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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

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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.

89


/ 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.

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/ 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.

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/ 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.

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/ 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.

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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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