FORM Volume 03 2010

Vol 3 2010

MILAN FAIR 2010 • Colourful vintage blast • Singapore designer cast

BOLD ARCHITECTURE • RSP’s youthscape • ARUP’s ecoscape

ECCENTRIC HOTELS • Boca Chica, Acapulco • Maison Moschino, Milano

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Cassina LC Collection designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret & Charlotte Perriand

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46 14 FLIRT GOLDEN PROPORTION FORM HOSTS 20 ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS AT BELL & ROSS BOUTIQUE’S OPENING PARTY 16 OUTDOOR BREAK-IN QSQUARE’S EVENING SHOWCASE OF ITS EMU AND 21ST CENTURY OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND LIGHTING 20 TROPICAL SLING CLIENTS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE WITH TIMUR DESIGNS TO LAUNCH A BOOK ON THEIR ARCHITECTURE 24 FRONTIER TREASURE TROVE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE GALORE AT PARK MALL 26 FLOURISH MILAN FAIR 2010 RAINBOW RUSH SHEDDING BLACK AND CHROME DECORUM, MODERN 20TH CENTURY ICONS GO POP IN SHOCKING BRIGHT HUES 34 FLASHBACK MUTATIONS IMITATION IS FLATTERY AS CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS GET INSPIRED BY PAST MASTERS 38 RISING SUN RIDING THE CREST OF JAPONISM 46 GARDEN PARTY AN AVALANCHE OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE PUTS THE HIP INTO SUN BATHING AND MOONLIGHT PARTIES 58 MESHMATE TICKLED BY NOSTALGIA FOR RUSTICITY, DESIGNERS REWORK WOVEN TECHNIQUES AND LATTICE PATTERNS 66 BOOKISH REBELS KINDLE AND IPAD GET THE SNUB FROM THESE AMAZING BOOKSHELVES 70 QUEEN SWEEP PATRICIA URQUIOLA CONFIRMS HER UNSTOPPABLE REIGN AT THE TOP WITH A FLURRY OF DESIGNS 74 WANDERS-KIND MARCEL WANDERS DOES QUIRKY IN MYRIAD WAYS 77 MERRY-GO-ROUND LOUNGING FURNITURE MAKER FATBOY AND COFFEE SPECIALIST LAVAZZA INDULGE VISITORS WITH FUNFAIR CAROUSELS 85 OUTLIER AMBITION SINGAPORE-BASED DESIGNERS BLAZE A TRAIL AT SALONE SATELLITE

Publisher/Editorial Director EDDY KOH Contributing Editors JOSHUA YAP JENNIFER CHOO Copy Editor SHEILA OLIVEIRO Editor-at-Large MARC ALMAGRO Marketing Managers JOY LEE SHAMIL ABIDIN Marketing Coordinator KAI Art Directors HAN GINA TOH Graphic Designer JEREMY GOH Design Director YEE WAI FONG FORM MICA (P) 059/01/2010 is a bimonthly publication of HEART PUBLISHING PTE LTD 2 Alexandra Road, Delta House Singapore 159919 Telephone 65 6733 9931 Facsimile 65 6733 5661 Printed by Fabulous Printers Pte Ltd No part of FORM may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Heart Publishing Pte Ltd.

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106 90 FUNDAMENTALS SOUNDSCAPE PHILIPPE STARCK APPLIES HIS MIDAS TOUCH TO ZIKMU SPEAKERS 92 FOCUS COLOSSAL STALWART PHILIP DILLEY TALKS ABOUT ARUP’S SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURAL AGENDA IN NUMEROUS MARINA BAY DEVELOPMENTS 96 FRAME ROCKING ODE TO YOUTH RSP ARCHITECTS PUNCHES UP *SCAPE WITH ASSORTED ACTIVITY AREAS TO EMBRACE ITS ENERGETIC USERS 106 FORMAT TIGHT EDITING SU MISURA’S SHOWFLAT FOR THE WATERSCAPE @ CAVENAGH IS A MASTERFUL STUDY IN CONTRAST 110 BEYOND PRETTY SIX PLANES SYNCHRONISES ELEGANCE AND PRACTICALITY AT THE ALTEZ SHOW UNITS 113 IDOL STRUT SU MISURA IMAGINES THE CASCADIA SHOWFLAT AS A MUSICIAN’S HAVEN 116 FLAIR INTO THE FOLD FORMWERKZ ARCHITECTS CREATES A WRAPAROUND ORIGAMI ROOF AND SCULPTURAL SILHOUETTE FOR A DISTINCTIVE BUNGALOW 124 COASTAL CODE TERENCE CHAN REFERENCES WEATHERED SEASIDE SHACKS FOR A LUXURY APARTMENT AT THE COAST IN SENTOSA COVE 132 FLING CHICA BOOM HOTEL BOCA CHICA REVIVES THE ACAPULCO HEYDAY IN THE 1950S AND ‘60S 138 SUITE SURREAL MILAN’S ECCENTRIC MAISON MOSCHINO BRANDISHES THE LATE FASHION DESIGNER’S ICONIC KOOKS 144 FINALE VIVID VINTAGE NATUZZI COLLABORATES WITH PAOLA NAVONE ON THE FUNDAMENTALS COLLECTION

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Ardent admirers

of Le Corbusier’s black leather and chrome chairs must have gone apoplectic when they saw Cassina’s exhibit of the Modernist master’s iconic collection in a palette of shockingly bright colours at this year’s Milan Fair. Purists resistant against adulterating originals such as a Rolex Daytona (although Bamford in the UK dared to by giving the wristwatch a bespoke black PVD treatment) consider any change no matter how minor as irreverent and violation of the designer’s genius. But realists would argue that today’s world is no Pleasantville movie where every frame of its 1950s American suburban utopian setting is frozen in black and white.

This editor believes it’s fantastic if passing a rainbow wand over Corbu’s icons helps win over younger fans. Coincidentally, the people at Knoll, Vitra and Emeco also dipped into their paint box; expanding the tuxedo shades of the Wassily, Eames Plastic and Navy chairs with a colour repertoire that feathered Macaws would be proud to flit around in.

Contemporary designers with a wry sense of humour like Jamie Hayon even remixed old masters to spawn new mutants; his Lounger for BD Barcelona is akin to a mating between Eames classic chaise longue and Toshiyuki Kita’s Wink chair. And, of course, he dabbed them in happy hues.

Nothing is as dangerous and stultifying as staying static and unchanging; it dulls the mind and blunts the edge. Designers and manufacturers at the Milan Fair recognise this in their courageous update of vintage classics and spew of innovative creations. This brave spirit pervades Singapore’s urban planners, architects and designers.

RSP Architects’ *Scape building off Orchard Road places user-friendliness foremost; incorporating exciting outdoor and indoor activity areas for its target youth audience while conserving the mature trees in a green patch. The Arup Group which plays an instrumental role in many of the major buildings in and around Marina Bay from the Sands Integrated Resort to the Helix Bridge, Marina Barrage and upcoming South Beach development shares with us the ecosustainable architectural agenda that drives their work; providing an insight into the ideals underlying the varied structures and facades.

While there is debate on the aesthetics of each project, these buildings perform well in funnelling people, activity, vitality and energy into the city’s established and new central zones. And whether you are a rationalist or geomancy believer, movement and buzz generate good qi and colourful fortune. F FORM 12

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30 Hill Street Unit 01-02 Singapore 179360 Tel. +65 6338 2822 E-mail: minotti@marquis.com.sg

Jagger, sectionals seating system with backrests and armrests in different heights design: Rodolfo Dordoni

Minotti S.p.A. 20036 MEDA (MI) ITALIA via Indipendenza, 152 Tel. +39 0362 343499 www.minotti.com - info@minotti.it

F L I R T

GOLDEN PROPORTION HIP WITH THE DESIGNER SET, BELL & ROSS OPENS ITS BOUTIQUE AT MANDARIN GALLERY IN FITTING STYLE The square-case BR 01 watch by Bell & Ross has

won a strong following among architects and designers and 20 local luminaries including Ko Shiou Hee of K2LD, Terence Chan of Terre, Peter Tay of P3, Berlin and Gwen Lee of Formwerkz, and Norman Yeo of One Stop Concept were specially invited to the party to celebrate the opening of the Swiss watchmaker’s first standalone boutique in the world at Mandarin Gallery. It was an occasion to view the latest collection as well as relax over an eight-course Chinese dinner. Naturally, the brand’s co-founders Carlos Rosillo and Bruno Belamich flew in to officiate the evening together with the regional distributor, FJ Benjamin Group led by CEO Nash Benjamin. It was also an opportunity for the duo to renew their acquaintance with the leaders of the local watch retail industry at the event. F

(L-R) Terence Chan, Polly Sohn, Divisional CEO, Luxury Timepiece Division, FJ Benjamin and Ko Shiou Hee

(L-R) Bruno Belamich, Creative Director, Bell & Ross, Carlos Rosillo, CEO, Bell & Ross and Nash Benjamin, CEO, FJ Benjamin Holdings

Mr and Mrs Tay Liam Wee

Norman Yeo

Ben Benjamin, Regional Brand Manager, FJ Benjamin and Caroline Heah

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(L-R) Manoj Bhojwani, Douglas Benjamin, CEO, FJ Benjamin Singapore and Lionel Leo

INSTRUMENT BR 01-93 24H GMT 46 MM . SECOND TIME ZONE IN 24H

Bell & Ross Boutique : 333A Orchard Road #01-15 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897 • Tel : (65) 6884 6471 • Fax : (65) 6884 6472 • bellross.mandaringallery@fjbenjamin.com

www.bellross.com

Available at: All Watches Wisma Atria Tel: 6733 2823 • Cortina Watch Ion Orchard Tel: 6509 9218 Millenia Walk Tel: 6339 1728 Raffles City Tel: 6339 9185 • Dickson Watch & Jewellery Wisma Atria Tel: 6737 6451 Sincere Fine Watches Lucky Plaza Tel: 6737 4593 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6733 0618 Suntec City Tel: 6337 5150 VivoCity Tel: 6278 1698 • Watches of Switzerland Paragon Tel: 6732 9793 Tampines Mall Tel: 6783 6535 F J Benjamin Service Centre • 230 Orchard Road, #04-230 Faber House, Singapore 238854 • Service Centre: (65) 6736 3933 • Office: (65) 6737 0155 • www.fjbenjamin.com

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LIGNE ROSET #01-01 Odeon Towers 331 North Bridge Road Singapore 188720 T: (65) 6235 4211 F: (65) 6733 6643 info@monticellodesigns.com www.monticellodesigns.com

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F L I R T

TROPICAL SLING TIMUR DESIGNS LAUNCHED A MONOGRAPH OF ITS SELECTED WORKS TITLED TIMELESS TROPICAL AT SONG OF INDIA Publishing a

compilation of one’s own architectural works is a monumental achievement and the principals of Timur Designs, Yong Ai Loon and Chan Wai Kin, seized the opportunity to invite clients, friends and business associates to celebrate the launch of their monograph at the Song of India restaurant in Scotts Road.

Browsing through the landscape-format book between sips and bites, the gathering was impressed by the 15 featured projects which proclaim the virtues of tropical architecture in different housing types from newly built seaside bungalows and hilltop mansions to vintage Peranakan terraced houses and a 1950s-era walkup apartment. Published by Oro Editions, Timeless Tropical is available at leading bookstores. F

(L-R) Terry Tan, Diane Tan, Cheng Li Hui and Chan Wai Kin

(L-R) Yam Kah Heng, Yong Ai Loon and Joseph Cheang (L-R) Lee Swee Teck, Kathryn Lee and Joyce Yeo

(L-R) Susan Hutton, Michelle Fisher, Chan Wai Kin, Sharon Pawley, and Neil and Annabel MacGregor FORM 20

Ooi Wai Kin and Stella Ooi

MODEL: ATTICA/ STYLING: TERRE

Distinctive. Desirable. DeямБnitive.

A PREMIER GERMAN HOME FURNISHING BRAND SINCE 1978 DOMICIL PTE LTD | 11 GUL CIRCLE | TEL +65 6863 0555 | WWW.DOMICILINTERNATIONAL.COM The Domicil Collection is also exclusively available at

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F L I R T

(L-R) Andy Ng, Chan Tan Wah, Tay Thin Hock and Jufri Yusoff

Edward Hendricks and Maurice Lee

Mr and Mrs Tan Tee Jim

Choo Siew Chiang and John Tan

Chan Wai Kin and Tay Suan Chiang

Dr and Mrs Kee Swee Hae, and Chan Wai Kin

(L-R) Chia Hsin-Li, Danny Yong, and Martin and Regina Cher

Brad Chew and Ken Wong

Shum Wing Tung and Paul Lim

PICTURES COURTESY OF TIMUR DESIGNS

(L-R) Lim Meng Kuan, Mr and Mrs Ko Tjie Ming

(L-R) Brian Tan, Jo-Ann Yang and Chris Teo

(L-R) Cheang Kit Lea, Sharon Wong and Cheang Ko Lyn

FORM 22

(L-R) Fu Siew Leng, Zarina Chew and Brad Chew

Nemo chair by Fabio Novembre

Showrooms: 333A Orchard Road #04-12 Mandarin Gallery T: +65 6235 5618 F: +65 6235 5918 E: platform@starhub.net.sg

9 Raffles Boulevard #01-84 Millenia Walk T: +65 6338 6285 F: +65 6338 6171 E: platform@starhub.net.sg

F R O N T I E R

I TEXT JOSHUA YAP

TREASURE TROVE Artemide

Castilla

PICTURES COURTESY OF PARKMALL

FROM TRENDY FURNITURE TO TIMELESS DESIGNS, SCORE THE BEST DEALS AT PARK MALL DURING THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE AND YOU JUST MIGHT BE WALKING AWAY WITH MORE THAN YOU’VE BARGAINED FOR Scanteak

Luxury Mattress

Whether you are outfitting a

XTRA

new abode or sprucing up your crib, there’s never been a better time to rediscover Park Mall than now. Home to a slew of premier furniture and lifestyle shops, the onestop shopping destination for discerning homeowners is buzzing with irresistible offers for the Great Singapore Sale from most of its tenants such as XTRA, Artemide, Luxury Mattress, Castilla, Scanteak , ModusNatura and Simmons Galler y. In addition , keep a lookout for V and Gar funk t — two new boutiques by renowned local designer, Nathan Yong. Further sweetening the deal, more than $20,000 worth of designer pieces are up for grabs in a lucky draw that runs from May 28 to July 25. F

Park Mall 9 Penang Road Tel : 6303 2266 www.suntecreit.com/parkmall V by Nathan Yong

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MODERN 20TH-CENTURY FURNITURE ICONS GO POP, SHEDDING THEIR SOBER SUITS FOR VIBRANT HUES – THE LOUDEST TREND AT THIS YEAR’S MILAN FURNITURE FAIR

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KNOLL Available at DREAM INTERIOR 456 River Valley Road Tel: 6235 0220 www.dream-int.com

WASSILY CHAIR Previously available only in funereal shades of black, white and beige, Knoll has unleashed a kaleidoscope of 15 stunning colours upon the Wassily Chair, instantly updating Marcel Breuer’s 1925 classic. While the original raised eyebrows in its day for its avant-garde tubular steel frame and leather sling construction, we’re certain its 2010 counterpart will more than raise temperatures.

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EMECO 111 NAVY CHAIR Originally designed for the US navy for use on board WWII ships, the versatile, lightweight aluminium chair with the voluptuous seat imprint now comes in six vibrant hues including CocaCola Red, so-called because of its collaboration with the soft drinks giant. The project involved recycling 111 plastic Coke bottles to give the chair a 21st century eco-edge. As an improvement over the original, the new finish is more scratch-resistant, more pleasing to the touch, and does not gain or lose heat as quickly, making for a more comfortable seat all round.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

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TEXT RYAN WU

AWARE THAT IMITATION IS FLATTERY, TOP DESIGNERS SALUTE MODERNIST FURNITURE ICONS WITH INSPIRED INTERPRETATIONS MOROSO SILVER LAKE Silver Lake, a hipster Los Angeles neighbourhood famed for its concentration of Californian modernist architecture, particularly works by Richard Neutra, seems an apt moniker for this collection of sofas and armchairs designed by Patricia Urquiola.

The pieces are designed using 1950s utopian sensibilities, with a scrupulous use of materials and a deliberate combination of contrasting colours and surfaces such as wood, steel, fabric and leather to create delightful geometric and polyhedral forms.

Available at MODLIVING 7 Magazine Road #01-01/02 Central Mall Tel: 6336 2286 www.modliving.com.sg

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BD BARCELONA LOUNGER Looking somewhat like a cross between the Eames Lounge Chair and Toshiyuki Kita’s Wink chair, Jaime Hayon’s Lounger succeeds in bringing a classical wingback form to a new audience. Smacking of 1950s styling, its sensuous curved bentwood form and spindly legs would not look out of place in a Case Study House. It comes in pop-tastic monotones with an optional footrest.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688

Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

XO KAREAMES Ten years since his first homage to Charles and Ray Eames with an acrylic reinterpretation of the LCW chair for Magis, Karim Rashid is at it again with a flamboyant orange fibreglass revisitation of the pair’s classic La Chaise (circa 1948). Made from a single continuum of plastic, Rashid’s version imitates the sensuous contours and graceful swoops of the original, right down to the distinctive hole in the seat. www.xo-design.com

TEXT JOSHUA YAP

SEEMINGLY CONSPIRING TO BRING FORTH A NEW WAVE OF JAPONISM, FURNITURE HOTSHOTS ESCHEW SUPERFLUOUS RAZZMATAZZ FOR THE FABULOUSLY CLEAN AND STARK LINES OF JAPANESE DESIGN

Call it

a knee jerk reaction to shrinking budgets and shunning of conspicuous display of extravagance. Furniture brands are offering pared down pieces that won’t stick out like a sore thumb in lean times. Going back to the basics of modern classic furniture, they take their cues from masters like Charles Rene Mackintosh and Charlotte Perriand whose works were inspired by the clean and elegant forms of Japanese design. From alluding to age-old origami techniques to reinterpreting traditional storage chests, these tributes to one of the most enduring influences in modern furniture are like a much-needed breath of fresh air.

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First created in the 1920s under Le Corbusier’s studio and now respectfully re-issued by Cassina, some of Charlotte Perriand’s most celebrated works serve as the precursor to modern classic furniture we know today. Heavily influenced by the arresting simplicity of Japanese aesthetics, she once proclaimed: “Normalisation and standardisation, so dear to Corbu, had not yet become common practice to us in the West, but they already formed part of the architectural repertoire of Japanese homes.”

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

FORM 39

KARTELL INVISIBLES The ultimate in minimalist furniture, the Invisibles collection by Tokujin Yoshioka is so discreet that it risks being overlooked at first glance.

Consisting of tables, sofas, armchairs and benches with austere square lines, its ethereal quality however belies the technicality involved in its construction. Made of crystal clear polycarbonate in an unprecedented thickness, it’s a paradox of strength and fragility realised through Kartell’s expertise in plastic.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

LIFESTOREY Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.lifestorey.com

KARTELL SINGAPORE Centre Point #05-14 Tel: 6238 7323 www.kartell.it

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ANDREU WORLD PURE Consider this the purest form of origami. Instead of folding a piece of paper to form a sturdy structure, Andreu World employs recyclable aluminium sheets and give them right-angle bends to construct a simple albeit deceptively strong table. Extremely lightweight thanks to its material, its dimensions are customisable and will look right at home in any contemporary space.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688 Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

MARQUIS STUDIO Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.marquis.com.sg

LIVING DIVANI DROP TABLE A whimsical interpretation of an archetypal form, the Drop Table by Junya Ishigami may have your guests eyeing the tabletop more that what is on it. While body-conscious ladies may want to stay away from it, the rest of us are sure to be entranced by its playful distortion of space. What seems like an unassumingly slender Perspex tabletop is actually curved like a lens that recreates the magnifying effect of a drop of water, hence its name.

Available at P5 5 Purvis Street # 01-02 Tel: 6337 0050 www.p5.com.sg

PICCOLA PAPILIO B&B ITALIA As much as we like the original Papilio armchair, its hefty dimensions are somewhat overwhelming in tight quarters.

Thankfully, it’s downscaled this year to more manageable proportions. Unchanged however is its retro kitsch profile as it still looks like an oversized soft toy that one would like to cuddle up in, just as its designer, Naoto Fukasawa, intended.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

FORM 42

24 seaters baroque style dining room suite, base with columns and basket, hand-painted flowers with goldleaf profiles. Made in Italy.

Hist ory

Treasures of

GIORGETTI EAN Resembling a traditional Japanese storage chest, Giorgetti’s Ean cabinet scores high in our books for its elegant simplicity and versatility. Open its sliding doors and one will discover that it can be fitted with a wide range of partitions and drawers that makes it an excellent storage solution for documents in the office, glassware and crockery in the dining room or even a TV in the living room.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

MOLTENI & C TIGHT Inspired by the typology of origami, Tight is a delightful confluence of alternating geometric shapes that form a cradling seat. Propped up by an unobtrusive metal base that inherits the graceful lines of the seat, this armchair does not scrimp on comfort with its generous padding, matching ottoman and luxurious fabric or leather upholstery.

Available at MODLIVING Central Mall #01-01/02 Tel: 6336 2286 www.modliving.com.sg

MARUNI HIROSHIMA You may have been charmed by the pure lines of Maruni’s Hiroshima armchair; now meet its sibling. Echoing the immaculate profile of its predecessor, the new chair in the Hiroshima series is similarly imbued with a strong Japanese artisanal bearing. Available in beech or oak wood, its impeccable finishing injects the chair with an exceptional fluidity that makes it look like it’s sculpted from a single piece of wood.

Available at ATOMI Mandarin Gallery #04-27 Tel: 6887 4138 www.atomi-jp.com

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IT’S IN TO BE OUT AGAIN AS THE GREAT OUTDOORS CONTINUE TO FIRE THE IMAGINATION OF DESIGNERS AND FURNITURE MAKERS

Once the domain of nondescript polypropylene affairs that

leaves much to be desired, the garden has become the latest playground for furniture makers in recent years. As homeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces from the inside out, there’s greater emphasis in the aesthetic value of outdoor furniture more than ever. And the major furniture labels are happy to indulge as they rope in big names, experiment with a smorgasbord of materials and rework iconic designs to create lustworthy pieces that can withstand the rigours of the elements.

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TEXT JOSHUA YAP

“Play is about freedom.

The freedom to keep exploring, discovering, evolving and having fun,” says Philippe Starck of his outdoor collection DEDON PLAY As far as collaborations go, this one’s long overdue. After all, Philippe Starck is no stranger to designing outdoor furniture having previously worked with Kartell, Driade and XO on their outdoor collections. Dedon too has its fair share of dalliances with hotshot designers such as Jean-Marie Massaud, EOOS and Frank Ligthart. Thus, in the days leading up to ‘Play with Dedon’ by Starck collection’s launch in Milan, the anticipation was understandably excruciating. And the big boy didn’t disappoint.

More of a conceptual than straightforward outdoor furniture collection, Play is borne from the designer’s desire to meld high-tech manufacturing techniques with artisanal handicraft. Referring to the Play chair (the star piece in the collection) in particular, Starck says: “it is a perfect example of the interaction between technology and human as it has the capacity to combine elements from all over the world. I kept the design very simple because it’s not its design that makes a difference but how different cultures add to its value. As a result, it’s not just a retro or modern chair, but a new worldwide strategy.”

Featuring a monolithic frame in injection moulded polypropylene and fibreglass, it’s the Play chair’s seat and backrest that make it a vehicle for different cultures as Starck has mentioned. For the debut collection, it’s up to Dedon’s master craftsmen in the Philippines to weave their magic with the synthetic fibre that has endeared the German marque to global outdoor furniture lovers. Those who favour a more minimalist look, however, can opt for models with seats and backrests in sleek aluminium or wood. As a teaser, Starck hinted that future extensions to this collection will ‘play’ with other age-old production knowhow from other parts of the world but stopped short at revealing the specifics.

Completing the collection is the Bistro table with a glazed ceramic tabletop and moulded polypropylene pedestal and the Dining table that shines with its mirror-finish aluminium structure and a tabletop made of an inert compound of powdered bamboo and plastic. While the innovative compound looks like real wood, it’s extremely resistant to abrasion, UV radiation and other harsh weather conditions. In addition, there is also a series of pod-like lounge chairs that are perfect for quiet private moments as well as Flos’ Superarchimoon and Romeo 3 outdoor lighting by Starck that has been given Dedon’s signature handwoven treatment.

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Play chairs come in chalk, terracotta or light grey polypropylene frame with its seat and backrest in woven synthetic fibre with duotone, tartan or fleurde-lis motifs as well as wood or aluminium slats

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688

FORM 48

Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

Starck’s Superarchimoon and Romeo 3 outdoor lighting for Flos gets a Dedon makeover with handwoven lampshades that match the colour palette of the Play collection

Perfect for curling up with a good read, Play’s podlike loungers create a cocoon of serenity with their organic forms

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EMU PATTERN Add a dash of sprightly colour to your patio with the Pattern collection by Arik Levy.

A testament to Emu’s mastery of outdoor furniture manufacturing techniques, the chair appears to be a candy-coloured injection moulded structure, but is in fact composed of pressed, moulded and painted sheet metal. Thanks to an advanced welding process that joins the legs to the seat, it boasts an arresting seamless profile punctuated by playful honeycomb cut-outs.

Available at MARQUIS STUDIO Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.marquis.com.sg

ANDREU WORLD SAND Sand is an outdoor sofa so gorgeous that one would be tempted to keep it indoors in order to shield it from the elements.

However, fret not as its good looks belie its robust construction. With a frame made of weatherproof metal or Ecolignus wood (an innovative wooden material with teak-like attributes) and sturdy belting or Batyline mesh for its seat and backrest, it performs beautifully come rain or shine. Plush cushions complete its inviting form that makes you want to sink into its cushy cradle.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688 Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

MARQUIS STUDIO Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.marquis.com.sg

MARQUIS STUDIO Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.marquis.com.sg

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INDECASA FLEX If seating options with clean lines are what you are after, Indecasa’s Flex collection are an attractive choice. Available as chairs, armchairs, benches or stools, its slim tubular stainless steel frame props up a seat and backrest in sleek anodised aluminium. Ergonomically curved for optimal comfort, the seats come in matte, cava, bronze and black finishes.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688 Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

DRIADE STORE GRAND PLIE, PLIE AND PIAFFE This is one sofa that will leave you finding any excuse to throw a garden party. The Grand Plie, replete with gracefully fluid lines, strike the delicate balance between form and function, seating up to four to indulge in conversation with its curvy comforts. On the other hand, the Plie armchair embraces like a cocoon within its high backrest while shutting out uninvited attention when privacy is needed. The shapely Piaffe coffee table rounds up this handsome trio.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

PLATFORM 333A Orchard Road #04-12 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6235 5618

9 Raffles Boulevard #01-84 Millenia Walk Tel: 6338 6285

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ARFLEX CLOUD Despite its voluminous sounding moniker, Arflex’s Cloud collection by Carlo Colombo is anything but. In place of fluff and puff are streamline profiles of matte lacquered tubular steel that have been treated for outdoor use. Nevertheless, sit back on the sun bed, armchair or chair and the reason for its name will be apparent. Broad synthetic elastic straps on the seats and backrests will give one the feeling of floating on air.

Available at MODLIVING 7 Magazine Road #01-01/02 Central Mall Tel: 6336 2286 www.modliving.com.sg

DRIADE STORE NEMO Theatre enthusiasts will undoubtedly be tickled by the Nemo armchair. Touted as a ‘head-armchair’, its anthropomorphic form features a hollowed out face in polyethylene that doubles as a giant mask to keep prying eyes at bay. Sculpted with divine features and refined lines usually found on Greek statues, this is one larger than life piece of pop art furniture that makes a dramatic statement indoors or outdoors.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

PLATFORM 333A Orchard Road 9 Raffles Boulevard #04-12 Mandarin Gallery #01-84 Millenia Walk Tel: 6235 5618 Tel: 6338 6285

PHOTO BY GOODRICH

PHOTO BY BRINK & CAMPMAN

PHOTO BY BRINK & CAMPMAN

PHOTO BY WILMAN

PHOTO BY PARADOR

SERRALUNGA BARCELONETA The ubiquitous Barcelona chair finally takes the quantum leap to the great outdoors. A sure-fire bet for double-takes at pool parties, the iconic piece has been transformed into Barceloneta by Serralunga as its chromed steel frame is replaced by aluminium and quilted leather by UV resistant polyurethane with ‘capitonne’ effect. Best of all, subtle tweaks to its design were also made for easy stacking and storage.

RODA FENCE One need not be living in far-flung rural areas to enjoy the ambience of the countryside.

With Roda’s Fence sofa collection, you can recreate the quaintness of a farmstay vacation even in a cosmopolitan city such as ours.

Evoking the rustic charm of provincial living, it is characterised by solid teak staves posing as backrests and generous water-repellent cushions in earth tones that will put you in a relaxed mood.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688 Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

P5 5 Purvis Street # 01-02 Tel: 6337 0050 www.p5.com.sg

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Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg PLATFORM 333A Orchard Road #04-12 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6235 5618 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-84 Millenia Walk Tel: 6338 6285

Furniture for Modern Living Sourcing for you throughout Europe and Asia

7 Lock Rd, Gillman Village, Singapore 108935 Tel. 65 64719918 | everyday 9.00am - 6.00pm | www.originals.com.sg

TEXT JENNIFER CHOO

MISSONI HOME AQUARIUM Reminiscent of mid-20th century outdoor furniture from hammocks to circular armchairs, Missoni Home revs up the woven aesthetic of stringed backs and seats with bold colour combos that proclaim the Italian fashion powerhouse’s DNA of multiple hues and geometric patterns. Bright, and upbeat, they are the casual sunny antidote for alleviating dull days.

TICKLED BY NOSTALGIA FOR RUSTICITY, DESIGNERS REWORK WOVEN TECHNIQUES AND LATTICE PATTERNS INTO NEW AGE ROMANTICS

Available at MILES & THEODORE 71 Amoy Street Tel: 6423 9155 www.missonihome.com

FLEXFORM OSCAR Lightening up the living room, the Oscar sofa by Flexform does away with solid armrests in favour of a frame woven with leather cord – perfect for our tropical heat or for a more casual look. It also comes in a chaise longue option.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

KETTAL MAIA Recalling the serene geometry of Islamic architecture, Maia’s tubular aluminum frames are hand-braided with synthetic fibres that are bent into a variety of shapes. The most evocative is the hanging basket seat padded with festive striped fabric cushions so reminiscent of that patio favourite from the 1970s. Design-philes will be pleased to know that Patricia Urquiola is the designer. www.kettal.es FORM 59

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688

Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

GERVASONI SWEET Designer Paola Navone revisits familiar wicker weaving in immaculate white PVC for Gervasoni’s Sweet range of sofas, daybeds, armchairs and ottomans with low-slung dimensions. The small woven armchair which is an inspired take of the Philippine Papa-san seat sports an iron support structure and PVC tubing for the wicker work.

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TEXT JOSHUA YAP

Far be it for us to overlook the proliferation of eBook readers that threatens to replace physical books and possibly sounding the death knell for bookshelves, the scene at the Milan furniture fair, however, seems to tell a different story. Bucking the trend with glee, furniture makers seem optimistic about the future of bookcases as they roll out fantastical confections that are by turns sculptural, bodacious and whimsical.

Even if you are not an avid reader, you would be tempted to go against the electronic fad and start a book collection just to show off this bevy of beauties.

NO MERE WALLFLOWERS, BOOKCASES ARE SNUBBING KINDLES AND IPADS AS THEY BREAK FREE FROM CONVENTIONAL FORMS AND EVOLVE INTO STATEMENT PIECES IN THEIR OWN RIGHT

ALIVAR SHANGHAI An eye-catching bookcase that can double up as a room divider, Shanghai intrigues with its hivelike network of structure for its shelves. Juxtaposing the old with the new, its external frame is crafted from heat-treated oak while its irregular shelves express progressive aesthetics with an innovative material, Ductal Cement, which is composed of recyclable organic fibres.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688 Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

ARKETIPO TARGET Marked by a series of crosshair supports that are spread evenly throughout its stark structure, Target is a refreshing departure from run-of-the-mill bookcases. Perfect for showcasing one’s stash of bulky fashion and design books thanks to the generous spacing between each cross, the supports seem to fade unobtrusively into the background, letting the spines of your precious reads take centrestage.

Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688 Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

DOMODINAMICA AUTUMN Like its name suggests, this shelving system is designed to evoke an autumnal tree that has shed all of its leaves. A great way to inject natural elements to urban living quarters without being too literal, its branch-like shelves are made of steel sheets that have been hand-treated and lacquered to give it a rusty effect, and are sturdy enough to hold stacks of books, CDs and DVDs. www.domodinamica.com

PORADA CELL Proving that bookcases need not necessarily be angular affairs, Porada’s Cell blithely defies convention with its round profile. Crafted from solid canaletta walnut wood, a single unit functions as a side table but stack them up and you’ll have a bona fide bookshelf that swivels for easy access at all angles.

Available at QSQUARE 16 Tai Seng Street Tel: 6383 0119 www.marquis.com.sg

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KARTELL SUNDIAL Although Kartell’s Sundial might not boast the most peculiar design of this lot, its sober appearance belies its rebellious streak. On closer inspection, you would notice that its opaline dividers are eccentrically arranged at various angles. As a result, you would have to mimic a planetary movement of sorts, rotating your head while moving along its perimeter, in order to browse the titles of the books on display.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

LIFESTOREY Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.lifestorey.com

KARTELL SINGAPORE Centre Point #05-14 Tel: 6238 7323 www.kartell.it

E15 ARIE Its erratic placement of dividing slats aside, what we love most about Arik Levy’s Arie bookcase for E15 is its versatility. Available in thick solid wood or white powder-coated medium density fibreboard, it works spectacularly on its own as a freestanding room divider or conventional against-the-wall unit but looks even better with two or more units combined as a corner storage solution or a shelving wall.

Available at P5 5 Purvis Street # 01-02 Tel: 6337 0050 www.p5.com.sg

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Monticello Ad.indd 1

3/12/10 10:00 AM

TEXT JENNIFER CHOO

Patricia Urquiola

PATRICIA URQUIOLA IS AN UNSTOPPABLE DESIGN FORCE The Spanish

designer’s portfolio was thick enough to completely furnish the new Mandarin Oriental Barcelona hotel from grand lobby to luxurious bathroom. At this year’s Milan Fair, she added more feathers to her cap with a slew of new designs for several major manufacturers.

Her distinctive blend of modern yet feminine aesthetics and inspired takes on Spain’s rustic arts and crafts traditions was again pure elegance and sophistication.

KARTELL

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

LIFESTOREY Great World City #02-15 Tel: 6732 7362 www.lifestorey.com

KARTELL SINGAPORE Centre Point #05-14 Tel: 6238 7323 www.kartell.it

COMEBACK CHAIR Urquiola is but one of a handful of designers who can make something designed in the 18th century look so desirable and current. The clean, clear lines of her Comback chair are grounded in a strong, bold structure that is a deft take on the traditional Windsor chair. Iconic yet practical, this single mould chair in high gloss black has the makings of a 21st century classic. It also comes in bright colours.

MOROSO KLARA Reminiscent of early 20th-century plantation chairs, Klara’s wooden frame and woven-cane back has a low-slung characteristic that makes it conducive for relaxing in with a shot of whiskey. Moroso worked with the Manzano chair-manufacturing district, famous for its handcrafting technique, on its production. Incidentally, the name Klara was chosen to evoke a sense of tranquillity (Klare in German means clear, limpid, whilst the Spanish equivalent Clara communicates serenity).

MOROSO REDONDO Cuddly and enveloping, the appropriately named Redondo (circle in Spanish) comprises a sofa and two snug armchairs that evoke an almost protective intimacy. The line and form of the structure are reminiscent of a brandy glass since it consists of two adjoining volumes that can be clasped together like a shell. These curved shapes are balanced with the embellishment of a quilted decoration drawing elegant threedimensional geometries.

Available at MODLIVING 7 Magazine Road #01-01/02 Central Mall Tel: 6336 2286 www.modliving.com.sg

B&B ITALIA BEND SOFA & OTTOMAN Like building blocks which can be arranged according to one’s need, the eccentric shapes of the Bend sofa are a bit like ice floes imperfectly chiselled into minimalist slabs. The width of the sofa back is varied, the top surfaces undulate ever so slightly, and the shifts in topography are not only visible but can also be experienced physically by the user. Most importantly, it allows individuals of different heights to find the most ergonomically comfortable spot along its length; so tall and short people can share the same sofa and yet enjoy the appropriate back and thigh support without suffering awkward postures. The stitching in high-contrast coloration adds a quirky cool and handcrafted vibe.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

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Imagine the Difference

CaesarStone quartz surfaces – Beautiful, functional, easy to care for bench tops and splashbacks.

Pure White. One of six new colours.

(Bench top and splashback in Snow 2141)

1141

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For our latest brochure phone +65 6316 1938 www.caesarstone.sg

TEXT JENNIFER CHOO

QUIRKY AND PERKY, MARCEL WANDERS’ OUTRE STAMP IS INSTANTLY IDENTIFIABLE

Blazing

a trail which left Planet Conceptual in its dust, design superstar Marcel Wanders dazzled at this year’s fair with a galaxy of stellar pieces which compromised neither artistic integrity nor commercial viability.

While Wanders made his name turning conceptual visions into stunning products and dazzling environments by fusing cutting-edge technology, artistry and a love for the bizarre, it was apparent that the Dutch designer is now a bankable brand name capable of shifting furniture by the container loads even in an uncertain fiscal climate.

MOOOI MONSTER CHAIR Being creative director of Moooi allows Wanders more creative licence and the designer’s bizarre design manifesto for his Monster Chair was certainly food for thought. A grimacing, anthromorphic leatherupholstered number that looks like it escaped from the set of Where The Wild Things Are, Wanders fantasised it as a chair that would come alive if he was spurned at his death banquet. This Monster also comes in a sofa version.

Available at SPACE FURNITURE Millenia Walk, Level 2 Tel: 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

MAGIS SPARKLING CHAIR If Wander’s Sparkling Chair looks oddly familiar, it’s because it’s made of PET plastic and produced using the same blow-moulding technique commonly used for water bottles. However, unlike your average Evian bottle, the hollow spaces are filled with high pressure air so the plastic won’t deflate. The good news is that this technique ensures minimal plastic usage and produces an incredibly light chair (1kg). The bad news, you’ll have to resist the urge to fill it with champagne.

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Available at XTRA Park Mall #01-01 / #02-01 Tel: 6336 0688

Vivocity #02-12 Tel: 6376 9667 www.xtra.com.sg

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TEXT EDDY KOH

Sit, sleep and lounge furniture-maker Fatboy and coffee specialist Lavazza thought alike, EACH installED AN oldfashioned carousel for fair visitors to chill out and experience their products in comfort

FATBOY Many designophiles to Superstudio Piu, the avant-garde exhibition site in Zona Tortona, made a beeline for Fatboy’s ‘so much nothing to do’ lounge for a break from the viewing and walking. Reminiscent of funfair grounds, its vivid coloured ‘Flowerpowersol’ was the main attraction, shielding everyone from the sun as they kicked back their heels, sank their bodies onto the famous Mr Fatboy foam-filled loungers sprawled on the rotating platform that conveyed them round and round in a slow, lazy blur while allowing them to spy on the teeming crowd. Others plopped onto the Buggle-Up and Headdemock pieces parked around the open-air parade.

It was a seductive soft sales pitch for Mr Fatboy’s iconic products and new releases like the generously-sized Fatboy Cusino living pillow, Metalowski in sheens of black, taupe, bronze and gold, and a lasertattooed version of its Fatboy the Original (the iconic firstborn by Finnish designer Jukka Setala).

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Fatboy stays attuned to today's tribal vibes by incorporating tattoo, camouflage and glitter finishes

Fatboy Tattoo

Fatboy Marimekko kavio red

Fatboy Camouflage

Fatboy Metahlowski

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Available at molecule Great World City #02-33A Tel: 6733 2732 www.moleculeliving.com

Orchard Central #03-07/08/23-26 Tel: 6509 0227

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TEXT EDDY KOH

Thinking global, Singaporebased designers blaze a trail at Salone Satellite 2010. Form meets the determined talents in Milan

Nathan Young Design and Jarrod Lim Design Studio shared a booth at Salone Satellite

Outofstock Design at Salone Satellite

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nathan yong design Nathan Yong

says Salone Satellite is the best platform for marketing his eponymous multi-disciplinary design consultancy, in particular, his furniture designs.

This is his sixth appearance in Milan, previously under the Air Division banner, but the first under his new labels: Folks and Grafunkt.

Upbeat over the response to the 13 designs and prototypes he exhibited this year, from glowing reviews by magazines like Surface, Monocle and Wallpaper to touching base with existing clients and getting acquainted with new potential partners, Nathan says his Paperchase table attracted the most attention.

“I’ve decided to sell the design to Ligne Roset from France as we’ve worked well together.”

He lets on that US retailer, Design WIthin Reach, has picked up his Primary laptop desk and shown interest in two of his manufactured items from his Folks label. Then there are the meetings he had with brand editors from the likes of Agape, Boffi, MDF, Bonaldo and DePadova. “It takes time to build up the trust and relationship so I will be communicating with them and showing them some design proposals in the coming months.”

Nathan is convinced that the Milan fair is the greatest furniture trade show. “Every year, I return with new knowledge and contacts to expand my network. It is the biggest show in the world and there are reasons why they are the best. If it does not live up to my expectations then the problem probably lies with me.”

Arguably Singapore’s most successful furniture and design entrepreneur, Nathan Yong helms his own eponymous multi-disciplinary design consultancy.

After parting ways with Air Division which the Temasek Polytechnic industrial design alumni established in 1999, Nathan opened two new furniture retail stores at Park Mall, named Grafunkt and V in quick succession this year. Besides garnering the Red Dot Award(s) in 2006 and 2007 for his mass production coffin and a portable room heater, Nathan was a recipient of the Singapore President’s Design Award in 2008 (the prestigious national accolade for creative industry professionals) Paperchase Table

Tweety Chair

Nathan Yong

He shares these personal anecdotes: “Last year, I sold my display sample to an end user.

It was a 70-cm-high bed. She caught me by surprise when she came back and hugged me.

She said she loves her bed and all her friends commented well on the design. Another man who bought samples of my coffee table and TV console came to tell me that his family life (his wife was pregnant when he got the furniture and his kid is now two) revolves around the table. I find it really heartwarming that my furniture made an impact on their lives.

I really like the idea of my furniture growing with families and being part of their memories; that’s why I always stress the durability of objects and design that are easy to live with.”

Elle Dining Chair

www.nathanyongdesign.com

Papercut Coffee Tables

Werk – Trestle legs + Organisation box

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jarrod lim design studio Born in Australia, the graduate from RMT University Melbourne worked in Milan for world renowned designer Patricia Urquiola and the London design studio of leading UK furniture manufacturer SCP before choosing Singapore as his base when he decided to set up his own venture. Jarrod focuses on developing creative concepts for furniture and products as well as spatial solutions for interiors, exhibitions and public locations. He also assists companies with brand management, art direction and product development. His accolades include the Pinnacle Award, USA and Singapore Furniture Design Award

Gable Lamp

Idle Rocking Chair

Bezier Table

Aviva Chairs

Hi Ho Rocking Horse

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Jarrod Lim

outofstock design Gabriel Tan

confidently declares: “Yes, I think we did pretty well and it was a wise decision to exhibit in Milan again. We first exhibited at Salone Satellite in 2007 (when we were still in school) and then in 2009 as well as this year. In 2008 we exhibited at Zona Tortona as part of the Design Singapore Council’s Blueprint project.”

At last year’s Satellite, Outofstock sold three of their designs – Black Forest Table to Ligne Roset of France, and Naked Chair and Arbor Desk to Bolia of Denmark. Black Forest and Arbor are already on the market while Naked will be on the market in a few months. This year, another three designs are currently in development with manufacturers but nothing is confirmed until they go through the full process of manufacturing R&D, cost analysis and approval from the marketing department.

“This year, we exhibited seven new designs.

The Hues table and the Boya lamp received the most response from international press and companies. Perhaps it is the combination of materials and the contrast of colours and textures that attracted them. Retail chains and galleries have also shown interest in some of our smaller items and we are considering the possibility of manufacturing them ourselves for wholesale. But traditionally, we sell the designs we exhibit as well as our services for interior, furniture and product design.”

Outofstock has done very well for a multi-cultural collective formed in 2006 by a quartet of then undergraduates: Gabriel Tan and Wendy Chua (National University of Singapore), Sebastian Alberdi (Instituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona) and Gustavo Maggio (University of Buenos Aires) after a fortuitous meeting in Stockholm at the Electrolux Design Lab 2005. Their collaborative studio which offers spatial, product and furniture design services clinched a Singapore Furniture Grand Award in 2009 and the Young Designer of 2008 by Elle Decoration Spain

V Shelf

Boya Lamp

Questioned on the highlight of returning to Salone Satellite, Gabriel offers a noncommercial reason. “Well, actually one of the nicest parts for us is to see old friends again – designers whom we have exhibited together at Satellite before or at other design fairs. We meet and exchange stories about our careers and lives, and hang out in the evenings when all the hustle and bustle is over.

Hues Table

“Meeting new manufacturers and famous journalists is, of course, very exciting, but nothing warms the heart more than a hug from friends you see only once a year. Although most of these designers are culturally different from us, we share the same ideals and dreams, hence a special bond.” www.outofstockdesign.com

Gustavo Maggio and Wendy Chua Easy Armchair

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studio juju Studio Juju exhibited five products Set up in 2009 by Priscilla Lui and in their second appearance at Salone Satellite.

They are especially happy to have gotten a clearer picture of why their designs are well accepted from the responses of the visitors.

Timo Wong notes: “There are visitors who come specifically to look at chairs, so they will be more attracted to Bambi and Platypus, and UFO stools. Those who are in the lighting and colour industries are more drawn to our lights, Duck and Crane lamps. They are drawn to their simplicity in design, and the childlike wonder and emotions that are invoked when they saw, touched and experienced our products first-hand.

Timo Wong, this two-year-old design collaborative aims to produce new furniture arch-types and objects with a refreshing approach. Their prototypes are produced by Singapore craftsmen in a local workshop space hosted by the government-sponsored Design Incubation Centre Crane Lamps

“Many sat on our chairs and started posing and suggesting ways of using each one. Delighted by their reactions, we decided to collect photos of them sitting on the chairs. You can see some of these photos on our website.

“Marcel Wanders came and complimented us on the pieces. Charles Job, an architect who designed one of the Salone Satellite installation spaces, remarked that the ‘pieces are inspirational’. The experiences are humbling and encouraging and exciting all at the same time,” Timo relates with a hint of pride.

Timo Wong UFO Stools

On the commercial front, Timo explains: “We hope to be able to work with like-minded producers who have the marketing and production expertise and resources for our designs. Studio Juju is not just about finishing a piece of work by ourselves. We recognise that it is important for us to work with other people, have proper dialogue with manufacturers so that we can build on each other’s knowledge.

Currently, we are still following up with the contacts we made at Salone Satellite. We hope to find a like-minded producer who appreciates Studio Juju’s sensibilities.” F www.studio-juju.com

Duck Lamps

Bambi Chair

Platypus Chair

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F U N D A M E N T A L S

I TEXT JOSHUA YAP

SOUNDING AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS, ZIKMU SPEAKERS ARE THE PERFECT EMBODIMENT OF PHILIPPE STARCK’S PROGRESSIVE AESTHETICS AND PARROT’S AUDIO INNOVATION EXPERTISE The creative

Available at AV ONE Plaza Singapura #04-03A Tel: 6884 4666 The Adelphi #01-10 Tel:6337 0080

SOUND SCAPE FORM 90

PICTURES COURTESY OF AV ONE

enterprise of Philippe Starck seems to know no boundaries as he scores another winner with the Zikmu wireless speakers from Parrot. Applying his Midas touch to this high-tech gadget, his masterstroke is evident in the architectonic form of the speakers that ingeniously emits sound through an extra-flat membrane that creates small-scale vibrations across its sleek chassis. The result is a faithful sound reproduction that is rich in medium and treble tones. An ideal companion for digital music lovers, it features an integrated iPod/iPhone docking station and also streams music wirelessly from your PC, Mac and mobile phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. F

MF Ad.indd 1

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F O C U S I TEXT LI HAOHAN

This landmark bridge at Singapore’s Marina Bay is inspired by the geometric arrangement of DNA, with a walkway encircled by opposing double helix structures of stainless steel

WHETHER IT'S ENABLING WORLD-RENOWNED ARCHITECTS OR WORKING WITH ITS OWN TEAM OF DESIGNERS TO REALISE DREAM BUILDINGS, ARUP ENDOWS EVERY DEVELOPMENT WITH INTELLIGENCE. ITS MYRIAD PROJECTS IN SINGAPORE'S MARINA BAY AREA NOT ONLY SHOWCASE ITS BROAD SERVICE CAPABILITIES, BUT ALSO DEMONSTRATE ITS ABIDING COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

With just one look, one can tell the tremendous engineering enterprise that the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort is. Conceived

by Moshe Safdie, it comprises three glass-clad towers surmounted by an enormous pad with about 65-metre cantilevered overhang. On it a one-hectare sky park is being developed. The towers themselves are dynamically articulated – their sloping facades suggest movement and from certain angles seem to be leaning out precariously. If these were not dynamic enough, large sun shades on which thousands of mobile metal tablets are attached fill up spaces between pillars on one side of the building. The tablets dance with the slightest passing breeze to catch and bounce off lights.

Where the towers stand on the headland facing an arresting panorama of the sea and the Singapore skyline, playful architectural interests are under completion: crystal pavilions, a bridge mimicking the double helix structure of DNA and a museum in the form of a lotus flower.

Within the vicinity are other recent icons Esplanade Theatres on the Bay and Singapore Flyer that will soon be complemented with horizontal and vertical gardens as well as commercial and leisure developments.

Transportation and access facilities that connect them will complete the most extravagant urban creation in Singapore to date.

F O C U S

Singapore’s second integrated resort after Resorts World Sentosa is unparalleled in the island state in both magnitude and design bravado. Surely, current public interest in the development feeds on its novelty, but beyond that is a recognition of an architectural proposition that is virtually without precedent – despite the handful of allusions to tropical design bestowed upon it. It is forward-looking yet familiar, global but in several respects, local.

For nearly all the projects in the area, Arup provides a range of engineering, design and project management services that makes possible some striking and groundbreaking features.

Amazing as the development is aboveground while more engineering wonders await a few metres underneath. The development sits on a reclaimed plot of land. The soft marine clay in the area required foundations that were massive and buried deeply into the ground for strength and stability. Basements constructed in the same marine clay also posed drainage and stability challenges that Arup overcame with cutting-edge engineering.

Today, work is afoot on a tunnel that will run throughout the hub to house all common services – for which Arup undertook risk assessment and risk management for insurers Swiss Re. Arup also designed the facade for above-ground buildings.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Underpinning the aforementioned services is sustainability, among the organisation’s core interests. Arup vows to implement practices that promote economic security, social betterment and environmental stewardship in any project it participates in. Chairman Philip Dilley points out that responsibility to the environment is just one among many other issues in sustainability. The firm upholds a holistic view of sustainability, one that takes into account, say, building cost in the larger context of the entire life cycle of a development. Building structures that will be around for a long time and will require much lesser maintenance regimen also fulfill their part for sustainability, he points out. Economic, environmental and financial viability are among the positive results of adapting sustainability as goal.

Arup is definitely walking the talk by proposing sustainability measures to clients and, more importantly, strictly implementing sustainable practices in all activities within the company.

The company has developed and implements strategies that range from managing waste products and consumption of water, energy and other consumables to minimising carbon emissions in its operations, and procuring goods and services used in its operations.

Beyond its internal operations, it actively engages organisations that practice sustainability to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promotion of sustainability leadership across its businesses; and implement a strategy to work on community projects that achieve sustainability goals.

Philip Dilley is Chairman of Arup Group – an independent and trust-owned company founded in 1946 and consistently returning high performance for its clients and staff alike

Although profit and sustainability often seem at cross-purposes, sustainability in fact promotes profitability. Prolonged life cycle and ecologically sound maintenance of a development and its positive effects on contiguous developments and its vicinity are among the benefits of a sustainable development. It also helps that Arup is held in trust and is not under pressure to please shareholders who may take a short view of sustainability.

PICTURES COURTESY OF ARUP

THE 280M-LONG BRIDGE IS THE WORLD’S FIRST CURVED DOUBLEHELIX BRIDGE, AND PROVIDES PEDESTRIANS A DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN MARINA CENTRE, THE WATERFRONT AREA AND MARINA BAY SANDS INTEGRATED RESORT

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IT MAY APPEAR PRISTINE AND DIGNIFIED, BUT RSP ARCHITECTS’ DESIGN FOR THE NEW *SCAPE EMINENTLY CAPTURES THE EXUBERANCE AND ENERGY OF YOUTH

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THE HEXAGONAL STRUCTURE STANDING ON SIX TILTING PILLARS HAS BECOME THE BUILDING'S SIGNATURE

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JUST BENEATH THE TREES AND THE TARPAULIN CANOPY ARE REFRESHMENT KIOSKS ARRAYED ALONG A MEANDERING FOOTPATH

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SU MISURA’S EVEN HAND IN CONTROLLING COLOUR, SCALE AND TEXTURE ENSURES THE WATERSCAPE @ CAVENAGH SHOWFLAT IS A MASTERFUL STUDY IN CONTRAST FORM 106

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Seamless opulence and modernity mark the

showflat that Su Misura has created for Waterscape @ Cavenagh. The upscale design division under Nobel Design Holding’s Numero Uno Creative Group has heaped the four-bedroom apartment with luxurious elements from furniture to finishes, fixtures and adornments. The ensemble of numerous disparate components, which could have easily slipped into an overdesigned mess, actually worked well with a skilful use of colour, texture and scale.

The apartment is blessed with generous proportions which the design team exploited with the strong vertical lines of floor-to-ceiling mirrors, mouldings around recessed shelves and rows of rectangular frames. In the dining area, a table for eight is set under a panel with a Chesterfield upholstery effect. On this quilted centrepiece hangs the chandelier which, again, draws the eye up. Three full-length mirrors lined up against one wall of the dining area intensify the vertical sweep.

VERTICAL LINES AND WELL-PLACED CEILING ORNAMENTS DRAW THE EYE UPWARD THUS CREATING AN ILLUSION OF HEIGHT

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PICTURES COURTESY OF SU MISURA

THE BEDROOM WALLS ARE GIVEN A LIGHTER TREATMENT THAT RESULT IN A MORE RESTFUL AMBIENCE By keeping to a narrow palette of browns and whites, the design team pulled together an otherwise unwieldy, cavernous room into a coherent, warm space. The walls are done in chocolate brown while jambs, mouldings and other details are rendered in high contrast white. Furniture, carpets and drapes come in varying shades of these two hues.

The white ceiling in all parts of the house raises the roof and provides a relief from stretches of brown walls. This trick is employed on the stark white headboard in the master bedroom. Here the walls are lighter than in the living room, the lighting subdued and the surfaces softer. By pulling back the high contrast, the bedroom becomes more restful. White is also dominant in the bathroom where walls and floor are clad in white, lightly veined marble. Although colour contrast is low here, a play of texture is heightened such that the gleaming surfaces are relieved with details in wood. F

SU MISURA 16 Tai Seng Street, #01-01 Tel: 6281 9500 www.sumisura.asia FORM 109

F O R M A T I TEXT VICTOR CHEN

Model units grease the sales gears by helping smooth the transition from viewing

to buying. As such they are often done in an ‘aspirational’ style in which spectacle easily outweighs practicality. In such dazzling wonderlands, the kitchen is more often stocked with fantasy appliances rather than the odd pieces that families tend to collect in real life. But the Altez show unit done up by Six Planes presents practical solutions that not only make life more efficient but also more elegant.

ELEGANCE AND PRACTICALITY ARE IN SYNC AT THE ALTEZ SHOW UNITS BY SIX PLANES

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PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DOMAINS ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE PLANS OF ONE– AND TWO-BEDROOM UNITS, MAKING SOHO A VIABLE OPTION. THE KITCHENETTE WITH ISLAND BARCUM-DINING COUNTER TURNS INTO A SMALL OFFICE WITH FIXTURES FOR MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS AND DESK WORK Leisure with friends or informal discussion with associates are pleasantly accommodated in the lounge, while privacy is maintained in the master bedroom and bath (following page)

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PICTURES COURTESY OF SIX PLANES PTE LTD

Units at the tallest (250m-high) residential development in Tanjong Pagar are easily configured into compact living spaces or a SOHO. Six Planes imagines these spaces as urban outposts of efficiency and style. Lacking perhaps the footprint that would make them even more spectacular, the show units are transformed to contain smart storage, space-expanding mirrors and virtual dividers that demarcate spaces. F

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SIX PLANES PTE LTD 327-A Beach Road Tel: 6295 6646 www.sixplanes.com

TEXT ASHLEY LIN I F O R M A T

SU MISURA IMAGINED THIS SHOWFLAT AT THE CASCADIA AS A MUSICIAN’S HAVEN

F O R M A T Organic curves dominate the living room while the balcony gets not one but two bum raps – Him & Her chairs by Casamania

Forever young

types are gravitating towards compact apartments that are cosy yet quirky, easy to maintain and flexible enough to incorporate a revolving door of collectibles and influences. Usually found clubbing at StereoLab and Butter Factory and shopping at Fred Perry and Christian Audiger, they are on Facebook and Twitter, and plugged into an iPod with Lady Gaga and Mick Jagger on their play list. Most are also glued to American Idol and Britain Has Talent, and an increasing number form their own indie bands. So the designers at Su Misura decided to cast this two-bedroom plus one-study showflat for The Cascadia in Bukit Timah Road as a musician’s haven instead of the conventional luxury look to appeal to this niche.

KNOCKING THE INHERENT ARCHITECTURE OFF-KILTER, SU MISURA INSTALLED A MOONGATE OPENING ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE BAY WINDOW

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IMAGINE YOURSELF AS KEITH RICHARDS SPRAWLED ON THIS SILVER UPHOLSTERED WING ARMCHAIR Taking cues from the 1960s when the Beatles and Rolling Stones rocked the world and chilled out on circular love beds, beanies and shag rugs as well as the 21st century funkiness of Bjork and Lady Gaga with their weird costumes and OTT concerts, Su Misura imagined this as a rock star’s pad that is alternative and the gripe of mainstream parents.

Breaking it out of the inherent boring architectural box, Su Misura softened the interiors with the use of curvy sofas, irregular carpets and a circular moon-gate frame to disguise a bay window opening in one bedroom. Accents such as round mirrors, and vintage LP records mounted on the walls, a wing armchair with silver upholstery and a pair of Him & Her chairs by Casamania in the balcony, raised its music rebel quotient. The designers even threw a Union Jack on the circular masterbed, reminding us of the country that gave the world Susan Boyle. F FORM 115

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BRONZE METAL SHEETS WRAP AROUND THE UPPER VOLUMES IN AN ORIGAMI EMBRACE

F R A M E

THE SIDE ELEVATION FEATURES SUN-SHADING FINS AND ROOFS WITH DEEP OVERHANGS AS IT FACES THE FULL BRUNT OF THE LATE AFTERNOON SUN

F R A M E

THE ANIMATED FACADE WITH ITS GRAPHIC RHOMBIC LOUVRES IS BEST APPRECIATED AT NIGHT

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THE FLORAL PATTERNED POOL MURAL ADDS MUCH INTEREST TO AN OTHERWISE GENERIC FACILITY FORM 121

LIGHT AND AIR ARE DRAWN INTO THE BASEMENT THROUGH STRATEGIC OPENINGS, WHILE A WALL OF PLANTS AND A REFLECTIVE POOL PRECIPITATE COOLING

F R A M E

Louvred windows keep the master bathroom well ventilated, while ferns bring green relief

PICTURES COURTESY OF FORMWERKZ ARCHITECTS

Complex prismatic volumes and geometric compositions in the basement echo the sculptural quality of the exterior facade. The pool mural can be glimpsed through picture windows

In the daughter’s double volume domain, the wall adjacent to the staircase is punctured with openings to allow light to filter through to the inner spaces

The basement mimics the effect of a subterranean cave system, an effective visual and experiential device to underscore the dialogue with nature

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F L A I R

I TEXT RYAN WU STYLING TERENCE CHAN PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN LEE / K STUDIO

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F L A I R

Sentosa Cove

residents can generally be grouped into two categories: those who relish the glitz of having an integrated resort at their doorstep, the prestige of marina and golf club memberships, and the attendant glamour of living alongside an international elite; at the other end of the spectrum are those who delight in the bounty of light and air, living in contemplative communion with nature.

The owners of this apartment at The Coast fall into the latter category, having chosen their breezy three-bedroom abode for its generous balconies and unhindered sea views. While the layout was acceptable for the most part, the 50-something Singaporean couple – who have two adult sons – sought the discerning eye of Studio Terre’s Terence Chan to tailor their off-the-peg purchase to a perfect fit.

Both designer and client had a consensual meeting of minds from the word go. Chan was thrilled to discover in his clients a shared love for natural timber furniture, finishes and objects; the owners, on their part, made no bones about Chan’s proposal to extend the master bedroom, which sacrificed a portion of the adjacent living room in the process. The wall separating both areas was removed and in its place, Chan fashioned the apartment’s piece-de-resistance: a double-sided feature wall with cabinets and shelves facing the living space, and a full-length wardrobe with an integrated study alcove on the reverse.

The reconfiguration pushed the master bedroom into the living area by 450mm. But the owners effectively doubled their wardrobe storage space as a consequence. The additional storage space is key to keeping clutter at bay, essential in maintaining a relaxed, streamlined aesthetic, even in a relatively spacious 1,800-sq ft apartment.

The other major alteration occurred in the foyer/ private lift lobby, where Chan removed the original glass partition and door and installed sliding timber screens in its place. The new screens not only afford privacy where it is needed but also add to the home’s unpretentious, rustic-modern vibe.

THE LIVING AND DINING AREAS ARE THE PICTURE OF CAREFREE BLISS. THE NATURAL PALETTE EXTENDS NOT ONLY TO THE COLOURS BUT ALSO THE MATERIALS – COTTON, SISAL, TIMBER AND RATTAN. SLIDING TIMBER SCREENS DEMARCATE THE FOYER IN THE BACKGROUND

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An assortment of trinkets roosts in the custom-built shelving unit, which features sliding panels to conceal audio-visual equipment when not in use. The panels are composed of sandblasted timber (which add texture) and bronze handles, while built-in LED strips accentuate the owners’ collection

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BEACHFRONT MODERN Stylistically, the apartment references traditional seaside homes both in its design language and constituent material and colour palette. Think motifs derived from weatherboard cladding, shuttered windows and doors, driftwood decoration and bleached colours. Lighting was controlled and layered to create different moods. When the sliding doors are fully retracted to welcome fresh sea breezes, the apartment has a seductive way of lulling one into a state of tranquil bliss, much like when one is on holiday in the Bahamas.

The lady of the house says: “My husband travels extensively for work and I have one son in the army and another studying overseas, so I’m home alone most of the time. My friends always ask if I get lonely, but it’s the sort of house where I can pretty much vegetate in all day. I never tire of the sea views!”

“The clients also took a liking to natural timber and objects. They love (German furniture brand) e15’s Bigfoot dining table and (Danish company) Carl Hansen’s Wishbone chairs that complement the look. We took all these factors into consideration and developed the custom built-in furniture and some loose pieces to complete the look.”

Chan and his team also replaced the glass partition that divided the master bathroom from the bedroom with a timber folding screen. The timber screen was formed using overlapping slats in sprayed ash veneer – an effect that recalls shuttered openings in houses throughout the Caribbean.

CHAN IMPLANTED A SLICE OF NATURE IN THE MODERN KITCHEN BY ELEVATING A LENGTH OF RAW TIMBER, COMPLETE WITH IRREGULAR EDGES, ABOVE THE SOLID SURFACE COUNTER TO OFFSET ITS SLEEK SMOOTHNESS

Chan’s vision of a contemporary beach shack has particular resonance. It has less to do with prevalent design trends than it is in keeping with the surrounding context and the client’s specifications. The muted tones and use of ashwood is also a refreshing change from the ubiquitous teak-and-concrete ensembles that have come to define modern tropical homes in the last decade.

“The existing palette of the apartment consists of white polished marble flooring and light blue-grey party walls at the balconies (which are controlled by the development). We used this palette as our base, introducing materials and colours that complement the existing elements to give it a light and natural feel, that of a beach home,” says Chan.

The dining area is anchored by an e15 Bigfoot table, complemented by Carl Hansen Wishbone chairs. The untreated timber finish of the table hints at the owners’ desire for informality. A Louis Poulsen pendant lamp completes the Scandi-modern vibe

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IN THE MASTER BATHROOM, THE FOLDING PANELS ALLOW THE FLEXIBILITY OF TOTAL PRIVACY WHEN COMPLETELY SHUT OR ENJOYMENT OF EXTERNAL VIEWS WHEN FULLY RETRACTED To enhance the beach house effect, glass partitions separating the master bedroom from bathroom were replaced by timber folding panels in sprayed ash veneer. Wall panels behind the bed were customised to complete the look

RELISHING THE CHALLENGE Chan’s trademark obsession with detail comes to light in the construction of the complex integrated feature wall. “Building the new master wardrobe and study table back-to-back with the living room feature shelves, we had to ensure that the two elevations were perfectly aligned,” he says. Detailed drawings and precise on-site measurements were the order of the day. There was virtually no margin for error.

He readily admits to the difficulty of its execution, and warns that lesser contractors might bungle the job with poor workmanship. Lucky for Chan and the owners, then, that the carpenters engaged pulled through with flying colours. Upon closer inspection, the level of craftsmanship could rival that of leading Italian brands, which Chan himself is particularly fond of.

“The other challenge was to design furniture for the two sons’ bedrooms.

The rooms are very small so bed frames and study desks had to be integrated and adjusted according to site conditions,” he says.

But all things said and done, the owners’ satisfaction with the overall outcome is more than enough reward for Chan. “They have been enjoying the house ever since they moved in. They have also been conscientious with the entire look and feel of the house and have been looking out to buy items that complement the scheme. We really appreciate that,” he says. F FORM 130

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F L I N G I TEXT RYAN WU

RETRO REVIVAL IS ALL THE RAGE AS MEXICO’S HOTEL BOCA CHICA BASKS IN THE REVAMPED GLORY OF ITS MID-20TH CENTURY ROOTS FORM 132

Arriving by water taxi and disembarking at a thatched hut is an experience not easily forgotten, especially in a seascape potentially teeming with Bond bombshells in bikinis

If travel

is the ultimate form of escapism, then travelling back in time would constitute a double dose of escapist fantasy. Especially if the destination in question recalls the heyday of mid-20th century travel, when the jet set flocked to balmy boltholes from Palm Springs to Portofino and every palm-fringed, white sandy beach resort in between, knocking back enough mai tais and mojitos to forget the Cold War even existed.

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Welcome to paradise: the curved lobby brings relief to the otherwise rigid geometry of the building, while the open architecture allows light and air to filter through into the internal spaces

THE HOTEL FACADE’S COLOURFUL, FIVESTOREY-HIGH MURAL WALL AND BILLBOARD-STYLE STENCILLED NAME ARE DELIGHTFUL THROWBACKS TO 1950S GLAMOUR Acapulco, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, was a firm fixture on the Hollywood party circuit, with hotels, restaurants and bars buzzing with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, John Wayne and Bridgette Bardot. But its popularity waned in recent times, eclipsed by brassier developments in Cancun and other exotic locales. Enter Boca Chica, a 36-key vintage charmer that opened in March in the vibrant Caleta district just steps away from an idyllic beach cove, poised to reclaim the 1950s-era glamour that was once synonymous with the city.

Architecture and landscape integrate perfectly to ensure that views and privacy are maximised without compromising comfort

The brainchild of hoteliers Grupo Habita, who are also responsible for Mexico City’s achingly hip Condesa DF, the property is a lovingly restored incarnation of the former Hotel Boca Chica – one-time Hollywood hotspot, supposed birthplace of the margarita, and film site of Elvis’s aptly titled Fun In Acapulco (1963).

The developers are determined to put the city back on A-listers’ travel itineraries. “Acapulco is back and sexier than ever! For the well travelled crowd, Acapulco is the equivalent of mixing together Tel Aviv, Rio, Miami and Punta del Este in one single destination. The Boca Chica already has a vibrant history and so our reinvention of it will play up Acapulco’s 1950s flair. It is not only about creating trends – it’s about building a hotel that can outlive a generation,” says Carlos Couturier, co-founder of Grupo Habita.

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ARCHITECT FERNANDO ROMERO PRESERVED THE HOTEL’S SIGNATURE STEPPED MASSING, STONE MASONRY WALLS AND BRICKWORK SCREENS

F L I N G

Hemmed in by low-slung brick walls, lush plants, stone paving and wire furniture create pocket gardens ideal for reclusive million-dollar babes

ENSCONCED IN A THICKET OF TROPICAL BUSH AND COCOONED IN A TIME CAPSULE, THE RESORT MAKES A PERFECT HIDEAWAY FOR PAPARAZZI-WEARY CELEBRITIES Destined to be a sensation not just with glamoristas, Boca Chica also hits all the right notes with fans of mid-20th century modern design, thanks to the sensitive approach of architect Fernando Romero and designers Frida Escobedo and Jose Rojas. Much of the existing building and its features were retained, including the stepped massing, roughhewn stone masonry walls, terrazzo floors, brickwork-lattice facade and colour palette of white mixed with aquamarine tones.

The invitingly languorous atmosphere, too, has been faithfully preserved. There are delightful pockets of disorder, such as casual clusters of furniture in public spaces or the luxuriant foliage that threatens to take over the landscape. Hedges are not trimmed to perfection; lawns are not manicured to within an inch of their lives. Boca Chica dishes out self-confidence in spades with a cultivated ambience of chilled nonchalance.

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PICTURES COURTESY OF GRUPO HABITA

BOCA CHICA'S RETRO CHIC ROOMS COME WITH KILLER VIEWS, BALMY BREEZES AND A HAMMOCK TO TAKE IT ALL IN Paving stones in the bathroom echo those used in the public spaces throughout the resort

The design team concentrated a large part of their efforts on restoration and refurbishment of the 30 rooms and six suites, each of which is equipped with balconies or private terraces and hammocks to make the most of the sweeping views of the bay. A number of rooms open out onto private gardens while three suites boast separate living rooms.

Furniture from the original hotel, including teak wood and wickerwork chairs, wire framed tables and rugs with geometric prints, have been repurposed, stamping a seal of cool on this hipster haven once again. F FORM 137

F L I N G I TEXT RYAN WU

Dorothy certainly isn’t in Kansas anymore: the lobby is adorned with origami cloud lights, ruffle-textured armchairs and fibreglass sheep and lampshade dresses-turned-floor lamps

MILAN’S ECCENTRIC MAISON MOSCHINO BRANDISHES THE LATE FASHION DESIGNER’S ICONIC KOOKS AND QUIRKS FORM 138

Ascending the floating staircase is a journey into a surrealist realm populated by origami cloud lights that, just like real clouds, take on zoomorphic shapes

With fashion bloggers wielding considerable clout

from as young as age 13, there is a distinct possibility that an entire generation of fashion diehards have no memory of the name Franco Moschino. The Italian designer, who died of a heart attack in 1994, is best remembered for his anti-establishment ethos and quirky works laced with irony. So when Maison Moschino, a 65-room hotel in the heart of Milan’s gentrified Brera district opened in March, marketing gurus and Moschino fans everywhere must have raised a collective cheer, as it is a great opportunity for the brand to win over a new audience.

The bar is designed in the same language as that of the lobby, with the addition of a stiletto boot-turned tablelamp to tickle the fancy of the Vogue Italia crowd FORM 139

Cinderella didn’t only leave her glass slipper behind; it appears her ball gown was lost too.

It now finds home in the Sleeping in a Ballgown room

The hotel keeps the spirit of Moschino alive with surrealistic flourishes and tongue firmly in cheek. Housed in a repurposed 19th-century railway station just a five-minute stroll away from 10 Corso Como, the hotel’s imposing neoclassical facade gives little hint of the wildly theatrical interiors that await intrepid explorers.

If you can imagine a scheme spawned from the collective loins of Marcel Wanders, the Campana Brothers, Fabio Novembre and Philippe Starck, with a dash of Salvador Dali and Tim Burton, you’re halfway there.

First stop: the lobby, where Moschino’s signature lampshade dress is transformed into – surprise, surprise – actual floor lamps! Origami pendant lamps disguised as clouds decorate the ceiling, rendering a whimsical Alice in Wonderland effect in an otherwise sleek and streamlined space. We imagine the hotel to be populated by a cast of kooky, artsy types – Lady GaGa and Johnny Depp spring to mind.

The rooms are quite literally the stuff of dreams. Each of the 63 guestrooms and two junior suites, spread over four floors, are anointed with fairytale names like Little Red Riding Hood, Clouds and Sleeping in a Ballgown. In one room, the bedspread is covered entirely in silk rose petals, as if a butler was overzealous in preparing a honeymoon suite. In another, an oversized ball gown transitions from wall hanging to headboard to baseboard. With a little creative vision, the rooms could well be one’s very own stage set or music video backdrop.

Blue light special: the room Blue takes advantage of high ceilings to incorporate a mezzanine level

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The room Life Is A Bed Of Roses is a literal manifestation of the popular saying, with silk rose petals covering the entire bed and even dangling from the chandelier

ALICE’S ROOM IS SUSPENDED BETWEEN FANTASY AND REALITY. WITH OVERSIZED TEACUPS AND LIGHT BULBS, GUESTS WILL WONDER IF THEY HAD ABSENTMINDEDLY TAKEN A SWIG FROM A BOTTLE LABELLED “DRINK ME”

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THE WALLPAPER ROOM DEMONSTRATES WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOUR DECORATOR WAS PUMPED UP ON STEROIDS: FROM WALLS TO CURTAINS AND BEDDING TO FURNITURE, EVERY SURFACE IS CLAD IN MOSCHINO’S FAMOUS HEART-SHAPED MOTIF FORM 142

Luxurious Attic features wall-to-wall shelves decorated with storage boxes. Interspersed among the boxes are curious light boxes with silhouettes of forgotten wares – old toys, shoes and tools – just like a real attic

With faux tree trunks sprouting from the corners of the bed, sleeping in The Forest room is akin to sleeping in the woods, sans pesky nocturnal critters

“I wanted to give birth to a hotel that takes the synergy between fashion and hotel design a step further. I had in mind an elegant and absolutely exclusive ambience that my guests could experience thoroughly, the kind of hotel you just die to tell your friends about,” he says.

From the looks of things, that expectation is not too far-fetched.

Moschino himself would have been proud. F

PICTURES COURTESY OF DESIGN HOTELS

WHERE BETTER TO CATCH SOME ZS THAN IN THE ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ROOM, WHERE A GIANT BEE HOVERS OVER THE BED AND CUT-OUT ZS CLUSTER AROUND THE HEADBOARD AND CEILING

Quizzed on how Maison Moschino stacks up against branded hotel heavyweights like Palazzo Versace, Bulgari Resorts and Armani Hotels, Stefano Ugolini says: “This project shares little with the other ‘fashion hotels’. Our venture is the first where the interiors are entirely conceived by the label’s creative staff.” Ugolini is the founder and president of luxury Italian hotel management firm Hotel Philosophy, who collaborated with the Moschino creative team led by Rossella Jardini.

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Available at DA VINCI LUXURY 10 Tanglin Road Tel: 6738 6333 www.davinciasia.com

NATUZZI COLLABORATED WITH PAOLA NAVONE TO PRODUCE THE FUNDAMENTALS FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES COLLECTION. INSPIRED BY VINTAGE SOFAS AND 17TH CENTURY ARMCHAIRS THAT ONE WOULD FIND AROUND A FIREPLACE. THEY FEATURE CREASED GRAPHITE AND DUSTY GREY FABRICS EMBELLISHED WITH BAROQUE RELIEFS. FOR THE MILAN FAIR, PAOLA CURATED THEM IN A VIVIDLY COLOURED SETTING AT NATUZZI’S FLAGSHIP STORE

Versace H Form (S) 232X308MM

O4_3062 ND2413

22.04.10

C78/A3

150

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45˚

C M Y K 45˚

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