This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a four-bedroomed, new-build residential property in Berkshire. Allison Pidgeon Interiors worked together with the developer on the specification design throughout. Using their many years of expertise to uniquely tailor the interior design to flow seamlessly with the specification, reflect the aspirations of the purchaser profile, and also the Client’s vision for the development. This resulted in the delivery of a super stylish, yet exquisitely comfortable interior through a stress-free and enjoyable process enhanced by the collective commitment of trusted tradespeople, meticulous project management, and outstanding service. These carefully managed interiors were delivered on time and within budget without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or superior design.
Sector: Residential Design
Company: Allison Pidgeon Interiors
Project: Oak Apples Drive
Location: Berkshire, United Kingdom
What was the client's brief?
We offered a uniquely personal service to our Client, drafting suggested furniture layouts for all plots on the development. These enabled him to plan functional heating, lighting and electrical layouts for all plots. We also assisted in specification selections throughout, ensuring a nice flow of palette and a high quality of finishes. We joined our Client in numerous meetings at various show rooms to select kitchen and bathroom products and finishes, floor and wall tiling, carpets and hard flooring, paint colours and internal doors and door furniture. We even selected paint colours for the front doors.
Once all these selections were made we used our extensive expertise in residential design, and our research in understanding the target market, to curate timeless interiors which reflect the high quality specification on the development.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The choice and quality of the specification, the purchaser profile, local competition and the Client’s own vision inspired the remainder of the project. We avoided whimsical trends, garish patterns and colours, and instead focused on providing tactile, comfortable interiors in a muted soothing palette, which are aspirational and sophisticated. We believe this direction was correct for the target market.
Many of the items we supplied were made bespoke for the project including upholstery, soft furnishings, window treatments, furniture, artwork and florals, and we sourced beautiful objects with which to complete dressing of the property.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
To be honest the project was a dream with a delightful Client and we didn’t have any major hurdles.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
We were delighted to see the property installed and complete, but this was surpassed by our Client’s sheer delight when we handed the property over to him (a day ahead of schedule). The positive feedback we’ve received from the selling agents and interested buyers and the fantastic testimonial our Client has written have all been highlights of the project.
Questions answered by Allison Pidgeon, Director of Allison Pidgeon Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a lavish interior for an new residential development, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Image Credits: Photography by Chris Snook
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a new office designed to be a place overflowing with inspirations to help spark the imaginations of clients who visit in search of creative ideas. DRAFT Inc, a Tokyo-based interior design company, relocated its Tokyo office due to the expansion of the business and its personnel. The vision was to explore materials, styles and concepts, not favouring any particular style or single taste, so that anyone who comes to visit the office could find inspiration in at least one design concept or theme. In addition, the design caters for various working styles, to achieve maximum performance outcomes, using bespoke furniture such as meeting benches and concentration booths. The result explores the scope of office interior design for the next generation.
Sector: Office Design
Company: DRAFT Inc.
Project: DRAFT Office
Location: Tokyo, Japan
There wasn’t any specific client requirements because it was my own office project, but my aim was to create an office which provides a source of inspiration and insight about office design and interior design to our clients. As DRAFT is a Tokyo-based interior design studio, the office needed to create a design that makes everyone happy - including client, designers, and the people who visit the place in line our philosophy, all happy by design.
This place was envisioned to be an informative and inspiring place for clients. As we invite and welcome various clients to the office who seek ideas, from interior space to urban planning, we wanted to implement the use of different design themes and materials. I explore and experiment with the combination of materials, such as exposed concrete for ceilings with soft oak for floors and luxurious marble tiles so that clients can find at least one design element that aids their imagination. The design is a mixture of a rough and sophisticated look, which I call a neutral mix style. This style captured the ethos of our
We used to occupy the full top floor of a 12 stories building, but the new office is located in the second and third floor of a low-rise building. Therefore, I had to set about connecting people who work on different floors and consider how to map out departments and communal spaces with this in mind. To increase the level of interaction and generate social encounters between employees, I arranged the cafe space and all the meeting rooms at the very end of the lower level so that people would be encouraged to move around the office to get around. It turned out very well - offering designated meeting spaces for employees meant they can separate 'work time' and 'down time'. Seeing them gather around the cafe to communicate, relax, and socialise with others during lunchtime and meetings improves morale and keeps a positive atmosphere.
The entrance features a concrete ceiling with oak flooring, while the corridor laid in a diamond pattern of black and white marble tiles that conveys a sense of depth. The meeting rooms combine extended glass sashes with a leather-upholstered door with entrance door lighting that evokes the feeling of exterior design into the interior. The office area, which divided by three meters high wooden doors, succeeds in capturing the natural light and the beauty of the exterior views by glass partitions. Combining the luxurious marble floor tiles with aluminium spandrel walls and wood stamped concrete pillars, we have expressed a neutral design that does not lean towards any single design taste. The raised floor area is equipped with concentration booths and sofa seating that can be freely used by members of staff.
I kept secret about the design details except very few design team members. At the night of the moving, I took every staffs on the other side of the road of the building, and lights up the interior after the countdown. I was so glad to see that everyone surprised and enjoyed the new office.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
SBID is one of the greatest international interior design awards as far as I know. The design level of the nominated projects are very high and inspiring, so it is a privilege for me to attend the yearly award ceremony as a finalist.
Questions answered by Taiju Yamashita, Interior Designer at DRAFT Inc.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a prestigious residential design in the heart of Mayfair with classical yet contemporary interior, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's office design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID International Design Awards 2018 Finalist | Office Design category sponsored by KI Europe
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a prestigious residential property in the heart of Mayfair with the restoration of a grade II listed townhouse in one of London’s most illustrious addresses for the rental market. Working in close collaboration with Schiller Beynon Interior Design, Shape London, and Cumming Corporation, Portview applied their artisan skills in craftsmanship to uncover a plethora of classical, period features that complement the chic, contemporary interior. Spread over five floors, the spacious property is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living, with large, expansive rooms that boast opulent ceilings and ample natural light. Positioned just 0.1 miles from Hyde Park and 0.6 miles from Bond Street, the property offers the city’s most popular leisure destinations just around the corner.
Company: Portview Fit Out Specialists
Project: Mayfair Townhouse Restoration
Location: London, United Kingdom
The brief was to inject the house with a new lease of life by restoring the beautiful period features throughout the property and combine them with new, premium quality finishes and a contemporary colour palette. Essentially, our task was to mix the old with the new to create a very understated, yet luxurious interior that is compatible with modern living.
As this was a residential refurbishment for the rental market, we used our experience in restoring listed properties to deliver an interior that retained its historical integrity to uncover and develop period features into a number of unique selling points.
The house comprises of two reception rooms, a large dining room, and a ground floor drawing room that is located just off the main entrance hall where a stunning console table made of marble, metal and painted wood, awaits. The vestibule area on the first floor - dressed minimally with beautiful basket weave oak flooring - is particularly impressive as an ideal space for entertaining guests.
The master bedroom occupies the second floor and benefits from a separate dressing room and marble clad bathroom that has been finished with a bronze trim and matching brassware. An additional three bedrooms are located on the third floor, each tastefully dressed to the same exacting standard.
From top to bottom, elements of surprise await guests at every level. A great example of this is a roof terrace which boasts stunning views of the surrounding area, ideal for relaxing in the sunshine or socialising casually with friends.
For the lower ground floor, a further bedroom (and bathroom) can be found. In addition, the family kitchen offers a more informal dining space and features a rear, private entrance via the patio garden.
Working with a listed building presents a number of unique challenges. In this case our biggest challenge was the grand nineteenth century staircase, which was actually installed in the mid-1800s from another building. To make it structurally sound, we had to work closely with our engineers and the listed building officer to position the staircase in the correct place, level it out and make it fit for purpose.
In addition, the basement comprised of a lot of small, tiny rooms that needed to be opened out to create more classically proportioned spaces that are in keeping with the architectural style of the building.
The transformation has really been quite remarkable and it’s all largely down to the great relationships we have with our project partners. The Portview team work tirelessly to ensure every detail is carefully considered and that every finish is crafted to the highest standard. The biggest highlight by far is the fact that we exceeded the client’s expectations and that they are very happy with the finished look.
Questions answered by Simon Campbell, Managing Director at Portview
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring Discovery’s new, inspiring and 5-star green rated head office which stands as an architectural landmark in South Africa, click here to see more.
Portview Fit Out
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the original CAD visualisation of an interior design scheme designed by YA Interiors to aid their clients visual understanding of the Art Deco inspired restaurant project which is currently in development. The Sheridan suite is a venue that hosts a diverse range of corporate and private events for up to 1800 people with 2323 square meters of space. Based on the ambience of Harrods food hall, the flexible venue was designed to capture the quirky, contemporary and traditional aesthetics which is a regional favourite for Indian Brides and Grooms located in East Manchester.
Entering through the brass curved reception area, the calm atmosphere of the cocktail lounge is the focal point with its illuminated columns. The 14 meter bespoke bar features a brass wine gantry and scallop fret work panels accessorised with teal blue velvet stools. Atom chandeliers hang above the lounge area by Portuguese designer Delightful, brass fret work screens separate the cocktail lounge from the formal dining area. The fine dining room walls are clad in beaten copper panels with space-age pebble lights suspended on the ceiling by Italian designer Artemide.
Company: YA Interiors
Project: Sheridans
Project Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Our interior design brief was to capture the essence of the original Art Deco inspired style of the iconic Harrods food hall whilst creating an elegant, modern and stylish fine dining destination.
What inspired the design of the Project?
For the interior design, furniture selection and styling we looked at the fashion plates of Couturier Paul Poiret at the turn of the 19th century. The French couturier was the most fashionable dress designer of pre-World War 1 Paris. Poiret was particularly noted for his Neoclassical and Orientalist styles. One of his great achievements was to free the female form from the rigid corseted structure. Inspired by the designers illustrations in the Gazette du Bon Ton (below) we decided to incorporate the opulence of the sketches into the interiors styling. Creating a stylish and feminine design aesthetic with signature touches alluding to Mr Poiret’s orientalist fantasies.
Winning the client over with our proposal of Paul Poiret and his orientalist fantasies was the biggest hurdle - eventually a Poiret/orientalist light aesthetic got the client on board. In addition the budget constraints for the project have been challenging as we're having to maintain design integrity and also manage the clients expectations.
Seeing endless discussions and design development finally coming to fruition. Sheridans is going to be unique to the area - there really is nothing quite likes it in Manchester.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
The SBID award is a fantastic platform for designers to showcase their work to the industry and to other fellow creatives. We felt the design and visualisation for Sheridans is a proud moment for us as a design practice, we feel we have designed and cultivated something very unique here and wanted to tap in to our fashion backgrounds in designing and implementing this beautiful scheme.
- Questions answered by Aseef VAZA, Creative Director at YA Interiors
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If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring aquatically inclined Australian luxury spa inspired by the serene blues and tranquil textures of underwater landscapes, click here to see more.
The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
YA Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury Australian spa inspired by traditional Roman bath houses where circular vestibules connected the private and public spaces; the feature vestibules punctuate the journey through the spa at key nodes providing feelings of connectivity and flow offering different treatment zones designed to help guests unwind with indulgent La Prairie and Subtle Energies treatments in sumptuous rooms rehydrating the body and soothing the soul in a selection of deeply relaxing Aqua Retreat facilities which include a sauna and steam room, therapeutic rain shower and luxurious vitality pool. The interior design scheme was based on the concept of an imaginary underwater landscapes with subtle, serene hues of blue throughout to evoke feelings of tranquillity, resonating with the calming connotations of a rippling sea surface or gently running water.
Company: Blainey North Interiors
Project: Crown Spa Perth
Project Location: Perth, Australia
To create the Best Spa in Australia.
The interior design plan was inspired by the interactive planning of traditional Roman bath houses where circular vestibules are connected to private and public spaces, providing a social connection between different functions. The linking of these spaces creates beautiful intimate thresholds carved by the joining of the geometric forms. The concept has been based on the idea of creating the feeling of an imaginary underwater landscape. It is inspired by those refractions of light you see on the surface of the water when you look up from underneath. The interior has been created in concentric shades of blue, like those of the sea and is structured around a central axis.
The complexity of working within a space with little to no natural light meant we had to shift the focus to create visual intrigue and connectivity via highly detailed special moments whilst in tandem creating a very calm yet sophisticated place to relax.
The Foyer. It makes people gasp as enter this very sublime and glamourous space creating an entirely unexpected feeling sparked by the level of detail and quality, unseen within any other Australian hotel to date.
As we are traditionally recognised as a leading Luxury Interior Design Firm within Australasia much of our work is highly secretive and exclusive. Working with super high-net worth individuals means confidentiality is crucial therefore press coverage is often limited. That said our involvement with several international hotelier brands has enabled luxury travellers and international press an inside look into the World of Blainey North Interiors, which is always very exciting!
Questions answered by Blainey North, Founder of Blainey North Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the 21 bedroom Georgian Manor House boasting extraordinary views of the Devonshire countryside, click here to see more.
Blainey North Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the phenomenal 21 bedroom, Grade II listed Georgian Manor House boasting extraordinary views of the Manor's exquisite gardens with its' rolling lawns and blooming flowerbeds across the Devonshire countryside. Meraki Design helped Michael Caines MBE bring his dream into fruition and create the physical realisation of his vision of 21st century country house hospitality; the Lympstone Manor. The 21 stylish guestrooms and suites at Lympstone Manor are all individually designed and inspired by the birds that inhabit the local estuary, making each room unique with a true sense of place and belonging with its' surrounding environment. Meraki plays with finishes, textures and tones; from luxurious velvets, sheer linens and sturdier cottons to Estrema marble, oak wood flooring and aged brass detailing from St James Collection.
Company: Meraki Design
Project: Lympstone Manor
Project Location: Devon, United Kingdom
The refurbishment and conversion of a grade II listed country house into a 21 bedroom hotel and fine dining restaurant of Michelin starred quality. The scheme was to include the refurbishment and conversion of all front of house areas; 21 bedrooms, corridors, three fine dining rooms, lounges, bar area. We were required to provide the interior design for all front of house areas working with the Client and subsequent trade contractors providing them with the design and specification for all building works elements (tiles, paint, floor finishes, ceiling finishes, etc) of the interior design and personally carrying out the procurement on behalf of the Client and managing the installation of all interior designed fixtures, fittings and equipment to ensure the hotel and restaurant and front of house areas are ready for occupation.
The interior design was guided by a philosophy of restoring and preserving the integrity of the original Manor house. It respects the history of the building and celebrates it by reinstating architectural elements that were damaged by doing extensive research, using old photographs and moulds to reconstruct and restore the property. The history and the context of the Manor deeply influenced all the interior design decisions. The Estuary and Jurassic coast led the colours of the public areas and have created a serene mood throughout the hotel. The interiors draw the eye out to commemorate the view instead of competing with it. The colour of the tide continuously changes from golden hues, to soft dove blues to champagne. The client had already settled on using the birds of the estuary as room names which again informed the basis of the colour schemes of all the rooms. We referenced classic furniture as a basis for the style of furniture then deconstructed it into simpler more contemporary forms in plain fabrics that converse in a textural play. Then the objet d'art further reinstate the uniqueness of the property with found antiquities that are all hand selected and thoughtfully displayed creating a sense of escapism in luxury that is welcoming and calm.
Preserving the authenticity of the building and staying within the budget given. We kept a very tight watch on the figures and had everything planned and signed off from the start but with any building of this nature there are always surprises. Our team had allowed for this and small compromises had to be made but overall we managed to deliver on time and on budget.
Michael Caines (the Client) hand selected 3 designers from the 40 who bid. Our practice was 1 year old at the time and didn’t have such a large project under its belt. It is was incredible to even be selected then but once we got the full job it was a great accomplishment for us . The second highlights was handing over the project exactly as per our 3D visuals on time and spot on budget.
The SBID awards are internationally acclaimed and we felt this was a great place to showcase this unique project that relies heavily on British heritage and design.
Questions answered by Eris Koutsoudakis, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Meraki Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week inspired by nature with Bilska de Beaupuy transforming an indoor space with the characteristics of outdoor living, click here to see more.
Meraki Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a project about transformation and interaction. London architectural studio, Bilska de Beaupuy, refurbished a bathroom in central London, exploring the theme of indoor-outdoor space. By studying characteristics of nature and translating them into the language of design, the architects aimed to create an in-between zone with an interior design scheme which creates a space that becomes a metaphor for nature.
The plants serve to not only as decoration to engage the Client as she witnesses their growth and evolution, but also act to filter the air through their leaves, roots and soil microflora system. The reflective, smooth texture and versatile patterns of the walls and ceiling seem to change depending on the lighting conditions and time of the day. The central design piece is a 3-dimensional fluid trellis made of gold-plated jewellery chains that function to support the climbing pants.
Company: Bilska de Beaupuy
Project: Indoor Outdoor Bathroom
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
The project is a refurbishment of a 6 square meter en-suite bathroom in central London. The Client wished to have a space where she could feel like she was being ‘outside’ while being inside her bathroom. The interior design brief listed replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower, a design that will allow for low maintenance, with multiple built-in storage and plants easy to grow.
We took the Client’s brief literally and decided to explore ‘what is outside?’. In the design research we associated the ‘outside’ with ‘nature’. We continued to explore the theme through asking ‘what does nature look like? How does nature function? What does nature feel like?'. This gave us a range of ideas on which we based the formal concept of the project. We studied characteristics of nature such as different forms of water and how water is materialised in nature, from waterfalls and glaciers to underground water caves. Furthermore, Indoor Outdoor bathroom was actually designed for a video artist who creates short, magical videos portraying close-ups of water.
The main challenge was to create the bespoke shower wall. To find a supplier willing to manufacture a curved glass wall with such radius was challenging. It required many testing and came out as a stunning focal piece. The manufacturer told us this was the only curved shower glass wall that existed with such a radius and was made from recycled glass. The installation was also a challenge, but we found an incredible team of professionals who made it all happen.
Finding a solution to a metal for the cables that would not be affected by age, temperature, humidity and splashing water. The Client wished to have a feeling of femininity in her bathroom, so stainless steel was not an option, and after much research we found that brass and copper without toxic treatment would not last a week without changing appearance or being damaged. Thanks to a friend of ours who is a fine jewellery specialist in Paris advised us on the predicament, so we were able to source gold platted jewellery chains with a rose gold tint. Overall, the chains work beautifully in the bathroom with the lava grey Tadelakt and lush dark green plants. Gold is the less reactive of all metals. It endures well heat, air and humidity and ages gracefully without the need of adding any coating or treatment.
We heard it was the place to be recognised by the highest standard of designers and professionals in the interior design industry.
Questions answered by the design duo, Monika Bilska and Arabella de Beaupuy, co-founders of Bilska de Beaupuy
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the charming Regent Street window display which reveals the ever-enchanting secret garden of Jo Malone London, click here to see more.
Bilska de Beaupuy | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features Thomas-McBrien Architect's installation for the Jo Malone London shop window on Regent Street. This beautifully executed and well orchestrated display of visual merchandising, attention to detail and craftsmanship is epitomised by the 100,000 handmade, individually creased, shaped and folded paper used to transform the entrance to the boutique into Jo Malone's very own Secret Garden, inspired by ingredients from their signature scents. The design scheme of this project aims to celebrate the quintessential British garden through elegant details, and incorporate ideas of enchantment and surprise to capture the whimsical and fragrant essence of the Jo Malone brand.
Company: Thomas-McBrien Architects in collaboration with Paper & Wood
Project: Jo Malone London
The project is part of the Royal Institute of British Architect’s (RIBA) annual Regent Street Windows competition. Our window is one of seven entries on display. Our client, Jo Malone London, selected us, Thomas-McBrien Architects in collaboration with Paper & Wood, as the designers for their competition entry. We were given an open brief, but it was important to us and our client that the design reflected the ethos of the brand.
Our installation celebrates the quintessential British garden, a constant source of inspiration for Jo Malone London. In addition to this, we used the ideas of enchantment and surprise to create the Jo Malone London Secret Garden. The garden offers a serene environment and respite from the city, aiming to capture the immersive experience offered at the Jo Malone London, Regent Street boutique.
Each of the 100,000 paper elements of the garden has been creased, shaped and folded by hand. The handmade aspect of the paper garden reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into the creation of each one of Jo Malone's refined fragrances.
Our toughest hurdle was time. We had 8-weeks to design, make and install the window display in the Jo Malone London Regent Street boutique.
Our highlight of the project was the level of commitment and trust our client showed us throughout the entire process. The Jo Malone London team were fully invested in our design from the outset. A special mention must also be given to our team of makers and volunteers who helped us. Our contractor, fabricators, suppliers and craftsmen were all integral in making the project a success.
It is a highly respected celebration of design excellence and an honour to be even considered for an SBID Award!
Questions answered by Barry McBrien (Founder & Director), Daniel Gullan (Project Assistant Architect) at Thomas-McBrien Architects, and Zack Mclaughlin, Artist & Founder of Paper & Wood.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week with the timelessly stylish redesign of the iconic ‘Living Room’ bar brand in Manchester, click here to see more.
Thomas-McBrien Architects | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the redesign of the Stonegate Pub Company's iconic 'Living Room' bar brand based in the vibrant city of Manchester. Fusion by Design crafted and delivered an elegant interior design scheme which provides a timelessly stylish atmosphere to uphold the brand's desire to create a 1920's art deco environment for their customers to dine, drink and dance, whilst also capturing the longevity of the brand since it's establishment almost 20 years ago. The addition of a mezzanine balcony provides new vistas from the once restricted first floor and links the ground floor and first floor bars to create a seamless fluidity to the floor plan and encourage the spirited atmosphere to circulate around the venue. The main ground floor bar is upholstered with a nude fluted leather front which intermittently interrupted by antique brass details which echo the back-bar drink displays and other brass features found throughout the scheme to create a further sense of synergy, whilst maintaining a subtle distinction between the different interior zones.
Company: Fusion by Design
Project: The Living Room
Our brief was to create a well-crafted elegant space that acknowledges the long-standing heritage of The Living Room brand whilst also re-establishing the venue within the ever-expanding glamour of Manchester's developing hospitality circuit. The client emphasised the need for the interior design scheme to provide quality detailing and finishes, a luxurious palette of materials and a fresh and stylish atmosphere that would provide long lasting sense of style.
Glamorously elegant interiors were our inspiration. The Living Room is an established brand where guests expect quality, so we wanted to expand on this and make the spaces enjoyable, fresh and sexy, yet still in touch with the heritage of the brand. Detailing and using quality materials to their maximum effect helped us to create a decorative but simplistic scheme. Marble and leather feature heavily alongside brass and velvet in a fresh and invigorating selection of colours.
Working to a tight programme and with a short project lead in was the toughest hurdle. It challenged our specification network and ensured that we worked closely with our UK based suppliers. As a result, all tiling, wall finishes, furniture, sanitary ware etc were all sourced from UK stock.
Our highlight was working in collaboration with Haig Club Whiskey to create a distinct interior on the 2nd floor. The interior was sponsored by them with David Beckham, who is an ambassador for the brand, attending the opening.
Unveiling the new balcony was a successful highlight. With spaces that were previously very segregated the scheme required that we connect these spaces both from a visual aspect and from the perspective of the customer and their journey through the space. The connection is achieved through the introduction of a mezzanine balcony accessed by a feature central staircase, allowing vistas from the first floor to the ground and linking the spaces. The nature of the separate second Diageo bars allowed us to introduce very different identities to these spaces creating snugs and unique dens with brighter more distinct atmospheres.
This project was a successful and exciting development. It made an impact on the Manchester hospitality scene and we were proud of the outcome. Having entered the interior design awards in previous years, we felt this project would make a great contender!
Questions answered by Paula Jepmond-Senior, Design Director at Fusion by Design.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week where the concept of surrealism was used to enhance the dynamic architectural form of a property inspired by Rem Koolhaas, click here to see more.
Fusion by Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series employs the concept of surrealism to enhance the dynamic architectural form of a property inspired by Rem Koolhaas. The Mansion's interior design concept portrays the bold and daring characteristics of the architecture, building and spatial quality of the project. Main areas such as the Living and Dining space are designed to draw the eye, whereby interior details flow in line with the building's form. Every element is designed 3-dimensionally with differences in height, thickness and overlays, particularly in the ceiling design between the Living and Kitchen area; the Island is used to give the impression of surrealism by skewing its' form to reflect the ceiling's angular direction. The interior scheme intends to expand on the impression of depth evoked by the strong and dynamic design features whilst maintaining practicality and utilising the available space. Nick Fong, Co-Founder & Director at Nu Infinity tells us more.
Company: Nu Infinity
Project: The Mansion
Project Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The brief was set to optimise the available space and make sure the interior, furnishings and accessories of the design scheme fit comfortably and seamlessly into the property to complement other more structural design elements such as the angular walls, abstract shapes, unusual layout, and distorted spaces. The interiors needed to be captivating in order to wow guests and owners alike.
The exterior of the house took inspiration from the provocative works of the contemporary Dutch Architect, Rem Koolhaas. With this in mind, we wanted to pay homage to the Architect's signature style by creating an interior design concept that would reflect the bold tenor of his work and embrace the abstract forms that were created by the unsymmetrical and angular characteristics of the build.
Due to the architectural structure and form of the house, it was extremely difficult to "fill" the interior spaces as the rooms were cut into by angled walls and sharp corners, essentially creating dead, unusable space. Hence one of the main challenges throughout this project was creating pleasant viewpoints and furnishing the property to navigate unconventional layouts to achieve a comfortable volume of space, whilst maintaining the identity of the interior design ideas.
We were able to play on the idea of dynamism as designed at the Foyer, Living Area and Dining Area. We highlighted angular walls by using different finishes and colours to enhance this idea. Moreover, the ceiling design could direct the eye to the appropriate focal pieces of the space and create a sense of harmony and purpose between the furnishings and structural design features, increasing the impact of the property's dynamic spatial quality.
We previously joined SBID in 2016 and attended their famous Award Ceremony. It was an amazing feeling with a properly organised itinerary, helpful personnel, brilliant event space and most importantly, the quality of the competitions and participants were out of this world. In our opinion, SBID International Design Awards is one of the top Architecture / Interior Design competitions in the world.
Questions answered by Nick Fong, Co-Founder & Director at Nu Infinity.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a glamorous Swiss resort perched amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountainous landscapes in the heart of Switzerland, click here to see more.
Nu Infinity | SBID International Design Awards 2018
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