HOMEDEC|Vol 9|No 2|2016|The Apex

VOL. 09 / NO. 2 / 2016 WM RM10.60 / EM RM12.70

HOME DESIGN & DECOR TRENDS

Contemporary & Classy Luxurious bungalows, The Apex@ Putra Hill Residency, offer a classy lifestyle with its stylish designs

I N

T H I S

I S S U E

STRIPES IN YOUR DÉCOR Ways to add the latest runway stripes to your contemporary decor

ANIMALS IN YOUR KITCHEN

WAYS WITH BATHROOM TILES Pump up your space using tiles in a creative manner

GOING VERTICAL

A private house integrates design strategies to make the abode dynamic and welcoming

METALLIC ELEGANCE Decorate with metallic items that are bang on trend

ADVERTORIAL

Magiline Swimming Pools Built To Last Y

earning for a swimming pool that’s designed to last? Getting away from it all without leaving home is now affordable. Piscines Magiline Swimming Pools, one of the most trusted leaders in the European pool market with 20 years of innovation, is built with a 10year warranty to offer you and your family years of enjoyment.

With a host of features that go beyond conventional swimming pools, the proof of its innovations lies in these figures: more than 40,000 pools have been installed worldwide since 1994.

Thanks to the Piscines Magiline filtration system, which is up to three times as powerful as a conventional filtration system, you’ll be able to save up to 30% on your electricity bill and have pristine pool conditions all year round.

The filtration system incorporates a revolutionary hydraulic concept – the flow multiplier. Thanks to this, your system filters up to 20 sqm of water per hour using a pump delivering a flow of less than 5 sqm per hour.

Aside from this, its innovative monobloc construction method of reinforced concrete and polypropylene wall panels provides solid strength, guaranteeing a swimming pool that is built to last.

Piscines Magiline’s unique pool filtration system is built-in, including the booster and robot/broom connection.

This gives the pool designer more flexibility, along with a cleaner and less cluttered appearance.

Piscines Magiline Swimming Pools can be customized to suit Malaysia’s tropical

environment. With over 86 international patents, Magiline Swimming Pools system offers low energy consumption, low water wastage and low do-it-yourself maintenance for many years of enjoyment.

Feel free to contact us too for your existing swimming pool refurbishment enquiry.

INTELI POOL & SPA BHD Lot1919, Jalan KPB 9, Off Jalan Balakong, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

Tel: 1-800-22-POOL(7665) www.magiline.com

contents

HOME DESIGN & DECOR TRENDS

C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD Publisher Vincent Lim

31

HARINI MANAGEMENT SERVICES SDN BHD Director N. Premala Consultant V.S. Ganesan Senior Editor Vimala Seneviratne Writer Sean Low Creative Designer Goh Wei Lee Advertising Consultant Faridah Ismail A joint publication of

32 Cover Story 4

Contemporary & Classy

Luxurious bungalows, The Apex@ Putra Hill Residency, offer a classy lifestyle with its stylish designs.

Features 10

14

18

Ways with Bathroom Tiles

Pump up your space using tiles in a creative manner.

HMS HARINI MANAGEMENT SERVICES SDN BHD

22

26

32

For a Growing Family

Kin House, a bungalow in Alam Damai, is transformed into a spacious abode complete with a lap pool to accommodate a growing family. It bagged the Bronze in the PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015, Bungalow/Semi-D category.

35

Adding Stripes to Your Décor

The latest fashion runway collections from designers in Europe and the U.S. were awash with stripes. Check out some of the some ways to incorporate them in your contemporary décor.

2

Office that Feels like Home

The creative team at Circle Line Interiors designed their own warm, welcoming office.

Art Décor Inspired Glamour

Creating a space to work in at home doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Add creative touches in a sophisticated way to inspire you and make you enjoy sitting at your desk.

27

Animals in Your Kitchen

Add some fun in your kitchen with accessories in the shape of animals.

PHOTO V. Chanthiran

Little Haven

The smallest of spaces in your abode can be turned into your own little haven.

Spotlight

31

THE COVER The Apex @ Putra Hill Residency

Going Vertical

The layout of a private house in Singapore integrates several design strategies to make the abode dynamic and welcoming.

Metallic Elegance

Make a metallic statement in your home with the quirky yet elegant Pols Potten collection from Design 55. The items are bang on trend and sure to make you smile.

Architecture 28

European Artistry

European Hotel Design Awards 2015 honours the best of hotel design and architecture in the continent.

C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD (287961W) 9-1-6, Jalan 3/109F, Danau Business Centre, Danau Desa, Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 603-7982 1648 www.homedec.com.my HARINI MANAGEMENT SERVICES SDN BHD (609031-W) W-9-12, Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, 18, Persiaran Barat, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: 603-7932 3259 Email: harini.mservices@gmail.com PRINTER UNITED MISSION PRESS SDN BHD (755329-X) No. 25 & 27, Jalan PBS 14/14, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor.

Tel: 603-8941 6618 Fax: 603-8945 5168 DISTRIBUTOR MPH DISTRIBUTORS SDN BHD (MALAYSIA) (5048-A) Ground Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 603-7958 1688 Fax: 603-7956 5995 Email: distributors@mph.com.my All articles featured in HOMEDEC magazine represent the personal views of contributors and are not necessarily those of C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD & Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. All writers automatically agree to indemnify C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd against any loss, costs, expenses (including legal fees), damages and liabilities that might arise from their own incapacity, negligence, breach of contract or other civil misdeeds. We reserve the right to edit all articles. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2016 by C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. C.I.S NETWORK SDN BHD and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustration and other editorial materials.

HH OO M M EE DD EE SS II GG NN && DD EE CC OO RR TT RR EE NN DD SS HOMEDEC HOMEDEC(Home (HomeDécor DécorTrends) Trends)Magazine Magazineisisaaquarterly quarterly magazine jointly published by C.I.S magazine jointly published by C.I.SNetworks NetworksSdn SdnBhd, Bhd,the the organiser of HOMEDEC, Malaysia’s renowned home organiser of HOMEDEC, Malaysia’s renowned homedécor décor exhibition, exhibition,and andHarini HariniManagement ManagementServices ServicesSdn SdnBhd. Bhd.

VOL. 08 NO. 4 / 2015 VOL./08 NO. 4 / 2015 WM RM10.60 EM RM12.70 WM RM10.60(Inclusive / EM RM12.70 of GST) (Inclusive of GST)

VOL. 08 NO. 4 2015 RM10.60 VOL. 08 NO. 4 2015 RM10.60

HOME DESIGN & DECOR TRENDS HOME DESIGN & DECOR TRENDS

Now Nowin inits its8th 8thyear yearof ofpublication, publication,the themagazine magazinecontinues continues to provide readers with the latest home to provide readers with the latest homedesign designsolutions, solutions, decoration, decoration,renovations, renovations,current currentstyles, styles,tips tipsand andideas ideasfor for good living. good living.

I N T H I S I S S U E I N T H I S I S S U E

ARTISTRY ARTISTRY OF OF MODERN MODERN LIVING LIVING Sprawling bungalow, Sprawling bungalow, The TheApex Apex@ @Putra PutraHill Hill Residency, Residency,exudes exudes feeling feelingof ofbeing beingon on top topof ofthe theworld world

HOMEDEC HOMEDECalso alsoprovides providesan anoptimum optimumbranding brandingplatform platformfor for advertisers to reach out to homeowners. advertisers to reach out to homeowners.

BEAUTY, STYLE BEAUTY, STYLE & LUXURY IN & LUXURY IN BATHROOM BATHROOM A fresh & inspired A fresh & inspired approach to luxury in approach to luxury in bathroom bathroom

KITCHEN KITCHEN COUNTERTOP IDEAS COUNTERTOP Design choicesIDEAS & Design & finishes tochoices take your finishes to take your kitchen a notch up kitchen a notch up

ISSN:1985-5052 KDN NO: PP15826/03/2013(031986) ISSN:1985-5052 KDN NO: PP15826/03/2013(031986)

HOMEDEC HOMEDEC SHOWHOMES SHOWHOMES AGED AGED CARE CARE LIVING && DESIGN LIVING DESIGN • Unit 1: ‘Awakening’

VIVID VIVIDHUES HUES FOR FOR2016 2016 Colours to Brighten

BOLD, BRIGHT & BOLD,FUN BRIGHT & FUN Colour & texture Colour & texture add to character of addapartment to character of apartment

• Unit 1: ‘Awakening’ ••Unit Unit2:2:‘Style ‘Stylewithout withoutBorders’ Borders’ ••Unit Unit3:3:‘Calm ‘CalmRealisation’ Realisation’

Colours to Space Brighten your Living your Living Space 00_Homedec cover 8-4.indd 1 00_Homedec cover 8-4.indd 1

An Anofficial officialpublication publicationof ofHOMEDEC, HOMEDEC,the themagazine magazineisisaabig bighit hit at the exhibitions held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor at the exhibitions held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, JohorBaru, Baru, Kuching Kuchingand andKota KotaKinabalu.

Kinabalu.This Thisaward-winning award-winning magazine is available at magazine is available atall allleading leading bookshops bookshopsnationwide. nationwide.

FREQUENCY FREQUENCY Quarterly Quarterly

For Forthe theHOMEDEC HOMEDECexhibitions exhibitions in KLCC, in KLCC,aaspecial specialHOMEDEC HOMEDEC PREVIEW PREVIEW16-page 16-pageBooklet Bookletisis published twice a year published twice a yearin inMay May BOOKING BOOKINGDEADLINE DEADLINE and October.

The PREVIEW and October.

The PREVIEW 77weeks before publication date weeks before publication date complements complementsand andpromotes promotes PUBLICATION PUBLICATIONDATES DATES the main HOMEDEC magazine. the main HOMEDEC magazine.

FOR FOR2016 2016 10,000 copies of HOMEDEC 10,000 copies of HOMEDEC March, March,June, June,September September PREVIEW PREVIEWare aredistributed distributedfree freeof of &&December December charge to visitors of the exhibition. charge to visitors of the exhibition.

LANGUAGE LANGUAGE English English

19/10/15 1:20 PM 19/10/15 1:20 PM

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTSPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS Bleed : : 240mm BleedSize Size 240mm(W) (W)xx310mm 310mm(H) (H) Trimmed TrimmedSize Size : : 230mm 230mm(W) (W)xx300mm 300mm(H) (H) Typed TypedArea Area : : 210mm 210mm(W) (W)xx280mm 280mm(H) (H) MATERIAL MATERIALREQUIREMENT REQUIREMENT Saved Savedin inCD CDROM ROM(PDF (PDFformat) format)

AAJoint JointPublication Publicationof of

HMS HMS HARINI HARINIMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENTSERVICES SERVICESSDN SDNBHD BHD

HOMEDEC HOMEDECMagazine Magazine(4 (4issues issuesper peryear) year)// HOMEDEC HOMEDECPREVIEW PREVIEW(2 (2issues issuesper peryear) year)Advertisement AdvertisementRates Rates POSITION POSITION

CASUAL CASUALRATES RATES

Full Fullpage page

RM3,500 RM3,500

22Issues Issues RM3,150 RM3,150

PER PERINSERTION INSERTION 44Issues 66 Issues Issues Issues RM2,800 RM2,800

RM2,500 RM2,500

FOR FORADVERTISING ADVERTISINGENQUIRIES ENQUIRIES HARINI HARINIMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENTSERVICES SERVICESSDN SDNBHD BHD(609031-W) (609031-W) W-9-12, W-9-12,Menara MenaraMelawangi, Melawangi,Amcorp AmcorpTrade TradeCentre, Centre,18, 18, Jalan JalanPersiaran PersiaranBarat, Barat,46050 46050Petaling PetalingJaya, Jaya,Selangor Selangor Tel: Tel:(603) (603)79323259 79323259 Email: Email:harini.mservices@gmail.com harini.mservices@gmail.com//ganesanvs.03@gmail.com ganesanvs.03@gmail.com Mobile: Mobile:Ganesan: Ganesan:012 0123739422 3739422//Faridah: Faridah:013 0133455107 3455107

26

cover story

Contemporary & Classy Luxurious bungalows, The Apex @ Putra Hill Residency, offer a classy lifestyle with its stylish design, writes CHRISTINA THOMAS PHOTOS BY V. CHANTHIRAN

U

MLand through its subsidiary Bangi Heights Development Sdn Bhd proudly presents an awardwinning bungalow development designed to capitalise on the hilly terrain of the area. Winner of the Prestigious Developer Awards 2015 for Best Luxury Landed Development, The Apex, Putra Hill Residency boasts a combination of rustic elegance and contemporary style. Crystal East of The Apex, Putra Hill Residency, one of the 4 sprawling bungalow designs available in the development comprises 2 bedrooms + 1 utility room, 3 bathrooms and a powder room on the ground floor, whilst the top floor consists of 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Walking into the grounds of the bungalow, one is welcomed by a modern and minimalist garden sporting an abstract-designed water feature and lush carpet grass covering the large garden, complemented by garden shrubs and criss-cross stone decorations.

The home’s exterior façade poses subtle colours, linear design lines and modern architecture.

4

The resplendent living and dining area with a view to appreciate. Floor to ceiling clear glass doors allow natural light to flood this space.

5

cover story

6

Akin to a sci-fi movie, large double doors using the world’s first Samsung Push Pull Door lock with electronic access control open to a spacious living area which is uniquely defined to feature an overhanging balcony cum lounge that overlooks the neighbourhood below from its high perch.

The living room sports dark earth tones, against a bright sunlit ambience as a result of the floor-to-ceiling clear glass window panels and sliding doors that allow the ample flow of natural light. A U-shaped sofa sits in the centre of the room complemented by gold and silver throw cushions. A flat-screened television is mounted on the wall above a low-lying cabinet dotted with trinkets and ornaments. One gets a feeling of being on top of the world sitting in this resplendent living room with a view to appreciate.

The eight-seater dining table sits elegantly in the centre of the dining room with an overhanging glass chandelier lighting up the space, whilst an abstract painting and artistic pieces add character to the dining room.

A cosy breakfast bar sits in a corner of the cosy dry kitchen tucked away beside a glass window that offers a panoramic view of green vistas and the sloping rear garden. The dry kitchen features clean and contemporary lines which include simple side cabinets, a fridge and an oven. Adjacent to the dry kitchen is a spacious wet kitchen with teak-coloured cabinet against the walls, a hood and hob.

The wet kitchen opens out to a small utility yard which is cleverly concealed by louvered walls.

The ground floor also presents a minimalist-styled guest room complete with a queen-sized bed, a built-in wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom. Opposite the guest room is a mini-gymnasium with fulllength mirrors, exercise equipment and a view of the beautiful garden.

Walking up to the first floor, one is greeted by the sight of the green garden through clear glass windows draped with white sheer curtains, along the staircase. The top floor unveils a spacious and grand family hall with pebble-coloured walls, drapes in soft colours

and a rustic wood-panelled feature wall on which a flat screen television sits. The room oozes character with a high-ceiling and spherical hanging chandeliers, and a suede sofa set complemented by a plush dark brown carpet. The family hall which is almost seamless extends into a study corner complete with study-tables lined against the wall, flanked by bookshelves.

The entire space boasts wood-panelled flooring. The master bedroom is a sight to behold with a cottage-like slanted ceiling and wooden rafters. A futuristic chandelier comprising silver ball-shaped domes add a touch of class to the room, whilst the grey and white walls scream contemporary. A large queen-sized bed sits against a grey textured feature wall with little silver birds perched on it – a clever touch of modern art. Once again the clean and minimalist

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: The cosy breakfast bar in the dry kitchen offers a panoramic view of green vistas and the sloping rear garden.

BOTTOM: The spacious open wardrobe and dressing area in the master bedroom.

THIS PAGE ABOVE: A guest room is converted into a minigymnasium with full-length mirrors, exercise equipment and a view of the beautiful garden.

BELOW: The clean, minimalist look is evident in the master bedroom with a cottage-like slanted ceiling and wooden rafters.ABOVE: The blue room with its two single beds is ideally suited for young children.

7

cover story

LEFT: The spacious and grand family hall oozes character with a high-ceiling and spherical hanging chandeliers, and a suede sofa set complemented by a plush dark brown carpet.

BELOW: The 2 bedrooms on the upper floor reflect the individual personalities of the occupants.

approach is evident in this room. The ensuite bathroom is tucked away inside the walk-in wardrobe which sports a large full-length mirror, built-in cabinets and a vanity top. A three-legged lampshade peeks from the corner of the wardrobe.

The first floor also has two more bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The motives reflect calm and soothing colours, built-in wardrobes, and study tables.

The Apex, Putra Hill Residency @Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi is developed by a subsidiary of UMLand, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers. Located in Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi, The Apex is easily accessible from the PLUS North-South highway via the Putra Mahkota Interchange. The Bandar Seri Putra township offers various amenities such as university, primary, secondary and religious schools, supermarkets, bank, healthcare centres and commercial hubs, among others. u

Each distinctive bungalow unit is exclusively integrated with Samsung Smart Home Solution

World's First Samsung Push Pull Door Lock Air Conditioner Controller HD Image Samsung IP Camera The Apex, winner of 'Best Luxury Landed Development' at the Prestigious Developer Awards 2015

8

Lighting Controller Motorised Curtain Controller

9

feature

WAYS WITH BATHROOM TILES

A bathroom, whether big or small, is a great place to try out bold colours and finishes. Here are some ways to pump up your space’s style.

T

COOL OMBRÉ

Lay geometric tiles in an ombré pattern to bring a modern edge to a room with industrial elements.

CURVY CLASSIC

T

Give a modern bathroom a touch of vintage softness with shell-shaped deco tiles. A curvy vintage mirror, sconces and brass fixtures finish the classic look.

T

GEOMETRIC TROMP L’OEIL

OCEAN VIBES

T

Use large textured tiles embossed with a pattern for rich texture that’s not overwhelming to the eye. For an especially cohesive space, match floors, shower enclosure and console counter in the same colour and material.

10

Triangular tiles laid in a 3D cube pattern trick the eye into seeing more depth and keep it from looking monolithic.

T

SASSY TWIST

Give a plain bathroom a sassy twist by tiling a half-wall in a saturated colour such as fire-glazed orchid or lavendar.

BRILLIANT WATERCOLORS The cobalt blue pattern on these tiles evokes the soothing watercolour feel

T

T

SWITCHED-UP SUBWAY

Turn classic subway tiles on their side by choosing them in dark green glass or any other colour and laying them vertically or horizontally.

11

feature

T

WARM GOLD

Raise the temperature in bathroom by adding warm colours and metal fixtures in shades of gold.

T

UNEXPECTED SPLASHES

SUBTLE TEXTURE

If you love one eye popping colour but don’t want it in the whole room, keep it to the shower enclosure, and lay a pixel pattern of small tiles in three or four shades of the same hue.

NOUVEAU CLASSIC

T

Pair panelled walls with chrome or other metal fixtures and black-and-white floors in pattern for a look that is as fresh.

12

Turn a plain white bathroom exciting by laying tiles in a herringbone pattern and layering in a touch of colour.

BOHO MEETS DECO

T

Pair square white tiles with a warm-toned encaustic concrete floor for a relaxing vintage vibe that still feels sophisticated.

MOROCCAN SPA

T

T

Floor-to-ceiling patterned tile paired with terra cotta-colored grout creates a spalike escape that pairs well with Turkish cotton towels and a relaxing bath.

ORGANIC STRIPES

Use tiles in three or four complementary colours for a quirky pattern that goes great with organic finishes.

T

Give your bathroom the same classic feel as vintage china with square minitiles in French blue and creamy white.

T

BLUE AND WHITE

BEAUTIFUL CONTRAST

Combine contrasting patterns with one accent colour for a stylish space that pops.

13

feature

For A Growing Family Kin House, a bungalow in Alam Damai is transformed into a spacious abode complete with a lap pool to accommodate a growing family.

It bagged the Bronze in the PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015, Bungalow/Semi-D category.

14

15

feature

T

he owners’ brief to Essential Design Integrated (in association with Design Collective Architect), was simple and to the point – additional spaces for a young, growing family.

The project involved renovating a new bungalow that the owners had recently purchased. The house had an advantage of unobstructed views and vistas but were lacking in spaces that the growing family required.

“Our scope included an extension of the living areas, including the addition of a lap pool overlooking the views. The interiors were also designed towards a clean and open white interior,” said Chan Mun Inn, Director of Essential Design Integrated.

The décor sports a clean, contemporary and minimalist look and although white is the main colour theme, the wooden flooring in the bedrooms and dining table and chairs lend a warm, earthy ambience to the space.

The existing roof structure and ceiling were removed to give the family room a more airy feel and a higher ceiling. Soft colours paired with white panelling were used together with small splashes of colour on certain furniture to perk up the space. u 16

17

feature

ADDING STRIPES TO YOUR HOME DÉCOR The latest fashion runway collections from designers in Europe and the U.S. were awash with stripes – from large, bold stripes to dainty pinstripes. Home design collections are never far behind the runway trends, so if you have a love for stripes and contemporary style, now is the time to add some stripes to your home decor.

Go ahead, take the latest runway stripes and incorporate them in your contemporary decor.

1

FOCAL WALL

If you’re looking for a bold way to incorporate this trend, then use stripes on your walls. But don’t go overboard – chose one main focal wall to incorporate stripes. You can also use wallpaper.

2

PILLOW CHIC

Throw pillows are an inexpensive way to decorate with stripes. Try different combinations of stripes and colours or use a line of the same striped pillow on a sofa for a clean, minimalist look. The repetition of striped pillows can also give a contemporary look.

18

5

STRIPED CURTAINS

3

When painting or wallpapering isn’t an option consider using striped curtains. Rich colours and floorto-ceiling length curtains create the illusion of taller ceilings or you can use subtle, tonal striped curtains to draw the eye to the window.

STRIPES ON THE CEILING

Be different. Instead of using stripes on the wall and floor, why not have it on the ceiling?

STRIPES ON THE FLOOR

A bold, striped rug is a great way to incorporate this trend. Opt for rugs with high contrast tones and colours that pop. The chevron or zigzag stripe is one of the most contemporary stripe options available.

4 19

feature

LINEAR CHIC

For a high fashion design choice, add a striped furniture piece to your space.

Whether it’s a sofa, ottoman, side table or cabinet, striped designs and upholstery are a good way to incorporate stripes in a room.

6 7

SUBTLE STRIPE

The barelythere stripe on these walls is accented by a fine, pinstripe.

20

CREATIVE PATTERN

Mirror adds the creative touch necessary to create a bold, striped wall.

8

9 FASHION BEDDING

GRAPHIC ACCENTS

Consider a bold table runner or placemats to add stripes to a monochromatic room.

10

Add striped duvet cover to your bed as a simple way to incorporate stripes in the bedroom.

STRIPES IN THE KITCHEN

11

A glass backsplash in stripes or stripes on walls placed in a creative manner can perk up an otherwise plain kitchen.

21

feature

V E GOING R T I C A L

The layout of a private house in Singapore integrates several design strategies to make the abode dynamic and welcoming IMAGES COURTESY OF ENVELOPE ARCHITECTS

22

R

ecently designed by Envelope Architects, the House at Poh Huat Road is a four-storey private abode in Singapore that displays an original architecture.

The client’s brief requested a perfect indooroutdoor connection coupled with an organic feel of the building.

According to the architects, the scheme not only has to bring the outside in but also create a controlled disorder in the tight space. To do so while fulfilling the various conditions of the brief, the design integrates several strategies such as a central courtyard and dissociated volumes.

“By inserting a central void, the design

creates a light well that enables the creation of internal facades, allowing the architects to express a series of deliberately misaligned volumes that peer into this central courtyard,” says the architects.

The tight space in the four-storey house build on 361sqm of land, was cleverly reinvented, offering a complex living experience.

“The design makes use of oblique walls to enhance the illusion of entropy within a confined space. The oblique, as opposed to a straightforward recess, is a compromise between achieving a crucial visual effect and usable space.”

The strategy of dissociation is similarly 23

feature

24

applied vertically, creating deliberate level changes that are experienced as part of the circulation in the house, contributing to the overall formal diversity.

As you step into the abode, the eyes are drawn upwards emphasising the fact that it is designed vertically – from the wooden stairs that reach all the way to the attic on the fourth floor to the pendent lights that cascade down the high ceiling while casting a warm glow along the stairways.

The house has a contemporary look with a minimalist touch. The feature wall in the living area is made of concrete, and to inject an element of drama, one section of the wall is covered entirely with small leafy plants in various shades.

Beneath the staircase and lined along the green wall is a water feature.

The upper floors house five elegantly furnished bedrooms with wooden flooring. The rooms have attached bathrooms and on the attic is a roof terrace, a jacuzzi, a toy display area as well as a powder room. An indoor lift has been placed at a corner for easy access to the upper floors of the house where all the spaces are not only welcoming but dynamic as well. u

25

feature

u

u

A sense of calm is brought to this nook through the use of dusky tones and soft textures.

The key to a perfect snug is to make it comfortable so you can curl up with a good book, listen to music or have a quiet moment all to yourself.

v

The Mixxit shelving unit makes a perfect side board to show off knick knacks that tie in with your colour scheme. If you’re stuck for finding things that match why not spray paint old ornaments or books?

w

Statement wallpaper looks great when teamed with a neutral paint colour and soft textures.

It's far from overpowering and made to make you feel right at home. Lighting is also really important in a small space to add interest to a room.

A Little Haven

The smallest of spaces in your abode can be turned into your own little haven

v w

26

spotlight

ERIC, THE MEMO ELEPHANT

Eric is not your average Elephant. He is made of smooth white ceramic and loves to be written on. He’s a memo pad.

NESSIE JUMBO

Use him to drain your cutlery – excess water will drain out of his trunk, which hangs over the sink.

You can also place Jumbo next to your bathroom sink, to store your toothbrushes and toothpaste.

With four legs this Mamma Nessie slotted ladle is deigned to sit in your pot of pasta or vegetables and when they’re done simply fish them out, draining away the water. Made of toughened nylon Mamma Nessie is durable, 100% food safe and dishwasher proof.

KOZIOL PABLO STEAK KNIFE BLOCK

ANIMALS IN YOUR KITCHEN CHEESE GRATER

This stylish bull-shaped steak knife holder and the knives have a contemporary look. The unique polygon design on the knives provide extra gripping space for a more controlled cutting motion. Although it is made of plastic, this designer knife holder is a stable construction, which will stand proud on your kitchen tops.

The ergonomic shape of the Koziol Kasimir cheese grater makes it pleasant and easy to the hold to grate cheese, lemon peel and even chocolate. It is melamine and BPA free.

SOAP HOLDER

If you’ve not come across stainless steel soap before, you’re definitely in for a treat. The red tortoise carries a stainless steel bar of soap on its back. Use the soap bar as you would do any other traditional bar of soap and you’ll smell the difference.

HAMMERHEAD SHARK

An animated take on a dualpurpose bottle opener, a hammer head shark lends its form perfectly to wine and beer bottles. Chrome plated 2-in1 cast metal corkscrew and bottle opener.

27

architecture

European Artistry European Hotel Design Awards 2015 honours the best of hotel design and architecture in the continent

BY SEAN LOW

T

he trendsetting French hotels were the biggest winners this year, bagging four top awards at the EDHA recently. The Les Bains hotel in Paris, France, a project by Tristan Auer, Thomas Erber and RDAI, won the European Hotel Design of the Year award. This luxury-boutique hotel was hailed by judges as “a perfect melange of historical significance and design vision, encapsulating the new wave of hospitality based on old world roots”.

Les Bains was also a winner in the Bedrooms & Bathrooms category – custom furniture, cleverly appointed decorations of marble and precious materials. The hotel’s La Salle à Manger & Le Reservoir was also the judges’ choice in the Restaurant category. The new-age brasserie’s walls of rich purple, and liquid-like dome indulgently complements the Michelin star-worthy dishes, thus creating a breath-taking gastronomic experience.

Only the top-performers made up the EDHA list, and these were projects which were not only aesthetically outstanding but functional as well. Organised by Sleeper magazine, the EHDA saw submissions from independent and branded properties and a variety of projects from “restored grandes dames to contemporary boutique hotel”. u

ARCHITECTURE AWARD: Newbuild category HOTEL: The Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum ARCHITECT: Antonio Citterio, GAD & WATG A star-studded luxury retreat which enjoys a seductive locale on the serene Paradise Bay in Turkey, with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, and top-rate amenities.

28

ARCHITECTURE AWARD: Adaptive Re-use category HOTEL: The Beaumont ARCHITECT: ReardonSmith Architects Ambitiously refurbished into a 5-star boutique hotel, the most prominent of its features is the ROOM, a suite recently created as a piece of public art by Antony Gormley.

architecture

ARCHITECTURE AWARD: Renovation and Restoration category HOTEL: The Peninsula, Paris ARCHITECT: Affine Design The Peninsula was meticulously restored and thoroughly whisked with contemporary flair by modern artists, allowing the hotel to majestically metamorphose into the 21st century.

INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD: Bar category PROJECT: Le Bar du Plaza Athénée, Paris DESIGNER: Jouin Manku A masterpiece and prized attraction. Haute drinking spot with a satin-textured roof, frosted glass counter, and various ornate, and inspiring furnishings.

INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD: Event Spaces category PROJECT: NH Collection Eurobuilding, Madrid DESIGNER: NH Hotel Group An ultra-modern take on styles for business and leisure, offering state-ofthe-art facilities and dashing décor.

29

architecture

INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD: Lobby, Lounge & Public Areas category PROJECT: INK Hotel, Amsterdam DESIGNER: Concrete Bohemian, unconventional, INK Hotel Amsterdam has a novelty interior that beguiles guests who’ve thought they were walking into an ordinary-looking building.

INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD: Suite category PROJECT: Garden House Suite at Rosewood DESIGNER: Tony Chi & Associates The Garden House has a splendid garden terrace, and some of London’s most ‘superblyappointed’ suites.

30

INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD: Lobby, Spa & Wellness category PROJECT: The Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum DESIGNERS: Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, GAD & WATG The pearl of Paradise Bay is a getaway destination to nurture the soul.

spotlight

METALLIC ELEGANCE

Make a metallic statement in your home with the quirky yet elegant Pols Potten collection from Design 55. Featuring fruit ornaments, lamps, side tables and stools in a warming palette of gold, silver, copper, black and white, these items are bang on trend and sure to make you smile.

The Apple Ornament set of 2, made of glazed porcelain, is incredibly shiny and will reflect light from all angles, catching the eye of all who see them! Perfect for adding some character to a centrepiece.

Add a tropical touch to your home with the Pols Potten Pineapples made of glazed porcelain.

The Nickel Hammered Side Table, made from cast aluminium, has a striking nickel hammered finish. This piece will work well in a metallic modern styled space.

Relatively simple in design, the Wire Dumbbell Stool bends in and out to create the gorgeous dumbbell or hourglass shape. The light flows through the frame making it seem light and delicate, and therefore unobtrusive, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with any interior setting.

Subtle, quirky and unusual, the Zig Zag Stool makes a great addition to any monochrome styled home. Use as extra seating when you have extra guests, as a statement piece in a lounge, or as an occasional chair in a bedroom.

The Dot stool in copper looks simple at first glance, but it is made up of hundreds of small copper balls, adding interest and the perfect balance of style and texture to the stool.

The White Owl Lamp is full of character and bound to put a smile on the faces of all who see him. Use without a lamp as a playful ornament, or put a bulb inside to create an alternative lighting solution.

31

architecture

Office That Feels Like Home The creative team at Circle Line Interiors designed their own warm, welcoming office IMAGES COURTESY OF CIRCLE LINE INTERIORS

32

architecture

A

challenging factor of the project was the building’s high ceilings which were more than 14 feet, and windows.

The designers had to think outside the box when they planned the space.

The solution was to create a stage-like construction, with one communal table along the line of windows. “This way, all of our architects and designers could face natural light.”

They also created an open space with lots of different zones where the staff could move when they needed a change of scenery for inspiration. “We have sofa areas on both sides of stairs that lead to the main lounge zone with green armchairs. This way we’re moving and communicating all the time. At the same time we have a separate area dedicated to meetings with clients and suppliers. It can also be used when someone needs a moment of solitude. For those who have back problems we’ve created mobile table tops on the lower ground.”

The building challenges also brought design opportunities. The height of the ceiling allowed the designers to toy with the idea of integrating rooms within rooms. The kitchen, for example, 33

architecture

is situated in a glass house, and the lounge area is placed under a pergola-like construction.

The lounge is surrounded by big planters with leafy plants which create the feeling of being in a garden.

One of the brightest areas in the office is the hall that leads to the washroom. What was earlier a very dull, dark and narrow corridor was transformed. “To give it a wider look, we covered both walls with distressed mirrors, lowered the ceiling, painted it black and filled it with light bulbs. Now it’s almost an art installation.” u

34

feature

Art Décor Inspired Glamour

C

reating a space to work in at home doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Think of something that’ll inspire you and make you enjoy sitting at your desk. A gold metallic art deco table lamp, teamed with matt black, is a great base for adding creative touches in a sophisticated way. Being creative with storage in a small office is important to keep it clutter-free, but keep everything to hand; wire baskets and picture shelves are a perfect solution. u

35