboration with the client, craftsmen, and contractors through the design and build process; seeing all of the components come together as I envisioned; and delighting my client. A happy client is the best reward.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

When the Chandler Bath Oasis was complete, I felt that something special had been created. I wanted to put it out into the world to gauge the response. I aimed high when entering the SBID Awards; it is clear that the SBID recognizes design excellence. I appreciate the thoughtfulness I sense from the organization, and the sense of community that the SBID works to create. Crimson Park Design is incredibly honoured to be recognized as a finalist by the SBID, validating my instinct about the strength of my design, and the work of my partners.

Questions answered by Shelli Park, Principal, Crimson Park Design.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a light luxurious show home design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Elicyon.

Elicyon designed the three-bedroom show apartment situated on the 31^st floor of One Casson Square, one of Southbank Place’s tallest and most striking landmark buildings. The floor to ceiling windows that wrap around the property, led to a brief that focused on enhancing these incredible city views influenced by the location and history of the site. To complement the abundance of natural light, a warm sandy colour scheme was adopted interspersed with darker autumnal accent colours of burnt oranges, mustards and rusts, creates a space that is rich, warm and heartening. The rich, woven, and natural textures of linens, cottons, and boucle wool, add to this overall natural theme, contrasted with details in blackened metal and leather adding an extra dimension of interest and a touch of luxuriousness to the space. The furniture throughout  is  bespoke and highly detailed design making each piece feel timeless, and seamlessly incorporated within the space; a clear but subtle harmony flowing throughout.

What was the client’s brief? 

This was a show apartment on the 31st Floor of One Casson Square, the three-bedroom apartment had views of the city skyline via wrap around, floor to ceiling windows. The client wanted us to draw on these views and inject some soul into the apartment by looking at the area’s industrial skyline. Being a show apartment, the brief inevitably was to create a space that would have wild appeal whilst at the same time being visually exciting.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project was inspired by the area’s history as a centre of manufacturing, Art and craft, with the space featuring a range of bespoke furniture and specially commissioned artwork reflecting that heritage. A palette of ivory burnt orange and ochre, gold, teal, and sandy tones was chosen to create a warm ambience. ‘We wanted to subtly reference the vibrancy, eclecticism and culture of the area
and its history as the home of woollen cloth manufacturing, potting, and weaving,’ said Charu Gandhi, Elicyon Founder & Director.

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

If we had to think of one, then the planning and logistics of installing for a project on the 31st floor of a building – in order to ensure the installation would run smoothly large pieces of furniture had to be manufactured in smaller sections to fir the dimensions of the lifts.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We used some eclectic and contemporary furnishings, as well as designing our own tailor-made pieces. The entrance console table was spotted by the team during their last sourcing trip to Paris and is by Portuguese furniture maker Jose Leite de Castro. A retro modular joinery piece in the study meanwhile spans two walls and was designed in the 60s. It accompanies a freestanding desk and tub chair to provide a beautiful space to work from home.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID is the most well-regarded and prestigious design community within our industry, and so to be recognised and accredited by such an establishment is to achieve support and acknowledgment from a well-respected and reputable platform.

Questions answered by Charu Gandhi, Director, Elicyon.

Photos Credit: Patrick Williamson

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a creative apartment design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, TEN DESIGN.

What was the client’s brief? 

Living in This Quadrant project was designed for a young jewellery designer, aiming to create a space for the owner to work and live in, as well as serve as a playful space for two cats.

What inspired the design of the project?

Having seen the jewellery design manuscripts and personal collections all over the house, we decided to borrow the mellow and full shape of gems, and the inlaying processing technique of jewellery as the design concept, penetrating the whole house with the element of a quarter of a circle (arc).

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

The space with an exceptional arc structure plays the role of a display and extends the space, while creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. The open kitchen, dining room and jewellery display are placed in the entrance area. In the soft, light, grey toned space warm wood materials and arc elements combine to create an open space for reception with personalized features.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

In this space, the formerly square living room is cut into a quarter of a circle. Drawing a half circle around the living room the design integrates the storage cabinet, work area and jewellery display wall into a quarter of a circle.

Another highlight of this design is the paradise created for the owner’s cats. A couch and storage cabinet are placed by the window with the best views, while the original partition wall is opened to form a corridor of light, where the owner stays with the cats. The arc-shaped passage in the living room couch becomes a secret base for the cats. We designed quarter-circle shaped cat doors in the master bedroom and communal bathroom doors with inlaid stainless steel panels on the floor, so that the pets can come and go freely.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID is an influential award that attracts a large number of participants each year. We believe that achieving superior results at SBID is a testament to our work.

Questions answered by TEN DESIGN.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a CGI design of a transformable restaurant-bar venue by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

PAPA Dubai is an exciting 1,580 square meters dining and entertainment destination in the vibrant Atrium complex, the epicenter of riverside Al Habtoor City. PAPA Dubai will take its visitors on an extraordinary culinary and mixology journey through nine glorious bars, each themed with a unique concept. Comfort and soul food are at the very heart of the dining experience. The fascinating bars have been developed in collaboration with Moscow and Dubai’s top bartending figures.

The venue transforms from a sophisticated and immersive dining experience to a chic nightlife venue with DJs and entertainment as evening moves to night. From a quiet dinner with friends to one of the city’s best vibes – feel the energy of this unrivalled sensory-driven experience. PAPA Dubai will host some of the world’s most courageous bartenders vying to show off their avant-garde skills throughout the year.

PAPA Dubai is made up of little ‘boulevards’ including the Rum Station, Champagne Avenue, Gin Point, Vodka Lane, Tequila Road, Mezcal Street, Sake Alley, Wine Square, Whiskey Square, and a VIP Lounge called High gate. Each of the nine distinctive bars has been carefully considered and designed by inimitable 4SPACE in a collaboration with Papa’s founder Natalia Freys.

What was the client’s brief? 

To design a dining and entertainment destination as a Sensory experience, an urban playground of avant-garde cocktails, world-class cuisine, and irresistible beats.

• 9 bar concepts with avant-garde mixology under one roof and to host world’s top bartenders.
• Space with a mood that changes with its visitors, from a quiet spot with friends to a non-stop party venue offering hand-selected music by its internationally-renowned DJs.
• A venue which is able to evolve as the energy rises and the tempo picks up.

What inspired the design of the project?

The Arched boulevard. To create a cohesive Bar-village feel and to achieve one narrative that wraps around the venue, archways in different finishing are used throughout the expansive space. They create a unified design between each of the bars to form little ‘boulevards’.

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

4SPACE allowed two months for the design and another five months for the fit-out and transformation. There were various challenges because of the sheer variety of materials required for each bar, the complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) requirements, and the acoustic challenges that take the bars from soulful eateries to exciting night venues.

Another challenge that 4SPACE had to overcome are the different terrazzo surfaces that were designed and installed throughout Papas. Cleverly, designers sourced authentic materials and graffiti artists to allow for fully cohesive individuality. The piece de resistance is the nine thoroughly different concepts within one narrative.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The Entrance. It has an impressive, eccentric entrance with red pipe and greenery installation that hangs from the ceiling and customized carpet below.

The transformation. The venue is designed with the ability to transform. As the evening draws to a close, you can dine in style at a chic restaurant. As night time falls over the city the restaurant metamorphoses into an elegant party venue.

Integrated into the design are both architectural lighting and entertainment lighting, providing the ability to have 5 different scenarios of the lighting ambience based on time and experience required.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We’ve been participating in the SBID Awards yearly and it has been our practice ever since. We trust SBID for its ethics and transparency. We believe that through the SBID platform, our designs gain global recognition and give us the chance to connect with peers, press, and potential clients around the world. We became part of the international design community with new audiences on a global scale.

The CGI project and photos from the completed venue, compared:

Questions answered by Mr. Firas Alsahin, Co-founder and Design Director, 4SPACE Design.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a luxurious villa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Todd Interior Design.

Residential space has always been a complex place because, according to our team’s understanding, the family life is divided into three layers: one is material life, the other is spiritual life, and the third is soul life. Material life is food and clothing, spiritual life is academic literature and art, and soul life is religious belief.

Cantonese architecture and interior design take the Lingnan culture as the basis, and then refine the modern space language and integration techniques to create the rest of the design. Lingnan culture has been a window of communication between Chinese and Western civilizations since ancient times, and it has developed a school of its own. The so-called design style comes from the local culture, customs, characteristics and aesthetic standards. The furniture in the project is given priority to with coriaceous material and bright colours to make the space appear less depressing.

What was the client’s brief? 

The owner of this villa told us that he wanted to achieve a calm and atmospheric interior design effect and use as many big brand furniture pieces as possible to increase the overall luxury feeling.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design inspiration comes from the traditional interior design favoured by aristocrats, which is inherited with modern elegant elements and forms the effect presented in this project.

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

During the implementation of the project, the biggest obstacle our design team encountered was the little time reserved for the project. We only had four months from the design approval to the project delivery. Fortunately, we did it.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the highlights of the project is the collocation of many big brands of furniture, that brings the luxury of the interior space to the international luxury standards.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID Awards is a well-known international awards, and we are looking forward to participating in it. It is a great encouragement for our design team that our project has been listed as a Finalist.

Questions answered by Toni Wu, Creative Director, Todd Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a retail space design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Makhno Studio.

What was the client’s brief? 

The customer wanted to create a showroom in a Ukrainian contemporary style.

What inspired the design of the project?

Natural materials and ancient Ukrainian traditions.

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

Despite the small area, the creation and realisation of the project had some real challenges. We had two weeks and only two online meetings to discuss and approve the visualisations. We also had limited time for the project realisation — 30 days sharp. Moreover, it was only possible to carry out the construction work at night time. The architects lost their sleep for a month, but for the sake of the result, we happily made this sacrifice.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We understood that there was no room for error, so the night before the store opened we controlled the final construction until five in the morning.

The interior is wrapped in materials typical of Ukrainian culture — ceramics and wood. In the centre of the composition, there is a table with a cracked ceramic base made in our workshop. A vase from Serhii Makhno complements the colour scheme of the table. All the walls are decorated with clay plaster — it is a modern version of the technology used in the days of our great-grandparents. The main wall is decorated with Tetrapod 3D tiles, which won the international Red Dot Design Award in 2017. Soft accents are added by the snow-white Khmara lamps made in our ceramic workshop.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

This is one of the most prestigious international design awards. The jury of the competition are professionals in their field, trendsetters and very interesting personalities. It is an honour to present our work to them and receive recognition. We also respect SBID Awards for the organizational aspects that make submissions a real pleasure.

Questions answered by Serhii Makhno, Founder, Makhno Studio.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a family home design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Artwill Interior Design House.

Today, living well is many people’s dream… then “how to live well?” may be the next question. To the couple owners of this 1,792 sq.ft. duplex in Hong Kong, they want to live happily together with their sons and form a big family when their sons get married.

The couple prefers modern contemporary style, however, their sons have their preferences, too, making the task of the designer even more challenging. The designer has fulfilled the individual needs of the family members and linked different styles to form a harmonious atmosphere for the whole family. “Harmonized atmosphere should not only be presented in style and form, but also transformed into daily life. Our design has successfully encouraged interaction between the family members, which the owners have always longed for” said the designer Regina.

What was the client’s brief? 

The clients are a family of five, including the owner couple, the elder brother with his girlfriend and his teenage brother. As the owners always wanted to build up a big family with their sons, and enjoy easy retired lives, we transformed the 4 bedrooms into 3 en suites. The master bedroom is set on the lower floor and sons’ rooms are set on the upper floor. Now the sons can share sweet moments with the family members, while at the same time retaining their own space.

What inspired the design of the project?

As always, our inspiration is derived from home owners’ needs – we restructured the house to cater for different requirements of the family members.
In addition, we were inspired by the magnificent view and the exquisiteness of the duplex, therefore we opened up the foyer, and used diverse range of materials like marble, leather, metal, wall paper so as to bring out the extraordinary taste of this mansion.

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

The toughest challenge for us was to revamp the foyer. Before the foyer was dark and cramped, the designer then turned the enclosed kitchen into a semi-open space and extending its functions to the foyer. She also changed the direction of the staircase and used transparent glass stair-rails to broaden the magnificent sea-view and enhance the exquisite taste of the house.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Thanks to designer’s speciality in combining different styles, we are all in love with the harmonized atmosphere that we created. As different family members have different preferences, such as modern contemporary on the lower floor, the luxurious touch for the elder brother and his girlfriend’s room, and the minimalism for the teenage brother’s room. These styles were linked up with neutral palette, black lines, metal finishing and wood flooring.

The harmonized atmosphere is also transferred into the daily life. Whether at the desk, the pantry, living area, or the common area on the upper floor, the goal is to encourage interaction between the family members.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Project The Bond is one of our favourite recent projects, it does not only cater for the needs of the home owner and bring out the extraordinary taste of the mansion, but also has created a harmonised atmosphere for this sweet family. Therefore, we want to share our favourite design with the world.

Questions answered by Regina Kwok, Design Director, Artwill Interior Design House.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a light and airy spa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.

Traditional ideologies of a spa have been abandoned, where functional expectations remain but are orchestrated in new forms – using natural materials in modern manners which gives this offering a unique edge, whilst never forgetting the most crucial of factors – serenity. The design approach has been heavily focused on introducing natural materials yet integrating them in a way to appeal to a contemporary new age, reflective of the SLS brand. Our methodology of tone-on-tone applications, with teases of pink and references to the sky, elevate an immersive getaway experience. Light palettes mix with darker shades, greenery and plenty of light to create a feeling of openness; allowing guests to fully surrender to tranquillity.

What was the client’s brief? 

Serenity and exclusivity were to come hand in hand at Ciel, the spa offering on the 69^th floor of SLS Hotel & Residences in Dubai. The concept itself was an inherent part of SLS properties across the world, however it was up to us to enhance the offering. Still respecting the previous designs, but evolving the Ciel brand as a refreshed and new identity.

We conceptualized the narrative to focus on the view, and the notion of being high up in the clouds. This would lead us to orientate the space to capture the exterior perspectives, and that fascinating Dubai skyline.

What inspired the design of the project?

Nestled in the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s Business Bay, Ciel Spa offers a hideaway for those seeking out more peaceful moments. Our inspiration for the spa became rooted in celebrating the natural beauty of raw, soft tone materials; much like the essence of a spa would. Welcoming guests stands a fluted concierge desk that is complimented by rose tinted lighting, an oversized planter and contemporary retail display which creates a softness yet contrasts to the space through a harder material selection.

Key characteristics within are the ephemeral pink tone on tone colour palettes. These hues signify the mystical skylight moods that edge our environment. These soft shades balance beautifully with textures and accessories within.

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

Operational requirements called out for independent Female & Male entities, where each area would have its own jacuzzi/wet zone, treatment rooms and relaxation zones. Despite these individual areas, we were also challenged to create a neutral zone for couple treatment rooms which required intelligent consideration towards spatial planning. Besides from functional aspirations, we were given freedom to explore aesthetics and determine how users should interact with the space.

Treatment rooms offer both couple and individual offerings, where we decided to derive certain aspects from existing Ciel outlets yet evolve them for our Dubai venture. Storage facilities are three dimensional pyramids with diamante handles, a subtle reference to the luxury sentiments of the hotel and a reminder of the exclusivity which guests are treated with. White illuminated sheer curtains elegantly surround the back walls, intervened with an extravagant oversized bevelled mirror in the centre. These areas are ever so slightly moodier than the otherwise light and airy spa environment to create an intimate retreat for those seeking out something a little more personalized and private – a sense of escapism.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

At the heart of the spa is our wet zone. Grey stone steps lead guests up to the jacuzzi pools, where differing shades of natural wood panels are manipulated to form a beautiful backdrop to the relaxation that’s about to take place. These spaces were choregraphed to provide unobstructed views of the city. Flooring in these areas is an eclectic array of muted monochromatic mosaic tiles, encouraging feelings of movement, taking simplistic elements but combining them in a way that becomes much more visually interesting. Biophilia is introduced to contribute to the overall calmness that flows through the space, and an abundance of natural light is always evident.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Each year Bishop Design feel very fortunate at having the chance to submit our latest works to the SBID Awards, and 2021 is no different. We would like to take the time and say thank you to the prestigious awarding team, as well as the esteemed panel of judges, for their time and consideration. It is events like these that continuously motivate our team to create iconic experiences all over the world.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner & Founder, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.