Natural Materials Help Create a Cosy and Luxurious Villa

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious residential villa design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Emara Design.

We still remember the joy of the customer and his family when they saw the design; only then did we feel that we did what we had to do. Emara Design worked on the architectural design and the interior decoration of a residential villa with a 250 m2 total floor area in the heart of the Dyar park compound, which consists of a reception space, a living area, a master bedroom, and three bedrooms for children. We used natural materials such as wood and marble and mixed them with warm lighting in addition to using simple straight lines on the ceiling that gives a sense of luxury mixed with warmness. Our philosophy is that design is not just a piece of art but it should represent the house owner and meet his needs.

What was the client's brief? 

The client’s requests of the re-design of the villa were so that it contains 3 bedrooms for the children and the expansion of the living area on the last floor, as well as creating a roof garden for summer sessions and barbecues.

One of the most important requests which the client focused on was the use of natural materials such as wood and marble with the addition of luxury and warm lighting in the place.

What inspired the design of the project?

After some sessions and discussions with the client, we have agreed on using marble on the floor and on some walls and bathrooms, and grafting wood in the ceiling and on walls with hidden warm lighting which gives a sense of warmness for the family members.

The use of large glass surfaces in the main reception area on the ground floor overlooking the landscape gives a sense of spaciousness and visual connection with the landscape of the villa and the compound.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the most important parts that we have taken into account is the use of technology to achieve a sustainability criteria. From the use of the power generation system to solar cells and the use of the smart systems to control all power sources, to water sprinklers and irrigation of trees and grass in the garden, where Smart systems work according to set times of the day to save energy and reduce electricity consumption.

The smart systems also helped solve the customer’s problem of traveling abroad. He can fully control the villa and the garden through an application on his iPad. He can not only control the power and the garden, but he also has full control of the surveillance cameras and door locks.

Questions answered by Ahmed Fathi, Designer, and Osama Eltaweel, Site Engineer, Emara Design.

In this week's interview with 2022 SBID Awards' Overall Winner, Clara Lleal Interiorista, Clara Lleal explains how they achieved displaying a number of different art pieces in a cohesive design, and discusses the experience of working on a space for an artist.

Art Gallery House is located in the historic centre of Badalona, a city near Barcelona. The brief was to strategically place the sculptures created by the owner of the house himself, the artist and sculptor Juanma Noguera. In short, an Art Gallery house.

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

One of the challenges when it came to the layout of the project was to strategically place the sculptures created by the owner of the house himself, the artist and sculptor Juanma Noguera. In terms of general aesthetics, the idea was to give the whole space an industrial atmosphere, maintaining and recovering the building's original materials. The solid brick walls were uncovered, the vaulted iron-beamed ceilings were respected, and areas with the original hydraulic pavement were maintained.

The materials used subsequently also follow this industrial premise, concrete, black iron sheet, herringbone floor of recovered wood, and teak wood furniture to break the cold of the greys.

The construction of the house dates back to the 19th century, coinciding with the industrial period in Catalonia. Therefore, the house has many architectural elements typical of that period, which we wanted to maintain and even restore. The walls were chipped to leave the brickwork exposed, the original cast iron columns were restored, the hydraulic mosaic floor tiles of Mediterranean origin were kept, and the Catalan vaulted ceilings were left exposed. In short, we wanted to recover the industrial essence of the house and give it value.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

One of the main challenges was to gain natural light. It must be said that in an area of 200m2 there was only one window. Skylights were opened in the roof and in the inner courtyards, as many openings as possible were made so that the house would be bathed in light. We wanted to convey the feeling of wellbeing and warmth that natural light provides. In addition, from the beginning we wanted to include a lot of natural vegetation that can only live with light.

Another challenge was that the spaces were very large and there was a risk that they would not be welcoming, which was of paramount importance to the client. With the combination of materials such as teak wood and dark colors, a cozy atmosphere was definitely achieved.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

It was a big honor and symbolic for me. It was the first big international contest where I had taken part, and I can confirm that is also one of the few contests that is honest and where it is very difficult to get an award. That is why I cannot describe how happy I was when I heard my name. It was amazing!

For my business, winning this award represents an excellent opportunity to take a leap to grow and be able to access more interesting projects, and perhaps even have the opportunity to expand my business abroad.

You managed to display a lot of artworks of different mediums, while also using a few open storage units. How did you achieve this without the space looking cluttered?

The placement of the art pieces was well thought out from the beginning, and in fact the distribution was based on the strategic placement of each one of them. Initially we knew which pieces were going to be exhibited, so we only needed to determine where each one was going to be placed and design a setting and lighting to make them stand out. In this way, even though they are of different formats, the paintings and sculptures keep a visual order within the space as a whole as part of the same design.

Have you, as a creative, learned anything new from designing a home for an artist?

Perhaps I have learned to better appreciate works of art in general, but especially sculptures. Personally I have always liked the world of art and crafts and whenever I can I try to include works of art in the projects. Since I was a child I have practiced artistic painting in different techniques and ceramics is one of my hobbies.

In the case of this house, I have been able to work with some sculptures that I really like, pieces created exclusively to be observed and beautify the place where they are located. It is clear that the design, without these sculptures and paintings would not have the same result.

How did you find the process of working with an artist? Did they have their own vision of the space? Do you think the design process is easier or more difficult, if a client is set on a specific design concept?

The design process with the artist Juanma Noguera, the owner of the space, was very easy. This was the third project I had done with him, and not by chance, because aesthetically we speak the same language. Working with a client with this profile makes the work of choosing colors and combining materials and textures much easier, because his aesthetic sense is highly developed. I would insist, then, that part of the success of this project is due to his good taste and the inclusion of his artwork, which, by the way, is beautiful.

Questions answered by Clara Lleal, Creative Director, Clara Lleal INTERIORISTA.

In this week's interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Residential Fit Out Project of the Year category, Laila Interiors, Laila Shour discussed how the team uses design elements to separate open spaces into different areas, talks about designing spaces to suit any taste and lifestyle, and the power of light colour palette.

Kensington court was a neglected mix of multiple vacant flats that were in a state of disrepair for many years. It lays in a conservation area within the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

A complete refurbishment was carried out that transformed this prestigious building into 10 high ceiling luxury apartments and the key idea was to develop a unique design concept of living that aligns with the majority's style, preferences and functional requirements in keep with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

When and during the refurbishment, the contemporary style which our design team introduced in the interiors was to incorporate modern design elements, such as choosing metallic accents, geometric shapes, neutral color palette to complement wooden flooring and wall finishes.

Our goal was coordinating the interiors with developers and managing most aspects of the project, to ensure a successful outcome for the client.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

The biggest highlight of completing this project was the transformation of the space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment and feeling like we have exceeded all expectations.

The biggest takeaway of the completed project was the satisfying feeling in creating a unique empty space that reflects the style, personality, and lifestyle of everyone and anyone.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

Winning the SBID award was a great honour that gave our company recognition in the UK and on an international level. It elevated the credibility and reputation of the business, making us stand out in a competitive market while attracting new clients and opportunities.

This award boosted the morale of the team and instilled a sense of pride and motivation for us to maintain high standards in future projects and to continue pushing towards creative and design boundaries. We felt highly rewarded and valued for our achievements and hard work in this project from the public and SBID.

How do you design rooms that have lots of open space? What approach do you use to separate those spaces into different areas?

Separating a space that has lots of rooms can be achieved by using furniture such as sofas, armchairs or ottomans to create separate seating areas and define different functions within the space. We also use colour to differentiate between spaces, introducing textiles such as curtains, cushions, or throws to create a visual separation between different areas.

Bringing in nature with indoor plants, natural wood flooring, natural stone, sustainable rugs and lighting added to the separation within areas too. By using a combination of these techniques, it is always possible to create a functional and visually pleasing space with clear divisions, while still maintaining an open and airy feel.

How do you ensure the properties you design will be suitable for all occupants?

In order to ensure that the properties we design are suitable for all occupants, we incorporate universal design principles, such as easy to reach controls, ergonomic design, to make the space usable for people of different ages, abilities and to meet the needs of all occupants.

By following these steps, we promote inclusiveness and comfort for all occupants with adequate lighting, multi-functional spaces and furniture that could be flexible and adapted to accommodate changing needs and requirements over time.

What was the inspiration behind choosing a light and neutral colour palette?

The inspiration behind choosing a light palette in this particular project was due to a few reasons:

a) The 19 century building has an elegant red brick exterior, therefore a neutral palette was chosen for the interior to contrast yet complement the outside. Its purpose was to also draw attention to other design elements, such as textures, patterns, and artwork, and make them the focal point of the inside space.

b) To create a calm and serene atmosphere throughout the interior of the flats we enhanced natural light that seeped through the Kensington gardens to create a cohesive look.

c) The Neutral colors is an additional backdrop for more statement pieces throughout an interior.

d) The property is timeless hence light and neutral colours are seen as classic and timeless, and this was a versatile choice for our design to stand the test of time.

Questions answered by Laila Shour, Founder, Laila Interiors.

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.

The architectural base of graphite and beige structures, which existed here before, was complemented by the client's favourite combination of grant-green-purple-carmine, which introduced a visible boldness of colour, evoking associations and an atmosphere like in the world of Almodovar, whom she has appreciated while inspired this place.

This combination, intense and variable in intensity and proportion, became the main basis for material and colour choices. Thus, within this framework, shades of these colours appear in the form of varied and contrasting textures, shiny blue and green mirrors contrast with silk and velvet wallpapers, furry gradient fabrics are combined with nubuck matte leather, patterned fabric ornaments with an intense, almost ethnic expression are juxtaposed with glossy anthracite wood.

The intensity of the colours is combined with the finesse of the shapes of the sophisticated and designed furniture. As a tribute to the style of the Memphis group, Robert Majkut has designed a dedicated collection of furniture inspired by them, such as a console in the entrance, a TV cabinet and table in the living room and a chest of drawers in the bedroom. This coherent and bold collection of sculptures-objects fulfils its concentrating, colour-sculptural role, giving a distinct character and unambiguity to this effusion of intensity. A number of distinctive forms and juxtapositions were used in the design of the console located in the lobby, including the most popular Memphis pattern - the squiggle, otherwise known as 'bacterio'. A table and TV cabinet using ornaments typical of the style were also designed in the convention of the Italian group. The collection was created in collaboration with the Dawidczyk Brothers carpentry workshop.

The whole is complemented by the owner's furniture and meticulously selected additions in the form of Casina armchairs, Minotti sofa, or other furniture from companies such as Porada, Ekstorm, Bosa, Pouenat, Takeushi, Kundalini.

The living room and bedroom interiors are dominated by fleshy fabrics with thick weaves and colours from well-known and respected brands Kirkby Design, Zimmer+Rohde professionally stitched and upholstered to order in collaboration with Ardeco Studio and silk and velour textile wallpapers of high quality by Vescom, Phillip Jeffries, individually selected and made colourful mirrors, shades and carpets made to order by CS rugs factory from the Cameleon Collection. Finally, the highlight of the project is a kitchen ceramic wall made based on inspiration from a selected painting by a Canadian artist, whose transcriptions into the language of ceramics were first precisely designed and then crafted. It is an expressive dominant feature of the interior created by means of traditionally fired, sophisticated colours, realised in collaboration with Ardea.

The hand-formed work has been transferred into the kitchen space providing an artistic respite, but also a backdrop to the urban life of the house, blending in with furnishing details such as the Gessi kitchen tap with its ceramic stem in the colour of carmine certainly.

Robert Majkut appreciates the sensitivity and artistry of other artists and seeks out original and unobvious works that complement his vision of a place, which was the case in his collaboration with the OAK Gallery in Paris. For this project, an Art Object - Mirror by Christophe Gaignon/Signature Collection was created with a special dedication to the owner of the interior.

From the Author:

“This beautiful living space came out as an intense mixture of colors, bold forms, a tribute to the joyful, colorful times of artistic design - it was and it is all about playing with conventions and joy liberated from the obvious. Just like the person who lives here! Thank you, Barbara.”

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In this week's interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Residential Budget Up To £50,000 category, Co-founder of ID4U Studio, Viktoriya Moshchynska shares the concept and decisions behind the design, approach to enlarging a small space and working within the budget.

This small apartment was made for rent. It was important to create space that would fit a lot of people’s expectations but preferably for a young couple. The building is situated in beautiful place surrounded by nature.

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

Because this property was made for renting the main idea was to create a simple design which can easily meet expectations of working singles or a couple. We also wanted to replan the space so it could look bigger and lighter and every inch of it could be functional. Our work started with layouts and constructive documents. Because our budget was limited I had to use some materials that were in stock at that moment. For example, we chose this simple white textile for the kitchen but decided to put it in a chevron way and make the black seams.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

We never thought about this project as of a special one. We just tried to create a nice place. Our client gave us full freedom within the budget and this worked out very well. This means that the best result is achieved when your client trusts you.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

We are from Ukraine. We know that there were 16 Ukrainian projects that got into the final in 2022, two of them won a category. I think, it shows that the interior design sphere is well developed in my country, and the work of our architects, designers and manufacturers, as well as my work personally, meets international standards and trends. It's an important message that we as Ukrainians send to other European countries.

How do you approach design projects with a limited budget? Do you have any tactics you use to get the most out of it?

After 14 years of work I now know exactly which parts of an interior are worth spending on and which are not.

Space changes that require constructive works are worth spending on. I also never use cheap bathroom sets and taps, etc. The rule is simple: you shouldn't save on things that are in-built within the apartment.

The other important rule is never buy fake. I can always find interior objects within the budget. I like to buy small furniture and decor from mass market producers. At the same time I only use authentic Art for my projects. It's my favorite mix of something expansive and something cheap. Like when you wear an H&M t-shirt with a GUCCI skirt.

The wall inside the apartment was replaced with a glass one - what was the inspiration behind it and were there any difficulties/considerations that came with that?

In my strong opinion, inner architecture is the main thing of future interior. Standart planning never works. Rooms in this apartment were divided by a wall. It made them small and dark. Decision with a glass wall came to my head the first moment I entered the apartment. I instantly knew that we needed it. The only thing that stopped us was the price. But we assured my client that it was worth it. And she never regretted it. The wall completely changed the space by making it look bigger and lighter.

The space, although small, seems spacious and airy. How did you achieve this effect in this project?

Apartment used to have a covered separated gallery. We decided to add it's space to the living room. We demolished the wall between the living room and the gallery. The living room became bigger. But the most important thing is that we could now enjoy this wonderful view over the Dnipro river through big windows which we didn't see before. A lot of natural light now fills the whole apartment through the windows and the glass wall and makes it look airy.

Questions answered by Viktoriya Moshchynska, Co-founder, ID4U Studio.

Whilst the majority of Britain is working from home, it is more important than ever to create a bedroom that is serene and harmonious. Your bedroom is not only where you sleep but where you begin and end the day by reading, meditating or simply unwinding. We have put together this guide on how to create a relaxing and restful bedroom.

Tidy the area

When trying to establish the key elements to change or improve in your bedroom take some time to clear the room by removing items that you no longer want and ensure that everything is put away. This will help you see the room as a blank canvas and make gaps or missing items clear.

Colour

Select a colour that is the most calming for you. A neutral base palette, such as ivory or sand, will open up the space making it feel clean, light and bright. It will also give you maximum flexibility with your space. If you do not like neutral colours then consider muted colours such as sage green or duck egg blue. To give your bedroom a refined and sophisticated finish choose a fabric wallpaper to bring texture and warmth to the space.

Bed

Position your bed against a wall, with space either side, and select an upholstered headboard with piping or studs to add an element of detail. To recreate a 5-star hotel feel at home use a mattress topper and double up your duvet inside the covers for a sumptuous sleeping experience. For maximum comfort, invest in the best bedding you can afford with a high tread count. Add to your bed by selecting some decorative cushions with small scale patterns or textures with a cashmere throw at the end of the bed.

Furniture

It is important that you do not have too much furniture in your bedroom as this will make it feel cramped. Think carefully about what is important to you. If you have limited storage space then choose a beautiful chest of drawers or if you want a space to get ready at then choose a dressing table and chairs. Consider the furniture’s size and shape so that it fits within the proportions of the room. When accessorising your bedside table carefully select some key pieces, such as a jewellery dish and a candle, so that you do not clutter the space.

Scent

Your bedroom should aim to connect all your senses seamlessly to evoke the feelings and emotions you desire. By bringing scent into the bedroom you can set the tone and mood in your bedroom. You should consider picking a scent that is appropriate for the season: light and floral scents of the summer, deep autumnal and forest scents for autumn and spicy, festive scents for the winter.

Lighting

Lighting is important to create a calming ambience in your room. Having a dimmer switch on the main light in your bedroom will help to create softer lighting. If this is not possible, you can create a restful environment by turning off the main light and utilising reading lights on your bedside table for warmth and comfort.

Tips provided by Alexandra Jurkiewicz, Creative Lead, Helen Green Design.

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Consistently expanding on its contemporary custom designed offering sofa.com is delighted to introduce the launch of the SS23 Collection to a trade audience.

Launched on February 7^th, the new season collection at sofa.com is a celebration of bespoke, high-quality comfort and sleek, shapely style. The collection comprises two hero upholstered seating options, new dining and storage furniture, and expansions of best-selling ranges, with a focus on growing bedroom and dining categories as well as presenting range expansions for the residential areas. Catering for a range of design specifications across commercial and residential projects, the collection introduces two main trends, with elements of coastal charm and modern rustic weaved through new product design.

The overarching palette for Spring is one that calms and comforts. Relaxed shaping and minimalist detailing are present throughout. Thirteen additions to the already vast assortment of fabric options include new varieties of velvet, subtly patterned weaves, and trendy tweeds, with a myriad of seascape blues central to the selection. All pieces of the expansion are also available as COM to create bespoke options to allow designers breadth of choice.

• Carmel joins the upholstered furniture family as the all-encompassing comfy sofa choice, with a relaxed slouch and bulbous features. Extra cushioning creates oomph and a welcoming squish. Available as armchair, sofa, chaise and footstool to create a complete and streamlined aesthetic.
• Memphis plays with negative space with shapely open detailing core to the new dining table design. Available as rounded, square or rectangle, with a wooden top – configure to suit varying dining requirements from intimate meals to family gatherings.
• The perfect occasional chair for modern design lovers, the Seattle armchair, with clean lines and a simple silhouette, is a statement seat that epitomises sofa.com’s new contemporary design handwriting and a desire to cater for countless décor schemes.

Speaking on the collection, trade development manager Laura Tarratt comments:

"We have seen a slight uptick in coastal and rustic styling and predict these themes to be the trends for 2023. Our new SS23 collection perfectly caters for these re-emerging themes with relaxed and minimalist shaping present throughout the collection. This season seating is at the core and we wanted to ensure each sofa, dining seat or armchair would stand alone as a beautiful, functional residential piece but also work to create a statement within restaurants, bars, office meeting room or set the scene in a hotel lobby."

"The overarching palette for spring is one of light tones and natural materials that embody comfort.  Beautifully represented with plush velvets and subtle patterned weaves, we are expecting coastal themes to emerge in hotelier commercial and residential projects. Complementing this neutral colour scheme is the presence of rustic textures and solid fabrics rather than patterns.

Modern rustic radiates a relaxing and comfortable feel, which fits in with people’s desire for cocooning furniture.  Boasting over 75 fabrics and the option to upholster all pieces in COM, our in-house team can fulfil any project brief becoming a one-stop shop for our growing interior designer clientele base."

Cover image: Sofa.com Seattle accent chair in Oyster boucle £940 each and Alexandria side table in black £310

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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 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.