A wide view on major international projects

Short stories

HAMBURG | STRANDHAUS | POLIFORM

This project’s powerful modernist appeal is certainly owed first to the American architect Richard Meier, who designed the architectural project, and then to the setting, the HafenCity district in Hamburg, transformed into a dynamic center of business and culture that also includes the magnificent Elbphilharmonie. But some credit goes as well to the contemporary, sophisticated touch of Poliform which furnished two penthouses inside this mixed-use residential building, the Strandhaus. Poliform Hamburg’s design enhances the interiors with tone-on-tone furnishings in the bedroom area, and then plays with chiaroscuro effects in the living area through large furnishing pieces, including the wardrobes, the wainscoting and the sculptural kitchen with an island overlooking the city.

Photo © courtesy of Poliform

ROVINJ, CROATIA | GRAND PARK HOTEL | LIVING DIVANI

The hotel, part of the Maistra Collection group, is nestled in a pine forest by the sea with a view of the sea and Rovinj’s historic center. The design came out of a collaboration between Piero Lissoni and the Croatian firm 3LHD, to conceive a hotel with an international character. The spacious lobby, the hotel’s heart, visually connects to the sea through a large window and connects to all the other areas of the building. Piero Lissoni’s Lipp sofa is a star of the interiors, upholstered in fabric with elegant taupe leather deep-buttoned details, combined with leather Lipp armchairs and Track benches by David Lopez Quincoces. The Confident armchairs are soft and enveloping, paired with the Agra sunbed, in the lightweight version with light-colored seat cushions and rollers in shades of blue, also used in the delicatessen area, fostering moments of relaxation and conversation. For the Laurel & Berry restaurant, Piero Lissoni’s Maja D chair was chosen with its simple design and soft lines. In the wellness area, including a spa, sauna and swimming pools, there are many Frog chairs and Frog lounges, featuring a lightweight and fresh design, adapted to many different uses to create an appealing ambiance. Living Divani’s presence here is completed by Cabrio armchairs, George’s chairs, Nina stools and Filo Outdoor sofas, which enhance the quality of the outdoor spaces, marked by the brand’s defining formal purity and sophisticated craftsmanship.

Photo © Tommaso Sartori

FLORENCE | LUISAVIAROMA | CASSINA

Officially opened during the week of Pitti Immagine Uomo, in January 2022, the new, exclusive terrace installation features two original, welcoming and striking settings: living and dining. In the living area the colors are warm, taking on soft, playful forms thanks to the Trampoline outdoor collection by Patricia Urquiola, accompanied by iconic items by Charlotte Perriand, including the Doron Hotel Outdoor chair and the Mexique bar tables and stools. The dining zone offers refined comfort around the 9 tables created by Piero Lissoni, where guests can have a seat on the Caprice and Passion chairs by Philippe Starck. The innovation and authenticity of the “Cassina perspective,” together with the company’s technological prowess and fine craftsmanship, find a perfect partner in one of the leading online fashion retailers in the world, LuisaViaRoma, capable of combining its digital platform with an avant-garde concept store.

CAGLIARI, ITALY | PALAZZO DOGLIO | LINEA LIGHT GROUP

This urban resort was conceived on the model of English gentlemen’s clubs, a place for wellness to balance work and leisure time. The building has been recently remodelled by Studio Mei & Pilia Associati, which preserved its authentic 1920s spirit. Equally important, the lighting design is a connecting thread between the renovation’s elements. Especially on the facade lighting, the lighting design made use of many Linea Light Group products. For example, its Periskop projector was installed to light the external facade and the one on the courtyard, now a public square with many cafés and restaurants. Periskop’s subtle design and minimal lines make it the perfect lighting fixture to emphasize details with elegance. Completing the design are Suelo uplights, which emphasize the main entrance on the street side and the one inside the courtyard, where single-beam Vedette wall lamps were installed for the balconies. Completing the lighting of the internal courtyard are Orma uplights used to make a walkway at the base of the columns along the perimeter, while the Prolamp projectors can create light scenes for special events. The spa and fitness room, designed by Studio Simona Corpino, has Gypsum recessed downlights, used for the reception desk and for general lighting, Beret uplights on the walls, and comfortable light is provided in the lounge rooms by Quantum, a recessed spotlight, winner of the RedDot Award for design, combining high performance with sophisticated design.

Photo © Dario Sequi

SAINT MARTIN | SECRET RESORT & SPA WALL&DECÒ

Immersed in the lush landscape of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin and designed by Luis Pons, the Secret Resort & Spa is a resort rich in visual input within which exotic scenery blends with clean and refined architecture and interiors, suggesting moments of seraphic tranquillity. Rio wallpaper is a tribute to the lush vegetation of the tropics, with a fresh, contemporary connotation expressed through outsized proportions. Chosen for the lounge area, it evokes the surrounding vegetation as if to suggest a continuum between interiors and exteriors. Elisir wallcovering – customized in a softer nuance - expresses the lightness through which, in a trompe l’oeil game of transparencies, traits of vegetation emerge giving the rooms a sense of brightness and luminosity.

Photo © courtesy of Wall&decò

FLORENCE, ITALY | ETRA COLLECTION | BOFFI|DEPADOVA Palazzo Pola e Todescan is located in Florence between Via de’ Brunelleschi and Via de’ Pecori. Built on the design of the architect Giovanni Paciarelli between 1901 and 1903, it was among the first monumental buildings in the historical center to show clear signs of new modernist influences, in combination with an Art Nouveau decorative system with sculptures, colored ceramic friezes from the Cantagalli factory and wrought iron elements from the Michelucci Workshops of Pistoia. The Palazzo is now home to the three luxury suites designed by Etra, opened after an ultra refined interior restoration done in collaboration with architects Daniela Bianchi and Alessandro Marcattilj of AMDB studio. The 120-squaremeter Presidential Suite is arranged as a loft. The ample living area is separated from the bedroom area by a large full-height burnished storage unit, a perfect partner for the compact, darkcolored “cube-kitchen” from K6 system, designed by Norbert Wangen for Boffi. The De Padova Flying Landscape upholstered furnishing set is by Piero Lissoni, a comfortable conversation “landscape” lit by a chandelier with Bohemian crystals handcrafted in Florence, and a ‘95 Table by Achille Castiglioni.

Photo © courtesy of Boffi|DePadova

ARZACHENA, ITALY | VILLA MARTINE | TALENTI

The villa designed by Studio Pè is situated on a hill affording a view of the sea, from the villa’s interior through large windows and the right orientation. It is made up of several buildings distributed organically in the area through large terraces and consists of a main residence and three guest annexes. The swimming pool nestled in the rock is the focal point of the villa’s buildings, and the outside paths wind towards the terrace, which has a glass bridge over the water, and the main entrance is on a staircase “suspended” between the rocks and walkways set on the hill’s various levels. The lush terraces are furnished with many pieces from Talenti’s collections: Cruise Teak sofas, armchairs, ottomans, dining chairs and daybeds by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, Casilda Daybeds by Ramon Esteve, Panama armchairs and daybeds, also by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, Jackie Collection lamps and Parasol Zeus shade structures.

Photo © courtesy of Talenti

GIZA, EGYPT | SACHI PARK ST RESTAURANT | PEDRALI

Designed by Alchemy Design Studio, the restaurant recently opened its doors in Sheikh Zayed, offering a dining experience deeply rooted in the Mediterranean traditions, while playing with Asian influences. The sumptuous halls on two levels are decorated with fine marble and wonderful mosaics which, together with the large windows and precious chandeliers, add a sophisticated touch to the environment. The 350 seats, organized in a way that encourages communication between diners, feature comfortable and welcoming seating, selected among Pedrali collections. Armchairs and barstools of the Ester collection, designed by Patrick Jouin, selected in the tones of terracotta and moss green with refined die-cast aluminium legs. A mix of elegance, ergonomics and functionality in harmony with the surroundings. The Jazz armchairs features cosy upholstered seating with curved and embracing backrest, separated from the seat by a functional opening that makes them extremely functional. The seating is supported by a thin steel frame which guarantees a nice balance of proportions and profiles. The Laja collection, designed by Alessandro Busana and the Gliss armchairs, designed by Claudio Dondoli and Marco Pocci, give colour and dynamism to the dining rooms. At the bar the Babila barstools by Odo Fioravanti.

Photo © Sherif Tamim

ANTIPAROS, GREECE | VILLAS | ETHIMO

The residential project by Tsolakis Architects includes three dwellings in an underground setting with respect to a steep, rocky site on the island of Antiparos. Enhancing rather than distorting the awareness of the context, the discreet approach of digging into the ground brings out the beauty of local natural materials, with etched ramps and steps, pedestrian pathways, open patios and the perfect profiles of blue swimming pools. Ethimo has interpreted the space in a balance between nature and contemporary design, underlining the strong bond between indoor and outdoor spaces. The Knit, Rafael, Cube, Swing and Grand Life collections personalize every open-air space with teak, metal, woven cord, soft cushions covered with fabrics that stand up to sunlight and salt air. The Knit and Swing lounge and dining systems, both designed by Patrick Norguet, set the stage for relaxing convivial moments. The Rafael collection, designed by Paola Navone, combines fine workmanship in teak, marble and volcanic stone with the refined colors of fabrics on the upholstered pieces. The Grand Life series by Christophe Pillet takes part with ample sofas and lounge chairs, which stand out for the structure in pickled or natural teak, featuring large cushions and a classic weave inspired by the image of Vienna straw.

NAPLES | MAMA COCHA RESTAURANT | RIFLESSI

A restaurant offering nikkei food and wine, a synthesis between the Peruvian and Japanese culinary culture. Designed by architect Mario Sorrentino, the interiors of Mama Cocha - whose name is a tribute to the Mother of the Waters, the Peruvian goddess protector of the sea and fishing - are characterized by a lively and contemporary fusion aesthetics, where materials and stylistically different decorations meet with bright color palettes. Riflessi created special custom-made Sofia seats: a typical Peruvian fabric decorated with multicolor striped pattern was used for the seat - after a special processing – in combination with a velvet effect fabric for the back in vivid complementary colors, like orange, ocher and blue. The base of the seats feature an elegant finish in rose gold which confer a whimsical and original effect in continuity with the eclectic style of the restaurant.

Photo © Marco Baldassarre

SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 1 | GARDEN METAMORPHOSIS PRECIOSA LIGHTING

In the refurbished area at Terminal 1 Departure/Transit Hall, Garden Metamorphosis is a organic, fluid installation which explores the shapes and patterns of nature. With Anna Kralova as lead designer, it captures every moment of a garden’s never-ending transformation. More than 10 metres long and 9 metres wide, it is made of more than 650 hand blown crystal components, including small and big butterflies, and small and big single and double leaves. Each component was handcrafted at the Preciosa factory in the Czech Republic. The metal base is champagne and polished brass for a warm feel. Component colours include clear crystal, frosted crystal, champagne, light pink, pink, and light and dark lustre. In-house R&D team had two challenges to tackle. First, the programmable dynamic scenes, and second the project’s location. “We wanted to figure out the best way to move and light the butterflies,” said Ondřej Dörfl, Senior Electrical Design Engineer. “The idea is that for a while, butterflies fly above the light fixture, then they settle (shine) and show us their crystal beauty. The next moment, they gradually light up and after a while they gradually and slowly go out again. I believe in the end we managed to give the lighting its soul.” The architecture and interior design was led by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, Singapore for main contractor, Takenaka Corporation.

CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI, ITALY | BOUTIQUE HOTEL LOCANDA LE PIAZZE | PRATIC

Among the vineyards of Chianti, a farmhouse dating to 1540 is now home to the eco-gourmet boutique hotel Locanda Le Piazze, an elegant accommodation with a “glocal” essence and design, featuring modern comfort in an architecture attentive to sustainability and tradition. Total immersion in the Tuscan landscape is made possible by a charming outdoor dining area that can seat 38 restaurant guests on a terrace of about 120 square meters overlooking the hills, protected by the comfort and technology of six Opera pergolas by Pratic, designed jointly with Gianni Menconi’s Project & Design Home Lab. The aluminum blades are adjustable up to 140 degrees to regulate natural lighting and ventilation, for a pleasant recirculation of air, and customizable shading is provided by drop curtains hidden in the horizontal sections. On cool, cloudy days, the blades and panoramic windows shield the room without sacrificing the view of the scenic landscape. Clean style and a perfect combination of colors render the pergolas a natural extension of the restaurant. Vulcan gray sections and uprights follow the recurring color scheme of the doors and windows and boutique hotel’s details with the ecru shade of the roof matching those of the building. When the blades are closed and in evenings the lighting is from spotlights and the soft light of perimeter LEDs.

Photo © Ivan Rossi

COMO, ITALY | RISTORANTE DA PIETRO | BAXTER

A stone’s throw from Lake Como, the design for the “Da Pietro” restaurant, by Baxter’s Ufficio Stile, originated in the idea of creating a place connected to the local landscape as well as the spirit of innovation that makes it an inviting, contemporary space. The bar counter at the entrance is made with a mixture of materials (leather, lacquered wood, copper and glass) and ushers visitors into a sensory journey of aromas, taste and visual perceptions. The connecting theme is, without question, the choice of materials, tying into everything in its surroundings. Muted materials, where the raw material is the star, highlighting the colors chosen for the upholstery, soft and welcoming but with a strong character. Raw earth is on the walls, natural stone flooring laid like a parquet floor and large light installations frame Baxter’s “tailored” furnishings. The seats are in different shapes and heights, featuring color and texture combinations that convey the sense of a familiar, comfortable place. The large kitchen overlooks a banquet table made of Travertine marble and lets guests enjoy watching the preparations of the chef and his staff. Everything chosen ties back to the concept of sophisticated elegance that takes patrons within the experience. This is a place where every individual part is in accord with each other part, creating an environment to relax and enjoy being received within a special place.

AOSTA, ITALY | THE PLACE BIKE HUB TERRATINTA CERAMICHE

A multifunctional space, the fruit of redeveloping a former industrial building, becomes a resource for the community, bringing sports and design together. Its 700 sq. m. is home to a café, shop, rental, workshop, and front office of Aosta Valley Freeride, where you can book tours and sign up for courses. The building operates entirely on electricity and is self-powered with solar panels installed on the roof. Two Terratinta Ceramiche collections were chosen for the Place Bike Hub: Betonbrick, distinctive for its innovative style, a union of tradition and contemporary design, in its Black Diamond Glossy variant; and Betonmetal, in the Aluminum matte variant, whose grays and the combination of metal and concrete references the building’s original spirit. The project was managed by Zanetti Cantieri with materials supplied by Noli Home.

Photo © courtesy of Terratinta Ceramiche

DUBAI | AURA SKY POOL LOUNGE | KETTAL

An island of relaxation in the sky. This might sound like a strange definition but it is indeed at 200 meters from the ground, on the 50th floor of Palm Tower, overlooking Dubai’s majestic skyline, that we find the highest swimming pool in the world. Aura Sky Pool Lounge was commissioned by the visionaries of Sunset Hospitality and designed by kokaistudios and now invites guests into its elevated ambiance. With a breathtaking 360° view of the city’s main attractions, including Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai, the infinity pool and exclusive lounge experience create an extraordinary, unique world. Both the 750 sq.m. Pool Deck and the Lounge & Bar are customized with Kettal outdoor furnishings, including Roll, Wicker and Mesh designed by Patricia Urquiola, Cala by Doshi Levien, Landscape by Kettal Studio, Basket created by Nanna and Jorgen Ditzel, Bitta by Rodolfo Dordoni and Zigzag designed by Emiliana Design.

NEW YORK | VERSACE STORES | MARGRAF

In summer 2021, two new stores opened in New York with ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, one in Soho on Greene Street and one in Manhasset, Long Island, at Americana Manhasset on Northern Blvd. Each shop has different proportions, but both are true to the concept conceived by Gwenael Nicolas of Studio Curiosity, and, like all its flagship stores, they powerfully elevate Versace’s values, aesthetics, fine elegance and icons. Icons like the Medusa, which dominates the statue art in the ceilings, and Versace’s Greek key pattern which becomes the support system for the suspension and recessed lighting and the (macro) decorative pattern of the lavish floors made with over 400 square meters of Margraf marble. In the interplay between white and Bardiglio gray, also used in the displays with accessory showcase, the effect of a fine macro inlay for the wall and floor coverings was created with a special waterjet technology and a material as precious as it is natural, fitting perfectly with the brand and the interior designer’s choices. The store is completed by sales and collection display areas with white ribbed wood paneling, blue calcite wall displays, carpets, armchairs and sofas in soft coordinated hues.

Photo © courtesy of Versace

NATERS, SWITZERLAND | GOTHAM | ALIAS

A “home” for nomads, startups, commuters and innovative companies. At least for whenever they need it. The Swiss coworking network Gotham has recently created dynamic workspaces at its Aletsch campus in the center of Naters (Upper Canton Valais). Gotham covers the top two floors of the entrance building, the point where the mountainous and valley landscapes converge. The mountain was actually the inspiration for the entire layout. The closer you are to the peak, the more the landscape opens to offices, conference rooms and meeting rooms, conceived as settings to work, rest or engage with other “Gothamers.” The natural, relaxing environments are made comfortable by the furnishing from Alias. The TEC table by Alfredo Häberli and the Rollingframe chairs by Alberto Meda are for the work offices. The Biplane tables by Alberto Meda surrounded by the Taormina upholstered seats by Alfredo Häberli are placed throughout the meeting rooms. The upholstered Eleven High Back seating by the PearsonLloyd duo are for the private areas and those by Patrick Norguet, Gran Kobi Essentiel are for the informal areas. Plus: Alias created two exclusive collections designed by Jost Kutter of Gotham Design to meet the specific needs of coworking, including the Ant Collection for spontaneous teamwork.

Photo © Jost Kutter

COPENHAGEN | DIGITAL HUB DENMARK VISITOR CENTRE | MUUTO

The office space, designed by Designit and Studio Marie Persson, is located in a converted loft of a sugar factory in the harbour of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is the central port of call for international delegations who want to find out about Danish technical solutions and services. Spread over 1,400 sqm, the visitor centre is a mixture of an interactive showroom, theatre, lounge and co-working space. Under the motto “We do digitally differently”, various materials, colours and surfaces are placed into an interesting juxtaposition. Numerous digital installations are distributed around the rooms, while interactive elements have discreetly been integrated into mirrors, walls and tables. The evolving need for flexible and fluid workspaces, has overall been backdrop for the office’s interior design. Muuto’s new and configurable office system, Linear System Series, has been used to bring a feeling of home to the office space. Displayed together with Muuto’s Fiber Side Chairs and Cover Armchairs, the office system provides a warm materiality and modern expression to the loft. To enhance a modern and comfortable expression within the co-working space, several customized Connect Modular Sofas from Muuto have been included.

MILAN | RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL PALAZZO TOURING CLUB | IDEAL STANDARD

The concept of travel is the inspiration for the new Radisson Collection Hotel Palazzo Touring Club Milan. Studio Marco Piva, which was responsible for the architectural and interior design, kept in mind that the building was once the historical headquarters of the Italian Touring Club, as well as one of the most beautiful expressions of late Art Nouveau style in Milan. History and contemporary style coexist in the design of its functional spaces that fit perfectly in the context, hand in hand with the needs of an ever-evolving society. For instance, it has a restaurant on two levels, conceived to be a multifunctional place that can also serve as a lounge bar, breakfast room, book shop and travel agency. Then there are its meeting and conference rooms and the wellness and spa area. In its 89 rooms, which feature high ceilings and smoked oak parquet floors laid in a herringbone pattern, each bathroom is different than all the others. For this place for self-care, an interplay of contrasts was established with finishes of great personality and colors ranging from white to gray. The studio chose Strada II countertop washbasins and the Tesi bathroom fixtures by Ideal Standard, which act as a point of connection between design, high performance and durability with two collections whose soft, minimal lines meet the high expectations of the contract furnishing sector.

COMMANDANT CHARCOT | PONANT | LIGNE ROSET

This high-exploration vessel, intended to crisscross the confines of the Arctic and Antarctic seas, not only accommodates 245 passengers in optimal comfort conditions in 123 cabins - but also makes itself available to the scientific community and thus participates in the global effort to preserve the poles and the oceans. Jean-Philippe Nuel designed the furnishings for the bedrooms, lounges and the gourmet restaurant. For the main lounge, 56 Soufflot armchairs (high and low back) and 5 king size settees have been customised in new dimensions. Furtermore a specific chair has been designed by Nuel for the ship’s gourmet restaurant. The main challenge was to create a seat and a back and assemble them on a base using invisible connecting pieces. To meet the resistance tests for a specific use in catering, the base in stained beech required the study of reinforcements. In addition, in order to adapt to the rounded shapes of the chair and keep the stretched effect intended by Jean-Philippe Nuel, the fabric required specific development.

Photo © Gilles Trillard

AMSTERDAM | NHOW AMSTERDAM RAI | CERAMICHE REFIN

In the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, Ceramiche Refin collections have been chosen to clad the outdoor spaces of the Hotel Nhow Amsterdam RAI, designed by Reiner de Graaf of Office for Metropolitan Architecture. OMA was inspired by Het Signaal, the advertising column located next to the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, made of a number of triangular blocks placed on top of each other. With a height of 91 metres, 650 rooms on 24 floors, an event space, meeting and conference rooms and a restaurant, the hotel is the largest in the Benelux. The three triangular volumes that make up the building are built on top of a transparent plinth. Triangular projections up to twelve metre long create six terraces on the roof of the 10th and 17th floors. All the terraces are paved with Refin OUT2.0 2cm thick tiles, chosen in the Blue Emotion Flammé Blue 90x90cm size and applied using the raised installation method on supports. Installation, which was a real challenge considering the height, was handled by Ceramiche Refin retailer Kerastone in active collaboration with Van Beek Tegelprojecten. The Blue Emotion line, inspired by the dark tones of the Belgian Pierre Bleue, carries the charm of a sober surface that convey a strong sensation of quality, cleanliness and resistance. OUT2.0, specially designed for outdoor use, guarantees maximum resistance to stress and tensile strength, and is able to fit easily into any outdoor space.

Photo © Egbert de Boer

ST. HELENA, USA | ALILA NAPA VALLEY | KREOO

The Alila Napa Valley resort, in the Californian county of Napa, was designed by Yabu Pushelberg with great attention to detail and careful consideration of the surroundings. The five-star resort fits perfectly in the landscape, built with materials that respect the context and with many references to natural materials. Wood paneling and floors, linen and cotton fabrics, leather details together shape its public and private environments. Marble and stone cover the bathroom floors and walls, envisioned like private spas. The Kreoo collections stand out here, with the Bowl n.2 and Bowl n. 9 countertop washbasins from the Nabhi collection, along with the custommade countertops and surfaces in marble mosaic. The Nabhi collection features a powerful material sense and balance of proportions born of a union between craftsmanship and innovative technology.