PRC Magazine #100 ( Architecture | Building | Construction )

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Publisher: Mike Staley, publisher@rofmedia.com Editor: info@rofmedia.com Contributing Editor: Elizabeth Dooley Editorial Team: Bryan Chan • Derek Leung • Jasper Lau • Krista Chan • Michael Hoare • Norman Yam • Richard Lee Business Development: Bryan Chan, bryan@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8912 Sales Director: Mike Staley, mike@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8989 Account Manager: Alfred Ng, alfred@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8911 Sales Enquiries: yannie@rofmedia.com, sales@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8988 Senior Graphic Designer: Ric Sin, studio@rofmedia.com Graphic Designer: Michelle Morkel Photographer: Brian Zhang Digital Media Coordinator: Jeffrey Ng Printing: DG3 Asia Ltd. PRC Magazine is published by Ring of Fire Ltd. 5/F Kong Ling Building, 102 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3150 8988 info@rofmedia.com www.rofmedia.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner, without the written consent of the publishers. All care is taken but accuracy of information rests with the client; the publisher bares no responsibility for any factual errors that may occur. The views expressed herein are not necessarily shared by PRC Magazine or its staff. © Copyright 2020 Ring of Fire Limited

The working team from top left to right, clockwise: Michael Hoare, Elizabeth Dooley, Alfred Ng,Yannie Yuen, Brian Zhang, Jeffrey Ng, Derek Leung, Ric Sin, Michelle Morkell, Norman Yam, Samuel Lee, Joe Wyatt, Bryan Chan.

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BIG GIVES THE FUTURE A FORM AT DANISH ARCHITECTURE CENTRE

“The Danish word for design is formgivning, which literally means, to give form to that which has not yet been given form. In other words, to give form to the future,” says Bjarke Ingels, the founding partner and creative director of the Bjarke Ingels Group. BIG is celebrating form in a timeline counting down from the Big Bang to the present at the Danish Architecture Centre. The exhibition – FORMGIVING: An Architectural Future History from Big Bang to Singularity – explores how the world around us has taken shape, from the ancient past to present. Returning to the centre since BIG’s first exhibition Yes is More launched

in 2009, Danish Architecture Centre chief executive Kent Martinussen says: “BIG is one of the most successful and innovative architectural firms of our time, and the man behind it, Bjarke Ingels, is a master at pushing boundaries, creating innovative architecture and redefining the value of architecture. DAC’s newest exhibition gives visitors a unique glimpse into the master’s own workshop and explains the design philosophy that is changing our world.” www.big.dk

LWK AND PARTNERS MAKES ITS PITCH FOR GALLERIES CRAFTED WITH CURATOR’S EYE

NETHERLANDS FLOATS ITS SOLAR BOAT ON WAY TO 27GW GENERATION IN 10 YEARS

Galleries and pavilions can be standalone works of art that loom large once a building is completed. They have become important to Chinese developers looking to create statements about spaces for business, as well as art, and as an experiential centre. LWK and Partners says the rise of the importance of the gallery space brings new responsibilities to architectural studios. Circulation is key to constructing a dynamic environment and facilitating visitors’ experience. Organisation and layout have to be carefully planned to allow better performance of programmes, as well as high flexibility in response to potential future uses with respect to sustainability and cost effectiveness. LWK puts forward the example of the texture and linearity of the recently opened Spiritual Bay Pavilion in Qingdao.

Just 120 metres off the Yellow Sea coast, the project enjoys distant views of the Dazhushan Scenic Area. With design features invoking the ocean and the coast, it is the epitome of the locational advantages enjoyed by the seaside residential project.

The three-storey building has a horizontal design theme inspired by the beautiful offing and features slanting facades formed by layered ‘slices’. It also houses food and beverage components, serving a mixed-use programme for the benefit of visitors. www.lwkp.com

The completion of the 14.5-MW Sekdoorn floating solar power project near the city of Zwolle in the Netherlands is part of the 5GW of solar power the European nation will deploy this year and next on its way to adding 27GW of solar by 2030. German renewables developer BayWa r.e. says the 40,000-panel array will power about 4,000 Dutch households and was installed in six weeks. Global Head of Solar Projects at BayWa r.e., Benedikt Ortmann, says: “In only a few months we built 25 MWp of floating PV projects in the Netherlands, which made us one of the biggest floating solar developers in Europe. We’ve proven that floating solar is technically manageable and comes with only slightly higher cost than ground-mounted systems.” In environments where ambition is high but available land space is low, installing solar panels on man-made bodies of water like reservoirs, fish farms or dams on former mine sites, is shaping us as a major opportunity for renewable energy developers. In a recent study, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Research has quantified the potential for floating PV installations on decommissioned coal mining lakes at 15 GW in Germany alone. A study of the World Bank Group identified a potential for Europe of 20 GW if only 1% of the surface of man-made freshwater reservoirs is used. www.baywa-re.com

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GAMMON TO BUILD HONG KONG CENTRE FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

U.S.-LED GREENBUILD CHINA 2019 PUSHES SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Gammon Construction has been awarded the HK$4.75-billion works contract for the Advanced Manufacturing Centre for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. The project involves the construction of a 9-storey building block with a 2-storey basement, providing 108,000m2 for innovative manufacturing. It also includes a footbridge connecting the Data Technology Hub of the adjacent site and a seawater district cooling system. “We are delighted that HKSTP has once again selected Gammon to work with them, following the successful completion of Science Park Phase 3a, 3b and 3c,” says Gammon chief executive Thomas Ho. Gammon will undertake 3D, 4D and 5D digital models, plus an 8D model will provide an open design-collaboration platform for all stakeholders. The company also aims to achieve 75% offsite prefabrication of the structural steel works, and 70% offsite modularisation of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing works. In addition, a common data environment will be established for collecting, managing and sharing information among the project teams including the client, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors. www.gammonconstruction.com

Greenbuild China has returned to Shanghai for a third time, with more than 900 delegates attending the event at W Shanghai The Bund on October 24. Hosted by the United States Green Building Council the event saw the latest in green building products, technologies and innovations, including presentations by 86 speakers from around the world. Council chief executive Mahesh Ramanujam told the conference: “The heart of the global green building community’s efforts must go well beyond buildings. Our focus must be on human beings because the standards we are most committed to raising is that of the quality of life itself, for every member of this community, and in populations spanning every corner of the planet.” Among the themes of this year’s event were Toward Net Zero, Green Buildings and Cities in 2050 and Sustainable Living: Production, Consumption and Lifestyle. These topics were the cornerstone of 31 education sessions in sessions on low carbon cities, cost-benefit analysis of green buildings, smarter and greener buildings, and climateresilient design. According to the data released by USGBC, as of September, North Asia had more than 5,300 LEED-registered projects and 2,200 certified projects, totalling more than 310 million m2. www.usgbc.org

JLL BRINGS TECH, WELLNESS FEATURES TO ITS NEW QUARRY BAY OFFICES

HONG KONG now reaches 165,000 high-net-worth readers directly in their homes.

Real estate services firm JLL has brought its vision for the Future of Work to its new corporate offices at One Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay. The 3,250m2 office has been designed with wellness and sustainability at its heart. The space includes two green walls, plants throughout the office, low-emission furniture, and an air purification system with real-time air quality monitoring.

“We have introduced the concept of change management in the office design as staff engagement is something we encourage and value. It is important to us that our employees are working in an environment they truly enjoy and feel inspired,” says Gavin Morgan, JLL Hong Kong managing director. “It is our priority to put wellness at the heart of our office design and utilising new tech in order to optimise all aspects of how people work and collaborate.

By centring the office design on wellness, we hope that employees will feel both healthier and happier at work. Their increased satisfaction will translate into better productivity and real pride for their workplace.” The space includes a full gym with 24hour access, yoga instruction, touch-screen work areas and height-adjustable desks. www.jll.com.hk

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GONGS FOR THE UNCONVENTIONAL GIVEN BY GREEN BUILDING AWARDS

More than 400 developers, construction companies, consultants, property management companies and representatives from professional institutions have attended the Green Building Award 2019. There were a record-breaking 89 nominations this year, of which 67 became finalists. This year’s Green Building Award saw the presentation of 10 Grand Awards, 5 Green Building Leadership Pioneer Awards and 20 Merit Awards. Pioneer Awards were given to Swire Properties, Gammon Construction, Arup, Ronald Lu and Partners, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Other big winners included Victoria Dockside

by New World Development (Grand Award with Special Citation), One Taikoo Place by Swire Properties and The Mills by Nan Fung Development. The biennial Green Building Award is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and the Professional Green Building Council. This year’s awards were designed to recognise inspirational achievements and was based on the theme Inspiring the Next Generation – Excellence in Sustainable Built Environment. www.hkgbc.org.hk

FOOD-GRADE PLASTICS RECYCLING CENTRE UNDERWAY IN A FIRST FOR HONG KONG

SWITZERLAND GOES ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM IN ZURICH

ALBA Group Asia, Baguio Waste Management and Recycling and Swire Coca-Cola have started work to build the first food-grade ready plastics recycling facility in Hong Kong. Located in EcoPark, Tuen Mun, the recycling facility for plastic waste will operate under the banner of New Life Plastics. Once complete next year, the facility will be able to process and recycle 35,000 tonnes annually of postconsumer PET used in clear beverage bottles and HDPE, the plastics in personal care containers. The facility is expected to handle 100 tonnes of plastics a day.

Three-stage processing will turn classified PET and HDPE plastics waste into foodgrade ready PET flakes and high grade HDPE pellets, which can be reused as raw materials for new, high-quality consumable or industrial products. This recovery process prolongs the life of reusable plastics.The new facility is designed with green features including waste water treatment, full photovoltaic solar panels, heat recovery from its HDPE extrusion line and air compressors. NLP has successfully secured a green sustainability-linked loan from HSBC acting as the venture’s sole lender and green structuring advisor. www.nlplastics.com.hk

Atelier Brückner is managing the new permanent exhibition called The Collection at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. Opened in 1898, the national museum is one of the most eminent buildings in Switzerland. The architect Gustav Gull designed an impressive, castle-like ensemble that gave a new home to historical interiors from the whole of Switzerland. The interior spaces provide an overview of Swiss home decor from the 15th to the 17th century, but The Collection focuses on about 2,000m2 of exhibition space deliver an overview of Swiss craftsmanship for 1,000 years. Object presentations have been moved away from the walls. Scenographic interventions – mostly placed in the middle of the rooms – tell stories about the room or the collections. Oven models, for example, are at the centre of the Rosenburg Room, dated 1566, which itself features a historical oven. The models come from the 17th and 18th centuries and served as show units for sales purposes. All the information provided is in four languages, whereby tablets provide more intricate details. www.atelier-brueckner.com

JATO BRINGS A FUTURE-FORWARD MIXED BUILD TO NANCHANG SKYLINE For its work on the Zhengshen Taigugang Commercial Development, Jato Design International has won acclaim and place on the shortlist for an Asia Property Award 2019.

The futuristic, mixed-use development located in the Nanchang city centre, includes two malls with 280,000m2, retail street, 5-star hotel, SOHO spaces, an office tower, and terraces and gardens. The main entrance features a 45mx40m hanging gallery to showcase art and build a unique identity. With excellent access by foot, road and mass transit, this new mixed-use development will be ready early next year and is set to become a retail hotspot.

Jato was founded by Jiang Feng in 2013 to provide professional consultancy services while preserving the ability to connect the local culture and global design vision. The practice is a multi-disciplinary international design firm specialising in masterplans, architecture, interior design and graphic design. www.jato.hk

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HAMBURG’S RIVER BARRIER IS BACK, REIMAGINED BY HADID AS A BOARDWALK

The Hamburg Road, Bridge,Waterways and Flood Protection Agency asked Zaha Hadid Architects to remake the Niederhafen River Promenade about a decade ago and now the flood barrier has come to life.A major attraction for tourists and one of Hamburg’s most important public spaces, the promenade above the flood protection barrier delivers undisturbed views of the Elbe and the port.The redevelopment of the Niederhafen barrier re-connects the river promenade with the surrounding urban fabric; serving as a popular riverside walkway while also creating links with adjacent neighbourhoods. The linear structure is 8.6m above sea level in its eastern section and 8.9m above sea level in its western section to protect the city from winter storms and high tides. A minimum width of 10m ensures this popular riverside promenade offers generous public spaces for pedestrians, joggers, street performers, food stalls and cafes. Shops and public utilities are also accommodated within the structure at street level.

Wide staircases resembling small amphitheatres are carved within the flood protection barrier at points where streets from the adjacent neighbourhoods meet the structure; giving passers-by at street level views of the people strolling along the promenade at the top of the barrier as well as views of the masts and superstructures of ships in the Elbe. www.zaha-hadid.com

LEAD8 SHOWCASES MASTERPLAN FOR ECO-AWARE TOWNSHIP IN KUALA LUMPUR

International award-winning design firm Lead8 has unveiled the Kiara Bay masterplan, a 29.5-ha development poised to transform one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest townships into an eco-living destination. Situated next to the Kepong Metropolitan Park and near the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, the development balances city, nature and leisure in three main districts; The Waters, The Walk and The Village. The Waters district is defined by the landmark towers around a central lake and provides the visual reference points for the development. A leisure and retail district featuring integrated office, hotel and serviced apartments is known as The Walk. A compact community cluster known as The Village includes wellness centre, retirement living, community retail hub and education facility. “Our design has been informed by the significance of this site in Kuala Lumpur. To be located along one of the premier and most popular lake parks in the city is quite special. As such, sustainability and liveability have been the two main drivers of our masterplan – creating an eco-aware community which celebrates its biodiversity,” said Meeta Patel, Lead8 co-founder. The design will be realised over the next decade, integrating with the latest cellular network technology and becoming the home to a population of more than 40,000 once complete. www.lead8.com

TO MAKE A MODERN CAR PARK, AUB SAYS HIGH-SPEED DOORS BOOST SECURITY

KPLUSK ASSOCIATES STARTS THE BUILD AT NEPAL’S ASTOUNDING PEACE SANCTUARY

Hong Kong’s KplusK studio has commenced the build phase of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace, located on a site adjacent to the sacred gardens surrounding the Mayadevi Temple in Nepal, which demarcates the birthplace of Lord Buddha. With the piling of the main sanctuary about to commence, the multi-storey building with a museum for ancient artefacts and contemporary art devoted to world peace, conference hall and lobby, library, and a sanctuary to celebrate the birth place of the Lord Buddha is well underway. In November last year, KplusK were appointed as executive architects for the project, which is set within gardens adjacent to a Buddhist monastery and retreat. The site is considered one of the holiest spiritual centres of Buddhism. A site for pilgrimage, Lord Buddha was born there in 623 BC and in 1956, the site and a piece of adjacent land were set aside for a masterplan protected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. www.kplusk.net

The world’s fastest parking system door is how Hong Kong security specialist AUB introduces the Efaflex EFA-SST PS. AUB says the spacesaving door system is particularly suited for parking and garage systems, and can be installed even under minimal space conditions in the lintel or side frame. The key advantages of Efaflex high-speed parking solutions are its burglar-proof external door design, opening speeds of up to 1.8 m/s; high safety standards; and at least 200,000 operating cycles per year requiring minimal maintenance. To note, common garage doors are calculated to go through about 5 opening cycles a day. The external building door opens in mere seconds and closes immediately after the car has passed. The system prevents unauthorised access and unauthorised cars may not gain entry to the building. Fast and secure doors contribute to safe entries and exits of under and above ground car parks of hotels, banks, agencies and other public institutions in particular. www.aub.com.hk

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R+T Asia expects record-breaking year 2020 The region’s premier trade event for roller shutters, doors and gates, windows and sun protection systems will return to Shanghai in 2020. Based on market feedback R+T Asia’s next installment is expected to hit new attendance records.

Since the innaugural R+T Asia in 2005, the trade show has aspired to provide the ideal platform for companies that want to expand business in the Asia-Pacific region. Through networking initiatives, matchmaking programs and educational events, R+T Asia accelerates dialogue between professionals and experts, allowing them to discuss market challenges, see the newest products and trends and participate in networking initiatives.

New product categories R+T Asia has continually expanded its exhibited product categories to satisfy visitor expectations. At the 2020 show, the new co-located HD+ Asia show in Hall E1 will feature three new product categories: Soft Decoration, Future Living and Outdoor Furniture. Consequently, visitors will learn the latest Chinese trends in decorative cloth products for walls, curtains, and smart homes, as well as the latest outdoor furniture, furniture fabrics and materials and outdoor-living solutions.

Educational. Networking. Inspiring.

The 2019 edition of R+T Asia was the largest ever, attracting a record number of visitors from all over the world to connect with over 640 exhibitors. The 16th edition, to be held in Shanghai on February 24 to 26, 2020, is expected to be even larger. Currently R+T Asia 2020 bookings are already 19% ahead of where they were last year and the organiser expects another new record in exhibition spaces sold.

More products. More opportunities.

For most visitors, the primary benefit of R+T Asia is the hundreds of exhibits featuring high-end products that combine innovative design with smart and sustainable solutions, which are increasingly demanded

by Asian consumers.

“Our expectations of the show were high,” said Bruno Doucet, CEO, Progressive Distribution, a visitor to R+T Asia 2019. “And so far our expectations have been met. There were an amazing selection of suppliers there. The size of the show is extremely impressive and there are so many potential suppliers. I look forward to returning to R+T Asia 2020.”

The international area is growing rapidly, attracting many overseas brands wanting expand their position in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The floor space devoted to sun protection products continues to grow and is already 23% ahead of 2019. The exhibitors will feature a variety of internal and external sun protection systems, outdoor living and sun-shading systems, a variety of drive and control systems for Smart Homes, window fabrics, technical textiles, accessories and machinery.

The exhibiting space for the doors and gates section has so far increased by 39% over R+T Asia 2019. In 2020 exhibitors will showcase industrial doors, gates, garage doors, automatic and interior doors, including control systems and accessories.

One of the pillars of the show is the extensive networking program that brings visitors and exhibitors together. These initiatives include before-the-show and onsite programs such the Hosted Buyer program, which connects global buyers with Asian manufacturers and distributors; the pre-show Business School workshops for Chinese distributors and retailers; the InnovAction online system, which launches the most innovative products of the year; InnovAction Hub – the interactive platform where innovative international companies showcase their latest and most advanced solutions for the sun protection sector and door and gate industry.

In addition, R+T Asia 2020 will include educational events, such as the Smart Home Summit, Real Estate Forum, Soft Decoration and Design Summit, Hospital Architectural Art and Light Environment Forum, Warehouse Construction and Cold Chain Planning Seminar, Hotel Design Forum, Materia, as well as the International Window and Door Summit (IWDS). This summit, for the window, door and gate and sun-protection system industries, attracts global leaders who share the latest trends and discuss important topics about the market and technologies.

These content-rich events feature international speakers and industry experts who help attendees gain a better understanding of the Chinese market as well as global trends. The 2020 fair will also include Chinese and international media and host group delegations of industry associations.

It all happens in one place for three days: Shanghai, China, February 22 to 24, 2020.

Be there when the entire industry comes together, showcasing the best of roller shutters, windows, doors and gates and sun protection systems. http://rtasia.org/en

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Photos: HKGBC

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Lead8 Celebrates Fifth Anniversary GROWING FROM A SMALL DESIGN TEAM TO NOW OVER 200 BASED IN HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, KUALA LUMPUR AND LONDON

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lot can change in five years as Hong Kong founded architecture and design firm Lead8 is demonstrating. After launching in 2014, co founded by a team of likeminded directors, Lead8 has cemented itself amongst the leading design firms both in the region and internationally.

Now more than 200 in size, Lead8’s portfolio has expanded to more than 40 cities from studios across Asia and the UK. It’s not just the trajectory of their growth that is being noticed so early into the story, their work for some of the world’s biggest names in property and development is making headlines. SKYCITY in Hong Kong, One Bangkok in Thailand and the upcoming Commercial Landside Terminal at the newly opened Beijing Daxing International Terminal showcase the firm’s success.

How did a small Hong Kong design firm build such a formidable record in its first five years of operation? Co Founder & Executive Director Claude Touikan says it’s all about relationships. “As designers, we want to influence change and bring new ideas to the industry. Having the trust and belief from our clients and partners, people we have worked with collectively for many years, is an important part of that process. Founding Lead8 gave us the platform to do that.”

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INFLUENCERS BY DESIGN Lead8 first made headlines when it unveiled its conceptual design for a 23km connected pedestrian and cycling network around Hong Kong’s famous harbourfront - HarbourLoop. Bringing a new vision to Hong Kong’s heavily debated waterfront, the team revealed their appetite for thought leadership from the outset. Going on to gain international recognition, from presentations to Hong Kong’s development leaders to winning awards, Harbourloop rightly positioned Lead8 as a design firm influencing positive change.

“We are incredibly proud of HarbourLoop and its role in the future debate of this world-class city and our hometown. It allowed us to profile the talent and creativity of our team as we began our journey and also lend our expertise to a cause we are passionate about. Since then, we’ve brought that thinking to bear beyond conceptual projects to work we have designed and built in our short five years,” said David Buffonge, Co Founder & Executive Director.

Over the last twelve months, Lead8 has celebrated a number of successes with its portfolio. The firm’s first MixC development in Shenzhen Bay opened its doors and went on to win design awards with the International Council of Shopping Centres, MIPIM Asia and A&D China.

The scheme also featured developer China Resources Land’s first luxury VIP cinema experience, MixC IMAX; showcasing another side of Lead8’s talents.

The firm’s second MixC completion, this time in Jinan, opened in September to deliver a new destination for more than 500 brands in the city and place new thinking for retail-led destinations on display once again.

“It is a privilege to have the trust from our clients to push new boundaries in the retail sector – both with the projects we have completed and those in the pipeline. Successful commercial design is about creating a sense of place – it is exciting to see how content is driving these projects,” said Chris Lohan, Co Founder & Executive Director.

CHARTING NEW TERRITORY With an outlook firmly set on shaping new environments, it’s no surprise Lead8 has been commissioned to work on schemes looking to break the mold in their sectors, cities and countries.

Evolving rapidly, the shift in the aviation industry has seen airport developers, owners and operators dramatically re-think the role of the airport in the 21st century. Winning the Lead Design Architect role for SKYCITY at Hong Kong

International Airport has firmly cemented Lead8’s position as a world-leading designer for mixed-form aviation developments. A super regional connector, accessible by air, sea and land, this first-of-its-kind scheme for the city will feature a range of state-of-the-art facilities to enhance HKIA’s status as one of the world’s most successful airport developments.

The scope at HKIA continues for Lead8 with the appointment to lead the renovation of Terminal 1, delivering a transformative upgrade to the passenger halls of the 21-year old iconic aviation hub.

Heralding a new era for aerotropolis developments, Lead8 was also approached to bring their expertise to Beijing Daxing International Airport’s Commercial Landside Terminal. The 25,000sqm development will support the world’s largest airport once it completes later this year, delivering next generation workspaces with integrated retail, dining and entertainment.

Looking to the future, yet to be released plans for new aviation clients will see the firm take their expertise to new markets and regions in 2020, with appointments with Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia and a new airport project in Australia.

Commenting on the growing aviation portfolio, Meeta Patel, Co Founder & Executive Director says, “The strength of Asia’s aviation sector is influencing markets around the globe. It is exciting to be at the forefront and evolve our expertise as we take it to new markets like Australia.”

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SMART DESIGN FOR THE NEXT GENERATION The requirement to advance design thinking within and across all sectors is redefining the built environment. Lead8’s work with Shangri-La Group is one stand-out example.

The team is delivering the smart transformation of a former single-purpose, high-end Shangri-La hotel into a mixed-use urban resort combining luxury hotel, business, retail, dining and entertainment.

“A development such as this is a dream project for designers and we were delighted that Shangri-La Group entrusted us with this complex and high-profile scheme. We are delivering what we hope to be a first for this world-class hospitality brand and for the city of Fuzhou,” said David Buffonge, Co Founder & Executive Director.

Denser urban environments are also calling for developers to utilise their space more effectively, sustainably and meaningfully. Lead8 has been steadily growing its portfolio with projects known as ‘mini cities’ – neighbourhood-scale schemes which prioritise three-dimensional connectivity, digital and physical integration, multipurpose environments and a strong sense of community.

In Shanghai, this comes in the form of Shanghai ITC, currently one of the largest sites under development in the city centre which boasts more than 700,000sqm of development spread across four plots. In Bangkok, Lead8 has joined the internationally renowned team to deliver the multi-retail component of the 1.83 million sqm mixeduse scheme One Bangkok.

“We currently have more than two million sqm of development under design which is putting the ‘mini city’ approach into practice. Cities today are more complex than ever before, their design needs are quickly shifting. This poses many challenges and opportunities which are some of the most exciting and fulfilling to explore as designers,” said Simon Chua, Co Founder & Executive Director.

One Bangkok

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LOOKING TOWARDS 2020 The last twelve months have been momentous for the architecture and design firm and aimed at building a strong foundation from which to launch their next chapter.

Following a rebrand, a new online presence at www.lead8.com was unveiled to complement to the firm’s new and expanded headquarters in Hong Kong.

As summed up by Co Founder & Executive Director Christine Hau, “2020 is the start of another exciting chapter for Lead8. Many of our designs on the drawing board are coming to completion, we are moving into new geographies and creating the next generation of our portfolio. We have come a long way in five years and the best is still to come.”

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www.lead8.com

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SUBSTANTIALLY URBAN U

RBANPROJECTS: a boutique architectural practice working on a large scale throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Hong Kong’s Central Business District, the practice has delivered multiple projects since inception covering commercial, hospitality, cultural & residential typologies.

The practice directors honed their skills during previous tenures with large corporate architectural practices in the USA, Europe and latterly, Asia.

It was the mission of URBANPROJECTS’ founding partners to take the positive characteristics of these dynamic organisations and translate this into a more personal ‘boutique’ style of practice. The practice has taken a calculated approach to limiting its growth as a physical business in order to maintain control and individual responsibility for each project which passes through the studio.

URBANPROJECTS has eschewed ‘style’ in favour of ‘substance’. The practice has placed emphasis on understanding the physical and cultural context of any project before embarking on the journey towards an appropriate design solution.

The ‘physical’ aspects of the site, including topographical context, natural features, orientation, view, privacy etc. will all be keys to the development of a responsive model. URBANPROJECTS has layered onto this a holistic vision for the sustainable development of a site, minimising impact on the environment and also the concept of ‘WELL’ design – enhancing the internal environment of the building for the welfare of its occupants & users.

Kempinski Hotel, Chongqing

The future looks bright for URBANPROJECTS

Kempinski Master Residence,Yinchuan

Any successful project is ultimately the result of teamwork. To this end URBANPROJECTS has assembled a group of like-minded consultants in landscape architecture, interior design, specialist engineering and environmental design to enhance and strengthen the practice’s output. This ‘network’ of consultants allows URBANPROJECTS to deliver projects on a far larger scale than most practices smaller in size would contemplate.

The practice is currently expanding from its roots in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China.

Projects in India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Africa are currently on the drawing board. The firm also has a presence in Europe, opening a satellite office in the UK in 2017 focused on sustainable residential design.

URBANPROJECTS, a WELL brand for the future…

ULO Park, Beijing

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NUO Hotel, Beijing

NUO Hotel, Beijing

NUO Hotel, Beijing

Eagle Land Hotel & Resort,TianJin

www.urbanp.com

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COMPLEX FACADE SPECIALISTS

PERMASTEELISA GROUP

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ermasteelisa Group is a leading global contractor in the design, engineering, project management, manufacture, installation and after-sales service of architectural envelopes and interiors. Present in four continents, with a network of around 50 companies in 30 countries and 10 production plants, the Group generates a total turnover of around 1.1 billion euro a year. The Group brings its technical knowledge and expertise to all projects, in particular when dealing with Special Features Buildings and advanced façade systems.

The recently completed Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul, jointly designed by Frank Gehry and Peter Marino, is one of the latest successful examples of Permasteelisa’s ability to deliver on a project that required a high quality product and service for both iconic architects and retail brand. Located in the prominent Cheongdamdong Avenue in the Gangnam district, the flagship store draws inspiration from elements in Korean architecture and culture, such as the Hwaseong Fortress or the swooping movements and white costumes of the traditional Dongnae Hakchum crane dance.

Permasteelisa began coordinating with Louis Vuitton, Gehry Partners, LLP and the Consultant Team in late 2016 through a Pre-Construction Service (PCS), and was later awarded the façade build contract. Working through the different stages of design development through to construction, Permasteelisa led the process of realizing the complex forms of the façade using computer-aided 3D design software and technology. From initial geometry rationalization and optimization to the eventual data output for fabrication and site setting-out during installation, the digital asset was instrumental in delivering the project. Software algorithms and scripts were created to make each component of the 3D model parametric in order that all data could be efficiently analyzed, modified and tracked during the entire process of the project.

Due to the complex geometry and engineering of the project, Permasteelisa developed an Inspection Test Plan for quality assurance and control that allowed for 3D scanning devices to be used. Point cloud data was generated from these scans that were then overlaid with the 3D model in order to identify any irregularities or tolerance non-compliance. 3D scanning checks were done both in the factory for the individual double curved unitized panels and the assembled curved Circular Hollow Steel (CHS) modules, in addition to on-site 3D scanning to check the installation setting-out and final positioning.

This project embodies the Permasteelisa Group philosophy to operate as a Transnational Global Enterprise, capable of coordinating and moving resources both locally, regionally and overseas to best fit the needs of the job. Design and Engineering was executed from Hong Kong while material sourcing, procurement and manufacturing crossed three continents in six different countries – China, USA, Germany, Turkey, Spain and South Korea. The signature façade is comprised of 1200m2 of imported Turkish marble, 600 linear meters of CHS structural steel that is curved for a total weight of approximately 30 metric tons, and a total of 925m2 of signature glass from Spain. There are a total of 306 glass panels that are all uniquely shaped, 82 pieces of which are double curved heat slumped glass. The final assembly of the unitized glass panels, including the fabrication of the metal carrier frames, were all fabricated in China.

The bracket system that is designed and engineered by Permasteelisa to support the iconic glass façade are made of cast duplex stainless steel. A total of 553 sets of brackets that were parametrically located in the 3D model were crucial in allowing for a smooth and efficient installation process. The genius of the bracket is its ability to handle 6 different axis of adjustment that was quintessential in the installation of the unitized panels. The entire building comes to life with the incorporated façade lighting that was engineered by the Permasteelisa Integrated Lighting (PIL) team. The overall effect is one of weightlessness and awe.

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Contact: pisahk@permasteelisagroup.com +852 2201 6800 www.permasteelisagroup.com Permasteelisa Hong Kong Ltd. Unit 2701-07B, Island Place Tower 510 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong

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Skills not software:

ENTERING A NEW ERA OF DIG

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The world has changed beyond recognition since the advent of digital technology, not least for the built environment as represented by the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry.

The 1990s saw the start of the digital era, marked largely by the introduction of computer-aided design, used by industry participants using proprietary software such as AutoCAD. This was succeeded in the early 2000s by business information modeling or BIM, which paved the way for AEC professionals to gain access and insight into tools using an intelligent 3D model-based process that continues to allow more efficient planning, design, construction and management of buildings and infrastructure through the creation and management of digital information or data. Less than a decade later we entered another phase of the digital era – the era of parametrics and open-source computational design and engineering. So what does this mean for the future of design?

“Traditionally, the way our industry has approached everything digital has been through the adoption of software,” explains Emidio Piermarini, Asia Computational Projects Lead for BuroHappold Engineering since 2014. “When we as engineers learn to code we are taking a step back from our reliance on software to take responsibility for the data. For me, computational engineering (CE) is the use of bespoke digital tools, created by engineers to facilitate the application of engineering first principles and deliver projects. At the end of the day a computational engineer is an engineer who can code. It’s about understanding and creating the data behind what we’re designing,” he adds.

For engineering companies such as BuroHappold, with around 1800 employees globally, CE has become the bedrock of the way they work, with all engineers now being provided with at least a basic training of coding in-house. The effect is what might once have taken days using software now takes seconds. However, it’s not just about saving time, but using that time more effectively for the advancement of the industry as a whole.

Piermarini’s career with BuroHappold started in 2014 when he arrived in Asia after completing his Masters in the US to work on Zaha Hadid’s iconic Morpheus Tower in Macau. Under the guidance of UK-based Rob May, Global Computational Projects Lead he led a team whose role was to examine the freeform design of building and to work out how the steel exoskeleton connections would fit together.

“Whatever you think of the building from an architectural point of view, history is yet to name it as an inflection point of CE. From an engineering perspective however, it marked the first point in taking a step back from a reliance on software to taking responsibility for the data, and at the same time seeing what radically different designs can be achieved when this happens,” he explains.

“We designed 2,500 steel connections for the building’s freeform exoskeleton.

Our use of coding allowed us to translate the architect’s ideas into data that would transform those ideas into reality. This data was not constructed by a human being, but rather from an algorithm created by a human being, which had the effect of unleashing the principles of engineering via computation.”

ITAL DESIGN

Kai Tak Stadium: Every part of the stadium was generated using the BHoM

“We want to challenge the way we design and work today by using technology that is open and accessible for all. We think that by working together we can solve harder more impactful problems for the world.�

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The BHoM

being able to move and change quickly. What this means is that you have to be able to speak to as many people as possible as quickly as possible to communicate messaging, methodology and culture, using the same language,” he adds.

It is no coincidence that the launch of what has become known as the Buildings and Habitat Object Model (BHoM) in December 2018, an open source library of paradigm of being dependent on software to create a collaborative computational development project, where code can be co-created and shared and downloaded by anyone anywhere in the world. For May, it was the moment that he realised that the value of an efficient piece of code and the intellectual property value of being able to solve problems in a way that would drive the industry forward.

Essentially, what May and Fisher and their team have created is a community approach unique to BuroHappold, where a knowledge of coding across all parties has enabled a common code that allows all software to communicate with each other. The community approach has enabled collaboration and mass participation on a global scale, with over 60 code authors across countries, discipline and grades. For May, the development of an open source library of code has allowed the company to solve not just one part of the jigsaw, but rather to create a framework that allows anyone to contribute to solving the entire jigsaw by slotting pieces in. Using this analogy, computational design allows participants to take a step back and see every individual piece as a part of a whole, where engineers and architects alike can contribute towards driving forward the industry by creating peaks of innovation that are higher than could be achieved by any single mind.

“The BHoM solves a huge problem in our industry to do with interoperability, just by the fact that it’s a common language. The use of software is letting someone else drive the ship in terms of data. If you have the skills you can drive the data in the direction that is best for you and your design. We’re not replacing the first principles of engineering, or the need for software, but rather augmenting them by being able to tap into the power of the machine using bespoke code for bespoke design situations,” notes Piermarini.

The BHoM doesn’t negate the need for software. Rather it combines good design and communication to deliver execution and follow-through. At its core is a central library of data that AEC professionals can use as a reference point to create objects.

For the last two years, May and Dr. Al Fisher, Head of Computational Development, have circumnavigated the globe twice, visiting every one of BuroHappold’s offices. Both are structural engineers by trade, with backgrounds in machine learning and software development.

As Dr. Fisher explains: “Our approach is to ensure that collectively we are able to develop the code by encouraging collaboration between different stakeholders to facilitate the use of technology, both internally and externally, and interoperability between software. Essentially, it is a collective approach to ensuring we all speak the same language. The key point is that everyone, from LA to Hong Kong, is able to work on the same bits of coding remotely and collaboratively to create a network of tools that result in the delivery of real projects. It’s about teaching people to change their behaviour, rather than imposing technology on them for the sake of technology.”

May agrees: “Most companies think of CE as a specialist exercise performed by a small group of technologically adept people. One of our differentiators is

“All of the innovation and invention that has happened in the practice to date on any project has always come about from more than one individual having an idea and taking it the distance, above and beyond their role or remit,” he adds.

With close to half of BuroHappold’s code now available in the public domain, the BHoM provides a completely transparent approach towards creating human systems and organisational structures that allow people to become more effective, both as a company and as an industry.

For Fisher coding allows all disciplines and biases within the industry the opportunity to identify the actual first principle of a particular design and to remove the philosophical elements to arrive at the core element of a solution.

By disposing of any redundant information and boiling it back down to the relationships, definitions and mathematical formulae that describe the way we live and the earth works is fundamental.

“The first principle of applying computational engineering is to stop talking about the software and move towards solving solutions collaboratively through coding. With the BHoM we are able to create what may be described as ‘sustainable code scale’, which can be used by all parties across the industry.

You don’t need to be a technical person. You just need a point of entry,” concludes May. Find out more about BHoM at https://bhom.xyz/

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BENOY’s APAC leadership:

their views and vision for the future

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enoy is a world-class architecture and design firm, with over 70 years of history, having been established in 1947. In 2020, Benoy will be celebrating 20 years in Asia. In these 20 years, Benoy has collaborated on the architecture and design of some of the most iconic commercial buildings and landmarks across the region, such as Jewel Changi, ION Orchard, Iconsiam, Elements, IFS, iAPM and a host of others. In this special 100th edition of PRC magazine, we decided to sit down with Benoy’s APAC leadership team to discuss their views of what makes Benoy unique in Asia, their favourite projects, and what visions they have for the future.

WHAT SETS BENOY APART Compared to other architecture and design firms in the region, there are a few qualities that make Benoy stand out, according to its leadership. “Understanding the user journey” is one of the most important aspects, explains Trevor Vivian, Benoy’s Global Director and Head of APAC. Before starting a project, Benoy always considers how the end result will facilitate a user journey that is memorable, exciting and effortless. In other words, Benoy puts the user at the heart of its design philosophy. “A building should accommodate the needs of the user, rather than the other way around,” concludes Trevor.

Benoy’s value proposition isn’t limited to user-centric designs, but also commercially viable developments. “We approach every project with an eye to it being a commercial success for our clients,” says Darren Cartlidge, Regional Operations Director. The firm calls this principle “commercial creativity,”

which means that the company is committed to being creative and innovative in a manner that fulfils commercial aspirations.

Darren adds that the company operates as “one Benoy” despite having design studios spread across Asia and the rest of the world. In practical terms, this means that teams from different studios cooperate together, rather than operate in siloes, enabling the cross-fertilization of ideas, leading to stronger and more compelling design proposals.

Terence Seah, Head of Singapore Studio, claims that Benoy’s ability to “pay attention to client needs and fulfil their value aspirations” is also a distinguishing factor. Terence asserts that Benoy builds trusted partnerships with clients, through “deep listening and collaboration.” This collaborative, rather than transactional approach, makes clients believe that Benoy has their main interests at heart, often leading to repeat business opportunities.

Qin Pang, Head of Shanghai Studio, says that Benoy’s heritage of being a family business has led to a mind-set where the company is diligent, rational and cautious in the pursuit of profits and expansion of the business. This means that Benoy does not accept every project that comes its way. “Quality is more important than quantity,” explains Qin, and the firm carefully considers whether it has sufficient resources, manpower, and expertise to invest in a particular project.

In this way, Benoy only commits itself to projects it knows it will succeed in. This results in superior client service, compared to other design and architecture firms that are more liberal in their selection of projects.

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Jewel Changi, Singapore

BENOY’S IMPRINT IN ASIA Benoy has contributed to many award-winning projects in Asia over the past 20 years. Here are two favourites of the leadership:

iAPM, Shanghai, China

iAPM is the seven-storey retail component of the Shanghai ICC, an innovative mixed-use development which features grade A international office towers and luxury residences. Benoy implemented many unique elements for iAPM’s design, including a Shikumen façade, media wall installations, an open roof terrace, and transport connections by allowing visitors to access the MTR through the retail basement. The strength of iAPM is the way it integrates seamlessly into its surrounding environment, by allowing instant access through the surrounding offices, residences or MTR system. It is emblematic of Benoy’s holistic approach to design.

Jewel Changi, Singapore

Jewel is a world-class entertainment and retail facility within Singapore’s Changi airport, enhancing Singapore’s reputation as a major aviation hub. Benoy led the retail interior design, retail and aviation facility planning for Jewel. The approach here also incorporates Benoy’s holistic thinking, since the retail interiors navigate the many interfaces between aviation facilities and the retail centre. Benoy’s design further celebrates the natural light offered by Safdie Architects’ Forest Valley at Jewel’s core, redefining the traditional sense of the commercial space.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE After almost 20 thriving years in Asia, what do the next 20 years hold for Benoy in the region? Simon Bee, Managing Director, Global Design, argues that Benoy’s future will involve “continuity, evolution and aspiration”. In terms of continuity, the company will continue to deliver those aspects which have made it successful so far, including being client-focused, excellent collaborators, agile and working as one global team.

When it comes to evolution, Benoy will expand its expertise into more sectors, such as city-scale master planning, non-retail interior design, residential properties, hospitality, offices and further inroads into aviation.

In terms of aspiration, Benoy wants to move towards a model where design is primarily research and data driven, and where landscaping is incorporated into Benoy’s architectural offering. Making greater progress on sustainability is another major aspiration of the company, since by 2050 it’s predicted that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. As a company of designers and architects, Benoy feels it has a responsibility to help make urban areas more liveable and eco-friendly.

IFS, Chengdu

In any event, it’s beyond doubt that Benoy will continue to make a major impact on Asia’s architectural and design landscape over the coming decades, just as it has over the preceding ones. Watch this space.

Text & Images: Benoy

Jasper Lau

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Iconsiam, Bangkok

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Alibaba Jiangsu HQ, Nanjing

iAPM, Shanghai ION Orchard, Singapore

www.benoy.com

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ince 1999, LW Design Group has established itself as a leading figure in modern contemporary interior design across the globe. PRC spoke to founding partner and CEO, Jesper Godsk about bringing Scandinavian flair to the forefront of hospitality venues.

As the group celebrates its 20th anniversary this year by being awarded Interior Design Firm of the Year at the Commercial Interior Design Awards 2019, it now has more than 100 staff in its offices in the UAE, Hong Kong, and most recently, Brazil.

For Godsk, the establishment of LW Design Group in Dubai was a natural progression. Having already worked in the city on developed a name for projects such as the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, he and co-founders Lars Waldenstrom and Morten Hansen saw a playground of opportunity for a plethora of projects. The winning of a competition for the design of the refurbishment of the Hyatt Regency in 2002 was perhaps the springboard needed to cement their reputation for outstanding design. The project saw the firm sky-rocket from just six people to 30, with the firm being commissioned for as many as five hotel projects at any given time.

“Growth was phenomenal and very quick,” reminisces Godsk. “It was also around this time that we designed our first restaurant in the city – a noodle house in Emirates Tower – and we realised our passion for bars and restaurants. This put us on the map for F&B offerings and today we are working on as many as 15-20 restaurants at any given time in the GCC region alone,” he adds.

Today, with more than 80 hotels and 300 restaurants under its belt, the firm is amongst Dubai’s most successful interior design firms. From the South Americaninspired Toro Toro restaurant and bar and the intricate detail of the refurbished Buddha-Bar at Grosvenor House Dubai Marina, through to the minimalist and clean lines of the Park Hyatt’s Seventy Seventy bar, and the almost quirky, charismatic urban backdrop of Zabeel Houses’ Pan Asian Lah Lah restaurant, LW Design’s restaurant and bar portfolio is second to none when it comes to providing original and thought-provoking design.

Godsk admits that like anyone, the practice struggled during the global financial crisis of 2008, but came out smiling with the opening of its Hong Kong office in 2012. Since then, the studio has worked on numerous hotels, restaurants and bars in China and Vietnam.

Lars Waldernstrom, Jesper Godsk & Morten Hansen founded LW Design Group with a mission to bring the timeless elegants of moden European design to the Middle East

1990

Our first collaboration with Hyatt Hotel Group - Cutting-edge transformation of the Hyatt Regency Deira opened

2003

LW Architecture is founded Opened the first Grosvenor House with award winning Pan Asian Restaurant Club - Buddha Bar

2005

Created F&B brand "Noodle House" in 17 locations across 7 countries Opened the first Raffles Hotel in the Middle East Raffles Hotel, Dubai

2007

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Brasserie du Park, Park Hyatt

Flair No.5 Ritz Carlton

Jesper Godsk

“We have made the move from local to global not through a complex business model, but by what I believe is a no-compromise attitude and an understanding of how to develop a brand without over designing. Our aim is to design spaces that not only look good but also operate successfully,” he explains. “In this sense, it’s about being able to create the spine of a hotel, bar or restaurant that works operationally for the owner whilst providing their guests with the ultimate experience.

Godsk remains very hands on when it comes to working out the overall planning and direction of a project. He likes to sit in the studio with the designers, listening to music and sketching out ideas before the hard work starts and these ideas are turned into reality.

“We ask a lot of questions of the owners and operators and work hard to project their vision. Of course, we can’t ignore budgets and we are sometimes forced to become something of a mediator between reality and dreams in terms of investment, but we always deliver.”

Le Royal Meridien

Brought Bonnington Hotel from Dublin to Dubai

Created an innovative new brand - Centro Hotel for Rotana Hospitality Group in Abu Dhabi

2008

2009

Designed the world’s tallest hotel JW Marriott Marguis Opened Grosvenor House Tower 2 featuring Sidharta Lounge,Tower Toro by Richard Sandoval and the B Attitude Spa

2011

LW Hong Kong opened (Asia presence!)

Lar Waldernstrom (Our Founder) awarded Lifetime Achievement Award, CID Awards 2012

2012

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In May this year, hotel operator Accor announced the opening of Raffles Shenzhen.

For Adrian Battisby Associate Director, who worked in the Dubai office for ten years before making the leap across continents to head up LW Design’s Hong Kong studio in Hong Kong in 2015, the project embodies the essence of the Raffles brand.

“When people think of Raffles, most people have a romantic notion of heritage buildings. But our job was to take the essence of Raffles luxury to a modern mixed-use tower in the heart of Shenzhen. For me, it would be wrong to design a Raffles in a new build and make it look old.”

The result is a twelve-storey, 180 room boutique hotel that starts on the 34th floor of the building that embraces the future and provides a new context for historic opulence.

“The client was born and raised in Shenzhen and had seen it grow from a small fishing village to the Silicon Valley of China. It has amazing views into the mountains and out towards Shenzhen Bay. Living on the water is very intrinsic to the city, so we used light colour pallets that reflected this and connected the building visually to the view,” he explains.

The Raffles brand is encapsulated through the spacious, residential feel, complete with its library and artifacts that touch on the legacy of writers who have penned their works in Raffles hotels in years gone by. And of course no Raffles room would be complete without butler service. The 70 square metre rooms are large enough to be zoned into spaces that allow for in-room dining and walk-in wardrobes, while the public spaces feature contemporary artists and thoughtfully put together furniture that provide a taste of China.

Meanwhile, the lightly coloured hotel spa and gym provides an urban oasis, complete with Chinese inspired wall coverings, timber floors and lanterns providing a space to enjoy every level of luxury.

“We want to take clients on a design journey and retain our reputation as market leaders in lifestyle, luxury properties,” notes Battisby. “It’s taken time for Asia to become receptive to this and lifestyle brands have only really developed in the last 18 months, but through thought leadership and innovation we are filling that white space in the market that nobody knew what to do with. Our aim is differentiate, and provide the younger demographic with an experience that goes way beyond the outdated vision of legacy hotel brands,” he concludes.

LW Brazil opened

Created Vida Hotel brand for Emaar Hospitality - A ground breaking lifestyle brand leading the hospitality scene. (Interior Design of the Year (Hospitality) CID Awards 2014) Interior Design Firm of the Year LW, CID Awards

2013

First collaboration with Movenpick - Movenpick Riyadh opened

Interior Design Firm of the Year – LW, CID Awards

2014

Designed the first Steigenberger Hotel in the Middle East (Identity Design Awards 2016, Hospitality Interiors)

2015

Renovated Le Royal Meridien Dubai and received four international awards First presence in China, Chang Yi at Fairmont Chengdu opened First collaboration with Ritz Carlton, Dubai and opened Flair No.5 Interior Design Firm of the Year – LW, CID Awards

2016

Raffles One Shenzhen Bay (All images)

LW celebrates 20th year anniversary

Interior Design Firm of the Year – LW, CID Awards

2017

Collaborated with Park Hyatt and opened their award winning restaurants: Seventy Seventy, Brasserie Du Park, Noépe Opened 7 Restaurants, Bars and Clubs in Vietnam

2018

First Hotel in China Raffles Hotel, Shenzhen, One Shenzhen Bay opened Jesper Godsk (Our Founder) - Lifetime Achievement Award, CID Awards 2019 Interior Design Firm of the Year – LW, CID Awards 2019

2019

Can't wait for our first Edition in Dubai!

2020

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www.lw.co Lai Cantonese Cuisine (All images)

Text & Photos: JATO

Krista Chan

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Text: Norman Yam

Photos: ROF Media

Krista Chan

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CEILINGREEN®

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Rammed Earth at basement

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Sky Garden

Office Space

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Heritage wall

Featuring

6 - 8 MAY 2020 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Book your booth now!

www.build4asia.com follow us

Build4Asia

Organiser: 17/F China Resources Building, 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong +852 2827 6211

exhibit@build4asia.com

Build4Asia

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ointly developed by Wing Tai Properties and Manhattan Group, La Vetta, located at the peak of Kau To Shan close to Shatin, is an example of a low-density luxury residential project making headlines in the Hong Kong property sector.

Featuring 68 individual houses and eight towers of one to four-bedroom low-rise apartments, La Vetta is a masterpiece of collaboration between world-renowned designer, Yabu Pushelberg, London-based Italian landscape designer, Luciano Giubbilei and architects P&T. Together, they set a bold vision for contemporary urban living.

Aside from its stylish clubhouse and breathtaking interior design, one of the highlights of the 158-unit development is ‘House 1’, otherwise known as Magnum House. As La Vetta’s largest house it has a saleable area of 476 square metres, and incorporates four en-suite bedrooms, two parking spaces and a swimming pool nestled in an expansive 280 square metre private garden.

Described as the ultimate deluxe private residence, this single residential unit embodies the essence of the entire concept of luxury living and commands spectacular views of Shatin Racecourse and the landscape that surrounds the Shing Mun River.

For Chung Chi Lam, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Wing Tai Properties, its extraordinary curvilinear design with its glass and stone exterior is a showcase of ingenious craftsmanship. However, what really stands out, especially in Hong Kong, is the use of German oak flooring throughout.

Interior designer Yabu Pushelberg are well known for their use of statement spiral staircases, not least in their design of The Four Seasons Hotel in Kuwait and New York’s Edition Hotel. In the case of Magnum House, the distinctive design of the spiral staircase stands as a sculptural feature and centerpiece of the entire house, seamlessly linking the three storeys of the building

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Text: Elizabeth Dooley

Photos: ROF Media

Krista Chan

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and its rooftop area. Here, handrails made from metal and Venetian plaster are complimented by the use of L-shaped wooden bricks, meticulously hand-crafted in Germany by architectural wood experts Schotten & Hansen. The company also supplied the flooring and all other wooden features.

Represented in Hong Kong by Holz Selections Ltd, the company was founded in 1984 in Bavaria and specialises in luxurious custom-made yachts, handmade wooden planks and exquisite parquet flooring. Indeed, they are as much known for their high quality wooden floors and interiors as they are for their cooperation with world-renowned international architects, shipyards and builders and new developments within the construction process.

“Schotten & Hansen are renowned for their passion for the natural beauty of wood and their deep appreciation of working with the material. Their timber has been used in many high traffic areas such as airports, hotels and commercial office spaces in Europe and the Middle East by clients seeking a highly durable and luxury product,” notes Ewa Leung, owner and proprietor of Holz.

“They are known globally for their products, which use only naturally handcrafted timber, which has become extremely popular in some of the most luxury residences around the world. Demand [for wooden interiors] is growing in Hong Kong and is becoming the obvious choice for residential properties at the mid to upper segment of the market,” she adds.

In the case of Magnum House Schotten & Hansen worked closely with the designers throughout the project cycle, from colour sample preparations through to ordering, installation and completion, supplying over 300 square metres of floorboards and 640 square metres of veneers for doors, furniture and walls.

All the timber was imported directly to Hong Kong from Germany, with veneers prefabricated offsite and the floorboards and staircase installed by the contractor onsite. Whilst most products ordered belonged to Schotten & Hansen’s standard range, close collaboration was required with the interior designers for the final design of the staircase.

“In general property developments in Hong Kong seldom use so much wood.

It is also normal for interior design concepts to be dazzling and glamorous, so we really welcomed the move by La Vetta’s designers to create something where the client could experience the simple elegance that the use of natural materials such as wood can achieve and inspire.”

www.schotten-hansen.com