Residential Development Design Surrounds You with Greenery and Flora

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern residential development design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ENJOYDESIGN.

What was the client’s brief? 

The theme of client’s brief: The Garden on the Loess.

The city of Yinchuan, where the project is located, is situated in the Ningxia Plain, an arid region in western China. Unlike other arid regions, there are two major wetland parks that are ecological features of the area. In order to protect the precious wetland resources and this important transit point for migrating birds, the city of Yinchuan is also aiming to become a ‘city of lakes’. In addition, the survey shows that there are few commercial forms around the project site, the quality of life is not high and the convenience of living is improving.

Therefore, ENJOYDESIGN, as the interior design for this case, wanted to create a “multi-life experience hall” for the residents with the theme of “The Garden on the Loess”, integrating plants and greenery, floral art, cultural creation, trendy games, reading, beauty, tea and other diversified businesses, and creating a “multi-life experience hall” with both aesthetics and fireworks in the form of a community. A third space outside of work. At the same time, it also serves to promote the ecological characteristics of the area.

What inspired the design of the project?

What inspired the design of this project is the local efforts made over the years to protect the wetland resources. Using flowers and greenery as a medium, nature is allowed to surge like flowing water, irrigating not only the desert sands, but also the hearts of the people of Yinchuan.

We have tried to tell the other side of the city in a lifelike way, leading people to experience the unique face of Yinchuan, not only the yellow earth and barren smoke and ravines, but also the prosperity and vibrancy of The Garden on the Loess.

We hope that community residents will feel the romance of the sun surrounded by flowers and embark on a journey to nature to find the oasis their hearts desire.

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

During the project, the toughest hurdles to overcome were the construction of the design facade and the local people’s acceptance of the novel style.

Large curved wood finish walls require a high degree of workmanship and stability in terms of grain and colour. Yinchuan is one of the more remote cities in western China, where finding workers who are skilled in construction and high quality building materials is more difficult than in the metropolis.

Secondly, the style of the scheme is relatively new to the occupants of the area and has undergone a process of trying to tell the concept from scheme to landing and then to pre-acceptance by the general public.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

I think it is: we strive to turn dream gardens into real, functional spaces that are both beautiful and functional, making them a part of the lives of the community.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

First, of course, the professionalism. SBID Awards is a highly professional, fair and influential award in the design industry. Every year, we choose excellent works to compete. For example, last year, we won the only award for interior design in the Asia Pacific region, which was affirmed and recognized by the jury from distant overseas and design countries. The designers were greatly excited and encouraged after winning the award because it proved the design ability of the studio.

Questions answered by Jie Guo, Founder & Creative Director, ENJOYDESIGN.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious bar-restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Albion & East.

What was the client’s brief? 

To create a 300 cover bar-restaurant with a grand, centre-piece bar, a very open kitchen integrated into the space and two iconic outside terraces.

What inspired the design of the project?

The building is the former 1930’s Forum Theatre, designed by Mr Stanley Beard who specialised in cinema architecture, but had long since closed and remained abandoned for 15 years until we resurrected it as Teatro Hall. The original interior had an Italian Renaissance style design with high ceilings and large columns. Our inspiration was to resurrect the building in ‘Stile Liberte’, an Italian variant of Art Nouveau and named after Arthur Liberty and the store he founded Liberty’s. We were rediscovering, resurrecting and reawakening and building of grand proportions in a subtle, not slavish, mind to its history.

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

With new Brexit laws, delivery of bespoke items made for us in Europe needed careful planning and challenged budgets. Coupled with increases in raw material costs we had to focus hard on design elements which were stand out. Having to work harder than ever before, we didn’t compromise on design and hit budgets through planning and extending our network of suppliers of bespoke and hand made items.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A grand island bar takes centre stage with a tall backdrop of etched blue Venetian Glass housed in cherry wood, marble bar top and pale parchment under tiled counter. Our Clock Tower is reminiscent of seating in the Waldorf Astoria lobby in NYC. Banquets, with rich midnight velvet seats and pale cream linen curtains, create intimacy. Four handmade Murano glass chandeliers, with over 100 glass columns each, create grandeur that the space demands.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Having followed the awards for several years, I have always been impressed at the quality and diversity of the finalists. It has been a source of interest and inspiration for me over the years as I have been developing my company. SBID is a well recognised and prestigious organisation and it’s an honour to be a finalist with you.

Questions answered by Sarah Weir, Lead Designer and the Founder & Managing Director, Albion & East.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant and sophisticated residential design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

The romance of discovery is found in all aspects of life if you are willing to explore. Travel, culture, design, music, fashion all inspire life, and none are more influential than seeing these aspects through the refined cultural lens of a city like Paris. Through the distinct European architecture, fragrant French gardens, and the overall appreciation of the finest details in living, CHIL Interior Design created a design for Chloe Kerrisdale that celebrates these unique Parisian and European details within.

With soft palettes and sophistication, the result is unforgettable spaces that express the effortless elegance, grace, and joie de vivre of Paris itself. A balance between indulgence and restraint, between measure and proportion and between structure and abstraction, the Chloe Kerrisdale display suite is an exquisite jewel standing out within the community.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client wanted us to create an aspirational living space that is inspired by the classical architecture and Parisian lifestyle. It was also important to the client that the show suite is a direct replica of a purchasable unit to showcase luxurious living through high end materials, furniture, artwork that appeals to the a well-travelled and affluent demographic.

What inspired the design of the project?

We began with the classical architecture of the building that is reminiscent of established European cities like Paris. We wanted to pay homage to the well-recognized details of these buildings while still providing a clean and modern perspective as a balance. The design for Chloe Kerrisdale celebrates the Parisian lifestyle in the heart of Vancouver.

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

The toughest hurdle for this project is fitting a unit floorplan into a pre-existing space and avoiding as many columns in the display unit as possible. While we were successful in avoiding some, unavoidable columns were used to the design’s advantage with added floral arrangement displays.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Every material, furniture, accessory and lighting selection reflects to the luxurious Parisian living concept with a modern take on traditional details. The locally commissioned hand carved 3D rose artwork that adorns the reception area tells the Parisian story right when the buyer walks in, transporting them into the state of mind immediately. Attention to various levels of lighting to create a soft ambient atmosphere in the space. We are also proud of the way we overcame unavoidable columns by beautifying them with floral arrangements.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is one of the most prestigious international interior design awards. It is always an honour to be recognized by such a high calibre of industry expert panel and we look forward to submitting our entries every year. This year is also our first time submitting to the Show Flats & Development category and we are immensely grateful to be shortlisted as a finalist!

Questions answered by Danielle Clarke & Adèle Rankin, Design Director & Principal & Global Design Lead, CHIL Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and relaxing jetsetter design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Greenpoint Technologies.

Greenpoint curated the Retreat interior for a distinguished jetsetter focused on health and self-care priorities. The client requested a modern, serene, and nurturing interior. Greenpoint Design drew inspiration from biophilic design and wellness trends to create the experience of a luxury spa retreat. The Retreat interior seamlessly balances sustainable details, live greenery, and progressive, intuitive technology. The result is a wellbeing haven wherever you are in the world!

Guests enter the aircraft through a rotunda featuring a topographical-inspired accent pendant and an internally lit terrarium housing a tropical environment. Inspired by flowing water, the cabin features a ceiling panel system with a high-gloss metallic finish reminiscent of a river meandering throughout the interior.

Greenpoint’s Retreat interior achieves a modern, relaxing atmosphere ideal for the sophisticated world traveler. Each room offers an opportunity to unwind and relax, with advanced technology discretely concealed within the bespoke cabinetry. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the Retreat interior offers a sophisticated oasis for all owners and guests onboard.

What was the client’s brief? 

Greenpoint curated the Retreat BBJ MAX8 aircraft interior for a distinguished jetsetter focused on health and self-care priorities. The client requested a modern, serene, and nurturing interior with live greenery and sustainable details. The process began with an undulating river-like floorplan catering to the client’s nature-inspired vision. Greenpoint Design detailed the interior architecture and furniture standards, then modeled and sketched all interior elements. Lighting and soft materials including fabrics, colors, and textures finish the interior and are presented to the client for final approval.

What inspired the design of the project?

Greenpoint Design drew inspiration from biophilia and wellness trends to create the experience of a luxury spa retreat. Greenpoint Design focused heavily on biophilic design; the creation of living indoor spaces using organic, natural design elements. The team studied the benefits of biophilic design including stress reduction and a positive impact on one’s mood, energy, focus and productivity. The Retreat interior is comprised of organic, sustainable materials throughout.

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

One of the biggest hurdles was working the lighting on this project. This was the first airplane interior that we completely blocked the windows, and all natural light, in order to provide the cabin more adaptability of scenery through OLED screens. In blocking the windows, we lost the sunlight that so often provides shadow and dimension to the cabin. We solved the issue by providing layers of lighting, highly reflective materials, and depth with the use of backlit terrariums.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing all the new ideas that everyone brought to the table. It really showcases our team’s willingness to push the boundaries to create such a unique interior. Greenpoint Design continues to imagine and conceptually design interiors with emerging and advanced technology, pursuing exploration and innovation.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards provide esteemed recognition to interior designers from all industries across the globe. The Awards encourage innovation by offering the opportunity to draw inspiration cross-industry and propel designs into the future.

Questions answered by Annika Svore Wicklund, Design Director, Greenpoint Technologies.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a kitchen renovation design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Celia Visser Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

The expat owners of this 1990s architecturally designed home returned to New Zealand for their retirement and called upon the designer to renovate their kitchen living area. They wanted to ensure it would fit with the home’s existing architecture and, as avid cooks, needed a much larger space to comfortably use. The wanted to enhance the harbour views the room enjoyed which was constrained by walls on entering the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

The Clients brief & the house architecture. The home had quite industrial and native NZ timber features, especially the open stairwell which can be seen from the front and larder.

The clients had lived in a lot of Asian & Arab countries & had brought back a lot of treasures and special objects they had collected on their travels and wanted them to be displayed in the kitchen. The open shelves were designed to match the stairs, like a commercial kitchen having all products on display.

The colour Palette was chosen to blend all these elements together.

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

One of the main challenges for this project was that the kitchen’s size in proportion to the house size and function was very small. There was also an unused room behind the existing kitchen that could be incorporated, but the three dividing wall and posts were a major structural support for the three-storied home.

The removal of the structural and supporting walls was a big undertaking, this meant employing an engineer to redesign the house foundations and constructing new supporting steel beams.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was viewing the opened kitchen to the adjacent room for the first time. This increased the space to double in size while exposing the beautiful harbour views which had been hidden from many areas of the entrance & living room. It was a very special moment when the client saw what a difference the larger space would have on their lives & especially being able to see the harbour from all angles while she cooked – a moment to remember.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

I entered and won the SBID award KBB category in 2018 & love that these Awards have grown to be such a force globally & I feel they are so prestigious and recognised now. It helps my credibility as a designer both in New Zealand & Internationally. I can market my award as being at the top of my career globally so it’s a very special award for me.

If I have a great project I want to enter for the recognition it gives, even to be a finalist is a great accolade.

Questions answered by Celia Visser, FNKBA, CKD/CBDNZ PDINZ, Celia Visser Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern residential development design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Yuan-Art.

What was the client’s brief? 

BBMG Jinchengfu is located in Gaoxin district, the most prosperous zone in Chengdu. It is a high-end residential project in the area. The project occupies the core and surrounding environment of the area, with pleasant ecology and surrounded by parks. The courtyard villas, bungalows and high-rise buildings are planned. The villa adopts the new Chinese style, which perfectly integrates modern elements with traditional architectural styles. The garden is designed and built on the model of the top ten cultural and historical attractions in Chengdu.

What inspired the design of the project?

Due to its unique urban geography, Chengdu has rapidly developed into a bustling Internet celebrity city in China. However, the native people in Chengdu are not happy because of the liveliness. Instead, they hope that life would be more relaxing, that they could experience life more calmly and gently when conditions permit, and build their own homes and lives. They wish to seek a life that truly belongs to them in a more self-directed way in order to fully enjoy and be compatible with the transformation and association between life, work and society, and use another way to coexist harmoniously.

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

The style of wabi-sabi has a dilapidated beauty, which is not completely in line with people’s understanding of quality life today. Therefore, in the design, we need to reflect a certain sense of value as appropriately as possible, such as expressing through material appeals, furniture, etc., utensils, art, and those products that we use regularly. This value is convenient and comfortable, it is the guarantee and embodiment of quality, and it is also a way to improve the texture and modern atmosphere of the space scene. We want to convey that wabi-sabi brings us a gentle and comfortable life attitude, not extreme restraint.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

In this project, the space is constructed with simplicity and tranquility. The wood, stone, rattan, cotton and linen in the indoor space have a natural symbiotic relationship with outdoor green plants, sunlight, wind and rain. They flow and change due to time, season and climate. As a new enlightenment of nature, they accept the existence of time and curve traces of the passage of time. This harmony with nature and symbiosis with the environment is the biggest highlight of this project.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Award is the most prestigious award in the interior design industry. The teams that have won this award are outstanding workers and teams who have achieved outstanding results in the field of international interior design. We want to let more people know and recognize us by participating in this SBID competition. At the same time, we can also compete and communicate with outstanding international contestants on the same stage, constantly improve our professional skills and tap into our creative potential.

Questions answered by Zi Peng GUO, Founder and Chief Designer, Yuan-Art.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary hotel’s public space design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Paul Liu Design PLD.

Located in the core area of Dinghu New District, Zhaoqing City, this new Sheraton hotel is integrated with the beautiful landscape belt of Changli River, wetland park and other waterfront landscapes. It is designed to showcase new experiences, leading guests to work, relax and party in a comfortable social atmosphere during their stay. With 398 guest rooms, this hotel has 1,700 square meters of banquet and meeting space, including 1 grand ballroom, 6 conference rooms and 1 multi-function hall. All venues are equipped with high-speed Internet connections and modern audio-visual equipment. The 715 square meters column-free grand Ballroom can be flexibly divided into 2 independent Spaces. It is ideal for events of all sizes, such as large conferences, romantic weddings and social gatherings. It also offers a range of leisure facilities including a fitness center with cardio and fitness equipment, an indoor heated swimming pool and a jacuzzi and sauna.

What was the client’s brief? 

The interior designer is commissioned to convert an existing building and rebuild it into a new design Sheraton-branded contemporary hotel that can articulate Marriott International’s brand strategy, philosophy and globally consistent image while take the owner’s operational, budget, time schedule requirements and aesthetic issues into consideration.

Since 2018 Marriott International announced plans to reinvent its Sheraton brand for a new generation of travelers. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts have been transformed under new version that guests can appreciate a sense of timelessness balanced with a refresh, modern feel that’s ideal for working, meeting and relaxing during their stay. Beside the client’s requirement, this property design also needed to follow the Facility Criteria given by the Brand guideline.

What inspired the design of the project?

The Zhaoqing Sheraton Dinghu Hotel design details inspired from its unique geographical location. The designers also used Oriental Aesthetic Duan Inkstone as a nursery of ideas in style. The fundamental core values of Chinese cultural philosophy were applied to design technique to emphasize the unity and harmony.

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

Due to the diversity of functions within a hotel building, a large number of specialist consultants were required to coordinate with during each critical design stage that made the design process very complicate and challenging. Another challenge facing is how to make the most efficient floor plan configurations and energy intelligent within the limitations of the existing architectural condition.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The new Sheraton brand’s new design approach draws on the hotels’ roots as community hubs for locals and guests alike with aims to create an intuitive and holistic experience, integrating areas to connect, be productive and feel part of something special during their stay.

In the new design elements of Zhaoqing Sheraton hotel, the integration of work and enjoyment is at the heart of the design, using the concept of open shared space in the lobby of the hotel. The integrity of the space makes it vibrant and belonging, with open spaces for guests to socialize or spend time alone. Adhering to The Sheraton brand concept, Zhaoqing Sheraton incorporates many of the brand’s new signature elements, including a shared community table, that is compatible with form and function, it was designed for guests to work efficiently, and for flexible meeting space for team members to collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere. Add vitality to the entire public space, as well as small meetings and private dining. The hotel also has 3 original restaurants and a specialty bar, serving a range of local and international cuisines, that can let the guests enjoy the wonderful environment while focusing on their work.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID AWARDS is one of World’s most prestigious and influential design awards, which honors excellence and provide global recognition.

Questions answered by Bo Liu and Hank Xia, Founder & Chairman and Director, PLD.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dynamic and creative office design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, TT Interior Office Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

This is a mobile and social gaming company popular with young people domestically. The company has many subsidiary product brands and cultivates e-sports teams for mobile games. Its slogan that there is no lonely playmate in the world is also recognized by many post-90s and post-00s players or employees.

What inspired the design of the project?

The pronoun derived from Quwan is full of fashion, passion, youth, creativity and endless fun. The original idea of the design was to integrate these elements into a carrier, a planet that could fully express and carry the expectations of one billion players around the world instead of Quwan. The Planet of Quwan, the Planet of Happiness.

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

The toughest hurdle was the restriction of ceiling height that made it challenging to unify the lamp belt of the front desk ceiling. Another challenge was the installation and fixation of gypsum board ceiling, and relying on two fulcrum for support of the aluminum plate modeling of the spacecraft. Loading the stairs into the spacecraft and transporting the large modules to the site for assembly also brought about some troubles during the installation process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design of the space fits it’s story concept perfectly and the theme embodies technology, fashion and change, the colorful atmosphere seeping through unified aluminum plate material and electronic dynamic light belt.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Since we won the SBID award last year, we wanted to show more excellent work to everyone and we hope that the reputation of SBID can help improve the value of our brand.

Questions answered by Ruby Chou, Founder, TT Interior Office Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a glamorous oak home design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Space Studio.

What was the client’s brief? 

Our client loved the hotels that we have designed and wanted the same for the extensive renovation to the home that he had recently purchased. He said he loved raw oak, dark oak, marble and brass and asked us to just go for it!

What inspired the design of the project?

The house is located on the shores of Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata harbour, and sits amongst pohutakawa trees that tangle around the site. The house was quite a traditional brick bungalow, and the street is one of Auckland’s finest, positioned very close to the CBD. We sought to capture our client’s love of luxury hotels and urban glamour, with the raw desaturated colours and textures of the natural surroundings. We then looked to open up the planning of the rather boxed in original home, creating long sight lines across the living spaces.

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

There were no hurdles with this project. A clear vision, a motivated and trusting client and passionate builder kept the project running smoothly from start to finish.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The entry screen with the view through to the dining room, is as good as the photography portrays. It was such an effective device to provide a point of welcome at the entry and a filtered view through to the family life within.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We recognise how lucky we are to live in New Zealand, and we would like to share the work that we do down here more broadly. We also work in an international market, with many offshore clients, and we want to show them that we are leading a broader community of international designers.

Questions answered by David Sweatman, Associate Designer, Space Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary family home design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Designck.

Designck was commissioned to design the interior for this large contemporary new build. Part of this project was the kitchen, wine room and powder room. Robin Caudwell wanted to keep a feeling of warmth throughout the home. His clients have a large extended family and friends and entertain regularly; it was essential to make the home stylish, inviting, and relaxing, that everyone could enjoy. Using a mixture of different textures and tones, with carefully placed statement pieces such as the Titanium Gold Granite Island top, he feels that he has achieved a remarkable outcome for the clients.

What was the client’s brief? 

I was engaged to design several areas of this luxury new build, which included the kitchen, outdoor kitchen, evening room, wine cellar, and powder room. The client is of Asian descent and have regular, large family gatherings, it was important to them that the kitchen was equipped with expansive storage for food, good prep areas and gas in the principal cooking area. Their wine collection needed to be showcased within their evening room. They wanted a warm and inviting powder room for their guests.

What inspired the design of the project?

The anchor for my design was the stunning Titanium Gold granite I chose for the island, and it has become a statement piece within the room. I used Lux board, which I reversed, and utilised the matte side that complements the Laminam in Moro that I picked for the expansive front door and a large fireplace.

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

On this particular project, there was a requirement for several air-conditioning return vents of which we didn’t want to put on show. I came up with a solution to conceal the vents above the cabinetry, extending the height of just the doors to  give the kitchen area a cleaner look without showing the numerous vents required.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me, it was seeing how the different rooms come together with a common theme whilst keeping their individual identities. And as a bonus, when I told the clients that we have been shortlisted for the SBID Awards, they were over the moon.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are renowned as the pinnacle of the design industry’s awards. It’s one of the few awards that becoming even a finalist is a mammoth effort, and if I was fortunate enough to win, it reinforces why I love this creative industry being recognised for my passion, and time that I have poured into this project.

Questions answered by Robin Caudwell, Principal Designer, DesignCK.