Light but Rich Show Apartment Design Enhances the Stunning Views of the City

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.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a minimal sales gallery design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, A.RK Interior Design.

Park Vera is by far the most iconic of Rainbow City’s project in Shanghai. It is also the last lot of residential development in the district of Ruihong, Shanghai. Shui On Land’s vision was 20 years in the making. Their aim for Park Vera gallery is to use this sales gallery to showcase their commitment to the community, transforming and developing this district into the most sought after postal code in Shanghai.

The interior of the sales gallery for the residential development Park Vera is designed to reflect the journey taken over 20 years to bring about this dramatic transformation. Design inspiration has evolved through the years and one might say they have come full circle. Targeted for younger demographics whose life ethos is very much different from their parents - they seek personal fulfilment and socialising is a very important part of their lives, their manner is filled with enthusiasm and creativity.

For inspiration for this project designers looked to one of the happiest regions in the world - Scandinavia. To pursue contentment and well-being is the Danish way of life and here A.RK Interior Design inspire to inject some Lagom and Hygge into our lives.

What was the client's brief? 

Being the apex and the last lot of development for Rainbow City (mix-development), the client’s goal and wish was to put their best foot forward, to instil the buyer’s confidence in their development and to have bragging rights of having one of the best residential development in this area.

What inspired the design of the project?

We looked at the demographics and the evolving needs of the population and gave the client a couple of design concept proposals. Finally settled with a Scandinavian theme, we injected elements of Danish lifestyle concept of ‘hygge’ and Swedish way of life ‘lagom’ to showcase simplicity and minimalism, embracing the Scandinavian mentality that moderation and happiness are intertwined.

The extensive presence of seagulls in this sales gallery reflects the developer’s pursuit of perfection, as inspired by Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a Richard Bach book.

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

We have to say the pandemic was the biggest hurdle we faced during this project. With a design team in Singapore and the project in Shanghai, we had to pull all the stops and get used to travel and working with restrictions of not being able to supervise the build in person. The client's design team was very understanding and has come to quickly realise that working remotely might be the new way forward. The availability of technology hugely alleviated the lack of in-person consultation.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Going above and beyond solving design challenges, the highlight of this project speaks volume of the inter-city, cross border collaboration that was only possible with technology and the trust given by our clients. The shared visions that the client and designer team have is only possible with a multi-disciplined teams that work well and have the same end-goal in mind.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID awards is one the industry’s most respected and sought after accolade. Being part of this prestigious award raises the credibility of our company and our brand. This award will also further enhance our standing with our client.

Questions answered by Agatha Teng, Creative Director and Partner, A.RK Interior Design.

This week's instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features an arty biophilic Oriental restaurant design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Deckora Design.

Yakuza is the most buzzed-about Asian restaurant of Lisbon set at the ground floor of Hotel AVANI AVENIDA and offering the best selection of creative sushi in town. Deckora Design assisted the wider Minor hotel group in shaping a refined yet eccentric environment featuring fine walnut details, polished stone superficies
and hand-painted art murals.

The original commercial space, situated amid a dense urban context in the back yard of a busy high street, represented a challenge of great complexity for the designers due to the lack of natural light. The tailored made labour of Deckora Design’s team transformed a difficult space into the trendy Oriental restaurant of the Portuguese capital where art and biophilic design play a crucial role.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief is the creation of a cosy yet seductive interior where dark fittings, comfortable furniture and warm lighting contribute to a truly unique experience for the guest.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project's holistic approach, rooted in systematic design research, is considering all aspects of the environment: from architecture and lighting, to furniture and art. The concept was a modern and irreverent reinterpretation of the Japanese restaurant. The overall emblematic proposal shows how good quality design, and the successful transformation of a space, can have a successful impact and provide an authentic experience that goes beyond dining.

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

Yakuza Restaurant represented a great challenge, starting from the location situated amid a dense urban context with lack of natural lighting. Deckora Design delivered a flawless design enhancing the intrinsic characteristics of the property. The design team managed to exceed the expectations of the different stakeholders by respecting budget constraints and demanding deadlines during a world pandemic. The final outcome satisfied the client's complex brief and requirements, integrating motifs and key elements of the pre-existing Yakuza brand into a new, unique and innovative concept.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Art played an important role in the project; we commissioned hand-painted murals from the local artists. Art is also present in the main highlight of the project and the main attraction of the commercial space - the sushi counter, a 5x10 meters rectangular central artefact representing the beating heart. The austerity of the walnut louvers and the rigorous central slate are juxtaposed to the playfulness of the backlit ceiling canvas. This distinctive piece of art, hand painted by the urban artist Smile, is characterised by vibrant tones and portrays a huge Japanese koi, providing indirect lighting to the entire room.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is one of the most influential and well organised awards in the Architecture and Interior Design industries. Being part of this programme is definitely something to be proud of, and being a finalist is already a great reward for us after the great amount of care and time our project required. I also believe that getting personally involved, contributing to the community and being exposed to the work of other colleagues is an important part of our professional development.

Questions answered by Camilla Degli Esposti, Director, Deckora Design.

This week's instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features a spacious penthouse design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Lori Dundas Interior Design.

Imagined during the early lockdown days of COVID-19, “The Sweet Life” is a series of conceptual 3D renderings, of a 303.6 m2 penthouse located minutes outside the downtown core of Edmonton, Alberta.

With the rest of the building mostly finished and occupied, the owners strategically took their time to decide on how best to build out the unfinished space. By doing so, the 3D models evolved into case study of sort, showcasing an experience-based design which would live well regardless of outside circumstances.

What was the client's brief? 

The client’s primary concern was that the design would ultimately be a space that would function equally well supporting intimate family & friend gatherings, as it would larger social events. The brief also asked for the layouts to make the most of the nearby river valley and treed neighbourhood views.

What inspired the design of the project?

Friendship and finding a way to design a space that reflected the uniqueness of the clients. Turns out what the clients valued most is a common thread that connects us all - entertaining, showcasing things you love and that bring you joy, finding moments to sit with others, be with your thoughts and observe nature. Creating space for these moments to occur was the greatest inspiration for the designers.

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

The time spent to get the vibe right. The feeling you get when you look at the renderings is so important. And it takes a lot of time to get the materials and lighting to reflect accurately on the screen as well as in print.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Taking the original project and rendering it again only at night-time light levels. Not only did the camera angles improve, but there were a couple areas where additional lights were found to be needed. Doing this extra bit of work it made the overall design even better.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Purely an impulsive act. I was proud of the project and wanted to share it with the world.

Questions answered by Lori Dundas, President, Lori Dundas Interior Design.