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/ EDITOR’S NOTE / PHOTOGR A PHY CHIN O SA R D E A
Y
ou aren’t imagining it; d+a is a little different this issue. For starters, we have given the design some A&A, in renovation speak. The result is more breathing space in the layouts, a
fresh set of fonts and overall, a chicer appearance. I hope you like it. Another change this issue is the introduction of the new section, Life (page 96). As its name suggests, it offers snapshots of how design is applied in other disciplines outside of the built environment. We kick things off with a spread on interesting dial designs on timepieces, and a feature on fitting out a private jet. I hope this section will inspire ideas and concepts in your next project. Elsewhere
in
the
magazine,
look
out for two stories written after a trip to Germany in January. One is the coverage of Heimtextil (page 22), a fair that increased my
appreciation
of
textiles
and
the
important role they play in softening the edges of a space. The other is of a visit to the unconventional Hansgrohe Aquademie (page 16), the headquarters of the bathroom and kitchen fitting manufacturer, nestled deep in the Black Forest in the town of Schiltach (right). Of the projects I have featured, Stellar (page 30), which appears on the cover, is a study in balancing form and function. Located in Gujarat, India and designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, the mixeduse building stands out for a rust-red, sculptural volume, inspired by origami, perched on the open, north-oriented terrace. I also want to draw attention to Sun City Kobe Tower (page 68), a 35-storey building dedicated to luxury senior living, designed by Richard Beard Architects and BAMO. Together, they have successfully created a resort-like experience with a plethora of beautiful communal spaces. I hope it will spur someone to replicate the model in our neck of the woods to accommodate our ageing population. I cannot end my note without touching on the scourge that is COVID-19. I am sure it has impacted you in one way or another – it has affected operations at d+a. Nonetheless, let us continue to be socially responsible, practise good personal hygiene and above all else, keep calm and vigilant.
Low Shi Ping Editor
/ CONTENTS / ISSUE 115 2020
76
MOOD BOARD
10 12 14
BUILDING BLOCKS
68
BOLD IMPRESSIONS POWER TRIP
FEATURE 16
WET, WET, WET
REPORT 22 SPINNING A GOOD YARN
PROJECTS 30 COMMERCIAL / STANDOUT STRUCTURE 38 COMMERCIAL / MANUFACTURING UNDER
THE TUSCAN SUN
46 EDUCATION / A VILLAGE FOR CHILDREN 54 ABODE / FORMED BY CONFIDENCE 60 ABODE / RED, REAL, RETRO
68 RESIDENTIAL / AGEING LUXURIOUSLY 76 RESIDENTIAL / SUSPENDED IN TIME 82 DINE / UNEXPECTED VIEWS
ALEXANDER SEATING SYSTEM
|
RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN
DISCOVER MORE AT MINOTTI.COM/ALEXANDER
SINGAPORE BY MARQUIS INTERIORS 328 NORTH BRIDGE ROAD #02-10/11/12/13 RAFFLES HOTEL ARCADE SINGAPORE 188719 T. +65 6338 2822 - MINOTTI@MARQUIS.COM.SG
/ CONTENTS / ISSUE 115 2020
/ ON THE COVER Rust-red aluminium composite panels make up the office space of Stellar (page 30), a mixed-use project in Gujarat, India by Sanjay Puri Architects.
38
46 PEOPLE 88 THE CAREGIVER 90 THE NARRATOR
LIFE 96 DRIVEN BY DESIGN 98 TAKE OFF COUNTDOWN 102 BIRDS OF A FEATHER
REGULARS 4 EDITOR’S NOTE 94 BEST PRACTICE 106 SUBSCRIPTION 107 CATALOGUE 112 AVANT-GARDE
Happy D.2 Plus. Design and technology perfectly combined. The perfect combination of iconic design and innovative technology: the bathroom classic Happy D.2 Plus with harmoniously rounded corners in new variants. The unique Duravit technologies like the patented c-bonded open up new, individual solutions. Design by sieger design. For more bathroom design visit www.duravit.com
/ MOOD B OA R D /
BOLD IMPRESSIONS OWIU REDESIGNS THE LOBBY OF A SINGAPOREAN ARCHITECTURE FIRM. WORDS LOW SHI PING /
make up a continuous narrative.
P HOTOGRAPH Y OWIU AND ALEX TANG
Equally eye-catching is the curved feature wall of vertical timber strips, conceptualised
using
parametric
design, forming a backdrop to the visitor seating area. Together, these different elements come together to offer visitors to ADDP a first impression of creativity, dynamism and attention to detail – qualities that every architecture practice should be known for.
A
DDP Architects’ office in Tanjong Pagar sports a new lobby. Designed by Los Angeles-based design firm
OWIU, it has a distinctive patterned ceiling that immediately catches the eye. Wood was used to construct the threedimensional modules, which double as a light fixture offering varying brightness, according to the angle of the fin in each one. The fins are made of reconstituted wood processed by a CNC machine, resulting in a stronger consistency in the grain and greater structural integrity. Using white as a dominant colour, the ceiling appears to “flow” down to the reception desk through a structure made from a thermoformed solid surface, which enables dual curvature surfaces to be created. This is joined to the marble desk to
10
SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OWIU AND ITS TWO FOUNDING PRINCIPALS JOEL WONG AND AMANDA GUNAWAN.
/ SPECI A L R EPORT /
THE SOCIAL KITCHEN AT THE HEART OF THE HOME THROUGH ITS HUMANCENTRED DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF A LIFE LIVED AROUND APPLIANCES, FISHER & PAYKEL IS REIMAGINING WHAT HOME APPLIANCES SHOULD BE.
With a strong focus on aesthetics, Fisher & Paykel offers a family of appliances that can be distributed throughout the kitchen to support patterns of use. Good kitchen design allocates areas in which specific tasks are grouped. For example, the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher can be installed by the sink for crockery, with another for glasses by the bar — allowing you to configure the kitchen to suit the way you work and live.
T
By observing the way kitchens were used, he traditional kitchen hasn’t just evolved
Fisher & Paykel found that people opted to place the
— it has also moved. In the past, kitchens
DishDrawers side by side in their kitchen cabinets,
were usually tucked away at the back of
rather than one above the other. To accommodate
the house, as a separate space hidden away from
this, Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer™ Dishwashers
the living areas. Today, it is the heart of the home
also allow the cabinetry to float above the floor
— a multifunctional place where people socialise,
without a kickstrip if preferred.
entertain and cook.
DID YOU KNOW
Innovations like these demonstrate how Fisher
Fisher & Paykel is leading an evolution in home
& Paykel has its finger firmly on the pulse of what
appliances that reimagines the home, with the
is happening in the kitchen – something which
kitchen at its heart.
designers surely appreciate.
Fisher & Paykel is New Zealand’s award-winning appliance brand tailored to human needs. It prides itself on challenging conventional designs, with a heritage founded on a pioneering spirit and culture of curiosity.
11
/ MOOD B OA R D /
BUILDING BLOCKS A POP-UP MUSEUM IN BEIJING USES ITS ARCHITECTURE TO INVITE EXPLORATION INTO HIMALAYAN ART AND CULTURE. WORDS LOW S HI PING / PHOTOGRAPH Y NAN XUEQIAN (ONE TAKE ARCH IT ECTS ), WANG S HILU ( RANSHI VIS ION)
O
ne Take Architects has designed the pop-up Mandalas Digital Art Museum in Beijing, China.
The predominantly plain, white, angular
structure reveals a surprising detail as visitors get near: skirting the base is a mirrored surface with a silhouette akin to a mountain range, specifically that of the Namcha Barwa in the Himalayas. Flights of stairs are sporadically cut into the façade too – some leading nowhere, others to the roof of the pop-up. It all starts to make sense when it is revealed that the design concept is a response to
Chinese
Buddhism
culture
and
the
psychedelic exhibition inside the museum is themed upon Himalayan art and culture. Each of the blocks that makes up the structure can be reorganised into a dKyil-‘khor (an inner, sacred palace or Buddha realm, translated as “mandala” in English). This
echoes
an
interpretation
of
the Mandala Sandpainting: when one is completed, a dKyil-‘khor is also established in space and time. The Mandalas Digital Art Museum aspires to bring this immersive experience to the
12
residents of Beijing, offering them a glimpse of the mysteries of the Himalayas and its culture to this urban metropolis.
/ SPECI A L R EPORT /
MINIMALIST, MASCULINE, MODERN THIS NEW FURNITURE COLLECTION FROM ALT.O BY COMMUNE RANKS HIGH ON SOPHISTICATION AND STYLE.
T
here is something compelling about the combination of wood, brass, leather and steel. Using these materials and a design language of straight lines, symmetry and a sense of lightness, the Linate furniture collection from Alt.o by Commune becomes one that
celebrates minimalism, masculinity and modernity. Here are three of our favourite pieces. LINATE HIGHBOARD Appearing to lightly float above the ground is this highboard standing at 1.4m tall. Its dark, smoked oak veneer lends it a sophisticated air, further reinforced by doors and drawers fitted with the award-winning nickel-plated steel Hettich Sensys hinges and runners respectively that operate noiselessly. LINATE ARMCHAIR Solid American oak is used to make the curved arms and tapered legs of this armchair. On the back rest are tufted button details that give it a modern retro lift, making it sit comfortably in industrial, contemporary and minimalist interior design styles. LINATE EXTENDABLE DINING TABLE The slim, powder-coated gunmetal steel legs of this table belie the fact that it holds up a top of smoked oak veneer overlain on solid rubber wood. Brass elements on the four corners add a modern trendiness whether it is 1.6m or 2.4m long.
13
/ MOOD B OA R D /
POWER TRIP THIS LEXUS MODEL PROMISES TO CONVERT YOU WITH ITS SPORTS SEDAN DESIGN. WORDS LOW S HI PING
H
ow can a car be a sedan and sporty at the same time? The designers of Lexus have proven it is possible through the
IS that is dynamic, sleek and athletic. On the front, the restyled spindle grille is flanked by prominent air intakes and tipped by the headlamp clusters, giving it a resolute appearance and heightening the sense of power and agility. An enhanced character line runs the length of the car’s silhouette. It accentuates the shape of the body and emphasises the broad flare of the wheel arches, giving the IS a wide and powerful rear stance. Round
14
the
back,
rectangular
chrome
exhaust tips accentuate its sporty nature.
ergonomic seat from which to enjoy the double
The rear light clusters feature the trademark
wishbone front suspension system with a
L-shape motif, bringing the attention to a firmly
multi-link rear system for excellent grip and
planted stance of the sedan.
steering response.
The interiors prioritise driver comfort –
After owning the IS and experiencing all it
everything from controls displayed in a way
has to offer, it will be equally difficult to switch
that follows a single line of movement, to an
back to a sports car or a sedan.
/ SPECI A L R EPORT /
BECAUSE I’M HAPPY DURAVIT INNOVATES AND EXPANDS ONE OF ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL COLLECTIONS.
Responsible for this is the patented c-bonded process that prevents the need for any protrusion or recess of either parts. The result is the maximising of storage space, while still being able to retain the purity of the form of the archetypal washbasin that characterises the Happy D. collection. This addition was done in collaboration
T
with sieger design and can come as a he best way to appreciate Duravit’s
wall-mounted vanity unit with drawers,
latest c-shaped innovation is through
or floor-standing metal console with or
an aerial view of the 2020 edition of
without shelving.
the Happy D.2 Plus washing area.
Cover the vanity unit in Graphite Super
The furniture that comes with the ceramic
Matt with an anti-fingerprint coating, or
basin wraps around its side like a second skin,
select Black Matt for the metal console
with only a barely-visible 4mm gap between
– the options are varied and aimed at
the two.
keeping you, well, happy.
15
/ FEATUR E /
WET, WET, WET A VISIT TO THE HANSGROHE AQUADEMIE ALLOWED US TO SOAK IN ALL THAT THIS GERMAN MANUFACTURER HAD TO OFFER. WORDS LOW S HI PING
B
ring your swimsuit. This was the instruction given ahead of a visit to the Hansgrohe
Aquademie in Schiltach, a town in the Black Forest in Germany. It would not be unusual, except that it was January and the temperature typically hovers around zero degrees Celsius then. But pack a swimsuit I did and after a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Frankfurt, I learnt why. While it has evolved into offering products for the bathroom and kitchen, the Hansgrohe Group still has a strong focus on the shower experience. This, visitors to its Aquademie (or headquarters) get to sample first-hand,
curated by the hansgrohe and Axor brands. Like an overgrown child, I gleefully tried
literally, through Showerworld.
out the different products, while feeling a
A VERITABLE DOWNPOUR
little bit guilty for playing with water (I was
Hour-long slots of the entire 200m2 space can be booked, mainly made up of a
later reassured that it is recycled for use to flush the toilets in the facilities).
huge, open-concept bathroom, installed with
The newest hansgrohe range, Rainfinity,
more than 20 different shower experiences
was on proud display, its overhead shower with its three-jet variant considerately angled so that my hair would not get wet. I finally got to try the much-talked-about PowderRain spray mode, where the water droplets do indeed envelope than bounce onto the body like a fine cloak and gently moisten the skin. What had me reluctant to leave was the AXOR ShowerHeaven, by Phoenix Design. A sleek panel on the side controls four different jet types. Two come from directly above, including one that massages the crown of the head through a mono jet, while another two pairs can be activated through adjustable wings that open up and target either sides of the body. Fun aside, Showerworld is a wonderful concept by Hansgrohe that all architects and interior designers should experience to have a better understanding of the Group’s
1
16
shower product offerings.
1. ShowerWorld is a 200sqm space with more than 20 shower experiences to enjoy.
/ FEATUR E /
2
3
4
indoors – something a collection like AXOR STARCK complements perfectly. The Aquademie also carves out space for its latest products, with the RainTunes range from hansgrohe currently taking the limelight. This is a digital shower system that controls the water, light, sound and scent in seven different multi-sensory scenarios, such as ones for the morning, relaxation and mimicking nature.
HISTORY LESSON
2. The Museum for Water, Bathrooms and Design in the Aquademie depicts the evolution of the private bathroom. / 3. Collect ideas on how to design a bathroom with products from AXOR and hansgrohe.
Two minutes away by car is the Group’s
a wealth of information about hansgrohe,
Schiltach West Plant, producing brass faucets.
AXOR and even a section showcasing the
Running 24 hours a day, the 25,000m2
evolution of the private bathroom from the
Plant is manned by 600 employees who work
beginning of the 20th century to present day.
across three shifts.
Tours can be arranged and if you are
This is one of three factories it operates
lucky, the lively and animated Billy Sum-
in Germany, with the rest in France, USA
Herrmann will be your guide.
and China.
Rather than just display a laundry list of
The Schiltach West Plant does end-to-
company milestones, Hansgrohe also chose
end production, hosting everything from
to include significant historical moments
the foundry, to the polishing, electroplating,
that happened around the world to give
PVD and final assembly of the faucets.
visitors context. For instance, in 1993, AXOR was launched with Philippe Starck as its first designer. The year before, the Maastricht Treaty was signed, formally establishing the European Union. Six different spaces make up the section that is the Museum for Water, Bathrooms and Design.
Safety is strictly enforced and quality control a key priority, as seen from how it also manufactures the final assembly machines. From only producing 15 products in 2001, the Plant today can roll out more than 500 different ones, including customised items. Back at Showerworld, my allocated one hour is almost up.
Sum-Herrmann traced how keeping their
I decide to go the whole hog and activate
farm animals clean used to be more important
all four jet types of the AXOR ShowerHeaven.
to humans, right through to the introduction
It feels like I’m getting a luxurious, full-body
of the shower cubicle and later in the 1970s,
massage while standing up.
a flower-power, hippie design style. Today, bathrooms have a much simpler aesthetic, with a focus on bringing nature
18
FACTORY VISIT
Elsewhere in the Aquademie, there is
Since I’m already in a swimsuit in the dead of a German winter, I figured I might as well make the most of it.
4. Get to know the Hansgrohe Group’s historical milestones.
/ SPECI A L R EPORT /
UNIQUELY YOURS THE AXOR MYEDITION COLLECTION IS THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION IN THE BATHROOM.
P
ersonalisation. This is a mega trend
This can be covered with exclusive AXOR
sweeping the design world and
Signature materials, including marble, wood,
AXOR is right at the forefront of it.
leather and glass.
In an industry-first, it has launched
the MyEdition collection, conceptualised in
collaboration
with
Stuttgart-based
creatives Phoenix Design. The highlight is the tap that comes in a bold, linear design, with the plate the perfect stage to express individuality.
An alternative is coating it with the stunning new Satin Black finish. The plate and the rest of the tap can also be customised with AXOR FinishPlus. These include hues such as Polished Gold Optic and Brushed Black Chrome. Being you has never been so easy.
AXOR 69 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239015 Website: axor-design.com Instagram: @AXORDesign
19
/ SPECI A L R EPORT /
HOW SHOULD WE LIVE AT HOME? AN EXHIBITION AT THE VITRA DESIGN MUSEUM EXPLORES THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION, WITH JUNG OFFERING A COLOURFUL PERSPECTIVE. PH OTOGRAPHY LUDGER PAFFRAT H & HENRIK SCH IPPE R
I
t is time for a serious discourse on the discipline of home interior design to decide how we want to live.
These
include
contemporary
issues
of how homes in urban areas are fast
This is the starting point of an exhibition
shrinking in size; to the fascination with
at the Vitra Design Museum, in the German
loft-living in the 1970s; the evolution from
town of Weil Am Rhein.
formal to informal dwelling in the 1960s;
Running from now till 23 August 2020,
the emergence of the use of household
Home Stories. 100 Years, 20 Visionary
appliances in the 1950s; and the birth of the
Interiors is a retrospective on the important
open-space concept in the 1920s.
societal, political, urban and technical shifts
20
impacting the Western abode.
Additionally, it reflects the variety of
HOME STORI ES
100 YEAR S , 20 VIS IONARY INT ER IOR S TILL 23 AUGUST 2020 VITRA DESIGN MUSEUM CHARLES-EAMES-STR. 2 D-79576 WEIL AM RHEIN GERMANY
disciplines that influence this private space,
It understands that colour can limit, open,
from architecture and product design, to fine
connect, separate, attract and even repel,
arts and stage design.
offering orientation in spatial structures.
Visitors walk through 20 iconic and diversely-styled
interiors
by
This is why the Les Couleurs® Le Corbusier
architects
collection is so important. Additionally,
such as Adolf Loos, Finn Juhl, Lina Bo Bardi,
the 63 colours are tones inspired by nature,
and Assemble; artists like Andy Warhol or
enabling them to be combined in every
Cecil Beaton, as well as interior designer
way imaginable.
Elsie de Wolfe. One prevalent theme that will stand out is the use of colours. Offering a more in-
Customisation is also possible, where the LS 990 can be matched with an accent from a cushion or carpet to complement the space.
depth examination of it is JUNG, through
JUNG’s switches (and in fact its smart
presenting its classic switch LS 990 in the 63
and systems too) show this fitting should
unique Les Couleurs® Le Corbusier colours.
not only be considered for its technical
JUNG is a firm believer that colours, just
function. It is also a design object in the
like space and form, have always been a strong
home that is much like how a full-stop
influence in designing residential concepts.
completes a sentence.
Since the 1920s, the Germany switch and
Perhaps the answer to how we want
smart systems manufacturer has been part
to live is still yet to be determined, but
of the narrative of interior design, including
undoubtedly, JUNG is taking a step in the
in homes.
right direction towards finding it.
21
/ R E P O RT /
SPINNING A GOOD YARN WE DROPPED IN AT HEIMTEXTIL 2020 AND DISCOVERED HOW IMPORTANT A ROLE FABRICS PLAY TO THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. WORDS LOW SHI PING / P HOTOGRAPH Y MESSE FRANKFURT GMBH, PIETRO SUTE RA, TH OMAS FEDRA
W
e are all familiar with the physical
important fair for architects and designers to
building blocks of architecture –
visit, allowing them to increase their knowledge
bricks, concrete, steel and timbre
on how to integrate textiles into their projects.
are the most common. While these have an innate beauty of their own, they can come across as cold and hard. The responsibility of softening their edges
its exhibition grounds, spread across 19 halls and attended by 63,000 visitors.
thus befalls upon textiles, which can help to
In addition to showcasing a wide range of
turn spaces both indoors and out into warm,
textiles for the home and hospitality sectors by
functional and comfortable experiences.
almost 3,000 exhibitors, it is also the first major
It is this exact premise that makes Heimtextil (which turns 50 this year) such an
22
Organised by Messe Fankfurt, it was held from 7 to 10 January in Frankfurt, Germany in
fair of the calendar year and offers an important peek into what lies ahead for 2020.
GA Series. Designed to please Comfort Glide
Comfort from the first touch. TOTO has redesigned the internal valve based on users’ touch, ensuring pleasure even in turning it on or off.
Special coating
The ceramic disc, a core valve component, is covered with a special Diamond Like Carbon coating for long-lasting quality.
Precise flow control
Use as little or as much water as you need. TOTO precise control responds to your requirements.
Design luxury
Nuanced design with modern sensitivities and in five finishes so your bathroom reflects your good taste.
Visit us to view the full range of TOTO bathroom accessories and fittings 201 Henderson Road #01-01 T +65 6270 8828 10.30am - 7pm, Mon - Sat watelier.com
/ R E P O RT /
FIVE DESIGN TRENDS Occupying its own 2,000m2 space in a section of Hall 3.0 was Trend Space. This was a focal point of the fair, curated and implemented by trend analysis agency Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, helmed by Anne Marie Commandeur. In doing so, she collaborated with four design studios and two photographers to distil the essence of the five trends that were identified. Binding them together was the theme “Where I Belong�, a reflection of how we are becoming increasingly layered and diverse as individuals, making the answer to the question
TREND 2: PURE SPIRITUAL
of self-identity a complex one.
Finding balance in nature and mysticism CHARACTERISTICS: Calm, stripped back, just the essentials, simple, natural, elemental, pure
TREND 1: MAXIMUM GLAM BY B ASTIAA N DE N E N N IE , P HYGITA L
TEXTILES: Nature-inspired, derivatives from the
Turning the glamorous life tech-savvy
botanical world, real and bio-based faux leathers,
CHARACTERISTICS: Immersive, over the top,
soft sheens, natural coatings, natural fibres
glamorous,
artificial,
fantastic,
BY DA N I E R A T E R H AA R A N D CH R I STO PH BR AC H , R AW CO LO U R
extravagant,
kitsch, eclectic, liberated, expressive, decadent TEXTILES:
Data-inspired
patterns,
crafted
jacquards, fake fur, pile and fringes, fantastic prints, metallic gloss
TREND 3: ACTIVE URBAN Valuing utilitarian, adaptable solutions CHARACTERISTICS: Performance, utility, versatile, functional, young, design-driven, robust, strong shapes, smooth surfaces, fluid curves, sporty TEXTILES:
Performance-oriented,
functional,
guilt-free, marl patterns, grainy surface effects, mesh-up of textures
24
BY SA N N E SCHUURMAN, EN V I S I O N S
/ R E P O RT /
TEXTILE LIBRARY New to the fair this year was the Interior. Architecture.Hospitality Library in Hall 4.2. It was made up of 64 products for contract furnishing, categorised by their functional characteristics. The latter were a useful guide to first-timers of the fair, explaining the traits to look out for when choosing textiles for commercial projects:
TREND 4: HERITAGE LUX BY B A R T HE SS
Celebrating rich historical legacies CHARACTERISTICS:
Magical,
• Sound absorbing
• Hard wearing
• Water repellent
• Flame retardant
mysterious,
Alongside the explanations were examples
nostalgic, historical, surreal, luxurious, elegance,
of products with these unique properties.
elaborate, heavy ornamentation, sensuous
Visitors could then visit the exhibitor in the
TEXTILES: Diaphanous, hand-plisse volumes,
respective halls to find out more.
ornamental patterning, organic grainy surfaces, traced jacquards, silky, drapeable, glossy
For instance, Adawall Wallpaper Factory is a Turkish company producing wallpaper that in addition to looking beautiful, have an acoustic absorption value of AW 0.85, making it suitable for use even in theatres. The Library is also available online at www.textile-library.com. This section doubled as the meeting point for lectures and tours of the fair led by architects and designers, featuring topics like “The Future of Furniture Fabrics” and “Fabrics in the Hotel Sector”.
TREND 5: MULTI-LOCAL BY STE P HE N TAYO A N D JA N HO E K
Embracing global cultural influences CHARACTERISTICS: creative
integrity,
Inclusivity,
diverse
exchange,
identities,
global
influences, cultural fluidity, artisanal, authentic, experimental, heritage, tribal, geometric TEXTILES:
Indigenous
patterns,
organic-
looking surfaces, pronounced weaves, batik,
ikat, printed floral velours, jacquard knits, gobelin weaves, embroidery, beading
26
MAJOR FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY It goes without saying that sustainability was another core focal point of Heimtextil 2020. As with previous years, it produced a Green Directory,
featuring
a
record-breaking
259
sustainable exhibitors within its pages. These were further broken down into those who used eco-friendly materials and processes and had sustainable social standards and
designer Sanne Visser proposes using human
transparency in their businesses.
hair clippings from salons to create ropes, cords
Examples include Portuguese firm Sedacor, which presented its cork coverings, fabrics and yarn.
and netting, substituting synthetic nylon. While the idea seems cringe-worthy at first, we have learnt to never say never to
A dedicated Green Village was also carved out
outlandish ideas.
of Hall 12.0, from which Green Tours were started
In fact, if anything, it would make for a
and content was displayed around how textiles
great story – something which Christiane
are produced in an environmentally-friendly
Muller, the Creative Director of interior and
and socially-responsible way.
industrial design studio Muller Van Tol, shared
Also new this year was the Future Materials Library, an extension of Trend Space, but also underlain by sustainability. agency FranklinTill, it is assembled on the belief that there is a need for a better, more circular approach to sourcing materials. its
name
suggested,
that make sense. “In the end, fabrics contribute to story-
Curated by UK research and innovations
As
during her talk on creating contract textiles
telling,� she said, in addition to all their other positive uses. In fact, walking the halls of Heimtextil is not only a dizzying visual feast, but listening to
it
presented
alternative sources for textiles, including waste
what the exhibitors have to offer through their textiles is like reading a book with no ending.
(denim offcuts), biological bi-products (human
But that is the magic of their product and
hair) and living materials (cotton fibre waste
when the right ones are lain over surfaces
from the textile industry).
within a space, serve to further enrich it and
For instance, British material researcher and
add so much more meaningful layers to it.
27
/ SPECI A L R EPORT /
SOAK IT IN VILLEROY & BOCH DEMONSTRATES HOW ITS BATHS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED IN ALMOST EVERY FLOOR PLAN.
T
here is nothing quite like soaking in a tub at the end of a long day. Unfortunately, not every bathroom has the luxury of space to fit one. Understanding the constraints of small-sized urban spaces, the designers
at Villeroy & Boch have come up with a range of options that overcome this challenge.
BACK-TO-WALL BATHS As its name suggests, this option sees the bath pushed right up alongside a wall with one side running along its length. The result is the freeing up of space on the underside and back for the piping to run. This can also come in many different colours, so while space is saved, style is not.
COLLECTIONS Collaro, Oberon
28
FREE-STANDING BATHS COLLECTIONS Antheus, Hommage, Theano, Finion, Squaro Edge 12
When space is not an issue, the freestanding bath is the option to go with. It can easily become a centrepiece and a striking element that ups the exclusivity of the bathroom. Villeroy & Boch has ones that stand on the floor as subtle statements, as well as footed versions for that vintage-luxe vibe. But their positioning should also be considered. For instance, placing it by a window allows for views to the world outside. A piece that has a more sculptural form deserves a spot right in the middle. Go with a coloured version - there
BUILT-IN BATHS
are more than 200 hues to choose from
Sit it in front of a wall or set it in a corner –
- in an all-white space, or vice versa.
the built-in bath is one of the most versatile
Many models come made with Quaryl,
options that make it an all-rounder. In most
the brand’s exclusive material that is
cases, it can even be customised, fitting
scratch resistant, easy to clean and has
comfortably into tight corners or adopting
a high thermal insulation that keeps the
an asymmetrical shape for a more avant-
bathwater warm for longer.
garde feel. This can be cladded or tiled
COLLECTIONS Collaro, Oberon, Loop & Friends
with a material or colour that complements the design style of the bathroom. Either surface-mounted or concealed taps can be used.
29
/ COMMER CI A L /
1
STANDOUT STRUCTURE THIS INTERESTING, MIXED-USE BUILDING IN INDIA IS A CONTRAST BETWEEN SIMPLE RECTILINEAR GEOMETRY WITH MUT ED COLOUR TONES AND A COMPLEX ANGULAR GEOMETRY AWASH WITH COLOUR. WORDS SASHA GONZALES
W
hen architect Sanjay Puri was tasked with designing a multilevel,
mixed-use
building
in
Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, he said that his brief was “very specific”. The client, Dushyant Goswami from the city developer Suvidha Projects, wanted a structure that housed road-facing retail spaces as well as office spaces that measured 400 to 800ft2 each. The developer also wanted a 5,000ft2 office for itself and requested for the building to be highly visible and suitable for the site’s location and climate. 1. The rectilinear commercial building faces out onto an arterial city road and features retail spaces at the lower three levels.
The resulting construction, Stellar, was completed in 2019 after four years of work. A
rectilinear,
110m-long
commercial
building, it features retail spaces at the lower three levels, and office spaces at the remaining, upper four levels.
ALL ABOUT VISIBILITY “The site faces out onto an arterial city road and the client wanted the retail spaces to make full use of the extensive road frontage,” says Puri, who led the project. “In addition, the building was developed for sale, and because retail spaces are generally sold at a much higher price than office spaces, with ground-floor retail spaces being the most
30
31
/ COMMER CI A L /
expensive, it was important for us to make
terraces for some of the offices at the upper
sure that the retail floors were highly
levels, thereby fragmenting the linearity
visible.”
of the property while creating volume to
To this end, Puri designed the building to accommodate as many retail spaces as possible. He also created direct entry to ABOVE. The rust-red, sculptural office space helps break up the linearity of the property.
these spaces from the road.
dimensional, “flat” structure. To further break up the building’s linearity, as well as fashion a unique identity
A long and wide footpath flanks the
and a clearly discernible office space for
road-facing north side of the building,
the developer, Puri created a completely
ensuring that pedestrians have a clear view
different sculptural volume, inspired by
of the shop-fronts.
origami.
“People in small cities such as this one
“Nestled within an open north-oriented
prefer road-facing shops with high visibility,
terrace, this sculptural office space is set
so we had to get this aspect of the brief
back from the road junction and made with
right,” Puri says.
rust-red, solid aluminium sheets to become
ORIGAMI-INSPIRED DESIGN Linear
32
what might have otherwise been a one-
buildings
can
look
a focal point of the building.” The design team used three different
boring,
muted, stone-textured “Neolith” slabs as
but not this one. Puri added small open
cladding on the façade of the building, to
SITE PLAN
1. Office / 2. Lobby / 3. Services / 4. Private Office / 5. Cafeteria / 6. Security / 7. Terrace / 8. Balcony / 9. Corridor
ELEVATION
SECTION PERSPECTIVE
33
/ COMMER CI A L /
FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL Unique look and identity aside, the building was also designed to suit the climate and be energy efficient. The temperature in Ahmedabad averages 35 degrees Celsius or higher for eight months out of the year, so to reduce heat gain and keep
SANJAY PURI, SA N JAY PURI ARCHITECTS
the office spaces cool and well-ventilated, Puri planned the layout to include large, northfacing terraces and small recessed windows help it to stand out from the terracotta-red aluminium composite panels used for the sculptural office space. “We deliberately designed the sculptural
34
on the southern side. Thirty per cent of the offices open out onto landscaped terraces. Furthermore,
all
the
terraces
are
office space to contrast with the rest
connected to a rainwater-harvested tank, and
of the building, creating an interesting
all the water is recycled and reused. Solar
juxtaposition of colour, volume and geometry,�
panels harness the abundant solar power that
Puri points out.
the city receives.
ABOVE. Inspired by origami, the sculptural office space contrasts with the rest of the building, creating an interesting juxtaposition of colour, volume and geometry.
TERRACE
SIXTH FLOOR OFFICES
AXONOMETRY
FIFTH FLOOR OFFICES
FOURTH FLOOR OFFICES STELLAR
THIRD FLOOR
LOCATION
OFFICES
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India / COMPLETION
SECOND FLOOR OFFICES
2019 / SITE AREA
5,717.5m2 / GROSS FLOOR AREA
18,580m2 /
FIRST FLOOR RETAIL + SHOPS
ARCHITECT
Sanjay Puri Architects / LEAD ARCHITECT
Sanjay Puri / DEVELOPER
Suvidha Projects /
GROUND FLOOR
CONTRACTOR
RETAIL + SHOPS
Spartan Builders Pvt. Ltd. / C&S CONSULTANT
Ducon Consultants Pvt. Ltd. / PT VENDOR
Post Tension Services India Pvt. Ltd. /
BASEMENT 1 PARKING
M&E CONSULTANT
INI Infrastructure & Engineering / LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Sanjay Puri Architects
BASEMENT 2 PARKING
35
/ COMMER CI A L /
36
“We used the extensive length of the site
His only concern was the largely
to full advantage by creating a building that
unskilled workforce and deciding how
was energy efficient,” Puri states.
these workers would pull off the project.
The first- and second-level retail spaces
“Working
in
India
with
mostly
and the office spaces above are easy to access
unskilled workers is never easy, so to
– via the road-facing frontage with vertical
ensure we got the job done the way we
circulation cores in the case of the former, and
wanted, we had to conduct frequent site
the circulation cores on the southern side,
meetings and site checks.
towards the rear of the linear plot, in the case of the latter.
“It was important for us to make sure that the design was adhered to
The circulation and access points for
closely, that our drawings and plans were
the retail and office levels are completely
understood, and that the quality of the
segregated from one another.
workmanship met our high standards.
CAREFUL MONITORING
to the site’s location, the climate of
“This mixed-use building is contextual
Despite the fact that the building combines
the area and the client’s brief, and our
three distinct spaces, Puri says that his team
priority was to bring all the elements
did not face any specific technical challenges.
together cohesively.”
OPPOSITE. The standout terracotta-red feature is made from aluminium composite panels. Puri’s aim was to fashion a unique identity and clearly discernible office space for the developer.
37
/ COMMER CI A L /
MANUFACTURING UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN METROOFFICE ARCHITETTI HAS ELEVATED THE CONCEPT OF A PRODUCTION FACILITY FOR FRENCH HIGH FASHION BRAND CELINE. WORDS PEARLIE TAN / P HOTOGRAPH Y MARCO CAPPELLET T I, MA RG HERITA CALDI INCHINGOLO
1. This modern manufacturing facility overlooks the celebrated vineyards of the Chianti region.
38
1
S
et among vineyards in the idyllic hills of Tuscany, La Manufacture is a new leather manufacturing facility
in Radda in Chianti for French maison Celine. The entire process of creating the brand’s refined handbags and accessories takes place inside the factory – from the industrialisation of materials, to the careful cutting of leather and meticulous assembly of each designer product. Inspired
by
“transparencies,
glass,
glass, glass, and the great view”, architects Fabio Barluzzi and Barbara Ponticelli of MetroOffice Architetti have designed a modern production facility that inspires its employees and artisans with panoramic views of the Chianti countryside. La Manufacture’s suspended façade of glass bricks creates a distinct visual identity with a polished, textured finish, while providing transparency, shade and reflection. This kaleidoscope of grey glass connects deeply with the natural landscape, changing colour throughout the day and reflecting the rich palette of the seasons.
39
/ COMMER CI A L /
40
2
HIGH FASHION MEETS SUSTAINABILITY To imbue the design with the Celine OPPOSITE. A parking garage on the lower level elevates the facility off the ground. / 2. The production floor has a double glass façade that provides efficient insulation while showcasing the views.
identity, a thorough analysis of the brand was fundamental for MetroOffice Architetti. Part of the portfolio of luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, Celine’s ready-to-wear FABI O BAR LUZZI AND BAR BAR A P O NT I C E L L I , ME T R O O F F I C E AR C H I T E T T I
collections and outfit-elevating bags are coveted for their minimalist aesthetic and expert craftsmanship. “It’s clear that architecture does not change as quickly as a fashion collection,” remarks Ponticelli. “A building should represent the essence
Inaugurated Manufacture
in
was
October constructed
2019,
La
on
the
foundations of a former industrial site.
of a brand beyond the collections and
The building occupies 5,200m2 and was
stylists. The Celine brand has always been
carefully designed within the same volume
characterised by a constant search for quality.
to reduce the environmental impact.
“La Manufacture perfectly matches this
Paths and flows optimise productivity as
philosophy, transferring the essence into a
the entire production chain is represented
single building.”
within the facility.
41
/ COMMER CI A L /
ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
42
3
3. The overhanging glass brick screen is an architectural highlight of the building.
LA MANUFACTURE
LOCATION
Tuscany, Italy /
/
COMPLETION
2019 /
4. The production floor offers views out to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
SITE AREA
8,900m2 / BUILDING AREA
4,400m2 / GROSS FLOOR AREA
5,400m2 (4,200m2 for parking) / ARCHITECT
MetroOffice Architetti / LEAD ARCHITECTS
Fabio Barluzzi and Barbara Ponticelli /
4 both summer and winter, resulting in an A+ energy class rating. “For a completely glazed industrial building, this is an exceptional result,” reflects Barluzzi. “Using clear glass to shade the inside of a building is not such a common solution; and making a completely suspended glass wall is even less common.” The expansive L-shaped production floor is the heart of La Manufacture, dedicated to the crafting of Celine’s leather goods. Large windows fill the open-plan area with natural light, while framing inspiring
CONTRACTOR
Ing. Ferrari / CONSULTANT FOR STRUCTURAL PROJECT & REINFORCED CONCRETE
Politecnica / REVIEW OF STRUCTURAL PROJECT, REINFORCED CONCRETE & CONSULTANT FOR GLASS BRICK FAÇADE
CONSULTANT
and service areas over three floors have
glass brick screen wraps around three sides
minimalist interiors in grey and white.
The building is made of transparent
INTERPROFESSIONALE /
and rolling hills. provide adequate shade, an overhanging
for blinds.
PROCESS
Studio Ballardini /
On the north side of the building, offices
the interior and eliminating the need
ADMINISTRATIVE
views of the idyllic landscape of vineyards Designed with a slight curvature to
of the building, filtering the light entering
CONSULTANT FOR
These include a reception area, meeting spaces, a staff canteen and locker rooms. Storage areas in the west are screened with polycarbonate honeycomb panels.
glass that showcases the views and the
The lower level accommodates a 4,000m2
air chamber created by the double glass
parking garage, which inventively elevates
façade efficiently insulates the facility in
the facility off the ground.
FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Politecnica / REVIEW FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
L2i Engineering and Consulting / QUANTITY SURVEYOR
INTERPROFESSIONALE
43
/ COMMER CI A L /
To maximise the potential for the reuse and recycling of construction materials in the future, the architects decided to design a building that could be disassembled once its purpose had been exhausted.
to reduce energy consumption and costs.
INVESTING LOCALLY TO COMPETE GLOBALLY
Materials such as glass was used for
For centuries, Florentine artisans have
the exterior envelope, steel for the vertical
handcrafted leather goods by the Arno River
structures and wood in the roof.
and the coveted “Made in Italy” label is
These also play a fundamental structural role
in
meeting
the
strict
anti-seismic
regulations in Italy.
44
DALI management system and free cooling
synonymous with exceptional quality. The decision to locate La Manufacture in the heart of Tuscany demonstrates the brand’s
Other sustainable features include a solar-
commitment to investing in local workers
panelled roof, LED lighting with an intelligent
with specialised skills, rather than moving
ABOVE. Visitors enter through the main entrance on the northeast corner of the building.
5
5. The reception area of La Manufacture has a minimal, industrial aesthetic in grey and white.
6
6. Offices, multipurpose rooms and service areas are distributed over three floors. /
7 its manufacturing to other countries as many luxury brands have done. Unparalleled views enhance the daily working environment, which is reflected
7. Local employees and artisans hone their craft, inspired by picturesque views.
in the high-quality craftsmanship of the brand’s leather goods. La
Manufacture
is
the
second
manufacturing facility for Celine in Tuscany; the first is located 30km north in Strada in Chianti. The region is also home to production facilities for Dior, Gucci and Prada. Undoubtedly, the artisans at this contemporary atelier have drawn the longer straw given the beautiful space they have to hone their craft in.
45
/ EDUCATI ON /
A VILLAGE FOR CHILDREN BUILT TO A SCALE SUITED FOR CHILDREN AND DESIGNED TO MIMIC THE LAYOUT OF THEIR VILLAGE, THIS KINDERGARTEN IN BEISHA IS A PROGRESSIVE MODEL FOR RURAL EDUCATION. WORDS MICHELE KOH MOROLLO / P HOTOGRAPH Y W U QING SHAN, HAO H ONGYI, MINI LIU
F
uning
County
in
China’s
Jiangsu
province sees a dearth of preschools, especially in its rural villages.
The local government therefore invited
Beijing-headquartered
Crossboundaries
–
an architectural firm that has much experience working with child psychologists to determine the best environments for preschools – to build kindergartens in two of the county’s villages. One of these is in Beisha, a village with a population that consists primarily of the elderly and young children. There is no primary industry in Funing County, so parents there have left their villages to work in the bigger cities. The population in many Funing villages therefore
consists
grandparents
and
mainly
of
elderly
great-grandparents
and
their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The traditional farming work is carried out by the older generation with support from the children. “There are many preschool-aged children in Funing who need to attend a kindergarten, so we built Jiangsu Beisha Kindergarten not just for the children living in Beisha village, but for more than 250 children from neighbouring Funing villages who also attend classes here,” says Crossboundaries co-founder, Binke Lenhardt.
46
1. Jiangsu Beisha Kindergarten in China was designed to blend in with its rural village environment.
1
47
/ EDUCATI ON /
2
Most of rural Jiangsu, including Beisha, consists of flat agricultural plains that are sporadically interrupted by linearly 2. In Jiangsu villages such as Beisha, most of the adults are away working in the big cities, so the population consists primarily of young children and their grandparents and greatgrandparents.
cluster
of
buildings
with
a
strong
relationship to the place. “Beisha
Kindergarten
therefore
arranged trees and two or three level houses
functions as a smaller, slightly modified
with pitched roofs and brick facades.
version of a village, something the children
Sited on a 9,648m2 field that is almost completely open on three sides and set between a very loose configuration of basic village houses, the 2,815.4m2 Jiangsu Beisha
can directly relate to and which has a scale that gives them a sense of familiarity.”
SEPARATE BUT CONJOINED
Kindergarten was designed as a cluster of 13
The architects allocated 13 different
buildings set in a formation that imitates a
units for functional spaces, but kept these
Funing village layout.
units connected through a circulation ring
“Along one side of the site runs the village road, where the user enters the kindergarten. It is meant to be perceived as a natural, integral part of the village,” says the firm’s other co-founder, Dong Hao.
48
a
that links the upper levels of the units via a roofless outdoor platform. On the ground floor is an inner yard that provides protected play areas. On the second floor, the circulation
“For us, it was crucial to enhance the
platform provides lookout spots where the
existing qualities of the site and develop
children can look down onto the yard or out
3
3. A circulation platform on the second level allows the children to observe their friends playing on the ground level.
4
5
4. An inner yard on the ground level encourages spontaneous play. / 5. The scale of the kindergarten is aligned with the natural and architectural landscape of the village.
49
/ EDUCATI ON /
JIANGSU BEISHA KINDERGARTEN
LOCATION
Jiangsu, China / COMPLETION
201 / SITE AREA
9,648m2 /
AXONOMETRY
BUILDING AREA
2815.4m2 / ARCHITECT
Crossboundaries, Beijing / PARTNERS IN CHARGE
Binke Lenhardt, Dong Hao / LEAD ARCHITECTS
Tracey Loontjens, Alan Chou, Andra Ciocoiu, Hao Hongyi / DEVELOPER
Municipality of Yancheng Government / CONTRACTOR
Village local contractor / C&S CONSULTANT
LDI (Local Design Institute) Fu’ning Design Institute / M&E CONSULTANT
LDI (Local Design Institute) Fu’ning Design Institute / QUANTITY SURVEYOR
LDI (Local Design Institute) Fu’ning Design Institute /
at the farmlands beyond, and feel a strong visual connection to their environment.
Another large volume, located in the centre
The yard in the centre of the site is where
of the cluster, houses a multi-purpose room
the children engage in group activities or
that can be shared by all kindergarten groups.
ball games, while their peers standing on the
50
AWARDS
office for teachers.
“The
smaller,
single-level
volumes
circulation platform above can get a good
contain special classrooms, for example arts
view of the game.
and crafts, sports, etc., but can be also used
The larger volumes consist of two levels.
as conventional teaching spaces. Another
Three of these two-level volumes are used
smaller volume was designated as a canteen
as classrooms, while one is used as a staff
and kitchen,” says Dong.
Architecture MasterPrize Honorable Mention Architectural Design/ Educational Buildings
6
6. Small alleys and pathways mimic those found in the village.
51
/ EDUCATI ON /
ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
52
7
A MINI VILLAGE The layout was designed to encourage spontaneous Lenhardt,
is
play,
which
especially
according important
challenge with this project was working
for
with a local construction crew that lacked
preschool-aged children. “The
kindergarten
According to both architects, the main
to
technical know-how with regards to building respects
its
rural
environments and melds with its surrounding
on a flat, rural site. To
overcome
this
challenge,
they
neighbourhood. It fits naturally into the
simplified the design of the structures so
southern Chinese countryside and is not an
the workers could deliver better quality
alien ‘big’ structure, so the user feels as if
construction.
they are still within the village when they are inside the buildings,” he says.
“The
kindergarten
is
designed
to
encourage exploration. Due to the rich
Designed with small alleys, pathways,
contrast between the ‘inner playscape’ –
squares and bigger streets, the children can
courtyards, pathways and platforms – and the
meander in between the units and discover
outer ‘open landscape’ – open plane, garden,
small, secret places tucked away from the
field and playground areas – the children can
main yard.
easily find personal spaces that they like.
“It is a safe environment for outdoor
“The scale and spatial set up allows
learning activities and natural play that enables
the children to identify and relate with
the children to move as they would in their
the kindergarten and to feel a sense of
day-to-day lives within the village,” says Dong.
belonging,” says Lenhardt.
7. An arts and crafts classroom with skylights cut into the pitched roof is housed within one of the smaller, singlelevel volumes.
53
/ A B ODE /
FORMED BY CONFIDENCE GIVEN THE TRUST OF THE HOMEOWNER, PARK + ASSOCIATES DESIGNED A HOUSE PERFECTLY SUITED TO HIS NEEDS WHILE ALSO DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WORDS LOW SHI PING /
1
P HOTOGRAPH Y KH OO GUO JIE
S CAN T HE QR CODE FOR M ORE ABODE STORIES ON TH E D+A WEBSIT E.
1. The semidetached House 25 has a strong, linear design language.
H
affording views out to nature’s tropical bounty.
homeowner has a leap of faith in
“We wanted to take advantage of this,
a reputed architect, he can have a hugely
and developed a narrative where the house is
positive outcome.
also an extension of the park,” says Christina
ouse 25, designed by Park +
house faces a park and children’s playground,
Associates, represents how if a
Located in a residential estate in Bukit Timah in Singapore, the semi-detached
54
Thean, the Director at the Singapore-based architectural practice.
2
SEAMLESS CONNECTION The result is a two-storey-with-attic abode that has something unique: an almost pavilion-like structure as its veranda out front. This is delineated from the driveway through a split level covered with granite 2. The almost pavilion-like structure as the house’s veranda out front is an extension of the dining room and part of the entertainment space.
C H R I ST I NA T H E AN, DI R E C TO R , PAR K + ASS O C I AT E S
flooring upon which an outdoor sofa set is placed. Behind the furniture rises a two-storey void capped with a trellis that is on the same plane as the second floor’s roof, allowing
At its deepest, it measures 9m and also
natural light in at an angle to nourish the
stretches beyond the width of the house itself.
Leopard Tree growing through it.
Its soffit adopts a grid-like configuration,
This has become the anchor point of the
where swathes of oak are separated by pairs
home, offering an added dimension of visual
of horizontal and vertical strips of dark grey
layering and connectivity.
aluminium that have a gap between them for
It was also devised to continue the thread of nature’s tropical bounty into the heart of the home. Another defining feature of the front of the
a sleeker look. This same linear motif repeats itself throughout the house, such as on the second-floor balcony.
house is the sizable cantilever overhang that
“The owner was very unsure about
acts as a shelter for the car porch and veranda.
the veranda at the start, but we assured
55
/ A B ODE /
3
him it will be an ideal space for him to
Flanking its other side is the kitchen,
entertain and also hang out with his family,”
separated by a sliding screen made from solid
explains Thean.
timber strips wrapped in a brushed oak veneer
“When the house was completed and 3. A Leopard Tree grows in the veranda upwards into the twostorey void.
he moved in, he realised it has become an indispensable part of his family’s daily
are shut. Hans
Wegner’s
beautiful
Wishbone
routine. We’ve even seen his kids doing their
Chairs lend more touches of timbre to
homework there after school.”
the interior, giving the space a strong
In fact, the layout of the ground floor is largely driven by the owner’s penchant for entertaining.
56
that still maintains a porosity even when they
Scandinavian aesthetic.
OPEN AND DETAILED
The dining room is the centre of the
Adding to the sense of openness is
house, and when the foldable doors are open,
the generously high ceiling with a height
is seamlessly connected to the veranda,
of 3.75m. This is immediately felt when
making it an extension of the interior.
stepping through the main door.
4
4. Directly above the veranda on the second floor is a balcony. / 5. The twostorey void is capped with a trellis that is on the same plane as the second floor’s roof.
5
6
6. A sliding screen made from solid timber strips wrapped in a brushed oak veneer separates the dining room from the kitchen.
57
/ A B ODE /
SECTION PERSPECTIVE
SECTION A-A
SECTION C-C
58
7 7. In the attic, floor-to-ceiling glass invites views out to the park, retaining that connection to nature. / 8. The master bedroom overlooks the void and, in time to come, the foliage of the Leopard Tree.
8
HOUSE 25
LOCATION
Singapore / COMPLETION
2019 / SITE AREA
384.88m2 / BUILDING AREA
253m2 / GROSS FLOOR AREA
517.03m2 / ARCHITECT
Underfoot,
limestone
tiles
are
used,
chosen for their natural look.
eaves and overhangs – a feature that became affectionately known as the ‘chopsticks’.
The upper floors are occupied by bedrooms
Up in the attic is a family area and the
for the owner and his wife, three children
children’s bedrooms. Here, the expression of
and parents.
the trellis that caps the void is visible and also
The sense of openness is tangible even
repeated on the roof of the second storey.
in the floating staircase, which becomes
Floor-to-ceiling glass on the front façade
visible from outside at night when the house
again invites views out to the park, retaining
is all lit up, further contributing to its linear
that connection to nature.
design language. The master bedroom on the second storey
world,
Thean
and
her
team
have
has one of the best views. It faces the void and,
designed House 25 to be coherent, functional,
in time to come, the foliage of the Leopard Tree.
elegantly
Beyond that is a balcony that sits directly
simple
and
LEAD ARCHITECTS
Lim Koon Park, Chris Thean, Jeeraporn Prongsuriya, Jen Tan / ID CONSULTANT
Stacey Leong Interiors / LIGHTING SUPPLIER
E-Lume / CONTRACTOR
While not particularly fancy or out of this
Park + Associates /
respectful
of
its
advantageous location.
above the ground floor veranda, offering front-
“We have tried to re-think what a semi-
row seats to the canopy of the trees in the park.
detached house can look like, given the
Thean points out that a lot of effort
advantage of not having to maximise the GFA
was made into the detailing of the house,
or built-up. Whether or not we succeeded is
“We designed the railing of the balcony to
debatable;
echo the expression of the beams on the facade
pleased with the outcome.”
more importantly, the owner is
Dreambuild / C&S CONSULTANT
CP Lim & Partners / FURNITURE
Vitra Furniture, Hans Wegner, Ferm Living, Normann Copenhagen, Oluce, Artemide, Muuto, Louis Poulsen / SANITARYWARE
Kohler, AXOR, FIMA
59
/ A B ODE /
2
RED, REAL, RETRO WITH ITS INSPIRED DESIGN CUES, STUDIO BIKIN’S LATEST OPUS EXPLORES VOLUME, LIGHT AND PRAGMATISM IN AN ARTICULATE BRICK DWELLING. WORDS NIZAR MUSA /
1
P HOTOGRAPH Y FA RAH AZIZAN, JUSTIN LEE, LOO JIE HS IN, KI N HIP SDN BH D.
I
n a secluded residential quarter
storey dwelling on the corner-lot site;
of old Bangsar, Sudut House is an
both architects and owner decided
unintentional statement.
a fresh design was a better option
Its moniker – in Malay, meaning
than to renovate the already heavily-
“angle” or “corner” – is aptly coined by
renovated original.
a proud owner describing her home and
neighbourhood, has been a subject of
anything. So, it was a good decision
converse conjecture.
to demolish and rebuild,” says Farah
But such is the draw of architecture well made, exemplified in this instance by
a
considered,
functional
and
humanised design.
A CLEAN SLATE With 6,500ft2 of floor area, Sudut House replaces an existing single-
60
“The existing layout was disjointed
that, among some in the 1970s-era
strange,
we
couldn’t
salvage
Azizan, director at Studio Bikin. Adds the owner who prefers not to be named, “It was more cost-effective that way, and you get the house that you want. You shouldn’t have to restrict your layout just to salvage a couple of walls here and there.” The end-result is a house defined
1 & 2. The folded lean-to roofs of metal standing seam create Sudut House’s silhouette of contrasting dynamism against the pervasive blocks of red brick.
61
/ A B ODE /
by an extensive and centrally-positioned
we felt it was important to bring light and
dry kitchen, offering commanding views of
height into the (new house’s) living spaces,
adjoining spaces such as hall, living, dining
especially when you enter.
and outdoor pool areas. 3. Planting, pool and patio define a simultaneously open and private outdoor environment between house and perimeter.
“That’s why we did a double-height
Importantly, the kitchen is a hub for the family of four, a place to have meals, do work
entrance, because it’s a good way to bring natural light in.”
and share stories, and on occasion, entertain.
The high perimeter glazing, coupled with
Feng shui and security were also key
a lofty ceiling and openings for ventilation,
considerations
in
the
layout;
succinct
planning of the latter, which integrates
produces a well-lit and airy atmosphere within the interior.
roller shutter and door grill into the design,
“People who live in houses which aren’t
allows private areas to be cordoned off,
built with natural light as a priority, when
offering the owner peace of mind without
they come here, they are amazed,” the owner
compromising the brightness and openness
happily validates.
valued by the architects. Recalls Farah, “The original house was quite dark; we were very conscious of it. So,
4. The doubleheight volume of an internal hallway brings natural illumination into the house, eliciting a play of shadows on its feature brickwall.
“I don’t have to turn on any lights, nor the air-conditioning. We don’t use that much electricity at all.”
3
62
4
63
/ A B ODE /
FLOOR PLAN
SUDUT HOUSE
LOCATION
GROUND FLOOR
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / COMPLETION
2019 / SITE AREA
7,950ft2 / BUILDING AREA
3,600ft2 / GROSS FLOOR AREA
6,600ft2 / ARCHITECT
Studio Bikin / LEAD ARCHITECTS
Farah Azizan, Lim Kok Cin, Justin Lee / CONTRACTOR
Kin Hip Sdn Bhd / C&S CONSULTANT
Projurutek Sdn Bhd / LANDSCAPE
Studio Bikin / SANITARYWARE
Hansgrohe, Kohler
FIRST FLOOR
64
PROJECTING WARMTH The everyday clay brick – a Studio Bikin staple – appears prevalently in Sudut House, ABOVE. Stiffeners built into the courses of brickwork extend into a staircase wall, whose double-layer is grounded and lends gravitas to the well-lit main hallway.
laid in specific bonds and orientations to form the building’s façades, perimeter walls, staircase edge and even the driveway. FAR AH AZI ZAN, DI R E C TO R , ST UDI O BI K I N
In wall applications, the brickwork is loadbearing and generally unreinforced, relying instead on brick stiffeners spaced at intervals to provide lateral stability. Yet, getting to the desired level of
trouble, as he wasn’t used to laying (exposed)
accuracy required close monitoring, due to
bricks, so we started him on the perimeter
the contractor’s relative inexperience with
walls first. Bricklaying is actually a skill, and
unrendered brickwork and off-form concrete.
his workers weren’t trained to do it. But they
Shares Farah, “Initially, we had some
were open to learning, hence the results.”
65
/ A B ODE /
6
5
7
5, 6 & 7. Bespoke iron grill work, on top of communicating a retro styling, serves as a layer of security in preventing unwanted ingress through windows and even within the house itself. / OPPOSITE. The dry kitchen is planned as a central element within a series of hall, living and dining areas, providing occupants with unobstructed views to all corners of the house, including the outdoor spaces.
Where the red of fired clay projects raw earthiness, the house’s metal standing seam roofing speaks of dynamism and industrialgrade precision. Resplendent in a dark grey-brown coat, the sheet material propagates the house’s warm thematic, immaculately wrapped over the east and west sides, and punctuated by window openings with corresponding horizontal overhangs. “Usually
for
our
projects,
we
try
something new, something we’ve never done before. In this house, it was the standing seam roof, and the turndown into the façade,” Farah reveals. “We had so many leaking issues due to roof tiles with a previous project. Not wanting to go through that again, we decided to explore this roof system.” For an introductory exercise in new
66
roofing material, this recent addition to
elevation and lean-to roof profiles, that
Studio Bikin’s repertoire has turned out
combined, are as appropriate a contextual
unexpectedly well.
response as any for a home built in 2019.
THAT 70s 70s VIBE
the neighbourhood,” reflects Farah on the
What begets the earlier conjecture stems
“It’s a nod, a reference to the age of building’s retro feel.
from Sudut House’s modern outlook, its size,
It is just that, and the deft assemblage
contrast and verve, perceivably in contempt
of brick bonds, standing seam roofing and
of the context of decades-old surrounds.
glazing systems, and an overarching practical
Cooler heads will however stop to notice
design, that makes Sudut House an eloquent
the house’s distinct 1970s vibe, such as in
and meaningful contribution to Bangsar’s
the bespoke window grill pattern, front
architectural discourse and landscape.
67
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
AGEING LUXURIOUSLY DESIGNED FOR THE SILVER GENERATION WHO SEEK AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL LIVING ARRANGEMENT WITH THEIR OFFSPRING, SUN CITY KOBE TOWER SETS A NEW BENCHMARK FOR HIGH-END SENIOR LIVING. WORDS ASIH JENIE / P H OTOGRAPHY STEVE H ALL
J
apan is the fastest ageing population in the world.
1. Sun City Kobe Tower is designed such that most of the apartment units have ocean and city views.
International Longevity Centre (ILC),
a global think-tank dedicated to addressing the issue of ageing and population change, estimated that people aged 65 and older make up a quarter of Japan’s total population. And thanks to a host of factors – among them the high average life expectancy of 85 years and low fertility rate of 1.369 births per woman – this number is projected to grow to a third of the population by 2050.
68
1
69
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
2
SUN CITY KOBE TOWER
LOCATION
Kobe, Japan / COMPLETION
2017 / SITE AREA
3 acres / GROSS FLOOR AREA
500,000ft2 / ARCHITECT
Richard Beard Architects / ARCHITECT OF RECORD
ASAI Architectural Office / DEVELOPER
Half Century More / CONTRACTOR
Kajima Corporation / PROJECT MANAGER
MDA / MEP
Kenchiku Setsubi Sekkei Kenkyushu / LIGHTING CONSULTANT
Auerbach Glasow / LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
SWA Group / INTERIOR DESIGN
BAMO / WOODWORK
Tori Kenko Co. / DRAPERY WORKSHOP
Ionia / ART CONSULTANT
Art Advisory Services / AWARDS
2018 AIA Design for Aging, Honor Award; 2017 IIDA Healthcare, Honor Award; 2017 Senior Housing News Award, CCRC Category Winner and International Category Winner
70
Both Japan’s public and private sectors have been working hard to anticipate the inevitable arrival of the silver age. Some call it a crisis, some call it a opportunity to reimagine life for the better. Half Century More (HCM) is of the latter The
company
began
looking
HCM
Chairman
Tomio
Kanazawa’s
research on senior living some 30 years ago
challenge, while others prefer to see it as an
kind.
comfortably and luxuriously.
took him to Sun City, Arizona, United States. Built in 1960, Sun City is a 38km2 retirement community with a median age of 75 years. When it was launched, it offered five home
into
models, a shopping mall, a recreation centre
redefining senior living facilities in the
and a golf course – a breakaway from the
early 1990s.
forlorn nursing home stereotype.
Today, it is Japan’s leading developer
It attracted 10 times more of the crowd it
and operator of senior living communities
had expected, and over the years, it became a
known for facilities in which to age gracefully,
seminal example of a retirement community.
3
Kanazawa was so taken by his visit that he decided to assemble an all-American team
under his interior design firm BAMO. One
of
their
recently-completed
in 1993 to create something similar in Japan.
projects is Sun City Kobe Tower, a 35-storey
Helming this team were architects
residential building that raises the bar on
Richard Beard and Gerry Jue.
luxury senior living with its detail, amenities and vibrant community programme.
CUES FROM THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR “Kanazawa-san
wanted
Beard and his collaborators saw the project as a tapestry of architecture, interior
to
develop
assisted-living projects that felt like resorts, and we had the experience,” shares Beard. Twenty-seven
years
and
a
dozen
and landscape – all three were developed in tandem for a cohesive result.
/
“Assisted living is a unique type with unique
challenges. and
It
has
requires
2. The tower sits in one corner of the site, leaving ample room for a central courtyard with a flowing stream, a variety of perimeter gardens and communal pavilions.
demanding
projects later, the collaboration is still going
programming
strong, through Beard under his eponymous
collaborative process with a sophisticated
a
very
practice Richard Beard Architects and Jue
design team. The key to success rests in the
3. The interior design aims to create a “peaceful harbour”.
71
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
attention to detail,” says Beard.
ABOVE. The swimming pool opens up views to the city skyline.
and craft parlours, to karaoke rooms and
he pulled the tower away from the centre
communal baths with a view of the greenery.
of its three-acre site to one corner, leaving
On the top level of the tower, the
ample room for a central courtyard with
restaurant glows in the evening – a lantern-
a flowing stream, a variety of perimeter
like expression that is a classic hallmark of
gardens and communal pavilions, which are
a luxury establishment.
connected to each other by a partially glassencased promenade.
DISCREET ASSISTANCE
The form of the tower produces many
Sun City Kobe Tower might be designed
corner windows, and most of the apartment
for seniors – you have to wait until your
units have ocean and city views.
55th birthday to apply for a unit – but at first
But loneliness kills the soul faster than ageing, and one of the pitfalls of vertical living is the lack of interaction between neighbours that can develop into isolation. Taking this into consideration, the design team created a host of exciting
72
communal spaces, ranging from library
To craft a resort-like spatial experience,
glance, it appears like an all-age high-end luxury apartment. This is in itself a feat; like how technology should be invisible in a smart home, the “assisting” features in the facility are discreet.
4
4. The communal bath is lined with granite and offers a soaking pool with a view to the garden.
5
5 & 6. The restaurants are designed like fine dining establishments, rich with textiles, stone and high-gloss finishes.
6
73
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
7
7. The entrance to one of the assistedcare units would not look out of place in a luxury hotel.
74
8
8. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glazed windows, the lounge on the upper floors creates a lanternlike glow in Kobe’s skyline in the evening. / 9. The multipurpose ballroom is one of the many communal spaces in the project with a pale, light and clean material palette.
9
They are not a flashing reminder that the residents are ageing and need assistance, but small design interventions that facilitate independence and confidence. The chairs and sofas are just deep and firm enough that the residents can stand up unassisted; table arrangements cater to both group and solo diners; and easily distinguished artworks serve as wayfinding nodes instead of large, airport-like signposts. The interior design aims to create a SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ARCHITECT RICHARD BEARD ON DESIGNING PROJECTS FOR THE SILVER GENERATION.
“peaceful harbour”. The material palette is pale, light and clean – think wood, glass and white stone – on the ground level, and darker and richer on the upper levels (dark wood and marble). “The design does not rely upon literal design
motifs.
Instead,
it
interprets
end alternative to the traditional multigenerational living arrangement.
Japanese philosophy, which can be seen
To date, it has been both a commercial
in the selection of materials, the sculptural
and critical success, selling 50 percent of its
roof forms, the use of wood screens and the
units within six months of its opening.
minimal detailing,” says Beard. Sun City Kobe Tower continues to cater to new waves of seniors who seek a high-
It maintains an 80 percent occupancy, and
has
been
collecting
international
architectural awards along the way.
75
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
2
SUSPENDED IN TIME WHEN THE RESTORATION OF THIS ABANDONED MILL IN BUDAPEST WAS SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN YEARS, THE FORCED PAUSE GAVE T2.A ARCHITECTS TIME TO REFLECT UPON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW. WORDS PEARLIE TAN /
1
P H OTOGRAPHY ZS OLT BATร R
1. While the project was abandoned during the global financial crisis, the architects saw beauty in its decaying concrete torso. / 2. The purple clinker brick reinforces the connection between the original structure, the first phase and the completed project.
I
n the north of Budapest, Hungary, T2.a Architects has transformed an industrial mill into a modern residential loft.
Originally commissioned in 2005, the project saw a
seven-year break halfway through giving the architects pause to reflect upon the dialogue between the past and the present, and to create a smart and sustainable building that thoughtfully preserves its original character. The two faรงades of the Jazz Loft define the architectural relationship between the old and new. Facing the main street, the faded red brick evokes the stoic industrial origins, while the polished purple clinker brick on the new top level and inward-facing walls offer an immediate contrast with contemporary appeal.
76
77
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
FIRST PHASE, 2005 Commissioned to restore the building in 2005, the conservation of the industrial property was the highest priority for T2.a Architects. Constructed in the 1860s, the brick factory was one of the first steam-driven roller mills in Hungary, where grain was ground into highquality flour. It was abandoned in the early 1990s after ABOVE. Inward facing walls have a playful finish with pops of colour from the red and white terraces.
the city. Although it had fallen into disrepair, the architects were impressed by the remarkable
21st century lifestyle into this environment,
samples of industrial architecture, particularly
to give new meaning to this more than
the huge brick walls, wooden slabs and roof
100-year-old building, a living witness of the
structures.
sometimes-turbulent history of the country.”
“The clean, functional building volumes
During the first phase, the residential
(and) rational yet high quality structures were
function, building volumes, vertical cores
outstanding among the neighbouring concrete
and staircases were defined.
block buildings from the 1970s socialist era,” says architect Bence Turányi. “It was an inspiring task to imagine a
78
B E NCE TUR ÁNY I , T2 . a AR C H I T E C TS
modern factories were built on the outskirts of
As building codes didn’t allow them to keep the original wooden structures, the architects were tasked with restoring
SITE PLAN
út svári Vörö
a r utc Huno É
Hévizi út
JAZZ LOFT
LOCATION
Budapest, Hungary / COMPLETION
2019 / SITE AREA
8,350m2 /
the
existing
building
and
developing
harmonious new components. Their solution was to connect a new level of concrete structures directly to the
GROSS FLOOR AREA
6,250m2 / ARCHITECT
T2.a Architects / LEAD ARCHITECTS
Gabor Turányi, Bence Turányi / DEVELOPER
Merkapt Ltd. / CONTRACTOR
Merkapt Ltd.
the relationship between the old and new,” reflects Turányi.
original brick exterior walls, using them
The new third floor, which lay unfinished
as integrated parts to reinforce the load-
in raw concrete, was intended to have an
bearing structures.
anthracite metal façade.
A FORCED PAUSE, 2008
homogeneous purple clinker brick, forming
BUILDING AREA
3,750m2 /
“During a strange but inspiring seven years of decay, we had time to think about
When the global financial crisis struck in 2008, the half-finished project was abandoned with a concrete skeleton, and the old mill once again lay dormant. After seven years, new clients were ready to implement the second phase, with the expertise to integrate renewable energy systems that conform to the nearly zero-energy building requirements in the European Union. Yet, the main vision of T2.a Architects had not changed.
This
was
reconceptualised
as
an asymmetrical roof line that is graceful and understated. “We really wanted to strengthen the connection between the new and the original parts, not just structurally, but in the materiality as well,” says Turányi.
SECOND PHASE, 2016 Developed as a rental housing project, Jazz Loft comprises of 42 units and three commercial-retail
spaces,
with
varied
layouts for two-room (40m²), three-room
79
/ R ESI DEN TI A L /
ELEVATION
FACADE 1
FACADE 2
80
3
4 Interior nostalgia unpainted
stairwells of
exposed
concrete,
accentuate brick,
while
wood
landings
the and are
elevated with grey ceramic tiles and lit with minimal strips of light. White handrails and black balusters create a modern industrial look in these common spaces. To
preserve
the
exposed
brick,
the
architects decided to thermally insulate the internal walls of the apartments, which is different from the standard technical solution. Tenants benefit from underfloor heating and cooling systems powered by energyefficient air to water heat pumps. Aluminium sliding doors and window frames that evoke old steel structures have (60m²) and two-storey lofts (80–100m²).
multi-layer glazing for superior sound and
The property has a longitudinal shape that extends the length of the block.
thermal insulation. Integrated smart technology allows the
Facing the street, the monolithic red brick façade with small arched windows has been handsomely restored.
The architects hope that their solutions
clinker brick has large windows that overlook
old industrial buildings into modern, mixed-
a communal garden and playful, brick-shaped
use complexes, instead of tearing them down.
terraces in vibrant red and white. plenty
4. Minimal lighting and sleek ceramic tiles give the interiors a modern appeal.
and window shades for comfort and privacy. and success will inspire developers to renew
allows
/
convenient control of the temperature, lights
The sunny, south-oriented façade in purple
This
3. Industrial brick and wood elements have been preserved in the stairwells of the housing project.
of
natural
“Budapest is a gold mine in this sense and light
has a lot of potential,” remarks Turányi. “This
while sharing a balanced aesthetic with the
is not just an architectural question, but an
neighbouring apartments.
important sustainability issue as well.”
81
/ DI N E /
UNEXPECTED VIEWS PERCHED ATOP OUE BAYFRONT, VUE WAS DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE THE POTENTIAL OF ITS LOCATION BUT CHIL INTERIOR DESIGN ALSO PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO ITS FINER DETAILS. WORDS PRAISE POH / P HOTOGRAPH Y DES MOND LIM (NIEVE P HOTOGRAPHY), RAYMOND TOH (VINEYARD PRODUCT ION)
1. Clad with oxidised copper metal sheets, the cathedralinspired arched ceiling facilitates an impactful sense of arrival. / 2. Lined with black and gold mezzanine tiles, the dynamic entrance walkway heightens the senses.
82
1
2
1
O
pened in October last year, VUE takes its name from the French word for “view”, highlighting the restaurant’s
strategic location in the penthouse of OUE Bayfront in Collyer Quay. There, diners can feast their eyes on the stunning views of Marina Bay, while indulging in an eclectic fusion of flavours from East and West. CHIL Interior Design, a hospitality studio of B+H Architects, was appointed for this project, with Lian Miew Ching as the lead designer and Dr. Stéphane Lasserre, design principal of B+H Architects, overseeing it. Previously the site for the now-defunct restaurant ME@OUE, VUE’s design is built around the guest experience.
CREATING WONDERFUL MEMORIES A wine collection of over 1,000 speciallycurated bottles deserves to be on display. No surprise then that the client requested for its fridge to be installed at the entrance. Despite its narrow width and sloping ground, Lian saw an opportunity to create a sequence of contrasting experiences starting from the guest’s arrival.
83
/ DI N E /
3
3. A cordless lamp from Neoz can be found on every table, including those on the outdoor balcony, their subtle illumination a backdrop to the view of the Marina Bay.
As they come out of the private lift and
dedicated to the main dining hall, while the
proceed into the restaurant, a decompression
remainder is for the kitchen and private
space is made possible with a sloping path
dining room.
graduating upwards, while being met by
The latter has a dedicated corridor for
the sight of orderly wine bottles in the tall
more privacy, making it ideal too for use as
transparent fridge left of the corridor.
an event space.
Exiting it, guests immediately enter a
Inside, there is a similar but smaller
double-volume area, experiencing heightened
domed-shaped ceiling, and recurring design
senses with the sudden compression space.
motif which can also be found above the al
The cathedral-inspired arched ceiling,
A flexible approach to the seating
entire length of the 60-seat main dining hall,
layout in the main dining area was adopted
adding to the theatrical experience.
with the sole intention of maximising the
Lian
says,
“By
leveraging
on
the
constraints and incorporating it as part of the design experience, we created a highlymemorable and unique guest experience.� Half
84
fresco bar.
clad with oxidised copper sheets, spans the
the
restaurant
floor
area
views of the bay area from every part of the restaurant. Tables are arranged in neat rows facing the window and can be easily rearranged or
is
removed to suit different occasions.
4. The private dinning room is tastefully designed and furnished with Italian furniture brands, a pendant hanging light and patterned carpet.
4
VUE
LOCATION
Singapore / COMPLETION
2019 / GROSS FLOOR AREA
995m2 / DESIGN
CHIL Interior Design (a hospitality studio under B+H) / DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Dr. Stephane Lasserre / LEAD DESIGNER
Lian Miew Ching / CLIENT
OUE Group / CONTRACTOR
W’Ray Construction Pte Ltd / C&S CONSULTANT
KTP Consultants Pte Ltd / M&E CONSULTANT
Envirea Engineering & Consultancy Pte Ltd / QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Rodney Chng & Associates Pte Ltd / SANITARYWARE
Toto, Kawajun / LIGHTING CONSULTANT
Klaasen Lighting Design / KITCHEN CONSULTANT
Foodservice Consultants Singapore (FSCS)
85
/ DI N E /
FLOOR PLAN
CONSIDERED AND DELIBERATE
The long, sleek, light bar hanging from
Complementing the cosmopolitan buzz
the ceiling projects light upwards. It is
of the city, the arched ceiling in the main
warmer in the morning, brilliant with a
dining hall evokes sophistication.
bloom tinge at noon, and finally, segues into
“Creating a cathedral-like effect ceiling delivers a sense of awe and facilitates
calming shades of orange to pink through the evening and night.
an impactful sense of arrival with the contrasting
use
of
compression
and
decompression spaces.
According to Lian, the intention is to synchronise with the human body’s circadian rhythm as the day progresses,
“To mitigate the ‘cold’, several design
inviting a sense of calm and well-being
techniques, such as creating a sense of
while enjoying the gastronomic experience.
warmth and human scale, were put in place,” Lian offers.
To soften the acoustics as well as add a touch of colour to the space, eye-catching
A plethora of dark natural wood veneers and warm-tone leather finishes were used.
patterned carpets in the main and private dining room were introduced.
The furnishings and millwork were all designed at a human scale too.
They were specially customised with wool, silk and viscose. Lian describes that
Lighting is also an essential component for hitting the right mood and ambience.
this unique composition is what makes the colours pop.
The team worked with Klaasen Lighting Design
to
curate
effects
that
change
according to the amount of natural light.
86
Columns are clad with antique mirrors to
blend
in
seamlessly
sophisticated interiors.
with
the
These same mirrors were also applied on the ceiling at the entrance to create the decompressed space of the walkway.
sourced from Giorgetti. For the final touch, the team added a cordless lamp from Neoz on every
The al fresco spritz bar is another great
table, to soften the overall ambience, as
location to admire the city views over drinks.
well as provide enough illumination to
Lighting was integrated into the copper-
make the food look appealing.
finished stainless-steel ceiling, keeping it
“From the beginning, the design
consistent with the restaurant’s overall
team was intuitively focused on quality
clean and refined design palette.
throughout the selection of furnishings
Most of the furniture was sourced from Italy through Casa Italia Global. Dining
chairs
were
procured
and fittings,” says Lian. “Seated guests can feel this at an
from
intimate level, akin to the experience
Bross Italy and customised to fit the concept.
of wearing a beautifully-crafted pair of
The table in the private dining room was
handmade Italian shoes.”
ABOVE. Lighting was integrated into the copperfinished, stainless-steel ceiling, keeping it consistent with the restaurant’s overall clean and refined design palette.
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/ PEOPLE /
THE CAREGIVER WITH ALMOST 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE UNDER HER BELT, ANGELA LEE SHARES HOW SHE USES DESIGN THINKING TO GUIDE THE WORK SHE DOES. WORDS A N GELA LEE
O
n a dreary morning many years ago, I sat
performance hypothesis, and better design can result
in the lobby of the Sentara Obici Hospital
in better outcomes.
in Virginia, USA as a young architecture
But understanding what is better warrants a balance
intern, waiting for the right time to capture the
of scientific inquiry and design thinking, with a focus
building in its best light.
on what is coming (foresight), deeper understanding
I was broken out of my reverie when an elderly
(insight) and meaningful measures (impact).
man approached me. What happened next turned
We encapsulate this in the “Define Design Deliver”
out to have a lasting impact on my life — the
framework, which carefully considers the goals,
gentleman showed me a heartfelt poem he wrote for
philosophies and principles of the client and other
his dying wife.
stakeholders.
As we shared this intimate moment of grief, my career was defined. I realised then that I had to do
This allows us to maximise the potential of the project to serve all stakeholders.
my best to design a healing environment to support
The framework emphasises the importance of
patients and their families through vulnerable
the Define phase: understanding the right design
moments like this.
challenge and articulating the appropriate target
I have since served the healthcare community
outcomes before developing the solution.
through my work that has spanned multiple
This effort is often bypassed as teams move
continents, creating what I hope is a lasting impact
directly to the design process at the expense of
through integrating the principles of design thinking
opportunities for impact and innovation.
into each of the projects. From designer to design director to international office leader and shareholder, I have played an integral part in the design and planning of more than 15 million square feet of healthcare projects worldwide.
Also part of the Define phase is the crucial alignment workshops to articulate appropriate outcomes.
AN EXAMPLE: CHANGI GENERAL HOSPITAL EXPANSION
Building on the momentum of a successful 25-year healthcare design career with American
Emergency
Singapore in 2016, and assumed responsibility for the
become significant drivers affecting hospital design
overall performance and strategic direction of HKS’
across the world. Events ranging from tsunamis,
Asia Pacific region.
tropical storms, potential terrorist attacks and
WHAT IS DESIGN THINKING
and
disaster
preparedness
have
contagious outbreaks are informing hospital design and operations.
Design thinking is the primary framework for
Over the course of the last decade, outbreaks of
guiding critical thinking in our work: defining the
H1N1, SARS, COVID-19 and Ebola have raised concerns
design challenge, establishing guiding principles
about how to control and isolate patients with
and target impact, conceptualising design and
potentially highly-contagious diseases.
integrating beauty and performance.
The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) and
The quality of our thinking, the principles and
Changi General Hospital engaged HKS in 2019 to
ideas that guide our conceptual work are as critical
consult on the expansion of its emergency department.
as, and should be integrated with, the technical quality of our detailing and delivery. We believe that every design decision is a
88
DEFINE
architecture firm HKS, I moved from Dallas to
In response, we wanted to ensure the international best
practices
for
emergency
and
disaster
preparedness were applied during the design phases.
DESIGN
rooms, emergency room beds, a fast-track/triage
The key design elements that were adopted for
area and dedicated CT and Radiology imaging
emergency and disaster preparedness were:
service section.
• Departmental compartmentalisation
The final design developed by our team
• Expandable/Convertible exterior space
allowed for compartmentalisation into multiple
• Mass casualty decontamination design solutions
zones that provide isolation and expandability
• Dedicated patient-transfer elevators
during a mass casualty or pandemic outbreak.
• Emergency
observation
unit
conversion
to
pandemic isolation flows • Mechanical
system
infrastructure
While the physical design and planning of the facility were done meticulously, it was imperative
(seasonal/
pandemic exhaust design)
that a mechanical strategy be implemented to complement the design and provide true isolated zones within an operating hospital.
DELIVER
We worked with the engineers on the MEP
The Emergency department was designed to operate
strategy to allow for the compartmentalisation
under normal circumstances with six key zones
and isolation of several zones during the flu
including a fever clinic, multiple floors with 23-hour
season or potentially pandemic events, such as
emergency observation areas, trauma/resuscitation
COVID-19.
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/ PEOPLE /
THE NARRATOR LAI SIEW HONG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF THE AWARD-WINNING BLU WATER STUDIO, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND INSIGHTS ON THE EVE OF THE FIRM’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY. WORDS N I ZAR MUSA
90
First and foremost, congratulations. Tell us, what was the premise of Blu Water Studio at the beginning? Thank you. Having left the corporate world, we wanted to control our destiny. I’m a believer in specialisation, so Blu Water was set up to pursue our dreams in hospitality [design]. That path has been guiding us, and we’re happy to have a number of hotels to our name. We have 12 projects on hand right now, finishing in a year or two. We also do condominiums, where clients want that hotel- and resort-feel, an injection of lifestyle. A condo is not just about your box of living; it’s about the spaces beyond your own apartment.
Is the studio fully focused on interior design? One hundred percent. I was trained in New York, then came back in 1991 and joined Axis Identity Group. When I left Axis, branding was something I was connected to, and on some projects, we do embark on that route. For example, we are working
Institute of Interior Design (MIID), and have been
on a very interesting project in Penang’s heritage
on the board for 3½ years. What I’m very passionate
zone, where we are crafting the whole storyline and
about at MIID, aside from elevating professionalism
brand positioning, including finding the right hotel
and design, is the (annual) REKA Conference, of
operator for the client, and of course, designing the
which I’ve been the chairman for about four years. It
interiors. We believe in storytelling, because once
is where we pull the best Asian talent to share their
a story is crafted, everything just flows. The whole
thought processes, to know how they develop their
team knows what to do.
concepts, and to learn how their designs are built.
What is your proudest achievement to date? One project we feel proud to work on is the Equatorial
What is your view on the state of Malaysian interior design?
Hotel, or EQ as it is now known. This was one where
It definitely has improved. I think there is only a
we managed to craft the entire narrative based on a
small group though, the new blood, that are pushing
theme of timeless heritage chic. The story is about
design to another level. There is quite a big pool that
borrowing traditional elements, and refashioning
are [just] content; from one café to the next, you see
and modernising them in a contemporary way. We
the same style, the same materials and furniture
don’t believe reflecting Malaysian heritage is merely
being applied. This is why I want to bring all these
through putting up a carving or a piece of songket.
great designers together and show them (the big
Rather, we take the songket pattern, the silver thread,
pool), “look, there are a lot of things you can do”.
and transform the material into something else. from the lobby to the glass, to even the wallpaper
Lastly, what is your aspiration for the next 10 years?
print in the guestroom.
My hope is for Blu Water to become a leading design
That emulation you will see throughout the hotel,
house in Asia. It is about giving all the people here –
Outside of practice, what contributions have you made?
industry
Personally, I spend a lot of time in the Malaysian
the designers with the same aspirations – a platform to learn and grow, to feel a sense of belonging and to strive for a higher standard.
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/ PEOPLE /
THE STORYTELLER AFTER SPENDING TIME ENGAGING WITH HER CLIENTS, TAN SZE LING OF TOPIC DESIGN STUDIO CREATES LUXURIOUS HOMES THAT ARE AN EXTENSION OF THEIR LIVES. WORDS LOW SHI PING / P HOTOGRAPHY C HINO SARDEA / TAN S ITS ON THE DRIVE SOFA IN WALNUT CANALETTO F RO M GIORGET T I
What is your design philosophy?
is usually a reaction to the client’s story.
It is always people and context-centric.
Coincidentally, 80 percent of our clients are
Some 90 percent of our projects are
foreigners from different countries. Different
private residences, and we place great
cultures have different ways of defining a
importance in engaging with the clients
comfortable home interior, which I have to
in the conceptualising of the design. We
be sensitive to.
create spaces that tell the story of the owner residing within, so understanding
Personally, I have always been interested in
their requirements is extremely key. The
blending the local Asian context (weather,
site-inherent characteristics influence the
landscape,
space planning and ambience; the client’s
colours and lifestyle influences from the
brief and cultural background define the
client’s culture. I do this by spending a lot
style language we will propose. I believe that
of time talking to the client at the first few
a well thought through space is half the
meetings. I ask them questions like what
battle won. I seek to create designs that
their dream home is like, what they like or
speak of the soul of the space, hence every
dislike, if they intend for the home to be a
project is tailored to co-exist with the site
family heirloom or investment and if they
and existing interior elements.
have collectibles they want to display. This
Where do you draw your inspiration from to create your designs?
materials)
with
the
motifs,
allows me to get to know them very well and I can then design a home from their perspective.
I am inspired by anything that is authentic in a book, an art work, a crafted detail on a
What is the most interesting project you have worked on to date?
historic building or a good piece of furniture.
We were asked to design a penthouse at
For instance, I might dally over an important
The Nassim on Nassim Hill. The client has
art work from the client’s collection in my
a huge collection of antique sculptures,
attempt to map the details into the interior
while his wife owns many modern Murano
space. The rest of the design, such as the
glass art pieces and Lladro fine porcelain.
backdrop, patina, tone and proportion will
We conceptualised the interior to frame
unfold from there.
the dignity of the private collections with
and timeless. It can be a thought process
How does your work differ from other designers?
92
gallery-like display niches and lighting control. At the same time, we addressed the need to create a sense of luxury, combined
I do not deliberately work towards being
with
different from others. Instead, I approach
where they can relax and enjoy. It felt like
design based on intuition, logic and what the
we were doing two projects within a single
project brief calls for. The design direction
interior, yet it was important to blend these
practical
functions
and
comfort
TAN SZE LING Design Director, Topic Design Studio Age: 42 Education: Architecture, National University of Singapore
two different types of requirements into a seamless experience within the apartment. Ambient lighting and getting the right proportion of the spaces were pivotal to create the appropriate distance to appreciate the client’s collections.
What projects are you busy with right now? We are excited to work on an A&A of a colonial bungalow built 20 years ago. It is now a holiday home to a three-generation family. The brief required a thoughtful design approach to present the old and new elements of the house in harmony, and tell the story of the family members staying in the house. For me, it is not about conservation or dutifully reinstating the existing old details. It is about keeping the essence of the old to bridge to the new soul of the interior.
Why do you enjoy shopping at Space Furniture? Space Furniture is brilliant in curating furniture brands, offering designers a wide spectrum of styles to cater to our clients’ tastes and preferences. The collection is very comprehensive, enabling our clients to grasp different furnishing concepts all within one building. This allows us to use our time more efficiently. One of my favorite brands is Giorgetti. None of its pieces shout out but they are still very luxurious. Its designs are original and can stand on their own as art pieces. Most importantly, they fit in with any interior design style.
This story is produced in collaboration with SPACE FURNITURE. FURNITURE.
93
/ B EST PR ACTI CE /
BREAKING BOUNDARIES THESE TWO DESIGNERS DEMONSTRATE HOW THEIR PRACTICE OF GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THEM HAS LED TO POSITIVE RESULTS. WORDS LOW S HI PING / PH OTOGRAPHY VITRA & MARK COCKS EDGE
“O
ur approach to industrial design is a direct extension of our thinking about architectural spaces. We
were taught to think about objects in space, as opposed to thinking about objects for the sake of being an object. One of the prerequisites for architecture is to think about experience, how people devise spaces, and how spaces can change over time. With this in mind, we conceived the new modular seating system Soft Work for Vitra (available through W. Atelier in Singapore), as a response to the radical transformations which office structures and work habits have undergone in the last few years. Work is no longer tied to a specific location, leading to the development of new
This was born out of research we led
behavioural patterns; our thesis is that the
while designing London’s Ace Hotel lobby.
desk has had its day.
We noticed how all the soft seating there and in the restaurant was used during working hours, and spotted an opportunity since there was no seating product specifically designed for this use. The result is Soft Work, a platform designed for you to sit for many hours comfortably with a place to plug in your laptop and without balancing it on your knees. We have ironed out many of the problems that come with working informally on a sofa. Technology is integrated, but not embedded, and as a modular, upholstered seating system, you can add to it at any stage. I think we might be the first — or one of the first — to deliver something like this.”
Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, Founders, Barber Osgerby
94
“I
make it a point to inspire my team to go beyond the normal deliverables with every project. When you start one with the aim
of capturing the attention of the industry, for example to earn recognition in the design world, the result is you push yourself and the boundaries of the project. Such a collective ambition and goal within the team is powerful. By selecting the right people and channeling their talent into a tangible target, we can go above and beyond our normal ability, designing outside of even our own expectations and delivering outcomes which are truly innovative. A tangible result of this best practice is MixC Shenzhen Bay (right), a major project for our firm. It is the landmark flagship for the MixC
retail brand by China Resources Land, and is part of the developer’s new headquarters in
Shenzhen.
Different
from
traditional
commercial centres, the design was an open box underpinned by ‘interaction’ and ‘sharing’, and embedded in the local urban fabric. Given the success of the development since its opening, the client has awarded a further portfolio of MixC destinations to Lead8. One of these is the recently-completed MixC Jinan (left), becoming a new hub for 500 brands in the city. Future schemes including MixC Ningbo and MixC Nanjing are under development, and look to introduce concepts and experiences previously unseen before in their cities.”
Claude Touikan, Co-founder and Executive Director, Lead8
95
/ LI FE /
DRIVEN BY DESIGN BEHIND EVERY LINE AND CURVE IN A LEXUS IS AN EVOCATIVE STORY OF JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP, CREATIVITY AND HOSPITALITY. WORDS LOW S HI PING
I
f you believe that what you drive
•
says a lot about who you are, then as
paring back on the extraneous ensures
designers, it is important to be seen
the attention is purely on the model’s
with a marque that places an importance
architecture and surfaces.
on design.
•
Intriguing Elegance: Depth is revealed
Lexus is a prime example. It is original,
through juxtaposing contrasting elements
bold and provocative on this front – just
such as movement and stillness. It also
look at the spindle-shaped front grille that
manifests
now graces every new model.
created by the car’s styling, where expansive
The brand’s design philosophy is
through
the
visual
journeys
areas of bodywork flow into interesting
encapsulated in what it calls “L-finesse”,
details.
introduced in 2003 and expressed through
•
Seamless Anticipation: Inspired by the
leading-
Japanese hospitality concept of omotenashi,
edge automotive technologies and refined
this is about crafting a highly personal
Japanese aesthetics.
driving experience, such as how in the IS,
a
language
amalgamated
by
L-finesse encapsulates the fundamental elements of Lexus’ design, which are all about:
96
Incisive Simplicity: Clean lines and the
the driver’s controls are angled so that its operation follow a single line of movement.
DID YOU KNOW… UX: Its leather
seats have a quilting featuring the sashiko stitching method – there are more than 10 stitches per inch – that has been used to make judo and kendo uniforms for more than 1,200 years. /
ES: The ornamentation that adorns its steering wheel, dashboard and door panels are made of shimamoku wood pieces in a long and detailed process that requires 38 days and 67 specialised stages. /
LS: Available with
In fact, Lexus has a deep wellspring to dip into for its contemporary vehicle design. Its home country of Japan has countless art and craftsmanship techniques that have endured for centuries that it can reference. The newest model by Lexus, the UX,
an air suspension system that automatically raises the vehicle to the right height for people to enter or leave with ease, this flagship of Lexus exemplifies the interpretation of omotenashi, the ancient Japanese tradition of exceptional hospitality.
to out is smooth, as like the verandas in
/
cowl in front of the bonnet.
Lexus Takumi Craftsmen: One of
the dexterity tests that they must undertake to assess their precision and skill is to fold an origami cat in 90 seconds using their non-dominant hand.
is a zippy compact SUV perfect for urban driving. Inspiring its design is the Japanese architectural concept of engawa. This is where the transition from inside traditional Japanese houses.
marque’s human-focused approach in its
Translated into the UX, it means an
design and production.
almost seamless connection between the
For instance, the white glove-clad Takumi
cabin and front bodywork from the dashboard,
is able to detect the smallest imperfections
through the base of the windscreen, to the
and faults up to fractions of a millimetre. They are supported by robots, programmed
Of course these stories of craftsmanship
with Takumi-defined skills – in fact, they are
will not be possible without the artisans
vital in developing, applying and refining the
themselves.
most cutting-edge new technologies too.
These Japanese masters, or Takumi, are
While their crafts were once mainly
the guardians of skills honed and inherited
done by hand, they understand today that
through the generations.
it is only through complete harmony with
At the Miyata Lexus plant in Kyushu, 19 Takumi, who each have at least 25 years of
experience,
make
up
part
of
the
7,700-strong workforce.
technology that perfection can be achieved. At the end of the day, know that the Lexus that has been delivered has gone through the most rigorous of checks possible.
These craftsmen also protect the artisan
If you believe that what you drive says
philosophy and tradition that Lexus holds
a lot about who you are, then you definitely
close to its heart, while representing the
want to be seen behind the wheel of a Lexus.
97
/ LI FE /
TAKE OFF COUNTDOWN IS IT POSSIBLE TO OVERHAUL AN ENTIRE PLANE IN 30 DAYS? CHICAGO-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER FRANK PONTERIO PROVED IT COULD BE DONE. WORDS RA EWYN KOH
98
A
CJ2+
completely reflective of his sensibilities. It
came into the possession of a
is what we do for all our clients – feeling at
longstanding client and golfing
home even if they’re in the air.
used
Cessna
Citation
buddy of Frank Ponterio’s last year. number of residential projects, this friend
What was most challenging about the detailing of its interior design?
knew that he had the potential to completely
It was making sure we could achieve the level
overhaul the private jet’s dull and boring all-
of detailing we wanted for the seats. We were
beige interiors into something that would
able to reuse the foam form from the originals,
better reflect his personality.
which helped the budget, but I actually had to
Having worked with Ponterio on a
Ponterio was more than happy to take
take a permanent marker to draw on where
on the project. The catch, however, was that
I wanted the new cream and blue stitching
it had to be done within 30 days, in order for
and piping details to go onto the leather. The
his client to fly it to the Masters Tournament
client liked it so much he eventually had his
in Augusta, Georgia.
car’s interiors done to match.
Top of the to-do list was a complete the design from scratch. Ponterio shares
What are your favourite details of the refurbished Cessna?
the process and his favourite details of
The Scott Group Studio carpet is my
the Cessna.
favourite.
stripping down of the interiors to do
utilitarian
Most
aircraft
carpeting,
but
have
simple,
we
wanted
What inspired the interiors of the Cessna Citation CJ2+?
something different and unexpected. We
Really, the client was the inspiration. He’s a
for the heathered background and it paid off.
worked with eight different shades of blue
friend I know well, so I wanted it to reflect his
colour, we pulled blue into the mix (not
How do you maximise space and design in something small like a private jet?
knowing it would then become Pantone’s
It is the same way you think about detailed
Colour of the Year 2020). It is his plane and
interiors. When we work on residences, we
lifestyle and tastes. He wanted something fresh and smart, and knowing that he loves
99
/ LI FE /
100
dive deep into the details of pretty much
where I’m currently designing the house with
every piece – what’s stored in every drawer,
heavy timbers and iron with some details
how it will be used, by whom and how often.
that push into the contemporary but are still
The Cessna was no different – it also needed
grounded in classical proportions. We are
smart places to store everything needed
using a lot of glass across the back to allow
for a great flight, from cashmere throws
the views to come in – it’s rustic yet elegant,
to designing the inside of the millwork to
strong but pretty. Essentially, I like a lot of
hold specific glassware, playing cards and
different styles, with the common thread
much more.
being authentic, solid environments with
The most important thing to remember
their own personality and sense of place.
is that when designing small spaces, the details have to be spot on. Not over the top, just spot on. On planes, this is amplified as you have a captive audience that has plenty of time to take in the details.
What got you into interior design and why do you love it so much? I originally thought I would become an architect but after studying interiors and understanding the industry, I found much more enjoyment from the level of detail involved in interior design and the strong relationships you form with clients. I do still get to work on a good amount of architecture though, since I have architects on my team who assist with all of the interior detailing, so it is really the best of both worlds.
What is your design style? With clients, it is all about their aesthetic. However, mine has personally been formed which home I’m in. My primary residence is
What other spaces are you looking to designing in the future?
a 100-year-old country house designed by
We’re currently redesigning a great space for
the legendary David Adler. It’s very casual,
a new celebrity buyer. It’s very fun – all about
gathered and collected; a true family home
in-town living, entertaining and music and
where we entertain, and everyone feels
we can’t wait for it to come to life. I’m also
as comfortable as they would in their own
beginning to work on a beach house on the
home. It has vintage leather club chairs,
West Coast of Florida. It has a totally different
fantastic handmade rugs and a great, well-
aesthetic for this small island, and it’s our
used kitchen.
first run doing the entire project, where we
over a lifetime and is different, depending on
My apartment in the city is totally
will also be responsible for the architecture,
different – I keep it clean and very current
interiors and landscaping. We’ve never done a
with great art and open rooms to reflect
yacht but it’s on my list as well. We’ll be ready
more of an urban lifestyle. I also have a farm
when it comes along.
101
/ LI FE /
BIRDS OF A FEATHER THESE TIMEPIECES MAKE AN ADMIRABLE FLOCK FOR THEIR DISTINCTIVE DIAL DESIGNS. P HOTOGRAPH Y C HI NO SARDEA
PANERAI RADIOMIR VERDE PAM00995 45MM Polished steel encases this 45mm diameter piece from Panerai. Its lush, military-green dial has luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers, combined with small seconds at nine o’clock.
102
PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 5235 / 50R-001 ANNUAL CALENDAR REGULATOR Presented in rose gold, the newest version of Patek Philippe’s Annual Calendar Regulator now comes with a dial that has the duo tones of graphite and ebony-black with a vertical satin finish.
103
/ LI FE /
VACHERON CONSTANTIN TRADITIONNELLE MANUAL-WINDING IN 18K 5N PINK GOLD WITH DIAMONDS The subtle guilloche finish on the dial of this Vacheron Constantin piece lends it texture, but does not distract from the time, date and power reserve indicators. Accentuating it is the 18k pink gold case further enhanced by diamonds set onto the bezel.
104
BLANCPAIN VILLERET QUANTIĂˆME COMPLET This Blancpain piece comes with sizable Roman numerals in rose gold to match the case material. The complete calendar is neatly displayed on the inner ring in Arabic numbers, with the date indicated by scoop of the curved blue serpentine hand. Just as visible are the day, month and moonphase.
105
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/ C ATA LO G U E /
CATALOGUE
The brick and wood elements of the original building have been preserved in the stairwells of the Jazz Loft rental housing project in Budapest, Hungary (page 76).
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/ C ATA LO G U E /
GO WITH THE FLOW W ATELIER www.watelier.com
G
oing faucet shopping? Here are three from the GB10 collection from TOTO, distributed in Singapore through W. Atelier, to choose from that will suit different spaces.
ZL SERIES Smooth, flat and ultra-thin, the angular pieces in this series are the perfect complement to a square-lined, sharp-edged washbasin. Their horizontal spout means water flows out like a waterfall at the flick of the handle installed separately on the side.
LF SERIES Ideal for smaller bathrooms and kitchens, the LF Series still ranks high on the design scale. The thin handle and thick spout make for an interesting contrast, with each dominated by one fluid curve.
GA SERIES Sharp edges combine with subtle curves to make the GA Series elegant and timeless. The handle, poised atop and recessed back from the spout, results in the faucets being a study in perfect harmony and proportion.
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/ CATA LOGUE CUR ATED /
LACE IN THE OUTDOORS There is much to love about B&B Italia’s latest outdoor collection – from its colours borrowed from nature, to the architectural precision of the pieces. You’ll want to order the new tables added to Mirto Outdoor by Antonio Citterio. Their tops are made from tiles of black lava stone arranged in a way to
ECO-FRIENDLY LIGHTING Czech lighting brand Brokis has launched Geometric, distinctive for its use of leftover glass shards from the factory to make the
mimic traditional Sicilian lace. The surface is made by a special production process that uses crushed recycled electronic equipment screens among other materials.
collection. After being crushed and reshaped through controlled thermal exposure, they are then used to fill the frame of the lights that themselves have shapes like circles, ovals and squares. Choose from six different colour
finishes,
including
light
pink,
turquoise and smoke brown.
COLOURFUL EXPLOSION Swedish
flooring
company
Bolon
has
launched a new collection with Italian fashion and design house Missoni through its Home division. This is made up of two original patterns: Trinidad is a vibrant, striped pattern in a rainbow of hues, while Fireworks has a strong black-and-white graphic print and flowing gradient. Both come in a roll and promise to be striking additions to any interior.
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DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
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Kukadoo Maldives resort, designed by architect Yuji Yamazaki, features 984 solar panels on the main building roof, and is part of a feature on sustainability practices in hospitality design.
DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE / W W W. D E S I G N A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E . C O M /
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S H I S H I - I W A H O U S E Shigeru Ban Architects
Idea
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EMBRACING THE ENVIRONMENT WORDS LOW SHI PING
back to the grid, with a sculpture gallery cantilevered over and partly submerged into the sea. The latter portion acts as an oscillating water column, so that it gets activated when the waves from the Black Sea break onto it, generating the electricity through an array of turbines attached to it. Expect the seawater to splash onto the gallery’s roof, adding a dynamism to the immediate surroundings. “The architecture influences the waves. It is not an obedient structure accommodating its environment,” The city of Sochi in Russia will soon see the addition of this building inspired by Russian constructivism hanging off its coastline. Designed by Margot Krasojević Architecture, it is a small hydroelectric power plant that feeds clean energy
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describes the architect. Both functions of the building are tightly interwoven together, sheltered by a roof that heaves like a point break wave – a stark reminder of its location and the importance of building to exist with nature.
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