ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR AND LIFESTYLE / SUMMER 2018 RECOMMENDED BY GROEP VERSLUYS / IMAGICASA.BE €9,95
s
B O U L E V A R D
D E
W I E L I N G E N
-
C A D Z A N D - B A D
( N L )
MOST PRESTIGIOUS RESIDENTIAL PROJECT AT THE NORTH SEA HARMONIOUSLY INTEGRATED INTO A UNIQUE DUNE LANDSCAPE INCLUSIVE OF EXTENSIVE HOTEL SERVICES BY THE ADJACENT HOTEL DE BLANKE TOP AND UNLIMITED ACCESS TO A LUXURIOUS SPA, WELLNESS AND FITNESS CENTRE ICONIC ARCHITECTURE BY GOVAERT & VANHOUTTE HIGH-END “VERSLUYS” QUALITY LABEL SPECTACULAR PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE NORTH SEA & THE SPACIOUS APARTMENTS SURROUNDED BY SUPERIOR “LIVING OUTDOOR” TERRACES DUNES UNDERGROUND GARAGES & PARKING SPACES FOR VISITORS AVAILABLE
SALES & DEVELOPMENT | +32 (0) 59 51 11 15 | WWW.GROEPVERSLUYS.BE
CONTENTS
3 INTRO
4 DE BLANKE TOP
14 QUARRY HOUSE
24 HOUSE WEERT
32 MF+ARQUITETOS
40 BELTRAMI
46 KELLY HOPPEN
54 KHUN
62 LITTLE VENICE
70 287 PARK AVENUE
78 COLLECTIBLE DESIGN
84 FINLEY HOUSE
98 CALATRAVA
104 ONE THOUSAND
MUSEUM TOWER
112 TOWN AND CONCRETE 122 TULUM TREEHOUSE
132 SILVERSANDS
138 MASSIMILIANO RAGGI 144 EVGENIY BULATNIKOV 152 GANIMEDE JACHT
158 SCENIC ECLIPSE
164 PERFUME PARADISE
166 FOUR SEASONS JET
172 BAWAH ISLAND
180 SINGITA LODGE
188 ASTON MARTIN
194 THE ROCKEFELLER
202 FIAT 8V ZAGATO
208 NEXT TIME
2 | IMAGICASA
COLLECTION
INTRO
DEAR READER, Dear reader, In March, winter turns to spring. That, you can be sure of. And what you can also count on this time of year, is the summer edition of Imagicasa Magazine! For the sixth time now we will try to amaze, inspire and inform you about unique interiors, enchanting travel destinations and unforgettable experiences. At the same time, we can assure you that all this goes hand in hand with the luxury, quality and service Imagicasa is known to guarantee. The sun is gradually finding its way into our living rooms, which this magazine is partly responsible for. In this new edition, we will for the very first time present a separate section called Imagicasa Traveler, in which we will take you on a true discovery tour through South Africa, Indonesia and the Caribbean. On top of that, Scenic Eclipse and the Four Seasons Private Jet let you experience in a unique way how in life it’s not always about the destination, but rather the journey. An exceptional hotel service is something you can also expect from De Blanke Top, the exclusive residence by Versluys Groep which offers you the best of two worlds: an extensive range of hotel services and the comfort and privacy of your own home. In this summer edition, we also show how in 2018 all laws and boundaries of architecture seem to be challenged. Real eye-catchers are House Quarry by Ramón Esteve, Khun by Supermachine Studio and the experience-oriented designs by Cyril Lancelin. The latter uses cylinders, spheres and cubes to create unexpected structures. I am convinced that this edition of Imagicasa Magazine will once again meet all your expectations: that we continue to amaze you and that together we will make it a very stylish and fascinating summer. Looking for even more inspiration? Know that you can always subscribe to our weekly newsletter on our website. Allow me to inspire you!
IMAGICASA | 3
ARCHITECTURE
© Versluys Groep
Text: Dominique De Heyn
DE BLANKE TOP THE RESIDENCE
For residents of Cadzand-Bad, ‘De Blanke Top’ has been known as the highest dune and the most visible landmark of the region for centuries. This dune area on the beautiful coast of ZeeuwsVlaanderen is where the leading ‘Versluys Groep’ started building and developing the exclusive project ‘De Blanke Top The Residence’ last year.
D
ue to its exceptional location surrounded by the distinctive dune landscape, Versluys Groep opted for a fully integrated project approach in harmony with its surroundings. This resulted in a unique overall concept with an iconic residential complex consisting of 34 spacious sunny apartments, of which a large number, that are still in the structural construction phase, have already been sold. Cadzand-Bad is a resort on the far west coast of the Netherlands, bordering the Zwin and located next to the sophisticated Knokke Zoute. Over the past few years, this well-known seaside resort has increasingly emerged as a quality, quiet counterpart to the busier seaside resorts on the Belgian side of the border. Cadzand and surroundings are a synonym for nature, tranquility and above all fresh air. You can take endless walks on the beautiful beaches and Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is also the best region for unforgettable cycling and hiking trips. Cruise this area with a seemingly unlimited horizon, a scenic coastline, dune areas, inland waters and many charming villages and towns. Discover the rich local gastronomic culture with an extensive selection of fresh local products and numerous restaurants. It will come as no surprise to you that the region around Cadzand has the highest number of Michelin stars in the world. And as icing on the cake, according to statistics, this seaside resort also counts the most hours of sunshine per year in the Netherlands. ONE-OF-A-KIND HOTELSERVICE As a result of the exclusive partnership with the neighbouring hotel ‘De Blanke Top’, the residents can benefit from an extensive range of hotel services such as ‘room service & laundry service’. All residents of residence ‘De Blanke Top’ will also have unlimited access to the hotel’s luxurious spa, wellness and fitness centre. With a surface over 950 m2 and ‘one-of-a-kind’ service level, the new ‘Blanke Top’ wellness facilities will be an absolute top-class synonym for unlimited enjoyment in an exclusive and stylish context. Since all hotel infrastructures and related hotel services are provided within the ‘De Blanke Top’ hotel, they will not be included in the joint expenses of the ‘De Blanke Top’ residence. This way, the joint expenses within the residence will remain low.
6 | IMAGICASA
IMAGICASA | 7
8 | IMAGICASA
IMAGICASA | 9
10 | IMAGICASA
As of January 2026 every resident will be able to decide, without obligation, which services he or she will continue to use by way of a customized package. UNIQUE ‘SIGHTSEEINGAPPARTMENTS’ Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects designed a modern and timeless architecture in coherence with the surrounding nature. Two separate volumes that are parallel to the sea, go along with the horizontal extent and flow of the beach and merge into a larger surrounding natural entity. Intensive preparatory studies led to a design plan of two separate residential buildings with four linked apartments per floor. This created the possibility to offer gorgeous ‘sightseeing apartments’ with direct experience of sun and sea from the same living space. In combination with the superior ‘living-outdoor’ terraces, this ensures a very high quality living experience in perfect symbiosis with the natural dune environment. Both buildings have their own entrance hall which is situated on -2 and therefore literally integrated in the dune. No eye-catching or disturbing entrance on the ground floor, above the dune, but a classy entrance integrated in the dunes. As a result, the residents do not have to cross the dunes and the residential project remains immersed in the natural environment, so the dunes continue to take center stage in their purity around the buildings. The underground garages are also easily accessible and subtly integrated in the surrounding landscape. Through the underground spaces, both the residence and the neighbouring hotel are seamlessly connected to each other, making the hotel facilities accessible without leaving the building. PERSONAL TOUCH The extensive and extremely top quality finish guarantees a wonderful feeling of comfort. Thanks to the timeless design and the use of sustainable materials, Versluys Groep’s interior design is built
to suit future generations. Solid parquet or large-format floors, luxury sanitary facilities, designer kitchens with granite worktop, floor heating on natural gas and other high quality materials were used. This exceptionally high level of detail in combination with the breathtaking panoramic sea views guarantees pure living pleasure and an unsurpassed vacation feeling. The optional formula ‘Personal’ offers the possibility to realise exceptional living concepts that make the most of the available space and optimally meet the owners’ housing needs. The formula stands for customization and the complete furnishing of your interior according to your personal wishes. To achieve this, Versluys Groep works closely with Obumex and other high-end specialists. The ‘De Blanke Top’ residence will guarantee a unique lifestyle with the best of both worlds: the com-
UNLIMITED ENJOYMENT IN AN EXCLUSIVE AND STYLISH CONTEXT fort of a private home in the dunes combined with spectacular views and the legendary hotel service of the nearby luxury hotel ‘De Blanke Top’.
IMAGICASA | 11
The frameless insulated sliding doors by Swiss manufacturer Sky-Frame blend naturally into their surroundings, creating a seamless continuity between indoors and outdoors and blurring the line between where the living space ends and the view begins. SKY-FRAME.COM
Authorised dealer for Belgium:
FMPPLUS NV, 2570 Duffel | info@fmpplus.be | www.fmpplus.be
INTERIOR
© MARIELA APOLLONIO
Text: Christine Smeyers
14 | IMAGICASA
QUARRY HOUSE
IMAGICASA | 15
It is like a painting: the breathtaking view from the idyllic hills of Valencia. Quarry House was designed tofully immerse itself in the flanks of this sloping landscape, yet still stand out. Renowned architect Ramón Esteve surpassed himself with this architectural masterpiece.
T
he hills of Valencia offer architectural challenges that only a few dare to tackle. Ramon Esteve, one of the world’s most renowned architects, is not afraid of extreme conditions and chose to build a house that strategically matches this breathtaking landscape. The Quarry House is designed as a series of stacked ‘boxes’, where the view from each floor is always sensational. At first glance it may seem like a simple design, but the final result is a house that makes every neighbour extremely jealous. Ramón Esteve designed the house in such a way that the opposite sides consist of concrete and marble on the one hand, and glass to bring in the panoramic views on the other. This gives an open feeling of lightness and transparency, making the residence a place to relax and become one with the vast horizon. Valencia is also home to Esteve, where he studied and founded his own architectural studio in 1991. Since then he has won several national and international awards with his unique vision on design, architecture, interior design and art direction. Imagicasa got the exclusive opportunity to have a conversation with Ramón Esteve about his beautiful project in the hills of Valencia, Quarry House. WHAT WAS THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE OWNERS FOR THIS HOUSE? “The owners were looking for a contemporary house that fits seamlessly with the site in such a way that it would produce breathtaking results and that they could feel connected to it.” WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS PROJECT? “The inspiration came from the condition of the piece of land and its position on top of a hill in an established residential area. The view from this hillside over the surrounding landscape is phenomenal. While climbing this hill was initially a problem, it was also the starting point of the solution and the current structure as it stands.” HOW WAS THE HOUSE BUILT IN THESE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES? “The condition of the ground and the surroundings made us think about the usual layout of a house, so we have placed the communal areas at the top for an optimal view. The house is designed as a series of stacked ‘boxes’ that were built against the mountain slope and where terraces were placed on their intersections. These terraces offer a view of two opposite landscapes on both sides; on one side is the sea with the pool as a complement, and on the other side the Mediterranean forest.” 16 | IMAGICASA
IMAGICASA | 17
18 | IMAGICASA
SPACES BASED ON THE IDENTITY OF THE RESIDENTS
IMAGICASA | 19
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE LAYOUT OF THE HOUSE? “Our idea was to create an essential volume with a solid yet light-weight look, integrated into the environment and showing the power of the robust materials.” COULD YOU TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT SOME OF THE KEY PIECES OF THE INTERIOR? “The interior of the house emphasises the lightness of the external structure. It was designed as a large open space where the onyx pieces give each room its own character. For example, the illuminated natural stone stairs are extremely important in the interior. A special structure was designed for uniform lighting. This idea came about during a conversation with our client, who runs a marble company and trades such special materials. When we visited his factory, we saw that this stone had an almost sculptural character that would perfectly serve as the ‘background cloth’ of the rooms.” WHAT MATERIALS AND COLOURS WERE USED IN THIS PROJECT AND WHY? “One of the starting points of the design was to showcase the unique, raw aspect of the materials. The different levels are made of white concrete, which emphasizes the sculptural quality of the structure of the house. For the floor, both inside and outside, we used the same material with a different treatment. The use of wide-format tiles (1.20x2.40m) of ‘Ivory Cream’ marble creates an uninterrupted space in which the ‘Neve D’ or’ - or ‘Vulcano Onyx’ - planes reflect the aesthetic values of the house.” 20 | IMAGICASA
IMAGICASA | 21
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RAMON ESTEVE’S DISTINCTIVE STYLE? “Our motto is, ‘places where you would like to live’. The keystone of our architecture is the creation of spaces with an identity that finds its essence in the residents.” HOW IS THE RAMON ESTEVE STYLE INCORPORATED INTO THIS PROJECT AND HOW DOES IT STAND OUT FROM EARLIER PROJECTS? “My architecture comes from a combination of personal evolution and a certain continuity. On the one hand, my approach to a design is always the same, but this individual evolution means that the same requirements generate two different designs at different times. External factors influence a person and also his work”. HOW DID THE PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT GO? “We care about the process as well as the result, so the entire experience from designing the first second until its construction is important. Each design is the result of a journey we take together with the customer and which begins with his requirements, the location, the resources available, etc. I am always looking for a concept that leads the design process and is supported by an involved, multidisciplinary team. The design has always been developed under this premise, which also immediately structures my work.” WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THIS PROJECT? “Our biggest challenge was the location, where all the elements that made up the project produced a unique and soulful result. The project radiates peace, convenience and simplicity in such a way that this simplicity is the result of complexity. 22 | IMAGICASA
IMAGICASA | 23
INTERIOR
Text: Caroline Meeusen
HOUSE WEERT
© KUOO ARCHITECTS
KUOO ARCHITECTS
Sincerity and passion. That is the motto of the Polish design studio Kuoo Architects, which has carried out a number of projects on home soil and abroad since 2006. Last year they brought their vision to Belgium with House Weert’s interior design: a new home for a couple with two children.
T
welve years ago Katarzyne Kuo Stolarska founded her architectural firm Kuoo Architects, which until 2011 was called Rydzynska. The studio specialises in interior architecture. Their designs are primarily functional, have clean lines and are made with high-quality materials. They are well aware that designing a unique interior is a challenge for both the architect and the client. With a sense of aesthetics and current trends in mind, they design true interior gems. They do all this in close collaboration with the client. The client is therefore king for Kuoo Architects. The wishes of the couple were also followed to the letter in the Belgian House Weert project: for their new home they opted for simplicity and minimalism with modest shades of white, grey and black. This theme can be found in every room of the house. You are welcomed by the purest minimalism in the white entrance hall. To the right of the entrance hall you enter the living room with a carefully chosen couch, table and carpet. The kitchen and living area are separated from each other, but at the same time open and connected. A floor made of grey concrete is added to every room. The bedroom and bathroom have the same style as the rooms on the ground floor: simplicity above all else. Every element in this house is simple, functional and of top quality. Founder and multi-talent Katarzyne Kuo Stolarska graduated in Architecture and Urban Engineering from the University of Technology in Lodz, where she also completed a project management course. This creative jackof-all-trades worked on a Polish tv programme about interior design and also writes essays and screen displays. Imagicasa spoke with her about the project in Weert.
26 | IMAGICASA
RAW BLACK CONTRASTS WITH SHINY WHITE, ELEGANT, REFINED FURNITURE NEXT TO ROUGH, CRACKED WOODEN BLOCKS HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE KUOO STYLE? “We bring minimalist design that you could call feminine. We like to use meaningful features such as decorative lamps. We also love to play with size, contrast and surprise elements.” HOW WAS THE KUOO STYLE INCORPORATED IN THIS PROJECT AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM PREVIOUS PROJECTS? “House in Weert was a very pleasant project: airy and spacious. We used delicate cotton lamps in contrast to the bulky seats. Strong illustrations stick out against the silk white textures of the wardrobes. Raw black contrasts with shiny white. Elegant, refined furniture stands next to rough, cracked wooden blocks or next to a monumental table and chairs. We made some bold choices. This house is completely Kuoo.” WHY DID THE OWNERS CHOOSE THE POLISH KUOO ARCHITECTS FOR THEIR BELGIAN HOME? “Our projects are widely shared through social media platforms such as Pinterest or Facebook. That’s why, we get a lot of attention not only from Polish but also foreign customers. We have already completed some projects in Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and France, and we are currently working on interiors in Corsica and two major projects in London. Our contemporary and minimalist design is universally applicable. We see ourselves as a European company. Communication with a foreign client is no different from communication with a local client. We communicate via emails and online platforms where we can post images and sketches and receive an immediate response from the client in the form of comments or drawings. This structures the work process and makes it easy to understand for both parties.” IMAGICASA | 27
28 | IMAGICASA
DID YOU RECEIVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE OWNERS? “Yes, we always have an in-depth discussion with a new client. We got a detailed list of preferences from the family of four in which they defined their needs, what they do and don’t like, and their way of life. The owners did their best to give very clear instructions, which made it easier for us to understand their needs. This made the process very smooth.” WHERE DID YOU GET INSPIRATION FOR THIS PROJECT? “The client gave us very detailed instructions, which did not leave much room for discussion. Over the years we also developed our own distinctive style, in which we are consistent and which we have implemented in this house. We used the best natural materials, high-quality furniture, quality lamps and deco elements. We played with black and white contrast and we paid a lot of attention to every detail.” WERE THERE SPECIFIC ISSUES RELATED TO THE HOUSE OR ENVIRONMENT THAT YOU HAD TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DESIGNING? “The interior design project was developed when the house was still being built, so we had some influence on how the rooms and spaces were formed. The architects who built the house worked with us to shorten the design process, because nothing had to be redesigned or demolished.” IMAGICASA | 29
CAN YOU TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT THE EYECATCHERS OF THE INTERIOR? “Clear, airy rooms with great contrast and a classic but contemporary design. We minimized the unnecessary and emphasised the important issues: activities and actions. Anything you don’t need should be removed. Those were the requirements.” WHAT MATERIALS AND COLOURS WERE USED FOR THIS PROJECT, AND WHY? “We were asked to design a house full of light, so we preferred white over other colours but also used contrast in crucial places. The owners didn’t want a pale house, so we added explosions of black or rough textures to the interior.” WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THIS PROJECT? “We don’t see this project as a huge challenge. The layout of the house was well designed and the architects worked very well with us. The owners’ instructions were very detailed and their images and expectations corresponded with our style and philosophy. We liked working on this project and it was pleasant and rewarding in all phases.” 30 | IMAGICASA
THE DOORS interior design doors to your requirement Gistelse Steenweg 471 - 8200 Brugge +32 496 29 65 24 - info@the-doors.be - www.the-doors.be
IMAGICASA | 31