Chains Interior Design a Whimsical Apartment

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a whimsical apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Chains Interior.

The process of building a home is like the story that began with the rabbit leading Alice into Wonderland. It is a journey of self-exploration, to fall into one’s own subconscious in ever-shifting cosmoses, and being there is to realize one’s deepest desires in life.

What was the client's brief? 

The client is a family of four, the hostess is elegant and enthusiastic, hoping that the home will be full of beautiful energy.

What inspired the design of the project?

The concept for this project was inspired by "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Alice's continuous and extraordinary encounters within Wonderland, as well as her observations and experiences, made us feel that it was a perfect fit for this house full of continuous surprises. In this design, we aimed to capture the whimsy and magic of Wonderland by infusing the space with elements of surprise, curiosity, and playfulness. Different atmospheres blend harmoniously, each element emanates a unique radiant energy, it is the home of dreams.

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

To me, the toughest part would be balancing creativity and practicality well. Interior design requires a balance between creative ideas and practical considerations. Innovative design concepts also need to consider factors such as functionality, safety, building codes, and budget limitations.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of this project lies in the diverse range of soft furnishings from various brands and the unique way they are combined, bringing a rich and distinctive style to the space. This mix-and-match and diverse design approach not only emphasizes the uniqueness of the living area but also showcases the residents' creativity and individual tastes.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is one of the most representative award in the world. The project is highly acknowledged in Asia competition and we want to know if it is also appreciated by an international audience.

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

Being listed in a world-renowned award enhances the company's credibility and prestige within the industry. And also, the awards often generate extensive media coverage and attention, leading to increased visibility and exposure for the company. This exposure can attract new clients, partnerships, and projects.

Questions answered by Flora Mao, Lead Designer at Chains Interior.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a playfully futuristic cafe design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, KLID.

Art Toy Cafe is an immersive coffee, art and internet celebrity cafe club designed as a social utopia for Generation Z. Taking the ROBBi art as the subject of the space, customers pretend to be space walkers who are both users and explorers. The designer took the space capsule as the design idea and extracted design elements to create a trendy cafe in terms of texture, lighting and colour. The whole cafe is like a living room in the vast universe and has a concept unlike any other cafe.

What was the client's brief? 

This case will be a combination of coffee and art toy Internet celebrity cafe. To create a social utopia for Generation Z. Taking the ROBBi art as the subject of the space, customers pretend to be space walkers, who are both users and explorers. The designer took the space capsule as the design idea and extracted design elements to create a trendy cafe in terms of texture, lighting and colour. The whole cafe is like a living room in the vast universe, here to rest, chat. The new space is different from the same type of commercial space. The designer create an immersive experience.

What inspired the design of the project?

The designer took the space capsule as the design idea and extracted design elements to create a trendy cafe in terms of texture, lighting and colour. The whole cafe is like a living room in the vast universe, here to rest, empty, daze, chat, and dialogue with the space. The arc design symbolises the beauty of the curve of celestial bodies. The different splicing methods of the built-up sofa create different social atmospheres. Metallic tone not only has a strong science fiction attribute, but also brings infinite extension of mechanical aesthetics.

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

Our biggest challenge was the integration of contemporary art and space. The art toys are endowed with more artistic attributes. Through the joint name and re-creation of the brand works with artists, the toys become the art toys with multiple attributes, not only the single piece of fun, but also the integration of the trend and art. The art toys are endowed with more artistic attributes. Through the joint name and re-creation of the brand works with artists, the toys become the art toys with multiple attributes, not only the single piece of fun, but also the integration of the trend and art. The new space is different from the same type of commercial space. Art toy to meet the spiritual world of the younger.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The white bar is made of artificial stone, and its smooth lines and gloss reflect the characteristic streamline of space furniture. The polished stainless steel furniture presents a mirror effect, and the coloured transparent gel furniture expresses the space atmosphere of future science and technology.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The reason for our participation in the SBID Awards is because it is a highly recognised international design accolade that focuses on celebrating innovation, excellence, and contributions to the design industry. As a design team, we have always strived to achieve higher levels of accomplishment within the field of design, and the SBID Awards provide a platform to showcase our work and engage with other exceptional designers. Additionally, participating in this award also helps to expand our influence, allowing more individuals to become acquainted with our design philosophy and style.

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

Being an Award Finalist has significant implications for both me and my business. Firstly, it signifies recognition for the sustained efforts and unwavering dedication we have put into our work, affirming our achievements within the design realm. This honor not only validates my personal endeavors but also acknowledges the collective contributions of our entire team. The finalist status has brought heightened exposure and awareness to our business. This exposure offers more people the opportunity to grasp our design philosophy, creativity, and professional caliber. As finalists, we are poised to establish a stronger reputation within the industry, solidifying our brand identity and attracting potential clients and partners.

Questions answered by Kris Lin, Founder of KLID.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sustainable desert home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Daniel Joseph Chenin.

Perched atop a rocky outcropping with views to surrounding canyons, Fort 137 was designed as a sustainable home using passive and active strategies. Large, operable fenestrations on the north and south facades extend the living space beyond the architectural perimeter and provide cross-ventilation and daylighting, along with expansive views. Louvered roof overhangs minimise heat gain during summer months while allowing natural light to permeate in the winter. Thick stone clad walls regulate thermal transmission.

What was the client's brief? 

There wasn’t a brief, so to speak, or a strong directive from our clients, but through our pre-design conversations, we learned our client’s priorities which included sustainability, generous space for family connections, and integration with the surrounding natural environment.

What inspired the design of the project?

The client’s site sits at the most remote edge of the Las Vegas Valley, with unobstructed views of the surround federally protected desert and canyons. This intentionally remote location, coupled with our client’s desire to be immersed in the landscape with an environmentally conscious home, served as our inspiration. The ‘Old Mormon Fort’, one of the oldest remaining structures from Las Vegas’ early settlement days, immediately came to mind. Dating back to the 1800s, this historic structure serves as a case study on passive design for the desert. With thick walls, comprised of regional stone, deep-set fenestration, trellis shade structures, and a courtyard configuration, Fort 137 reclaims the vernacular architecture of the American frontier. The exterior material palette is compatible with the contextual desert environment and is terraced into the hillside, appearing to emerge from the rock-strewn desert.

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

At first glance, the undeveloped site presented a challenge. While situated on a hillside, the site itself was in a crest that blocked many of the views of Red Rock Canyon that our clients wanted to capture. Recognising the importance of the views and sightlines, our design elevated portions of the home by 1.5 meters through a subtle grading approach. Ultimately, we were able to deliver the spectacular desert views that originally drew our clients to the site with no steps or level changes inside the residence.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The entry rotunda is one of the stand-out elements of the design. It is the lone round element in an otherwise orthogonal structure, so it an anomaly from a form perspective, but it is even more unique functionally and conceptually. Outwardly unassuming, the cylindrical volume acts as a point of reflection and transition. A bubbling water feature located at the center of the darkened space transports visitors from the fast-paced world outside with the sounds and smells of a desert monsoon rain. The portal serves as palette cleanser of sorts, setting the scene for this modern interpretation of a fort.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is an opportunity to showcase our designs to an international audience along with a highly respected panel of judges representing a cross section of the industry.

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

As a designer, it is always extremely gratifying to have your work recognised by peers and industry leaders alike. My team and I invest so much of ourselves in our projects - each of which take years to bring to fruition. We are grateful and honored to be an SBID Award Finalist.

Questions answered by Daniel Chenin, Founder of Daniel Joseph Chenin.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a serene spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Rodrigo Vargas Design.

This Spa is the first of its kind, complete with personalised treatments, immersive facilities and approachable wellness offerings. The modern, warm space draws upon the principles of the golden ratio with rounded rooms, curvilinear walls and intuitive design to promote a transformative and holistic experience. Rich texture and luxurious materials embrace the client, while unexpected elements create moments of surprise and delight. Lighting sparkles in hushed golden passageways, leading to an immersive oasis, transporting the mind and body through design. Earth- borne finishes of stone, cerused wood, grass cloth and linen bring the soothing serenity of nature to one’s fingertips.

What was the client's brief? 

There was no brief but the following directive: work within existing planning and programming and time sensitive delivery.

What inspired the design of the project?

We wanted to create a transformative experience that transports you to a different place. A full departure from the wild aesthetic of a casino hotel. Juxtapose the high energy and colour saturated world above to a quiet spa space, a completely calming and rejuvenating experience.

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

The project was in the basement of the casino hotel, and the ceiling above received all of the mechanical from the entire operation above. Heights were low and long, at moments, claustrophobic. We shaped, contoured and divided the ceiling and spaces into a path of discovery and movement.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Collaboration with the other teams and ownership, they were understanding and encouraging of our vision.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To be part of the greater design community and acknowledge what our community does.

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

We are honored to be considered as part of a larger group including both our clients, vendors and peers, who are interested in the process of creating beautiful spaces. It's wonderful to have our design as part of a whole and not just stand alone.

Questions answered by Rodrigo Vargas, Principal at Rodrigo Vargas Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern penthouse design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Fenton Whelan.

Situated on Kensington Gardens, Park Modern by Fenton Whelan is an extraordinary £550m residential development, showcasing 55 exquisite apartments. The crown jewel of Park Modern is the 9th floor marquee penthouse, meticulously designed by Fenton Whelan’s in-house design studio. This five-bedroom penthouse offers expansive lateral living of over 6,800 ft2. The innovative design and meticulous attention to detail bring forth unrivalled quality, surpassing the standards of London’s super-prime marketplace. Park Modern Penthouse sets a new benchmark by offering unparalleled design features, lifestyle amenities, and a truly exceptional living environment overlooking one of the most well-known parks in the world.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief was a compelling challenge – to craft an exceptional aesthetic that seamlessly merged modernity, international influences, and a timeless allure, creating a living space that resonates uniquely with each individual resident.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project's design narrative is an homage to London's alluring charm and the awe-inspiring Hyde Park. The essence of this iconic location served as the catalyst, infusing the design with a sense of grandeur and tranquility.

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

A paramount challenge was defying spatial conventions to preserve the openness and panoramic view of one of the world's most celebrated parks. This meant artfully avoiding the intrusion of walls, while also orchestrating an intricate dance between materials. The fusion of metal and solid wood, accentuated by the opulence of natural stone, was a technical puzzle that required meticulous craftsmanship.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Amid the array of accomplishments, the spotlight undoubtedly falls on the featured floated marble fireplace. Positioned at the heart of the space, this architectural marvel transcends conventional boundaries. The fireplace stands as a testament to our innovation, where it levitates gracefully, enveloped by marble on two sides, and adorned with transparent glass elements. Its presence not only offers warmth but also bestows an exquisite blend of design and functionality that is truly captivating. This singular element epitomizes the seamless fusion of aesthetics and engineering in our project. Among the many triumphs, the contemporary artwork stands out as a masterpiece of finesse. This piece serves as both a focal point and a harmonious complement, exuding an aura of elegance and an artistic ambiance that elevates the space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards was a quest for excellence and an aspiration to bring home the coveted trophy, an acknowledgment of our creative dedication, and a testament to the remarkable results we've achieved through our passion for design.

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

Being selected as an Award Finalist is an immensely gratifying affirmation of the passion and dedication that have gone into these projects. This recognition on such a prestigious platform amplifies our sense of achievement, motivating us to continue pushing boundaries and redefining interior design standards.

Questions answered by Arta Marku, Creative Director at Fenton Whelan Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Japanese inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Filipao Nunes.

Señora Tanaka, a project of extroverted personality and energy, offers a unique and avant-garde design concept. Its interior design with a look towards the Japanese architectural tradition and an urban air, is developed on a single floor; combines the use of lines with clean and simple volumes, textures and materials. Textures play a fundamental role in Señora Tanaka’s design. Natural materials like wood and stone are used in wall and floor coverings, adding warmth and an organic look.

What was the client's brief? 

They were looking to represent a homage to the restaurant Señor Tanaka, inheriting the passion of Nikkei Food. The personality of this project is a sophisticated and energetic female figure, the perfect harmony of a new generation and evolution of the Señor Tanka. Reflecting a fusion of the gastronomy and the architecture of Japanese culture.

What inspired the design of the project?

From the serene and pure textures of Japanese culture, architecture, and interior design. This inspiration guided the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the space.

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

Our main challenge was the location of the project, since it is located in one of the main streets of Mexico City inside a building. Our goal was to promote and highlight the restaurant in a way that wasn't overwhelming.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

In the selection and application of lighting and textures. We pay special attention to the details of textures that define Japanese culture. We wanted lighting to play a vital role, taking the space to new heights, using strategic natural elements and raw materials, together with the ingenious manipulation of light.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

It is an incredible opportunity to show the innovative and creative work that my team and I have worked on. It also allows me to compare my project with other featured designs, learn, and contribute to the advancement of the design.

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

It is incredibly validating and rewarding for us. A testament to the work, creativity and dedication that we have put into the project.

Questions answered by Filipao Nunes, Founder of Filipao Nunes.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, spAce.

The guiding idea of the project was to create a NAOS Universe where different environments or “planets” would be formed through the use of colors, textures, and furniture, based on the concept of humanising the workspace. Within it, reflection, serenity, and creativity are achieved through architectural design elements that create an oasis of inspiration and motivation. Behind every space created in this organisation, there are reasons that inspire growth as a consequence of a different, more empathetic, flexible, and above all, more creative work model.

What was the client's brief? 

The client was looking for an office that responded to the changes resulting from the pandemic in which they had started to work in a flexible and hybrid way and the office had to function as a social hub.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration of the design is closely linked to the products manufactured by the client being in the skin care business, the sensory aspect was very important. Additionally, Naos is a company that exploits the use of color a lot and we decided to make the offices very colorful, creating monochromatic spaces.

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

Like many corporate projects, the schedule and costs were very tight. The challenge of the project was largely to match the expectations of those involved with the constraints.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We loved the result in the employees who use the space. People are extremely excited to return to the offices and the new office has become a tool for the organisation that has helped it work better, putting the human being at the centre.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

There are many international design awards but I think in particular the SBID awards are among the most professional and recognised.

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

Space is not an architecture firm that has a particular interest in receiving awards, our priority is to create spaces that transform people's lives in a positive and long-term way. However, being finalists in awards of this caliber is a recognition of the effort of all those involved in these projects. We are very happy.

Questions answered by Juan Carlos Baumgartner, Founder of spAce.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a multi generational family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Stripe Design Services.

This Californian home was transformed from a standard house builders’ specification into a showcase for the owners. The multi generational Indian family who lives here now has a home which unites the living and cooking areas with the outside space which reflects their way of life. The introduction of a sweeping staircase connects the first and second floors and celebrates the triple height entryway. Guests experience an open floor plan with generous vistas throughout the house with a multitude of surprise elements such as pops of charm delivered via playful wallpaper and decorative tile.

What was the client's brief? 

The client wanted a multi generational home that incorporated their collection of traditional artifacts, embraced their love of cooking and yet still had a modern aesthetic.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for the design came from engaging the client in conversations around their culture and traditions. We wanted to deeply honour their historic roots. The use of saturated colour, pattern and wallpapers give the home a sense of familiarity.

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

The staircase in the original layout was secreted behind a wall, absolutely hidden. It was evident upon entry that there was a second story and the entry boasted a triple height vault. Redesigning the space to incorporate a sweeping elegant staircase was challenging both design wise and structurally. The result unites the two spaces. We intentionally created a simple design so that the staircase felt graceful as opposed to ostentatious, the flat underside of the curve afforded us the opportunity of a sweep of burgundy paint, a nod to the owner's love of wine.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We all love different parts of the house but giving the family a very ergonomic, functional kitchen was probably one of the most rewarding moments. Everybody engages in the cooking process in this home and food is central to their family experience. The wallpaper in the powder room is also sincerely delightful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We thought that this project might be noteworthy. The bay area is very multicultural because of the huge amount of technology companies. The project all at once celebrates the success of it's owners and pays homage to their cultural roots. It does not follow any trend and it does not feel like an algorithm from Pinterest. It is unique.

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

We are all tremendously excited. It feels a little surreal actually but I think that we all feel vindicated for the time and effort that we put into creating special environments for clients.

Questions answered by Suna Lock, Creative Director of Stripe Design Services.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an idyllic villa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Balan and Nambisan Architects.

Balan and Nambisan Architects was commissioned to design a luxurious villa in a warm contemporary style. Drama is created in the powder room with a ceiling mounted Gessi faucet over a floor standing washbasin in a surround of onyx. A Bulthaup open kitchen is the heart of the home. In the master bedroom flawless white statuario marble is contrasted with dark walnut wood. A bespoke leather headboard serves as a fitting backdrop to the Capital bed. The master bath uses Stonewood marble contrasted with vanities in wood with brass details.

What was the client's brief? 

A custom designed villa for a close knit family with a considerable extended family who spend lengths of time together during festivals, celebrations and holidays. Bangalore, India is a dense, crowded urban city with a population of 11 million and life for a high achieving family can be extremely stressful and chaotic. Our clients desired the home to be a complete sanctuary from the chaos, tailored to their lifestyle. An absolute necessity was the home offering multiple entertaining spaces with the ability to entertain across three generations simultaneously. Equally important was the sanctity of the private spaces. An abode to withdraw from the chaos of city life, a home with spaces for physical fitness and one to entertain. A luxurious home with a careful integration of design, materials, detailing and technology.

What inspired the design of the project?

Keeping the home private was a key driver of the design. The design of the home wraps around external spaces that are scooped out of the plan, ensuring that outsiders do not have the ability to look in. Yet the home is always connected to the outdoors with landscaped courtyards and planters wrapping around on the upper levels. We used three materials - stone, wood and metal, these three materials are mouled in different ways to either block, semi open or open up views to spaces. The journey begins with the solidness of road-facing external form cladded in sandstone panels cut to a bespoke size and finished in 2 textures to create a dynamic facade. A facade that changes through the day with the play of light and shadow. As one moves through the home, these three materials take on different forms of detail to embellish spaces.

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

One of the most challenging aspects of the home was executing the staircase around the lift volume. An elliptical metal staircase wraps around an elliptical glass lift within a 5-storey atrium volume. The only areas of support for this grand staircase was at the main landings, spanning 3.6 - 4M floor to floor. We went through 3 metal fabricators and multiple mockups before we were able to eventually execute the structure. The steel stringer beams were laser cut and bent into a curve, the balustrade was bespoke designed laser cut panels, each section precisely cut, bent and labelled for each run. A challenge was executing and sequencing the entire space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design and execution of the staircase and executing this home through Covid.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Having recently opened our office in London, it was only natural that we would become members of SBID with SBID representing the UK interior design industry, one of the world's leading design industries. Entering the SBID awards has allowed us to showcase our design capability to the design community as a whole here in the UK, as well as allowed us to gauge where we stand within the UK and International design community. This is an important step for any practice especially for one that has decided to open its first international office.

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

Being nominated as an Award finalist is a huge honour for us. It is an affirmation of our design skills from the international design community and this means the world to us especially as we take the next step to build our practice here in the UK.

Questions answered by Nilanjana Roy, Partner at Balan and Nambisan Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a joyful family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, AMC Design.

AMC Design was commissioned to create and design a space for a growing family. The design brief was a combination of function and flexible living within the beautiful bones of this historical property, bringing out the family’s personality with colour and pattern, and making the space joyful, child friendly and stylish. AMC Design ’s ethos is to do a house once and do it right.

What was the client's brief? 

The main focus of this project was to create more space for a growing family, by extending the living area via a loft conversion. AMC Design’s ethos is to do a house once and do it right – leaving space for a family to grow. The design brief was a combination of function, flexible living within the beautiful bones of this historical property. The family expressed their interest in converting the loft space, which led to the creation of two further bedrooms, an office, bathroom and playroom for their three children. The clients were drawn to neutral palates but were keen to add more colour and pattern, being brave with AMC Design’s guidance. AMC Design wanted to create a space that brought colour into their lives but didn’t take over. To make the space joyful and child friendly. It was also important that the space worked for them as a family of five and could accommodate visiting friends and family.

What inspired the design of the project?

A creative family, their excitement to bring colour and style into their traditional home was the main impetus for engaging AMC Design and really inspired the design of the project. Storage was the focus throughout, with the family highlighting the need for flexible, hidden space as key within the initial brief. The magic of the historic houses prevalent in the West Yorkshire area, of both Victorian and Edwardian heritage, is the abundance of nooks and crannies available in which bespoke storage can and was installed, to work for family life. From chimney breasts to recesses in attic bedroom eaves, practical and usable spaces were found throughout, adding function and form to this colourful redesign.

With a young family comes different personalities, which we were keen to reflect in the throughout the home. The bold flair and true family personality is prevalent throughout the project, with colour and texture punctuating the airy and bright spaces. Throughout this iconic northern property, the magical combination of bright, sumptuous colours and textured bespoke cabinetry, in the context of this historical house, has created a functional and yet luxurious family home, which can be grown into and enjoyed for decades to come.

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

Without doubt, it was the ceiling height in the newly created third floor, loft conversion. With limited head room, we had to identify how best to use the space so it could be enjoyed by all members of the family.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When we handed over the keys on completion of the project, the clients were really pleased and delighted to tell us how much they enjoyed the process. Over the following weeks, we received videos of the two youngest seeing their rooms for the first time, which was just wonderful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are a great celebration of global creativity and design, and we are very excited to be part of that.

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

To be an Award Finalist in the Residential Budget Up to £50,000 category is extremely exciting for myself and the wider team. We are competing with some very talented and creative designers, and we feel honoured to be considered against these titans of our industry.

Questions answered by Ann Marie Cousins, Founder of AMC Design.