This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a modern fitness centre which proves that working out can be a stylish experience! The circular reception area is surrounded by wooden grids which curve towards the ceiling, meeting at the centre. This arresting design feature acts as a point of focus, creating instant visual intrigue as you enter into the space. A feeling of openness is created by circling multicoloured glass which is designed to divide (but not completely separate) internal spaces with its transparency. The glass panels also add an air modernity and vibrancy as the light shines through, casting colourful shadows. Huge semicircular lampshades and sturdy triangular prisms also punctuate the space. Other features include black iron artwork studded with metal rivets and cement walls clad in wood which come together to create an industrial aesthetic and evoke the feeling of strength.
SBID Awards: Healthcare and Wellness Design finalist sponsored by Stone Federation
Company: The XDH Design Firm
Project: Five Fitsport
Location: Guangxi, China
What was the client's brief?
Five Fitsport is located on the fifth floor of the National Film City in Nanning ASEAN Business District, Guangxi. It is a fitness centre combining sports and leisure, with an area of 3578㎡.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The design inspiration of the project was to combine the strength of fitness with materials in the form of an industrial style, so as to express the theme of exercise. The space is interspersed with coloured ground glass, reflecting light and shadows to convey movement and the rhythm of the movement.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The most difficult obstacle to be overcome in the project was that the overall design needed to optimise the structure by combining the factors such as mechanics and considering the connection and grade of steel structures to achieve the practicability of the structure.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
The highlight of the project is that the design scheme of the space is fully open plan but zoned in a creative way using coloured glass, so the design fits the modern yet industrial aesthetic with design elements which introduce colour and vibrancy. The special design feature of the suspended ceiling in the fitness area also adds to the visual focus.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious and interesting activities in the industry, and the competition is also very fierce. Participating in such a competition has been a very interesting and valuable experience for us!
Questions answered by Denver Hsu, Chief designer at The XDH Design Firm
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring SBID Award winners for the sustainable retail design for cosmetic brand, Lush with the opening of their largest global store in Liverpool, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Healthcare and Wellness design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID Awards 2019 | Healthcare & Wellness Design finalist sponsored by Stone Federation
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a total interior renovation which was designed to create a residence that better reflected the family’s dynamic and appeal to their personal tastes. Nestled in picturesque Forest Hill, Toronto, this Georgian styled 10,000 sq ft house has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms for five children and two adults; an upgrade from their previous three bedroom home! Powell & Bonnell incorporated a blend of pattern on pattern, bold furnishings and courageously contemporary art pieces into this playful residential design to enrich each space with unique character and charm. The result is a home fit for family fun and entertainment, for all that pass beyond the threshold of this lively, design-led home.
SBID Awards: Residential Design Over £1M finalist sponsored by THG Paris
Company: Powell & Bonnell
Project: The Well Hued Home
Location: Ontario, Canada
A total interior renovation, to create a residence that better reflected the family’s dynamic and appeal to their personal taste. The client called for an abundance of colour and whimsical personality as a principal inspiration for this new residence. An inventory of existing furnishings, mostly from the previous residence, also needed to be restyled and upholstered to be incorporated into the new design. Our goal was to mix pattern on pattern, bold furnishings and courageously contemporary art pieces to enliven every room.
Without a doubt the client’s love of art and travel. Family trips to London and New York with stays in boutique hotels had exposed the client to an informal more effervescent design style and helped their curiosity for contemporary art and design blossom. Much of the art was selected by the homeowner themselves which gave us a starting point for colour schemes and concepts for each room, making this residence just right for showcasing the client’s eclectic interests!
To think back, the idea of making all those colours work in one house was really the biggest hurdle! We knew the house, we had worked with the client before, the contractor we worked with also executed the family's first renovation with us, so the usual difficulties that arise in those "getting to know you" areas, wasn't a problem when it came to working on this project.
The house is entertaining, even the "serious" rooms like the dining room and living room, which children are often discouraged from using have a youthful and fun loving flair, without being juvenile. The key is in the fabrics - we used quite a bit from our collection of textiles when upholstering items for this house. The Powell & Bonnell textile collection is made of commercial grade fabrics that have a residential feel and appearance.
We were attracted by the opportunities and potential exposure for international design in the competition. It is well run and well respected. We have entered it many times, and love the awards presentation!
Questions answered by Fenwick Bonnell, Partner and Albert Limshue, Senior Designer at Powell & Bonnell
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring SBID Award winners for the stunning residential design which showcases sophisticated luxury for a 19th century apartment, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID Awards 2019 | Residential Design Over £1M Finalist sponsored by THG Paris
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