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contents 118 8
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LIGHT & SPACE Transparent agenda Minimalist volumes and expansive glazing offer a decidedly contemporary interpretation of a country home
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As far as the eye can see A picture of solid, abstracted forms from the street, this home opens up to the rear, optimising views to the waterway and ocean
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Grand appeal Spectacular on the outside and luxurious on the inside, these apartments evoke a sense of good luck and prosperity
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PENANG PROPERTIES The property market in Penang charts its own course upwards, as developers tap into an increasingly discerning market looking to enjoy vintage accommodation with all modern conveniences
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SPOTLIGHT ON MALAYSIA New developments continue to transform the Malaysian skyline, but there is also a demand for high-end, low-rise properties in prestigious locations Far horizons Research is the key word for investors in the changing Malaysian property market – there are still many opportunities on offer
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APARTMENTS & INTERIORS International flavour Designed for a high-end apartment, this interior reflects a distinctive, jewel-inspired approach
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Investment dressing A former bank building presented the potential to benefit from a dramatic conversion
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KITCHEN TRENDS Designed for busy households, these kitchens are the focus of family dining and entertaining. Bright accents ensure they are also fun to work in
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BATHROOM TRENDS An exotic touch A taste of the tropics in this renovated bathroom
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In full bloom Shades of black, white and grey set this suite apart
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Artistic presence A master suite that reflects a sculptural flair of its own
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Lap of luxury This bathroom is reminiscent of a boutique hotel suite
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Classical story A transformation into a magical, light-filled spa
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INDEX
Editor Kathleen Kinney – kathleen.kinney@trendsideas.com Regional Sales Director – SE Asia Hans Geese – hans.geese@trendsideas.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER Here at Trends we get to see hundreds of new homes and apartments over the course of a year, but the most memorable projects are not necessarily the most prestigious or the largest. It is innovative design and a picturesque setting that inspire us the most and capture our hearts. @DavidJideas facebook.com/trendsideas
In this issue you will see many examples of innovative architecture and design, and they all have two things in common – they make the most of the available space and they maximise the location and the view. Increasingly, developers are recognising the need to raise the benchmark in terms of their unique selling points, and this applies to the design, location and price. This trend has become more noticeable in the highly competitive property market in Malaysia, where changes to government regulations have come into effect. Today, potential buyers can find many incentives that will help them secure a good investment. In these pages, we profile many such developments throughout Malaysia. We also highlight the latest kitchen and bathroom trends, with projects chosen to inspire and delight. Trends publications are also available as eBooks. This exponentially increases the potential audience for our featured designers and advertisers. Our readers benefit from the enhanced multmedia experience that eBooks provide, and of course, the environmental footprint of our publications is minimised. Happy reading
Editorial Editorial Director Paul Taylor Managing Editor John Williams Subeditor Jane McKenzie Senior Writer Colleen Hawkes Staff Writer Charles Moxham Contributing Writer Mary Webb Email editorial@trendsideas.com International Business General Manager Trends Media Group Louise Messer Executive Assistant Olya Taburina President Judy Johnson – judy.johnson@trendsideas.com Sales Director Leslie Johnson – leslie.johnson@trendsideas.com Director of Strategic Planning Andrew Johnson – andrew.johnson@trendsideas.com Executive Assistant Marinka Simunac Managing Director Australia Glenn Hyland – glenn.hyland@trendsideas.com Regional Manager USA & Australia Costas Dedes Sales General Manager Sales Ben Trethewey Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator Lana Tropina-Egorova Email lana@trendsideas.com Production Custom Printing Brent Carville International Print & Packaging Sales Kim Olliver Agency Manager Annette Nortje Account Manager Chris Maxwell Account Co-ordinator, Agency Jenny Leitheiser Project & Client Co-ordinator Terri Patrickson Client Co-ordinator Darcelle Bell Art Director Titan Ong Wei Sheong Graphic Designer Joan Clarke Staff Photographer Jamie Cobel Image Technician Ton Veele Camera Operator/Production Manager Bevan Read TV Editor Gene Lewis Digital Marketing Co-ordinator Miha Matelic Digital Writer James Gilbert Web, Production & TV Assistant Clint Lewis Digital Production Assistant Antony Vlatkovich Email production@trendsideas.com Finance Financial Controller Simon Groves – simon.groves@trendsideas.com Finance Manager Naresh Unka Accounts Manager Nina Adam Accounts Assistant Kirstie Paton IT & Administration IT & Systems Manager Charlie Western Systems Administrator Dennis Veele
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HIGHLIGHTS
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Selected by Editor Kathleen Kinney
Trends Publishing Singapore Ltd 7 Temasek Boulevard, #44-01 Suntec Tower One, Singapore 038987 Tel 800 641 1062 Fax +64 9 571 5701 Email reception@trendsideas.com Website Trendsideas.com KDN No PPS 1518/02/2013(022904) MICA No (P) 043/11/2011 ISBN 978 1 86952 960 4 ISSN (Online) 2230-6927 HEAD OFFICE: TRENDS PUBLISHING SINGAPORE LTD Level 2, 49B Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051, New Zealand Tel (+64 9) 571 5700 Fax (+64 9) 571 5701 Trends is published in: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE and the USA. Pre-press Trends Production Services
Architect Robert M Gurney FAIA describes this new home as “an abstracted farmhouse”. Traditional elements have been given a minimalist interpretation.
Chemical experiment or food prep? Both, actually. When a biomedical researcher likes to unwind by cooking, he needs a kitchen that’s part science lab.
A classical, feminine interior was designed for this new spa bathroom. Carrara marble, antiqued mirror panels and feature lighting all play a role.
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light & space
Transparent agenda Expanses of glass enable contemporary homes to connect to their surroundings in a way more traditional styles cannot. Ocean, desert, or woodland, this unbroken visual link firmly anchors the home to its environment
On a clear day Wooden cladding and a metal roof place this new home comfortably within Virginia horse country; but minimalist volumes and expansive glazing offer a decidedly contemporary interpretation Previous pages: Robert M Gurney FAIA and Therese Baron Gurney ASID created this rural retreat in the Virginia countryside. The simple form of the three pavilions is a modern interpretation of traditional farmhouses. These pages: Whether inside or out, a sense of transparency and relationship to the landscape is present. The minimal exterior detailing and understated interior enhance appreciation of the views.
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The architectural history of Albemarle County, Virginia stretches back over 200 years, and comprises stately homes in Charlottesville as well as plantation-style farms in the outlying rural areas. This new home, deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, can be viewed as an abstracted farmhouse, rooted in the regional vernacular, but unquestionably modern.
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Architect Robert M Gurney says that the relationship of the home to the landscape in which it is situated informed all aspects of the design. “From the outside, it’s all about how the simple form of the house relates to the rolling pasture on one side, and the woodland on the other. You can see right through, so there’s an unbroken visual connection to the landscape.
“We oriented the house to the southwest, which means that sunlight comes into the main living pavilion any time of the year. “Inside the house, the transparency – especially in that main volume – means you are visually engaged with the surrounding environment at all times.” The interior scheme further enhances this engagement.
These pages: Flanked by two smaller volumes – one houses the garage and a screened porch, the other contains the master suite – the large central pavilion has walls of glass on both sides. Viewed from outside, this uninterrupted sightline fully integrates the built and the natural elements. Inside, Therese Baron Gurney selected furnishings that were understated, versatile and comfortable to reinforce the underlying agenda of relaxation and appreciation of the rural setting.
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Therese Baron Gurney says, “This is, first and foremost, a family home. My intention inside was to continue the easy-going design that Bob created on the exterior. The finishes and furnishings were selected with this in mind.” Inside the main volume, walnut kitchen cabinets on one end are echoed by the panels cladding the opposite wall. The space between is filled
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with comfortable furniture in simple lines and a warm, muted colour palette. “As it is a holiday home, the interior elements must be versatile, yet very cohesive; that means things can be moved around and still look unified,” she says. The black stools at the kitchen island and chairs at the dining table can be placed wherever extra seating is
required. Similarly, any of the tables and chairs can be moved onto the terrace for outdoor entertaining. “All our projects start with the site,” Gurney says. “Our houses facilitate a relationship between the occupants and the landscape. As much as this is a place where the family gathers and plays, it’s also where they can simply and quietly enjoy the surrounding beauty.”
Architect: Robert M Gurney FAIA, Robert M Gurney Architect (Washington DC) Project architect: Claire L Andreas Construction: Shelter Associates Ltd Landscape architect: Kevin Campion, Campion Hruby Landscape Architects Engineer: D Anthony Beale LLC Interior designer: Therese Baron Gurney ASID, Baron Gurney Interiors Story by Kathleen Kinney Photography by Maxwell MacKenzie
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Top: Quarter-sawn white oak floors bring warmth to the public spaces of the interior, and reinforce the connection to the surrounding woodland. Rather than skirting boards, a 6mm reveal is the only detail between the walls and the floors. Left: The master bathroom is partially comprised of a glass-walled extrusion. The orientation of the house ensures that this private space cannot be seen from the driveway.
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As far as the eye can see A picture of solid, abstracted forms from the street, this large home opens up to the rear, optimising views to the waterway and the ocean beyond
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When your home features a succession of views – first a waterway, then an isthmus, and at last, the ocean – it is a nice touch to bring a little of the drama inside. A central courtyard pool can create the pleasure of a body of water on two sides of the living spaces. This contemporary house by architect James Choate celebrates just such an idyllic setting – nestled on prime real estate fronting a lagoon only a bend away from the Pacific Ocean. Given the location and land value, the house makes the most of its placement by reaching nearly to the borders of the section, says Choate.
“Because the street is close by, privacy is important, so I designed the front of the house as a series of abstract solid forms in tinted stucco, rich wood, and glass. This strong, compositional form also plays down the scale of the house to passers-by.” At the far end, facing the water, the design angles out on the lower level to follow the bend in the lagoon. The upper level, in contrast, steps back to a straight rectilinear form, allowing space for a triangular master bedroom deck. A cutout roof overhang echoes the shape of the deck and adds to the contemporary aesthetic.
Above left: Strong geometric forms on the front facade create visual interest and bring privacy but downplay the size of this house by architect James Choate. Red cedar and tinted stucco elements make up a simple palette that brings warmth to the clean-lined design. Above: A glimpse of the central open-air courtyard and pool provides an intimation of the tiers of water views enjoyed from within the home.
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Upper level
Lower level
Preceding pages and right: Red cedar and stucco cladding on the open-air courtyard appears to bring these materials indoors. Pocket sliders and automated privacy blinds can open the house up to the outdoors. The interiors are minimalist and expansive, with white walls and cabinetry, and warm wood floors Legend: 1 entry, 2 pool, 3 kitchen, 4 dining room, 5 living, 6 library, 7 bedroom, 8 study, 9 laundry, 10 closet, 11 deck, 12 garage.
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When the front door is open, there is a view through the central courtyard – complete with large pool – and the living spaces at the far end, out to the lagoon. “The jetty side of the house is open plan and the pool really does create the feeling that you are surrounded by water,” Choate says. Blessed with a mild Los Angeles climate, the house has two characters. The living area pocket doors retract to make one continuous flow of indoors and outdoors, and the water views, while on the upper level similar doors slide back to open the master bedroom to the deck.
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Above: The abstracted aesthetic continues on the interior with a clean-lined, freestanding wall element separating bedroom and bathroom. A soffit ceiling adds to this sensibility. Grooves in the floor show where the commercial-grade pocket doors slide back into the wall. The home’s central void acts as a thermal chimney drawing cool breezes through the open doors on both levels. In this mild climate, the bedroom fireplace is more an attractive decorative feature.
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Similarly, the general living areas can be opened up to the central pool as well. All these operable doors can be closed for privacy when required, and motorised blinds lowered across all glass exterior walls. A blind also shields the master bedroom from the courtyard below. The setting partially dictates the design in other ways, too. The exterior wall of the courtyard is translucent glass, because the house next door also extends to the borders of the site. This glazing ensures the neighbours, though close, remain out of sight.
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Stringent height limits apply in this location, and recent regulations have required the main floor to be raised above ground level to guard against potential flooding. While these factors kept room heights under 3m, the central courtyard is taller than it is wide, adding a sense of verticality to the interiors. The courtyard also acts as a solar chimney, channeling breezes up through the home. “A limited material palette adds to the drama of the rectilinear home,” says Choate. “There are really only panes of glass, structural steel, wood panels and stucco, complemented
by the cool white of the sheet cast interior walls and ceilings. “However, the clean, modernist lines need warmth, too, for a more cosy, human response. To help achieve this, I specified red cedar with a prominent grain, along with the hand-worked beige stucco. I had the stucco tinted rather than painted, to avoid a flat look. Light catching the tint on the surface creates multiple shades, making the texture appear more prominent. For this to be effective, the stucco needs to be applied subtly.” In terms of layout, the residence is quite
conventional, with a run of open public spaces downstairs and bedrooms and a study upstairs. The sculptural feel of the exterior continues on the interiors, which also read as intersecting, or overlapping, planes and lines. In the master bedroom a freestanding vanity element is all that separates the bathing and sleeping areas. On the bedroom side, this appears as a bookcase. “In a sense, the house is an extension of the views that surround it,” says Choate. “The courtyard pool adds one more tier to land meets water meets land.”
Above: The master bedroom, directly above the living spaces, has its own triangular deck looking out to the lagoon, isthmus and ocean beyond. Porcelain non-slip tiles feature on the decking and the pool surround downstairs. The open roof form adds architectural interest and follows the shape of the deck and the lower level, tracing the turn in the river. This home has the last deepwater mooring on the lagoon and a tall yacht is anchored on the jetty.
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Architect: James Choate AIA, Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein Architects (Atlanta, GA) Builder: Cox Homes Cladding: Stucco by Jack Fredricks; western red cedar, vertical grain Roofing: GAF EverGuard single ply roofing membrane Doors and windows: Fleetwood Flooring: Wenge Wallcoverings: Paint, stucco, wenge Lighting: Monterey Lighting Solutions Heating: High-velocity space pack from Custom Heating & Air Home theatre, audio visual, blinds: Vision Systems Automation Pool: Sunset Pools & Spas Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Phillip Spears
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Left: Looking back at the rear of the house from its private jetty, the angled facade on the upper level and the roof form that echoes it ensure this side of the design also has a strong geometric presence. Here, there is no interruption between the interiors and the water, unless privacy is required and the blinds are lowered. Bookshelves can be seen on both floors, providing valuable shelf space in a home that favours minimal clutter.
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Grand appeal Spectacular on the outside and luxurious on the inside, Star Residences evokes a sense of good luck and prosperity
Preceding pages: Grand and opulent, the drop-off area at Star Residences is the prelude to the dramatic interiors and facades within the development itself. Above: Distinctive patterning on the facade makes easy to identify the residential and retail tower, even from a distance.
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First impressions always count, whether it’s a dynamic profile on the skyline, or as you draw nearer, a luxurious entrance lobby that welcomes you into interiors fit for movie stars and celebrities. And living in such a prestigious environment sends a clear message – “With hard work and good luck, I’ve arrived.” One of the tallest and most visually exciting residential and retail tower developments in the KLCC vicinity, Star Residences sets a dramatic new benchmark for inner-city living, says respected developer Alpine Return’s chief operating officer Alan Koh.
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“Inspired by the W Hotel’s iconic design and feel for contemporary luxury, Star Residences is aimed at the crème de la crème of residents.” Even seen from a distance, Star Residences is quick to impress. The three architectural towers have an eye-catching metallic aluminium facade that reflects the nearby Petronas Towers. Upon arrival, grand lobbies lined with metal and wood evoke a sense of opulence and prosperity. Graceful sculptures interspersed with water and landscape features enhance these spaces. Art Deco pieces, custom artworks and hand-tufted rugs complete the look.
Apartment interiors feature a natural palette of wood, metal and stone, with an emphasis on coloured textures and patterned finishes. “The first tower to be completed, RT1, has 100,000sq ft of relaxation facilities, including a sky park, to complement an up-to-the-minute urban lifestyle,” says Koh. “In addition to a grand lobby and reception, private dining and bar area, amenities include a cigar room, a gourmet kitchen and floating gymnasium; a KTV Room, sports lounge, outdoor garden, floating cabana, and 50-metre pool. There is also ample car parking.”
Above: Top of the world – the magnificent Kuala Lumpur skyline is reflected in an infinity pool, awaiting the gaze of owners and guests lounging on the plush sofas nearby. The pool deck of RT1, the first tower to be completed in the Star Residences complex, is on the 57th floor. Left: Personal cabanas provide shelter from the sun and a place to enjoy a poolside cocktail, in a fivestar hotel environment.
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Preceding pages: An emphasis on rich, natural materials, such as marble, and high-end amenities, typifies the apartments. Inspired by contemporary artworks, the interior of each unit has a strong identity and individual sense of style. The open-plan layout allows the views to be enjoyed from all areas. Leadingname appliances also feature.
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Star Residences is connected to the six-level, 130,000sq ft Star Boulevard Signature Retail F&B/Entertainment Hub, which will be home to a world-class Michelin star restaurant. “As a final glamorous touch, a 200m-long Star Boulevard, Malaysia’s Walk of Fame, not unlike the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is planned. This is expected to become a tourist landmark, attracting even more visitors,” says Koh. “Another appealing aspect is the price point of this development. As of now, many developments in this key vicinity are between RM2000 and RM3500 psf. However, with most units
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modest in size, RT1’s indicative starting price is from RM1500 psf.” Star Residences’ location offers convenient connectivity to premium malls, five-star hotels, fine dining and international offices. Hospitals and medical centres, such the Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Prince Court Medical Centre and Twin Towers Medical Centre, are all nearby. Travelling further afield is also easy – a major interchange includes the newly proposed Mass Rapid Transit station next to the existing Light Rail Transit Station. RT1 is 13 minutes from the interchange at KL Sentral, with easy connection
to the international airport. Link roads nearby include the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway and the Middle Ring Road 2. For details on Star Residences, contact the developer Alpine Return Sdn Bhd, A-11-01, 11th Floor, Wisma HB, Megan Avenue II, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 5045, Tel (+603) 7490 2266 (general), or +(603) 7490 2211 (sales). Alternatively, visit the website: www.star-residences.com save | share Search 43021 at my.trendsideas.com
Above: The more private spaces in the units are equally well appointed. Epitomising grandeur and luxury in one spacious area, the master bedrooms enjoy majestic views of the city. Left: The contemporary master bathroom features the latest fashion wall surfaces and high-end utilities. This one has a sliding glass wall that opens directly to the bedroom.
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Unveiling Penang The property market in Penang charts its own course upwards, as developers tap into an increasingly discerning market looking to enjoy vintage accommodation with all modern conveniences
penang properties
Old-world charm George Town’s historic heart is attracting plenty of attention, as developers breathe new life into old, abandoned precincts. The Rice Miller Development is a prime example
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Urban renewal has changed the face of many cities worldwide – Melbourne’s Docklands, Sydney’s Darling Harbour and London’s Docklands all show what can be achieved with the right investment, good urban planning and great design. Now it is the turn of the historic port city of George Town in Penang, where the architectural evidence of the city’s social and cultural evolution has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While many of the original buildings in the city are dilapidated, there is a
growing recognition of the importance of preserving the old alongside the new, and it is this concept that leading developer Asian Global Business has taken to heart with its latest project. The Rice Miller Project, as it is known, is a mixed-use regeneration development designed to create a unique haven in the heart of the city. It comprises four parcels of freehold land on 1.2ha by old Penang Harbour, bordered by Beach Street on the west, the well-known Banking Street on the island, and Weld Quay to the east.
Preceding pages: Capturing all the charm of a bygone era, the grand lobby of the Rice Miller City Residences in George Town creates an inviting entry into the building. Above left and top: Wherever possible, the Rice Miller Project, by Asian Global Business, has restored and revitalised existing buildings on the site beside old Penang Harbour. Shown here is the boutique Rice Miller Hotel & Godowns. Above: Panelled walls in the hotel are reminiscent of traditional residences built around the turn of the last century.
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Kate Lim, Asian Global Business chairman, says respecting George Town’s traditional urban character is a priority for the firm. So, too, is the company’s plan to encourage tourism and economic development, which will revitalise the precinct. “We have a mission to help regenerate the historic port-city by breathing new life into its old and abandoned buildings,” she says. “By enriching the inner city and bringing new vitality to derelict shophouses, offices and go-downs, we will also be telling the story of the early settlers
and their commercial activities. “We have an enviable location at Weld Quay, which is perfectly centred on the cultural heritage district of George Town.” The Rice Miller Project will provide 99 distinctive freehold units, ranging in size from 65m2 to 139m2. The adjoining Rice Miller Hotel & Godowns will provide boutique accommodation that mixes contemporary styling with the grandeur of a bygone era. “Here, owners and guests can enjoy character, charm and elegance – it’s the
Facing page, top and lower: The Rice Miller City Residences continue the classical styling, with panelled walls lining the passageways. Barrelvault ceilings, intricate tiled floors and decorative ironwork also hark back to George Town’s architectural history – part of the city has now been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above: One of the formal dining rooms in the Rice Miller Hotel & Godowns also speaks of an earlier time.
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vintage Penang that the rest of the world is beginning to discover,” says Lim. “However, while the Rice Miller City Residences are set against the backdrop of Penang’s cultural legacy, they are designed for a modern lifestyle. The units have high-quality interiors, and the development has 24-hour security, a residential concierge, valet service and VIP protection on request.” Other resort-style amenities available to residents and guests include an infinity pool, fitness facilities and boutique retail
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outlets. There is also a members-only club, a Hamman spa, event centre, fashionable restaurants and cafés, an urban grocer and a delicatessen. Asian Global Business says buyers can be confident they are making a good investment. Due to the prime downtown location, the Rice Miller City Residences are expected to enjoy a higher rate of appreciation than most properties on the island. For more information, contact Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd. Kuala Lumpur:
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Unit 6A, 6th Floor, Wisma YPR, Lorong Kapar, Off Jalan Syed Putra, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 2260 6818/2818. Fax: (+603) 2260 3188. Penang: AGB @ Georgetown Chambers, No 2 China Street Ghaut, 10300 Penang, Malaysia. Tel: (+604) 262 3818/264 3818. Fax: (+604) 262 6818. Visit the web: www.agb.com.my/city-residences.html. save | share Search 43024 at my.trendsideas.com
Facing page, top and lower: Facilities available to guests and residents at one of the restaurants include a private lobby and adjoining dining room. Above: Chairs in jewel colours enliven this bar, where the restored architectural elements are a key feature. Far left and left: Marble lines the interiors of the master suites in the Rice Miller Hotel & Godowns (far left) and Rice Miller City Residences (left).
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spotlight on malaysia
Moving on up New developments continue to transform the Malaysian skyline, but there is also a demand for high-end, low-rise properties in prestigious locations
Optimism in market The Malaysian residential property market remains buoyant, despite cooling measures introduced by the government, says Knight Frank Malaysia Above: There is still plenty of interest in the Malaysian residential property market, although the government has introduced measures to try and curb property price escalation. Shown here is a newly launched high-rise condominium in Cheras. Green Residence, developed by Binastra Group, offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur, Cheras and Kajang.
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Recent moves by the Malaysian government to reduce speculation and curb property price escalation have had a mixed reaction in the property industry. The latest property market report from Knight Frank Malaysia says the Budget 2014 announcement in the last quarter of 2013 included the doubling of the property gains tax. The increase will require buyers to extend their ‘hold period’ rather than taking a quick sale approach – tax rates now range from 15% - 30% for disposals made within five years. Knight Frank says the decision to withdraw
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the Developer Interest Bearing Scheme (DIBS) will also see buyers adjust their attitude towards risk now that instalments will have to be made prior to vacant possession. “The threshold for the minimum price of property purchased by foreigners has also increased from RM500,000 to RM1 million. The full impact of this particular cooling measure is debatable given that a high percentage of the properties purchased by foreigners are likely to be in excess of RM1 million.” Knight Frank says residential projects in Iskandar Malaysia have shown impressive
results over the past 12 months. Singaporeans make up a large portion of overseas buyers. “They compare prices to their own market and see affordability and value for money as a major incentive to buy, despite the cooling measures announced. Country Garden – approximately 9400 units within 44 towers – was 80% sold within three months.” The report says there is cautious optimism in Johor for 2014 as buyers continue to see growth potential despite large-scale impending supply. “The residential property market in Kuala Lumpur has performed well but could start to
show signs of a market self-correction over the next 12 months. Prestigious projects, such as the Ritz Carlton Residences and Star Residences, were launched with strong demand, and the budget announcements are not expected to have a major impact on this luxury sector. To the north, the Second Penang Bridge has prompted a notable increase in development.” For more information, contact Knight Frank, Suite 10.01, Level 10 Centrepoint South, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +60 (0)3 228 99 688. Or visit the website: www.knightfrank.com.my.
This page: Green Residence at Cheras, near Kuala Lumpur, comprises three residential blocks with a total of 596 units, set within a lush landscape. The development is well positioned, close to educational amenities and proposed MRT stations. The units have been designed to minimise heat gain from the sun.
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Prestige lifestyle suites Tourism continues to keep Penang property in hot demand, and new developments are catering expressly to this market, says the latest property market report from Knight Frank Malaysia Above: Penang is the centre of attention for a growing number of tourists and people looking for an idyllic island lifestyle. Developers are catering to this demand, with many high-end developments under construction. The newest project, due to be launched in the first quarter of 2014, is Angsana Penang, developed by Senja Aman Development Sdn Bhd.
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Penang Island has long been renowned as an idyllic tourist destination, but fewer people may know that the state capital George Town has also been ranked as the 8th most livable location in Asia. The survey of 254 cities was undertaken by global consultancy firm ECA International. It compares with another survey by Yahoo International that also placed Penang at number eight on the list of the top 10 islands to visit. Knight Frank Malaysia’s latest property market report notes that there are many reasons for the popularity of Penang island, including
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George Town’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. “George Town is now officially recognised as having a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. The declaration has spurred increase in tourist arrivals and bolstered hotel occupancy rates. More hotels, especially boutique hotels, have opened in recent years.” In terms of economic growth, Penang has led capital investment in the manufacturing sector in Malaysia, contributing some 26% of the total investment into the country in 2010.
Another service gaining prominence is medical tourism – Penang accounted for 60% of the 555,000 foreign medical tourists visiting Malaysia last year for healthcare services. Angsana Penang is a new development by Senja Aman Development Sdn Bhd, in the serene, tranquil neighbourhood of Teluk Bahang. Knight Frank says this is the first beachfront Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts project in Malaysia – it is set on a white sandy beach, close to numerous eco-tourism attractions. Angsana Penang, due to be launched in the first quarter of 2014, will comprise privately
owned suites and a hotel. Owners of the luxury suites will also enjoy privileges as members of the coveted Banyan Tree Sanctuary Club. Around 150 luxury suites, with an innovative leaseback scheme, will be available for sale to investors. Facilities will include a gym, swimming pool, clubhouse facilities, food and beverage outlets and a wellness centre. For more information, contact Knight Frank, Suite 3.02, 3rd floor Menara Boustead Penang, No 39 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang, Malaysia. Tel: +60 (0)4 229 3296. Or visit the website: www.knightfrank.com.my.
Top: The soaring lobby of the Angsana Penang reflects the attention to detail that defines the entire development. Above: Every suite in the Angsana Penang development will have panoramic sea views. Suites, which are available for sale through Knight Frank Malaysia, will also be fully furnished, with high-quality fixtures, fittings and finishes.
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Tranquillity base Overlooking calm waters and interspersed with greenery, Permai Gardens offers a peaceful residential oasis in the heart of the city
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Privacy, peace and quiet and full security are key factors to consider when looking for a place to call home. An enclave that builds all these advantages into the physical layout of the development is an attractive proposition. Permai Gardens, by developer BSG Property, is a gated and guarded residential community centred on a resort-style clubhouse, says executive director Alfred Chew. “Set in the prime location of Tanjung Bunga, Penang, this fully landscaped development comprises 131 terrace houses, 16 villas and 15 pool access villas.�
The heart and focus of the property is its Olympic-length pool and residents’ clubhouse. The high-end houses radiate out from these amenities, starting with the luxurious pool villas, physically attached to the pool, then the garden villas, followed by the terrace houses. This arrangement, together with landscaped back and side lanes, ensures Permai Gardens has a feeling of being surrounded by nature and removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The centrally placed residents’ clubhouse offers a raft of facilities that include a 50m lane pool and a children’s wading pool, as well as a
fully equipped gymnasium, steam room, and a glass entertainment lounge. All the units are architecturally designed. They feature flat, cantilevered roofs and distinctive facades in bold, natural finishes appropriate to the setting – the exteriors are an artistic mix of timber cladding, metal and glass. And the refined, spacious residences are equally dramatic on the inside. Generous ceiling heights, large picture windows and clerestory glazing all maximise natural ventilation and daylight penetration, adding to the overall feeling of light and space.
Above left: Owners of a terrace house or villa at the Permai Gardens in central Penang wake up each day not to the sound of traffic, but to lapping water and birdsong. Top and above: At the heart of the complex, the residents’ clubhouse is anchored at one end of the linear pool. The clubhouse, overlooking the laneways, includes a state-of-the-art gymnasium and 50m lane pool.
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Above and facing page top: High-end interiors include everything from solid timber floors to the Bang & Olufsen stereo, and Bernhardt furniture from the United States. Walk-in wardrobes and marble bathroom surfaces also feature. Facing page, middle: The club house features a floating glass lounge. Facing page lower: This master bedroom has a luxurious super king bed and generous water views.
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“Modern interior finishes include high quality tiles and hardwood timber floors, All fixtures and fittings are also to the highest standard, in keeping with BSG Property’s commitment to quality in every aspect of the enclave,” says Chew. Security at Permai Gardens is at a premium. The four-tier system includes an infrared perimeter intruder detection system and CCTV; a car barrier at the guard house entrance with intercom direct to residents; guard patrols in public areas; and a home alarm complete with motion detector and panic buttons.
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Beyond the natural buffer that gives Permai Gardens its restful air, the development is close to many amenities and is within walking distance of a major international school. For more details on Permai Gardens, contact BSG Property, 25-B Farquhar St, 10200 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. Tel. +60 (04) 263 7888. Fax +60 (04) 261 6985. Or visit the website at: www.bsgproperty.com.my save | share Search 43044 at my.trendsideas.com
At one with the ocean The eye-catching exterior of this new development in the heart of George Town ensures The Wave and The Central by Ivory Properties Group Berhad will become Penang landmarks for years to come Above: The Wave, developed by Ivory Properties Group Berhad, is set to change the Penang skyline. The building’s dramatic exterior features curved, flowing sunshade elements that create an illusion of waves. Facing page: With its rippling exterior, The Wave provides a distinctive point of difference. Suites all have wide frontages and balconies that maximise the spectacular sea views.
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Every development seeks to create an identity, but some are destined to make a truly grand design statement. The Wave and The Central, developed by Ivory Properties Group Berhad, stand together to provide two distinctive new landmarks on the Penang skyline. And it’s not just the location, right in the centre of George Town, that makes this project the focus of attention.
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The design of the buildings also offers a total break from convention. The Wave has a rippling exterior, with curved sunshade elements creating a rhythmic, wave-like pattern that flows right around the glazed facade, from top to bottom. For The Central, it is a bright red framing element that provides a bold point of difference.
The interiors and amenities of both buildings are also a drawcard. The Wave has 312 suites over 27 floors, with a 11-storey podium providing car parking facilities and a retail component. With its focus on lifestyle, The Wave offers a choice of four suite types – corner units, penthouses, intermediates and duplex units. Living spaces range in size from 115m2 to
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Above and top: The Central, another new development by Ivory Properties Group Berhad, adjoins The Wave. This building is defined by a dramatic red frame. The top of the frame encloses a rooftop leisure centre with a clubhouse and restaurant on the premises. Above right, right and far right: Suites in The Wave are spacious and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling glazing. The balconies have glazed balustrading for unimpeded views.
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267m2. The Wave also offers the versatility of two suites with a common foyer and private living spaces. Every unit has a wide frontage that provides plenty of natural light. The company says that at 152m high, The Central boasts the highest state-ofthe-art rooftop facilities in the city. These include a private clubhouse with 360째 views of George Town and its
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two bubble elevators ensure passengers can enjoy the panoramic views as they ascend to the rooftop facilities and restaurant. The Central also features small-office home-office (Soho) units and commercial suites. Ivory Properties Group Berhad, established in 1999, has an extensive portfolio of residential and commercial
projects. For further details, contact Ivory Properties Group Berhad, Ivory Tower @ Penang Times Square, 81-11-1, Jalan Dato’ Keramat, 10150, George Town, Penang. Tel: (+604) 210 8000. Fax: (+604) 227 0000. Email: contact@ivory.com.my. Website: www.ivory.com.my. save | share Search 43129 at my.trendsideas.com
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Sustained demand Well-positioned, high-end developments in Kuala Lumpur are regularly achieving sales rates of 95-100%, says the latest property market report from Knight Frank Malaysia Above: New developments in Kuala Lumpur are indicative of the ongoing demand for high-end property developments in the city. The latest property market report from Knight Frank Malaysia says locations attracting the most interest include Ampang Hilir U-Thant, KL City and Mont’ Kiara. Shown here is the lobby of the new Dorsett Residences development.
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Malaysia’s thriving economy, which grew by 5% in the third quarter of 2013, is helping to keep the Kuala Lumpur property market in a buoyant state. The latest market report by Knight Frank Malaysia says this is supported by strong domestic demand and the number of new developments coming on stream. “The cumulative supply of high-end condos in Kuala Lumpur now stands at 34,563 units, and there are another 6277 units expected to come on the market during 2014. “Notable high-end condominium projects completed recently include Quadro Residences,
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Vipod Residences and 6 Capsquare in KL City. Both the Quadro Residences and Vipod Residences have reportedly achieved 100% and 96% sales rates, indicating sustained demand for well-positioned, high-end residences in the KLCC vicinity. Meanwhile, 6 Capsquare, which borders the Golden Triangle and CBD, has achieved 95% sales rate since its launch in 2011.” The report says KL City accounts for 51% of the total new supply, the Ampang Hilir U-Thant area 31% and Mont’ Kiara 18%. “Projects scheduled for completion include Celeste Tower@Setia Sky Residence, 188 Suites,
Six Ceylon, One@Bukit Ceylon, Suasana Bukit Ceylon; 9 Madge, Dedaun, Madge Mansion, Rimbun Embassy Row and The Element @ Ampang Tower 1 in Ampang U-Thant; One Kiara Tower A, Arcoris Mont’ Kiara, Richmond Kiara 3 and The Icon Residence in Mont’ Kiara. KLCC and Ampang Hilir U-Thant remain the core high-end residential areas in KL City, but several new projects at the fringe location of Jalan Tun Razak have been launched at a very competitive price. These include KL Trillion, Three28 Tun Razak, Divina Tower@Setia Sky Residences and 51G Kuala Lumpur. And
projects at the edge of Bukit Bintang precinct, namely Dorsett Residences Bukit Bintang, Tribeca Serviced Residence at Jalan Imbi, and The Robertson at Jalan Pudu are very attractive to buyers and investors. Another upcoming high-end residential location is Bukit Ceylon, which is expected to provide 35% of total new projects in KL City. For more information, contact Knight Frank, Suite 10.01, Level 10 Centrepoint South, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +60 (0)3 228 99 688. Or visit the website: www.knightfrank.com.my.
Top and above: High above the city, this infinity pool at the new Dorsett Residences development appears as a mirage in the sky. This high-end development, by Mayland Sdn Bhd, is in the Bukit Bintang area. It features 252 units ranging in size from 652sq ft to 1333sq ft, with prices from RM2000 psf to RM2400 psf.
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By invitation only There is no denying the sense of prestige evoked by the high-end homes and leafy setting of Gita Bayu, a resort-style enclave close to Kuala Lumpur
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It’s fair to say that location is everything when you are looking for a new home. A beautiful neighbourhood will not only be a lifestyle choice – it will also protect your investment in the years ahead. Gita Bayu is such a location. Just a short distance from Kuala Lumpur, the development is in a sought-after area of Seri Kembangan, Selangor. But it is the leafy setting that spells the magic for Gita Bayu. The development, by Yee Seng Heights Sdn Bhd, features a mix of individual and cluster bungalows,
low-rise apartments and villas – including the Quintet homes featured on the following pages – set within an enchanting tropical enclave featuring mature canopy trees, a tranquil lake and walking tracks. Many residences reference traditional tropical architecture, which is enhanced by the green setting. High-quality materials also feature, both inside and out. A clubhouse at the centre of Gita Bayu is designed as a series of airy pavilions with a rustic ambience. Here, residents can enjoy a range of activities – there is a
function room, attic-style reading room, restaurant and gymnasium. There is even a covered floating pavilion that can be used for special functions. A swimming pool and tennis courts are additional attractions in the development, which is designed to appeal to people of all ages. For more information on Gita Bayu, visit www.gitabayu.com. save | share Search 42975 at my.trendsideas.com
Above left: Gita Bayu is a resort-style residential development in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The new BMW 5 Series sedan, courtesy of BMW Malaysia, is a fitting complement to the high-end homes. Above: The BMW 5 Series is parked outside the clubhouse – the centre of activity at Gita Bayu. Special amenities include a multipurpose function room, dining room and library-reading room. The development also features attractive walkways and a lake with a floating pavilion.
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Great escape Set in the heart of a tropical paradise, the five majestic Quintet homes at Gita Bayu offer something out of the ordinary Above: An indoor-outdoor lifestyle is on offer at the Gita Bayu development by Yee Seng Heights. The five Quintet homes in the development reference traditional tropical architecture, with large overhangs helping to shade the interior. Terraces and lawns create an attractive outdoor living area that’s well suited to entertaining.
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It is rare that a new property raises the bar for both design and lifestyle amenities at the same time. But the five Quintet homes at Gita Bayu do just that. Developer Yee Seng Heights commissioned the services of leading architects to design the homes, which maximise the idyllic tropical setting – once the site of a rubber plantation. Large, spacious living areas open right up to the outdoors, so all the senses can be stirred by the cool breezes and rustling leaves, and by the sound of the water in the pond, and the smell of freshly cut grass.
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Despite the open layout and expansive glazing, privacy is not compromised. The living spaces flow to private outdoor areas that have terraces, lawns and gardens, and each home has its own swimming pool and pond. Other special features of the Quintet homes include two master bedrooms in every home, each with a marble-lined ensuite bathroom. Residents’ peace of mind is assured at Gita Bayu. There are maintenance staff to take care of the pristine grounds, to ensure they are always clean and tidy. And the boundaries and entrances are well guarded by a team of security
staff who patrol the site both day and night. Gita Bayu is served by two main highways leading from Kuala Lumpur, and is close to the KTM Serdang train station. For more details, contact Yee Seng Heights Sdn Bhd, #2 Jalan Bayu 1, Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 8945 5560. Mobile 017 8888 755. Or visit the website: www.gitabayu.com. save | share Search 43050 at my.trendsideas.com
Above: The spacious living areas in the Quintet homes at Gita Bayu open up to the outdoors to maximise the picturesque setting. Sleek, contemporary kitchens with marble accents are part of the open-plan living room. Left: Gita Bayu provides meandering walkways alongside a small lake. There are also numerous other amenities, including a large club house.
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Property heads up in Iskandar With the Medini precinct in Iskandar exempt from new government measures, development is expected to continue its steady growth Above: New property developments in Iskandar Malaysia are attracting plenty of attention, says the latest property market report from Knight Frank Malaysia. These images are artist impressions of the Almas Suites, developed by UEM Sunrise in Puteri Harbour.
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The growth of the property market in Iskandar is expected to continue through 2014. The latest market report from Knight Frank Malaysia says this applies to all sectors, namely residential, commercial and industrial. Knight Frank says the government controls introduced to control excessive speculative activities and property price escalation do not apply to the Medini precinct. This area is exempt from the new policies and will continue to enjoy all existing benefits and tax incentives. Overall, development in the Iskandar region is expected to grow steadily over the next 6 to 12
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months, as several high-profile developments are launched. The majority of property transactions, especially high-rise developments, are focused in Flagship Zones A and B. Notable launches in 2013 included Puteri Cove Phase 1 by Pacific Star Group, at Puteri Harbour. Around 80% of this 329-unit development is believed to be sold, with prices from RM1200 to RM1537psf. The 546-unit Almas by UEM Sunrise, is also at Puteri Harbour. These units are priced from RM720psf. Pinnacle Tower by Mahabuilders Berhad, located along Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir, is
another new launch, with 275 condominiums priced from RM700 to RM1000psf. Other new launches in 2013 include the SKS Pavillion Residences by SKS Pavillion Sdn Bhd, a 598-unit condominium development in the heart of Johor Bahru City Centre; and Marina Bay Suites@D’Wadihana by Maxi Wonder Sdn Bhd, at Jalan Wakaf, next to Taman Century. For more information, contact Knight Frank, Suite 3A.01, Level 3A Bangunan Pelangi, Jalan Biru, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +60 (0)7 3382 888. Or visit the website: www.knightfrank.com.my.
Above: Picturesque landscaping is a feature of many of the new developments coming on stream in Iskandar Malaysia, including Almas in Puteri Harbour, developed by UEM Sunrise. Left: Almas is a 546-unit development, with built-up areas range from 560sq ft to 1345sq ft. Prices range from RM720psf.
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malaysia property market
Far horizons Research is the key word for investors in the changing Malaysian property market – there are still many opportunities on offer
All eyes on Malaysia Foreigners looking for good, long-term investments and owner-occupiers will ensure the Malaysia property market remains an attractive proposition, says leading online property portal group PropertyGuru
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Much has been written in recent times about the impact of the Malaysian government law changes designed to limit speculative property buying. But buying in the right area will ensure property remains a sound investment. Leading online property portal group, PropertyGuru, says that while the new policies will slow the market in the short term, it is unlikely to
deter genuine owner-occupiers or foreigners looking to buy for the long term. The two policies of most interest to foreign investors are the doubling of the minimum price of property that can be purchased by overseas buyers to RM1 million, and the pegging of the Real Property Gains Tax for non-citizens at 30% on profits gained from properties sold within five years.
PropertyGuru says that while the residential property buying outlook for Johor is likely to remain subdued in 2014, prospects in other regions in Malaysia look set to flourish. For example, Kuala Lumpur will see a lot more commercial projects being offered, due to the government’s efforts in ramping up supply. The company says that Malaysian properties remain
Preceding pages: Malaysian property offerings can still be a sound investment, despite changes to the laws relating to foreign investors. PropertyGuru, an online property marketing service, features thousands of properties, including Bayu Damansara@PJR, a gated community with freehold homes. Above: Brunsfield Iskandar Waterfront by Vestfield Waterfront Development Sdn Bhd is a new selfsustaining, integrated city.
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Top: The Garden Residences in Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, is another lifestyle development being marketed by PropertyGuru. Above left and right: Other developments in the spotlight include Ion Delemen (above), developed by Galeri Tropika Sdn Bhd and strategically located in the Genting Highlands; and 8scape@ Iskandar (above right) in Johor Bahru, developed by the KIP Homes Sdn Bhd.
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relatively affordable compared to similar properties in Singapore. This is helped by the weakening of the RM against the Singapore dollar. High-end residences in prime locations, such as Mont’ Kiara, Bangsar and Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur, will continue to remain popular. Penang will also continue to attract strong interest from foreign investors, particularly
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for high-end projects in good locations. And the Medini zone will hold its prices, as the area is exempt from the new regulations. Gerard Kho, PropertyGuru country manager, says developers will be more cautious and prudent in undertaking projects in 2014. “But overall, people still need property, so developers will continue to be active to
meet the demand. They are known to be resilient and creative in developing new approaches. Companies with a good reputation, strong branding and a string of successful projects behind them will continue to survive, while the smaller ones may merge.� PropertyGuru provides an online property marketing service that is used by almost 11 million property buyers a
month. These purchasers view more than 89 million property pages and generate more than 350,000 enquiries for real estate developers and agent advertisers each month. The company, which has won numerous awards for its work, is focused on innovation. Over the past two years, it has developed and launched 16 mobile applications in four countries and three languages.
These applications have achieved more than a million downloads. Contact PropertyGuru Pte Ltd, 51 Goldhill Plaza #1103/05, Singapore 308900. Tel: (+65) 6238 5971. Email: info@ propertyguru.com.sg. Website: www.propertyguru.com.sg. save | share Search 43038 at my.trendsideas.com
Above: Opal Imperial offers luxury, three-storey canal-side homes in Skudai, Johor. This development is by Scientex (Skudai) Sdn Bhd. Left: Desa Hill Villas is a new 7.28ha Desa Petaling development by Chico Development Sdn Bhd. It features three-storey semi-detached houses with private gardens and balconies. All these properties are marketed online by PropertyGuru.
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apartments & interiors
Point of difference Expect the unexpected could be the catch phrase for modern apartment design. These projects push convention aside to inject plenty of personality into each interior
International flavour Designed for a high-end apartment in Singapore’s Embassy Row, this interior reflects a distinctive, jewel-inspired approach
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Every great interior has a starting point, that special something that provides the springboard for everything that follows. For this high-end Singapore apartment, which has a prestigious Nassim Road address, it was the custom screen at the entry that inspired the rest of the interior. Designer Cameron Woo says the screen replaces a wall separating the formerly dark entry foyer from the living area. “It was obvious that we needed to bring natural light into the foyer,” he says. “We consequently found a way to turn a
negative situation into a positive feature by introducing a bejewelled screen, which itself was inspired by gemstone settings in beautiful Bulgari jewellery.” The screen features a bronze frame inset with translucent rock crystal, capiz and mother-of-pearl mosaics, polished stainless steel and shagreen – stingray skin. Woo added a Macassar ebony and stainless steel table in front of the screen. As with most of the furniture pieces throughout the apartment, this was custom designed by Cameron Woo Design.
Preceding pages: A new bejewelled bronze screen separates the entry from the living room in this high-end apartment. The screen, which replaces a wall, allows natural light to filter through to the foyer. The panels were designed to resemble a Bulgari necklace, and include capiz and mother-ofpearl mosaics, shagreen, rock crystal and polished stainless steel. These pages: The interior has a sophisticated, international look, with jewel colours providing bold accents in key areas. The coffee and side tables, by Cameron Woo Design for Blanche Bay, are in Macassar ebony wood.
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“The colour palette for the rest of the interior comes from the jewel-like notion of the screen,” says Woo. “Immediately behind this piece, for example, is an emerald green sofa, which enlivens one end of the open-plan living area. We also introduced a dining table in a purple-sapphire shade, and a wonderful gold chair in the reading room, which I call the Bewitched chair, because it reminds me of that television show, and it’s a totally unexpected piece in a contemporary setting.” Woo says a lot of modern interiors are
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not particularly colourful, and he wanted to create something quite different. The interior also needed to have a strong international flavour, to reflect the clients’ background – the owners are well travelled, with homes in several countries. “The central linking element for the entire living room is the blue-grey rug, which has a shimmering pile that creates a shadow effect. The geometric pattern is reminiscent of underwater sea ferns, with the waving fronds bringing both halves of the room together.”
Other furniture in the living room includes lavender grey chairs, a dark navy sofa, which anchors the centre of the room, and custom Macassar ebony tables with drawers lined in emerald green velvet – even the handles resemble items of jewellery. “The interior is also about proportion,” says the designer. “Just as in the natural world, some things are small, others are large, some tall, others low. In every room, the furniture and furnishings are balanced to create a cohesive look.”
In the master bedroom, soft lavender grey reappears in a dramatic hand-painted silk wallcovering from de Gournay in Paris. Woo covered the headboard in the same fabric, so it appears as an extension of the pattern on the wall behind. “The rug in this room was inspired by the traditional Florentine flame-stitch motif. But it also has an Indonesian feel – an East meets West design approach. Other special features of this room include bronzed mirrored panels behind the nightstands, and a sensuous corner seat.
Above left and facing page, lower: A de Gournay custom hand-painted silk wallcovering is the pièce de résistance of the master suite. It is teamed with silver-grey bed linen and a custom floor rug with a Florentine flame-stitch motif. Top: Bronzed mirrors behind the two nightstands cast ethereal reflections. Above: The bedroom opens to an ensuite bathroom featuring a custom make-up table by Cameron Woo Design. The table presents a glamorous use for coconut wood. It also has drawers faced with mussel shell, and bronze legs.
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Legend to plan: 1 foyer, 2 living and dining area, 3 reading room, 4 kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 6 master suite, 7 terrace, 8 pool, 9 pavilion. Above: This bedroom was designed for a daughter who loves the colour purple. The room also features a large mirror with bevelled framed edges, and a custom trestle table. Right: Modelled on an antique Chinese piece, this dresser has a streamlined, contemporary silhouette. The table is teamed with a matching oval pedestal table. The nightstand is a similar pedestal placed on a plinth.
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We also added large patterned cushions, which always work well on beds.” Furniture in the other bedrooms includes other custom pieces, such as a contemporary dresser that offers a modern take on an antique Chinese design. “The essential line of the traditional design is there, but is has been refined to a contemporary silhouette,”says Woo. “As with all our furniture, it is versatile and multipurpose. Many of the pieces can be added onto or subtracted to change the functionality to suit the purpose.”
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Interior designer: Cameron Woo, Cameron Woo Design (Asia) Ptd Ltd Wallcoverings: De Gournay (Paris) Paints and varnishes: Dulux Lighting: Vaughan Lighting Furniture: Cameron Woo Design for Blanche Bay Blinds: Silhouette by Hunter Douglas Screen in foyer: Bronze, capiz, mother-of-pearl, rock crystal Awards: International Property Awards – World’s Best Interior Design 2013/2014 Story by Colleen Hawkes
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Left: Large doors open up the living area to an outdoor terrace and swimming pool. The outdoor furniture includes a sofa and swing seat from European manufacturer Kettal. Bold, striped cushions enhance the relaxed feel of the terrace. The coffee table, by Cameron Woo Design, features a petrified stone top.
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Investment dressing A former bank building benefits from a dramatic conversion Above: A geometric mirror makes a strong design statement in the foyer of this new apartment in a refurbished bank building in Chicago. The mirror is teamed with a distinctive Masterpiece DC Collection console and an antique rug, which provided the starting point for the neutral colour scheme. The interior design is by Martin Horner of Soucie Horner, Chicago.
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Every once in a while a great opportunity presents itself and you need to grab it while you have the chance. For the owners of this new apartment, it was the refit of a former bank building right across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago that caught their eye. Being able to create a home in such a central location was an opportunity too good to pass up.
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The empty nesters, who had moved from a large family home in the suburbs, commissioned Martin Horner of Soucie Horner to design the interior of their new home. “Because the apartment was bought early on in the process, it was in a raw state,” Horner says. “The building had been completely gutted, but there were a lot of mechanical services to work around,
and the ceilings in the main living space were of different heights. However, we could see the potential – it was very spacious and there was a beautiful light coming in through the steel-framed windows. “The apartment extends over two levels, so we could also see it would be possible to maximise a lovely view of the tree canopy from the master bedroom on the second level.”
The designer says that in opening up the living area to create a single, large openplan living space, the different ceiling heights were exposed. “To disguise these, and to conceal mechanical services, we introduced several large beams to the room,” he says. “The beams also help provide visual separation for the various areas in the overall space – they define the main seating
and dining areas, an intimate sitting area, and the kitchen.” Choosing a colour palette for the interior was not overly difficult, Horner says. “The windows are so big we needed to acknowledge the colour coming in from outside. One of the owners also likes very large furnishings, so it made sense to keep these quite neutral and bring in colour accents that would help to
connect the different spaces.” An antique rug in the foyer of the apartment became the key piece that tied the entire palette together. And a soft celadon blue-green shade seen in the rug became the accent colour that enlivens the neutral tones. It appears in a large custom rug that visually anchors the dining area. “This rug, like the other large rugs in the living area,
Above: Large steel-framed windows maximise the view, which includes the neighbouring Art Institute of Chicago. The A Rudin lounge chairs in the main seating area are upholstered in Lee Jofa Grace fabric, in the color Lichen. The custom sofas, from Barron Custom Furniture, are upholstered in Osborne & Little Kintyre Plans Kinture chenille fabric. The two Luke cocktail tables by Motif Designs feature Roman travertine tops by Becker Works.
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is not highly patterned,” says Horner. “The rugs provide a simple, uncluttered backdrop to the furniture.” And it is the furnishings that really bring the apartment to life. The designer introduced a mix of antique and modern pieces in a variety of textures and from different cultures to create a collected look. “We didn’t want everything to look new,” he says. “The
buffet in the dining room is a Hungarian Art Deco piece from the 1940s, for example, while the dining furniture features a custom table from Randolph & Hein and chairs from Design Atelier. We added a beautiful Murano chandelier to help bring it all together.” The mix of furnishings gives the apartment a sophisticated look reminiscent of Art Deco Park Avenue apartments.
Left: Accents of blue-green enliven the interior, and include the custom rug that helps to define the dining area. The backs of dining chairs are upholstered in Clarence House Peggy fabric in Brown. A Murano chandelier adds a luxurious touch. Above: This intimate seating area is at one end of the large, open-plan living area. The designer teamed a variety of antique and modern furnishings and artefacts to create a collected look.
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Left: Large beams help to disguise a change in ceiling heights. They also conceal a variety of mechanical services and define the separate rooms within the overall living area. The layout of the apartment, with the kitchen to one side, makes it ideal for entertaining – it can easily accommodate 100 people. The large walnut entertainment cabinet conceals a television.
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Interior designer: Martin Horner, Soucie Horner (Chicago, IL) Cabinet company: Wood-Mode from Lee Lumber Wood flooring: Margaritelli Corona Carpet: Watson Smith Lake Tahoe in Eggshell Track lighting: Lightology Shield Swivel 1 with pendant in satin nickel Foyer mirror: Wisteria Foyer console: Masterpiece DC Collection from Sherrill Collection Foyer area rug: Oscar Isberian Rugs Lounge chairs and ottoman: A Rudin, upholstered in Lee Jofa Grace in Lichen Side table: Global Views Sofa: Custom by Barron Custom Furniture Cocktail tables: Luke Cocktail Table by Motif Designs with Roman travertine stone top by Becker Works Sofa console table: Custom by Barron Custom Furniture; antique mirror top Sofa table lamps: Circa Living room rug: Watson Smith Grand Textures in Horizon Millwork for entertainment centre: JJ Designs & Development Dining table: Randolph & Hein Dining and side chairs: Design Atelier Dining room console: Golden Triangle Dining room drapery: Countryside Drapery and Interiors Bed: Swaim from TCD Company Bedroom chairs: Presidio by Williams Sonoma; Neptune from Artistic Frame Bedroom desk: Drexel Heritage Lamps by bed: Arteriors Bedroom benches: Barron Custom Furniture Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Eric Hausman
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A putty shade on the walls reinforces the look. “We wanted the space to be warm, not a stark, white box,” says Horner. “And we created a horizontal band around the room by joining two contrasting fabrics on the drapes. The brown fabric at the bottom provides a dark backdrop to the light-coloured furniture at this level. These drapes are not pulled – there are concealed
motorised blinds to provide privacy at night.” Technology is also hidden within a custom entertainment cabinet designed to look like a piece of furniture. The two-tone cabinet is made from walnut, and has an inlay that resembles parchment. The master bedroom posed its own challenge, says the designer, mainly because it is a very large space.
“The room is so massive we introduced a patterned wallpaper to provide texture and to give it personality,” says Horner. “We added a private sitting area with two Presidio chairs in chocolate wool sateen, an A Rudin sofa and a tassel side table.” This suite also features a Fortuny pendant light – the colours tying in perfectly with the dark and light neutrals.
Facing page: The master suite is large enough to incorporate its own seating area. A textural wallpaper, Osborne & Little’s Travertino Onyx, adds visual interest. Above: Dinastia fabric in Vanilla, from Pindler & Pindler, features on the bed. The Reflection nightstands from Henredon have Gold Dust Triple Gourd glass lamps by Arteriors. The pendant light is by Fortuny.
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Glittering prizes Distinctive interiors that capture the essence of a project – that’s the philosophy that has helped make Blu Water Studio a multi award-winning design team
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Everyone is looking for a key point of difference with a new project – that touch of magic that elevates an interior out of the ordinary. It is precisely this touch that has cemented the reputation of the multi award-winning Kuala Lumpur-based design firm Blu Water Studio. The team, which was responsible for the interior of the luxury Moulmein Rise,
Penang development shown on these pages, specialises in interior design solutions for hotels, resorts and restaurants. Chief executive designer Lai Siew Hong says the firm’s goal is to create unique and distinctive designs. “We strive for passion and individualism,” he says. “These qualities are at the core of every project, whether it’s a subtle branding exercise or
an interior that makes a major, recognisable design statement for the client.” Hong says the design team has more than 20 years’ experience in the design industry. “Blending this experience with plenty of innovation and solid business principles, we are able to create inspiring solutions for our clients. These always offer something unexpected, be it a new way to use
Above left: Apartments in the new Moulmein Rise development on Penang Island are all oriented to the spectacular sea views. The interiors were designed by Blu Water Studio, a leading Kuala Lumpur interior design firm. Top: Natural materials are a feature of the spacious lobby. Above: Shared amenities on Level 5 include a 31m-long lap pool with an infinity edge, and a Jacuzzi.
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Above: Blu Water Studio created distinctive, contemporary interiors for the apartments at Moulmein Rise. The company specialises in commercial interior design for new developments, resorts, hotels and restaurants. Right: The marble-lined bathrooms are also a talking point – baths are positioned so residents can enjoy the view while bathing.
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familiar materials, or a highly dramatic centrepiece for a hotel lobby.� The prestigious Moulmein Rise project, developed by Belleview Group, is in the heart of Pulau Tikus, one of the most affluent neighbourhoods on Penang Island. The 27-storey development offers 84 luxury suites and 26 retail lots. The marble- and timberlined lobby was designed to
evoke a tranquil ambience. For further information, contact Blu Water Studio Sdn Bhd, B-1-1, Block B, First Floor, Megan Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: (+603) 2163 4689. Fax: (+603) 2163 4684. Website: www.bluwaterstudio.com. save | share Search 43020 at my.trendsideas.com
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Reach your target audience in China The Trends series in China provides the ideal medium for you to promote your product or services to a targeted group of affluent consumers and key architects and designers. · Chinese language edition · Home & Living Trends, Kitchen Trends, Bathroom Trends, Commercial Design Trends · Use your existing Trends content or create new material · We can translate if you wish · Trusted publication from the Trends Publishing International group · Top quality international and local content For more information contact: Hans Geese | Regional Sales Director, SE Asia | hans.geese@trendsideas.com Trends editions also available in: India, the Gulf, USA, Australia, New Zealand
family kitchens
Centre of operations Designed for a busy household with five children, this spacious kitchen is command central – the focal point for family dining and entertaining
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In a country where it is common to have both a wet and a dry kitchen, it is a little unusual to see a new house with just one large family kitchen. But that’s exactly what the owners of this Singapore property requested, says architect Melanie Francis of Tow Francis. “One of the owners loves to cook and she wanted a pleasant, informal place to be with the children. Originally, the kitchen was going to be a separate room, but during construction, the owners decided to sacrifice a powder room to make the
kitchen bigger, and to open it right up to the rest of the family living areas.” The focus of the kitchen is a large, L-shaped island, which incorporates a bright orange quartz benchtop and a low walnut table top for casual dining. “The owner loves colour and wanted to introduce a little pizazz. She didn’t want anything too stuffy or formal, so we chose to experiment with pale yellow, orange and lime green mosaic tiles. These appear on the walls around the cooking centre and sink benchtops.”
Above: A large L-shaped island is the centrepiece of this spacious kitchen designed for a family that loves to entertain. A walnut table top creates a casual dining area for the family and doubles as a place for guests to perch while they chat with the cook. Walnut also features on the fronts of the drawers on the island, while the base of the table is brushed stainless steel. To add a fun element, the island benchtop is orange quartz. The kitchen incorporates oversized appliances, including an extra-large refrigerator and industrial-grade hood.
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Above: Mosaic tiling in shades of pale lemon, orange and lime green forms a colourful backdrop on two walls in the kitchen. The acrylic cabinetry is in soft grey. Facing page: The dining area sits within the openplan living space – it is close to both the kitchen and the living room. Recessed cove lighting in the ceiling helps to define the dining area within the larger space. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Tim Nolan
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For a quiet contrast, the splashback behind the cooktop and the front of the island are in stainless steel. The acrylic cabinets are a soft grey, which complements the Belladonna marble floor tiles. To cater to the large household, there is an extra-large Sub-Zero refrigerator and an industrial-grade rangehood above the expansive cooktop. save | share | images
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Architect and interior designer: Melanie Francis, Tow Francis (Singapore) Kitchen designer: Andrew Lim, Dream Interiors Kitchen manufacturer: Dream Interiors Kitchen cabinetry: Acrylic laminate and walnut veneer Benchtops: Caesarstone, Silestone Splashback: Glass mosaics from Unlimited Enterprises Kitchen faucets: Hansgrohe from Carera Bathroom Oven: Miele Cooktop: Wolf Ventilation: Qasair Refrigeration: Sub-Zero Blinds: Beauty Furnishings, Intelligent Window Systems
Familial connections This kitchen serves an extended family – several entry points and design elements draw the heart of the home and its adjoining spaces together
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Pedestrian flow can be a major consideration when a kitchen and adjacent living areas are in frequent use by a number of family members. Introducing multiple passageways to divide spaces is one response. These sightlines bring the added benefit of shared aesthetics and light. This modern kitchen is by interior designers Mary Jane Pappas and Patricia Undlin. Because the owners’ extended family visit often, part of the wish list was for people to be able to enter, exit, cook, or make coffee without getting in one another’s way. Another request was that the design optimise the immediate river views.
In response, the kitchen, living room and breakfast area are set on the river side of the house as these rooms benefit most from day views of the water, says Pappas. “The dining room, more often in use after dark, is located on the other side of the home. “For an easy pedestrian and aesthetic flow, connectivity was addressed in several ways. The kitchen’s rear bank of cabinetry defines one wall of a corridor running behind it. This arrangement is also repeated in reverse with an identical cabinet unit in the dining room forming the opposite side of the passageway that
Above left: A raised granite breakfast bar screens benchtop clutter from sight in this kitchen by Mary Jane Pappas and Patricia Undlin. The design connects to adjoining spaces, including the breakfast room behind. Top: This plan shows the corridor between kitchen and dining room, shaped by two banks of cabinetry, one looking into each room. Above: The kitchen boasts granite work surfaces and ample storage.
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Above: The design creates sightlines between adjoining spaces while still having the benefit of cabinet storage and work surfaces. The ovens and refrigerator are set at outer points of the kitchen to avoid central congestion in a workspace that is used by a family of twelve. Both the blue and black granite benchtop surfaces are repeated in the linear floor detailing. The veined white porcelain floor tile was chosen for its marble-like appearance.
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runs between the two spaces. Broad apertures separating the upper and lower cabinets in both units provide sightlines from one room to the other and allow glimpses through to the river. A similar unit separates the living area and kitchen – again with an aperture that in this case doubles as a servery into the living room. Seen from above, this arrangement affords a dividing passage between kitchen and dining room but also along the sides of both spaces, creating a crisscross configuration. “This layout means there’s plenty of room to move between areas and family members can
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move through these adjacent spaces without feeling like they are under each other’s feet,” says Pappas. Architectural detailing creates harmony between areas. The ceiling soffits draw the rooms together and a rich veined porcelain tile floor, with a look of statuary marble, features throughout the public spaces. A rectilinear tile inlay in Blue Eyes granite, with a black accent in Cambrian granite, borders the kitchen and dining area, drawing the two spaces together. Material links appear throughout the spaces. The blue and black stone floor strips are seen
again in various combinations as benchtops and splashbacks. Another repeated surface is the pale wood finish on the cabinetry. “The positioning of appliances and storage was important in terms of letting multiple chefs loose in the kitchen at the same time,” says Pappas. “The island, which looks to the views, is at the centre of the design. This combines a double sink, a dishwasher and storage. The large range is a short step away on a wall of cabinets that includes vertical pull-out pantries.” The bank of cabinets and a benchtop along the living room wall offer an area of operation
outside the main work arena. A microwave, coffee maker, second dishwasher and a bar sink are set here so anyone can make a snack or pour a coffee without entering the kitchen proper. “Perhaps the most frequented appliance in any kitchen is the refrigerator and this is also positioned at an outer corner of the kitchen so anyone can easily get a drink. “The cooking appliances that need the least attention when in use, the ovens, are positioned at the corner over by the windows – moving yet another important function away from the busy operational heart of the kitchen,” says Pappas.
Top: The living room cabinetry is a repeat of the kitchens’ rear cabinetry – the two framing a central corridor. The aperture between the cabinet end columns is used as a servery. Above: The corridors ensure natural light penetration and long views. The glass dining table was designed by Patricia Undlin and Erik Wyckoff. A chandelier echoes the table’s rectilinear form and adds to the sense of glamour.
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Architect: Michael Swinghammer AIA, River Architects (LaCrosse, WI) Interior designer, kitchen designer: Pappas Design, Patricia Undlin ASID, Mary Jane Pappas ASID, Heather Zappo Builder: Weiser Brothers General Contractor Cabinet company: Design Cabinetry Cabinetry: Custom plain sliced maple, custom stain with high gloss finish Benchtops: Blue Eyes granite and Cambrian Black granite Splashback: Blue Eyes granite, Cambrian Black granite; stainless steel Kitchen sinks: Executive Chef double basin undercounter enamel cast iron sink in colour Cashmere by Kohler; single basin undercounter stainless steel sink by Kohler Taps: Grohe Oven, warming drawer, cooktop and ventilation: Wolf Microwave: Sharp microwave drawer Refrigeration: Sub-Zero Dishwasher and dishwasher drawer: KitchenAid Lighting: Tech Lighting Flooring: Porcelain tile with granite inlay Doors and windows: Patio doors and casement windows, painted on interior, clad on exterior, from Marvin Windows and Doors Kitchen furniture: Elite Modern bar stool, Regal 421, swivel Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Brian Droege
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Left: The island was extended beyond the bartop so children had an easy landing point for drinks or dishes. Sliding doors open up the kitchen and breakfast bar to the riverside environment while the choice of wood cabinetry connects with the natural outdoor setting. Although the colourway is generally subdued, blue glass pendants and red stools offer vibrant high points.
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Designer status Leading architects and designers have stamped their mark on the latest Smeg appliance collections, which can be viewed at Kitch showrooms
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Appliance technology has moved ahead in leaps and bounds in recent years, and one company is pioneering many of the new developments. Smeg, a leading Italian appliance manufacturer, has introduced many new technologies and has collaborated with world-renowned architects and industrial designers in the process. Andrew Shu of Kitch, a distributor of Smeg appliances in Malaysia, says Smeg has created a range of different collections to appeal to a wide range of clients.
“Smeg’s Classic, Linear and Marc Newson collections incorporate the latest technology,” he says. “They are easy to use, and manage resources intelligently, thank to their cutting-edge interfaces and various programming solutions. “Smeg appliances also have a strong designer aesthetic, so they look right at home in any kitchen – there are appliances for sleek, minimalist kitchens and others for more traditionally styled homes.” For details, or to visit a showroom, contact Kitch (M) Sdn Bhd; d7 at Sentul:
G16 & G17, Bangunan Perdagangan d7, 800, Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel/fax: (+60) 18 599 8233. Old Klang Road: 85, Jalan Klang Lama, Batu 3, 58000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: (+603) 7982 8233. Fax: (+603) 7981 4102. Penang: 170, Jalan Kelawai, 10250 Penang. Tel: (+604) 226 3232. Fax: (+604) 226 3636. Email: info@kitch. com.my. Website: www.smeg.my. save | share Search 43133 at my.trendsideas.com
Facing page, top: This sleek, contemporary kitchen features a matching set of Smeg Linear appliances, which are available from Kitch showrooms in Malaysia. The oven collection includes a pyrolytic oven that is self-cleaning, a combi steam oven and a coffee machine. Facing page, lower: Kitch also has an extensive collection of Smeg cooktops, including the colourful Marc Newson collection. This page: The designer aesthetics can be seen at a glance. While some appliances have touch controls, others feature the signature Canali knob.
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colourful kitchens
In the spotlight Colourful accents ensure these kitchens are the focus of attention – and a fun place to work
Science lesson Cooking experiments take on a whole new meaning in this vibrant kitchen, which is a laboratory for a scientist with a passion for molecular gastronomy
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Passionate foodies and the proliferation of cooking shows have elevated the art of food preparation in recent times. But few have taken it as far as the owner of this kitchen – with the possible exception of Heston Blumenthal. Architect Douglas Dick is quick to point out this is no family kitchen, and it’s not just the bright red accents that spell the difference.
“This is a kitchen expressly designed for experimentation. The client, a research scientist in the biomedical industry, has a passion for molecular gastronomy. This highly scientific way of cooking is reflected in every aspect of the design. For example, the kitchen incorporates gas jets, bunsen burners, a compressed air valve and a liquid nitrogen tank for the instant freezing of food.”
The architect says the kitchen is part of a large entertainment area in the basement – the family kitchen is on another level. The basement also includes a bar, wine cellar, fitness room and home theatre. All these areas are linked by dramatic red accents. “The client is attracted to vibrant colours, and red has a sports car quality that really appealed,” Dick says.
Preceding pages and above: Bright red accents enliven this entertaining area in the basement of a large family home. The space includes a bar with beer on tap, a wine cellar, home theatre and kitchen. A tasting bar (above) is mounted between two columns. Pendant lights pierce the glass shelving above the bar, illuminating the edges. Above left and left: The kitchen resembles a science laboratory – complete with bunsen burner.
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Left and above: With five ovens, warming drawers, griddles and a salamander grill, the kitchen is equipped for every cooking need. Legend to plan: 1 bar, 2 wine cellar, 3 storage, 4 entertainment area, 5 fitness room with shower and bathroom, 6 sauna, 7 changing room, 8 tasting bar, 9 kitchen, 10 home theatre, 11 mechanical plant, 12 conference room, 13 laundry, 14 bathroom, 15 crawl space.
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Architect: Douglas Dick AIA, LDA Architecture & Interiors (Cambridge, MA) Interior designer: David Nault, Paul White, Weena & Spook Cabinet company: MVK Architectural Millwork Corp Cabinetry: Tall storage cabinets in stained bamboo; island and perimeter cabinets in wood painted in Parapan Signal Red Benchtops: Quartz on perimeter; stainless steel on island; bar in UltraGlas Squiggle Opaque Wallcoverings: Teragren vertical grain caramelized bamboo Lighting: Cres Cor heat lamps; Tube 3 and Abbey pendants; LED lighting Splashback: Quartz and stainless steel Main sink: Franke Island sink: Kohler Crevasse Dipper well sink and tap: T&S Brass Main taps: WhiteHaus Pot filler: Rohl Oven: Wolf Refrigeration: Sub-Zero Speed, steam and wall ovens, warming drawer, dishwasher and coffee system: Miele Built-in benchtop blender: Blendtec Griddle and salamander: Vulcan Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Greg Premru Photography
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Above right: The bar, which has a sensuous, organic form, appears to slice through a glass wall separating a climate-controlled wine cellar. The bar top features cast glass with a smooth top above a rough, textural base pigmented with glass resin. The top is mounted on stainless steel pedestal legs. Glass also features on the side of the bar, in mosaic tiles in varying tones of red and iridescent charcoal. A metallic-look porcelain tile was specified for the floor throughout the entertaining area.
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In the kitchen, red appears on quartzite benchtops and splashbacks, on lacquered drawers on the island, bar stools, and in two pendant infrared lights that can be pulled down to keep food hot. The island, which is the main food preparation area, has a stainless steel top, with a flush-mounted blender and rubbish receptacle, as well as the gas jets and bunsen burner.
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Perimeter cabinets are in bamboo, chosen for its warm, natural look and its consistent, linear grain. “The contrasting surfaces set up a visual dialogue between the natural materials, such as the wood and stone in the bar area, and the highly polished man-made materials – the stainless steel, glass and aluminium,” says Dick. “There is another contrast between
the crisp nature of the kitchen cabinets and the curved, organic form of the bar. This has a more sensuous look, which is in keeping with the sensual nature of the red.” Other key features of the kitchen include an obscure glass pantry that is reminiscent of laboratory storage, and a wealth of appliances. The kitchen has five ovens, two griddles and a salamander.
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Style house European-inspired kitchens and wardrobes from Bofi present the latest design trends When it comes to fashion, it is better to be a leader than a follower. That’s a role that is taken seriously by Bofi, a leading Malaysian cabinet company. The design team at Bofi puts its own spin on design trends that come out of Europe, to create exclusive cabinetry that is perfectly suited to the Malaysian market. From sharply minimalist kitchen designs, to transitional and traditional cabinetry, the Bofi team has every style covered. And each design has many unique points of difference that you won’t see replicated elsewhere. With the growing trend towards more open-plan living spaces, cabinetry has moved out of the kitchen, and Bofi has responded. Today, dining and living areas are likely to feature built-in cabinets similar to the kitchen, which ensure visual continuity. Similar styling may even follow through to walk-in wardrobes and bathroom vanities. Bofi uses only high-quality materials, including local and imported wood, such as oak, beech, maple and cherry, which is acclimatised before use. Glass, aluminium and stainless steel also feature extensively. For more information, or to visit the Bofi showroom, contact Bofi (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, No 32 Jalan Kemajuan, Seksyen 12, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 7958 8806. Alternatively, visit the website: www.bofi.com.my. save | share Search 43137 at my.trendsideas.com This page: Bofi designs include from top, the streamlined Evo kitchen, the Classic Windsor kitchen, and Divo and Newform wardrobe models.
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Splashing out Watery green glass with a subtle organic pattern contrasts with splashes of burnt orange, white, sea blue and warm oak in this dramatic kitchen
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For years, it seemed that whites and neutrals would dominate our kitchens and family living areas forever. Walking into one kitchen was a lot like walking into another, with just a slight tonal change to mark a point of difference. Kitchen designer Mal Corboy is the first to point out that this was never his thing anyway. As a designer who loves colour, pattern and innovative lighting, Corboy prefers to look outside the square for his inspiration, and this kitchen in a seaside house is no exception.
“The existing kitchen had been built in the ’90s and was an uninspiring U shape, with poor access,” the designer says. “There were inaccessible corner cupboards and doors falling off, and the whole space had been poorly laid out.” Corboy consequently rearranged the entire space to create a much larger, more workable space that would also afford the owners a great view of the sea. “Because we renovated the entire house at the same time, continuity was essential. We specified white oak floors
throughout the living area, and for the steps and landing. Similarly, we picked up the American oak for the open shelving and a table top in the new kitchen.” The most significant reference for the design, however, was a newly wallpapered sitting room off one side of the kitchen. Corboy introduced the same soft bamboo pattern to watery green glass panels, with the printed glass covering walls and supporting the base of the table at one end of the island. LED lights enhance the translucent, watery effect.
Facing page: A central island takes pride of place in this new kitchen, designed by Mal Corboy. One end of the island steps down to form a breakfast table, topped in American oak. The base of the table features printed glass, backlit with LED lighting. The glass repeats a wallpaper pattern in an adjoining sitting room. The pendant lights have a folded paper look. Above: Decorative printed glass panels also enliven this area of the wall, which incorporates American oak shelving. Bright orange accessories were chosen to complement the bright orange toekicks and splashbacks.
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Designer: Mal Corboy, Mal Corboy Design Cabinet company: Mal Corboy Design Cabinetry: High-gloss lacquer Splashback: DecoGlaze custom coloured glass Hardware and storage systems: Hettich Benchtops: Corian Rain Cloud; Oak Flooring: White oak plank Paints: Resene Lighting: Marset Pleat Box Taps: Grohe Minta Waste disposal: InSinkErator Evolution 200 Water dispenser: Just Water Oven: Gaggenau Cooktop: Wolf Ventilation: Qasair Refrigeration: Sub-Zero Dishwasher: Miele Appliance supplier: Kouzina Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Kallan MacLeod
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Tall cabinets are painted and lacquered in a soft blue-green, Resene Kumutoto, while the island and perimeter cabinets are white. To contrast these colours, the designer added another bright shade – one that is a favourite of the owner. The splashback behind the cooktop, the perimeter edging of the cabinets and all the toekicks are painted in Resene Whizz Bang, a bright burnt orange. “We have definite blocks of colour in the kitchen, but this is a big space that can handle it well,” says Corboy.
Benchtops throughout the kitchen are in a new Corian product – Rain Cloud, which is from the Organics range. This reinforces the link with nature. Because the owners love to entertain a lot, large-scale appliances were specified, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, two Gaggenau ovens and a Wolf cooktop. “As the kitchen is large, we kept the layout simple, so several people can be working at any one time and not trip over each other,” says Corboy. “There is plenty of room to move.”
Facing page: A new type of Corian was chosen for the benchtops. Corian Rain Cloud, from the Organics collection, has a soft, swirling pattern that ties in well with the other elements inspired by nature. Generously sized appliances were specified to make entertaining easy. These include a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Gaggenau ovens, Wolf cooktop and Qasair range hood. Above left: All living and dining areas flow from the kitchen, including the formal dining area, which features dramatic lighting fixtures.
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High impact New materials and bold contrasts ensure this Oriss kitchen makes a strong design statement A modern kitchen can be a conversation piece, much like a prized artwork. But a great kitchen is also about practicality – it has to be easy to use, with an efficient work triangle. Both these factors come together in this new, European-inspired Minotti P kitchen from Oriss Sdn Bhd, a brand synonymous with high-quality cabinetry. The kitchen combines white Melamine doors with luxurious Volakas marble benchtops. A hairline edging in stainless steel keeps the look crisp and contemporary, while retaining a high level of sophistication. Oriss has also given the legendary Minotti handles a black, powdercoated finish, rather than the standard aluminium shade that has dominated the hardware for the past 10 years. Dark cabinetry at the end of the kitchen contrasts the white doors and matches the black recessed handles. A motorised door in the tall cabinet hides appliances, including the refrigerator, ovens and coffee machine, when not in use. For more details, contact Oriss Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur showroom: W0206, Metropolitan Square, Jalan PJU 8/1, Bandar Damansara Perdana, Bukit Lanjan, 47800 Petaling Jaya. Tel: (+603) 7727 1688; and Johor Bahru showroom: No 37, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utana, 81300 Skudai, Johor. Tel: (+607) 557 7288. Website: www.oriss.com.my. save | share Search 43127 at my.trendsideas.com This page: The Minotti P is a new kitchen by leading Malaysian manufacturer Oriss Sdn Bhd. It features white Melamine doors and Volakas marble tops.
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Amethyst jewel Inspired by an amethyst pendant, this new kitchen teams lavender granite and lilac glass mosaics with graphite and black cabinets, and flashes of silver
Design inspiration can come from many quarters. But it was a favourite piece of jewellery that sparked the design of this remodelled kitchen in a house owned by Nancy and Robert Cohen. Elina Katsioula-Beall of DeWitt Designer Kitchens says Nancy came into her studio wearing an amethyst pendant set in silver. “She was very excited and
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said these were the colours she wanted for her new kitchen – lavender and purple, mixed with graphite and black. Our search for materials started right there.” But the new kitchen was not just about the look. It was also about improving the functionality for the owner, who loves to bake. The U-shaped layout was changed so the space could be maximised
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lengthwise. A corner cooking and prep area was introduced and a new island was added, with bar stools at one end. But it is the materials that really spell the difference for this kitchen. Katsioula-Beall says the amethyst inspired the glass top on the curved end and one side of the island. “Violet lighting in the glass replicates the client’s favourite gemstone. We teamed this with
Lavender Mist granite benches and lilac glass mosaics, which line the concave alcove behind the cooktop. Matching curved soffits, mauve wallpaper and a custom wall mosaic of a cherry blossom echo these tones.” Dark graphite rift-cut oak cabinets, and pantry doors in black alder help to balance the more colourful elements – the floor is also graphite oak planks. The refrigerator is
concealed behind a Japanese tansu-style armoire with black and grey lattice panels, and the dishwasher is also integrated. Other stainless steel Miele appliances provide a flash of silver, just like the jewellery. “The pantry, coffee centre and microwave are all mid height to provide improved access for the owner, who cannot reach high storage,� says Katsioula-Beall.
Interior and kitchen designer: Elina Katsioula-Beall, DeWitt Designer Kitchens (Pasadena, CA) Construction company: Baker Mechanical Cabinet company: Columbia Cabinets; Serrao Cabinets Cabinetry: Rift-cut white oak and alder in Graphite and Cottage Black Hardware: Top Knobs Flooring: European oak in Dark Gray Benchtops: Glass from Think Glass; Lavender Mist granite from Marble Unlimited
Splashback: Lava Lavender glass mosaics from WalkOn Tile Lighting: Halo; and Prisma pendants Wall tiles: UltraGlas Taffeta Bright White Feature wall: Francois & Co Taps: KWC Eve Ovens, hood, refrigeration, coffee machine and dishwasher: Miele Cooktop: Wolf
Preceding pages and above: Glass benchtops illuminated with violet lighting ensure this kitchen sparkles like a jewel. The benchtops also feature Lavender Mist granite. Most of the cabinets and the flooring are in graphite oak, while the pantry cabinets are black alder. Above left: Custom drawer storage maximises the new cooking corner.
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Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Suki Medencevic
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Look twice Expect the unexpected could be the catch phrase for these bathrooms – the designers have stepped away from the predictable with their material and colour choices
colour & materials
An exotic touch Tortoiseshell glass tiles and sleek walnut panelling line the walls of this renovated bathroom, bringing in a taste of the tropics Space is almost always at a premium in a bathroom, so it pays to make every inch count. This renovation of this master bathroom, the second undertaken for the client, was designed to do just that, says builder David Wilkes. “Styles and tastes change over the years, and there was quite a bit of dead space in the bathroom – areas and facilities the owner no longer used,
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including a coffee bar. The built-in shower was also very enclosed, dark and unattractive – it had an institutional look, rather like a small locker room shower. The owner wanted the bathroom to be more spa-like, and he requested a level-access shower.” Materials and finishes were specified by interior designer Mark Cravotta of Cravotta Studios. Central to the look
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was a tortoiseshell glass wall tile in different widths and lengths. “Although it is essentially a brick bond design, we varied the bands of tiles and created a random pattern,” says Wilkes. The glass tiles wrap around two sides of the bathroom, providing a dramatic backdrop for a new shower and a sculptural, freestanding white bathtub. The tub is also framed
by matching teak bench seats. Wilkes says his team customised the spout of the tub filler, extending its length to ensure it would reach over the width of the tub. “We swapped the original positions of the shower and tub. This ensures the tub is the focal point in the corner when you walk into the room. The new double shower is positioned on the left, and has glass
walls, a tiled bench and no kerb. Water now flows down a linear drain beside the wall.” The vanity unit features similar materials to the seats beside the tub – the top is in teak, while the vertical wall panels behind the unit are dark-stained walnut. The mix of the wood types mimic the shades of the tortoiseshell tiles. Similarly, the soft gold paint on the remaining walls blends in
with the tortoiseshell pattern. Above the vanity, mirrored medicine cabinets appear to float off the wall, thanks to the back lighting. “Borrowed light is also a feature of the bathroom,” says Wilkes. “One corner of the room is clad in glass that is almost 3mm thick, and is mitred at the join. This window brings in light from the hall, and vice versa.”
Preceding pages and facing page: This renovated bathroom features dramatic tortoiseshell glass wall tiles, laid in bands of varying widths. The tiles wrap around two walls behind a sculptural Axor tub, and line the interior of the new shower, which is open at one end. Above and left: Walnut panelling in the bathroom matches the walls in the adjoining hallway. A new corner window allows borrowed light to travel in both directions.
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Interior designer: Cravotta Studios Builder: David Wilkes Builders Wall tiles: Tortoiseshell New Ravenna Glass from Architerra Design Studio Floor tiles: Artistic honed Gris Puplis Bathtub and shower fittings: Axor Vanity tops and bench seats: Teak Wall panelling: Dark-stained walnut Basins: Ronbow Taps: Dornbracht Awards: Best in American Living Awards (BALA) – Room of the Year; BALA – Best Bathroom; NARI – Contractor of the Year Award Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Paul Bardagy
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Left: The new shower is positioned opposite the vanity and incorporates a tiled bench. To enhance the resort-style feel of the bathroom, the shower has no end wall or curb – water flows down a linear drain along one wall.
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In full bloom A monochromatic colour palette with a difference – this bathroom is finished entirely in shades of black, grey and white, but it’s the way these tones are used that sets the suite apart Above: With its highly decorative Sicis mosaic tile murals, this new bathroom has a lively, yet classic look. A glittering chandelier and large mirror above the floating vanity enhance the sense of glamour. Facing page: The spa bath also features a Sicis mosaic mural – the black mosaics are a bold contrast to the Calacatta marble floor tiles. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Tim Maloney
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All it takes to make a bold design statement is one key idea. For this bathroom, it’s the Sicis mosaic tiles that lift it out of the ordinary. The bathroom, designed by Brian Z Allen, features a classic monochromatic colour palette enlivened by a custom floral Sicis mosaic tile pattern on the shower wall, and another on the front of the tub surround. Dark grey walls contrast
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with light Calacatta marble tiles on the floor, shower surround and tub deck. To help the space seem larger, the SieMatic vanity is cantilevered, and the wall above the vanity is mirrored. This also helps to keep the bathroom light filled. The centrepiece, however, is the spa bath in front of a shuttered bay window, which reinforces the visual drama.
Interior designer: Brian Z Allen, Brian Z Allen Design (San Francisco) Tub: Kohler Air Bath Vanity cabinet: SieMatic Vanity top: Calacatta marble Taps and shower fittings: Kohler Mosaic tiles: Sicis from DaVinci Marble Flooring: Calacatta Michelangelo marble from DaVinci marble
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Select your Shower Pleasure. Raindance® Select. Rinse out shampoo with a strong Rain spray, relax under soft RainAir drops, or a massage with the concentrated whirl spray. All you have to do is choose your favourite spray on the Raindance Select E 120 hand shower by clicking the "Select" button. w w w.hansgrohe.com.sg/select
Also available with EcoSmart technology: saving water and energy.
Hansgrohe Pte Ltd · 69 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239015 Tel: 65 6884 5060 · Fax: 65 6884 5071· Website: www.hansgrohe.com.sg Email: info@hansgrohe.com.sg Regional Contacts: Hong Kong · Tel: 852 3752 1898 Indonesia · Tel: 6221 2965 9330 Malaysia · Tel: 603 2096 9581/9582 Philippines · Tel: 632 689-7158 South Korea · Tel: 82 2 2061 1900 Taiwan · Tel: 886 2 2570 1820 Thailand · Tel: 66 2 630 4744 Vietnam · Tel: 84 8 3520 7635
Double happy A magical showerhead and a designer light fixture – the new Axor LampShower is both Designers are transforming everyday products into items of beauty, and the showerhead is the latest fixture to be placed in the limelight at the Cersaie fair. Swedish trio Front and Japanese design studio Nendo have teamed with Axor, designer brand of Hansgrohe, to create innovative showers that look more like decor items than bathroom fixtures. The Axor LampShower is the latest product by Oki Sato of Nendo. This fixture magically fuses light and water. “Neither a lamp nor a shower, the Axor LampShower is a hybrid,” says Sato. “The lightness of the visual design and the combination of light and water impart a heightened sensual dimension. The widerimmed shower crest and warm, ambient lighting add to the effect, and enhance the feeling of comfort.” The Axor ShowerProducts by Front are other new designs for Axor. These products draw attention to the hidden aesthetics of shower technology. Pipes, joints, valves and funnels are all turned into charming, and highly functional design objects. This collection includes hand and overhead showers, a wall bar with shower hose and a showerpipe system. For more details, contact Hansgrohe Pte Ltd, 69 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239015. Tel: (+65) 6884 5060. Or visit the websites: www.hansgrohe.com and www.facebook.com/axor.design. save | share Search 43144 at my.trendsideas.com This page: The Axor LampShower by Nendo (top) and Axor ShowerProducts by Front (left) are new products for Hansgrohe, released at Cersaie 2013.
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Artistic presence In a design that showcases artworks, this master suite reflects a sculptural flair all of its own
Part of the enjoyment of a work of art lies in appreciating the detail that contributes to the finished piece. A similar kind of pleasure can be taken in a decor where craft skills dovetail with great design. This master suite, which includes an office, has broad expanses of wall to showcase artworks, such as a piece by pop artist Alex Katz. The design, part of a condominium renovation by Mick De Giulio, includes sculpted walls and ceiling planes that demarcate areas of use and offer an appropriate setting for the paintings. The wishlist here was for a light-filled space and a gallery-like ambience, says De Giulio. “As this is an adult space, separating out the bathroom and ensuite wasn’t necessary. However, large leather-covered panels can partition the space and a tall headboard on the bed offers a degree of privacy.” Perhaps the most dramatic element in this design, seen from all areas, is the treatment of the bathroom walls. A giant slab of Calacatta Gold marble has been painstakingly cut into myriad brick-size pieces. These form the walls and the ceiling over the shower. With all the tiles from exactly the same source, the tones are highly consistent. Grouting was kept to a minimum to enhance the effect, says the designer. “The ceilings are also an important aspect of this design. The dropped ceiling over the bathroom includes concealed lighting that creates a floating aesthetic and helps lighten the space.” Beside the shower and in front of the vanity, the ceiling features backlit cutouts in a rectilinear form. This shape is repeated in other areas – for example, in the wall tiles and the bench seat that punctuates the shower stall. The cutouts look like skylights and give the impression of a natural light source. “In general terms, the decor in the master suite is muted to let the art take pride of place,” says De Giulio.
Preceding pages: Wall and ceiling planes separate, turn and float in this master suite, which was designed to accentuate geometric form. Left: The owners requested a steam component to the shower, which is why the glass rises to the ceiling. To allow bathers to lie down and soak up the atmosphere, designer Mick De Giulio included a long bench that appears to run through the glass.
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Architect: Jose R Carlo (Miami Beach, FL) Bathroom designer: Mick De Giulio NKBA, ASID, De Giulio Kitchen Design (Wilmette, IL) Interior designer: Janet McCann, McCann Associates Builder: Seamus Evans, Woolems Cabinetry: De Giulio Collection high gloss ebonized walnut Vanity top and wall tiles: Calacatta Gold marble Basin: De Giulio Collection custom sink in Calacatta Gold marble Taps: Dornbracht Meta.02 in platinum matt Shower fittings: Kohler Rain; Dornbracht Tara Logic Shower glass: De Giulio Kitchen Design custom clear glass Lighting: Terzani Liaisons AppliquĂŠes sconce in silver leaf and hand-blown transparent Murano glass Side table: De Giulio Collection in polished stainless steel and Calacatta Gold marble Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Scott McDonald
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Top and far right: A high-gloss ebonized walnut vanity contrasts the light stone. The large cabinet (far right) conceals a wall pillar. Right: De Giulio designed the marble side table to follow the curve of the tub. It is anchored to provide support when getting out of the bath. Facing page: The bathroom walls were achieved by cutting up and reshaping a single slab of Calacatta Gold sourced by De Giulio.
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Lap of luxury With its jewel-like interior and artistic design approach, this renovated bathroom recalls a boutique hotel suite, which was just what the owner ordered Not everything is a perfect fit when you move to a new house. And for many people the time to call in a designer is before the move, not after. That’s precisely what the owner of this home did – designer Angelica Henry ASID was commissioned to undertake a whole house renovation, with a particular emphasis placed on the master suite. “The existing bedroom was
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very plain with no particular features worth saving,” she says. “The bathroom featured dark wood finishes, tumbled stone and glass blocks. It also had a large tiled tub deck – it was simply not inspiring. “The owner wanted to push the design boundaries, with a suite that was more akin to a luxury designer hotel. He said he just wanted to walk in and go ‘wow’.”
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Henry gutted both spaces, demolishing the existing soffits in the bedroom and introducing new ceiling mouldings in a custom circular pattern. This motif helped to define the entire suite. “I put a false wall behind the bed, so we could add a light feature that doubles as an artwork,” she says. “This features dark wood that has been laser cut – the pattern
was inspired by a floral motif that is a reference to the owner’s cultural heritage. This panel is backlit with coloured lighting that can be changed, although the preference is currently for blue.” Henry says she wanted a more minimalist, jewel-like look than traditional nightstands. She achieved this with floating mirrored shelves on both sides of the bed.
The tub deck was replaced with a freestanding Eago bath – its rounded form echoing the curves of the circular motif. The bath sits beneath another large installation designed by Henry, which features a collection of bowls finished in gold leaf and mounted in dark wood frames. The vanities are also wall mounted – on shimmering textural gold linen.
“I wanted the vanities to be displayed as artworks,” says Henry. “The effect is heightened by the LED back lighting, and integrated lighting within the mirror. To keep it simple and clean-lined, I did not opt for vanity light fixtures.” The designer also added painted wall panels with a custom routed circular pattern, and warm gold tiles that wrap the vanity walls and floor.
Before
Facing page: Cantilevered vanities like works of art appear to float off the wall in this renovated bathroom, designed by Angelica Henry ASID. The Moooi chandelier has a mirrored shade, with the mirror becoming invisible when the light is on. Above and left: Before the remodel, the bathroom featured old-style glass blocks and a tiled tub deck. The wall, which is in front of a double shower, was filled in and tiled, and a freestanding tub introduced.
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Interior designer: Angelica Henry ASID, Angelica Henry Design (Scottsdale, AZ) Builder: McKnight Construction Bathtub: Eago from Ferguson Vanity unit: Duravit from Ferguson Taps: Graff in polished chrome Wall behind vanity: Elitis vinyl wallcovering in Gold Shimmer Floor and wall tiles: Pravia porcelain in Ochre from Villagio Tile Lighting: Moooi shade from Sun Lighting Accessories: Waterworks Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Mark Boisclair
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Right: The master bedroom is also unrecognisable from the original. To frame the windows, the designer introduced decorative sheer shades, with blackout blinds behind. The ceiling was also changed – soffits were removed and new custom mouldings added. These feature a circular pattern – a motif repeated in the bathroom. The artwork above the bed, designed by Angelica Henry, is in laser-cut wood in a floral pattern, backlit with coloured lighting.
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Classical story This major remodel has seen a neglected office and pool pavilion changing room transformed into a magical, light-filled spa After enjoying some of the world’s most exclusive spas, the owner of this house was inspired to create a luxurious retreat of her own. Valerie Foster Hoffman had the ideal spot for a spa – a neglected area between her bedroom and an outdoor pool. The space had been taken up by an office that was no longer used, and a pool pavilion changing room.
Elina Katsioula-Beall of DeWitt Designer Kitchens was subsequently commissioned to design a light and airy spa bathroom with classical Greek and Roman influences. “I wanted something quite elegant and feminine, with a lot of statuary and mirrors,” says Hoffman. “It needed to look like a fabulous spa retreat you might visit on holiday.” Katsioula-Beall was also
asked to maximise a leafy view of a private garden, which is dedicated to the concept of spirituality, with a variety of settings paying homage to different religions. “The existing space was very dark, so we opened up a window to the west, which has a view through to a Buddha fountain,” the designer says. “We also introduced a large skylight, with fully directional
Facing page: A classical, yet feminine, interior was designed for this new spa bathroom, which features Carrara marble and Grass wallpaper with a metallic silver thread. Above: Mirrors were added to the flat panels on all the cabinets to provide a sparkling, reflective surface. The glass features gold veining, which gives the mirrors an antique Venetian look.
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Bathroom designer: Elina Katsioula-Beall, DeWitt Designer Kitchens (Pasadena, CA) Builder: AMS Construction Vanity tops, wall and floor tiles: Carrara marble from Empire Marble & Granite; Walker Zanger Tribeca Classic White tiles in steam shower Cabinets: Maple, lined with Polar White by Columbia Cabinets Basin: Kohler Thoreau Taps, shower fittings and toilet: Kohler Wallcoverings: Grass wallpaper from Candice Olson Fine Wallpapers Lighting: Liton; Lamps Plus Cabinetry hardware: Iridescent Diamond Knob from Cal Crystal Towel warmer: Myson Cabinetry mirrors: Venetian Gold Vein from Antique Mirror Glass Company Skylights: Velux America Inc Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Suki Medencevic
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lights within the shaft. And we moved a door to incorporate the stairs to the pool area inside the bathroom. The room is now more spacious and there is a better flow through to the pool. “To enhance the sense of a traditional Roman bath and courtyard, we chose a simple palette of soft white and grey, with sparkling blue mosaic tile accents. The floors and lower
part of the walls are lined with Carrara marble tiles, which are acid washed and won’t show wet footprints. The steam shower features Carrara petitbrick tiles with a trim in the classic Greek key pattern. The blue mosaic tile accents appear within wall niches and as a rug pattern on the floor.” Mirrored panels on doors effectively double the apparent size of the room and reflect the
light and leafy views. Mirrors on all the flat panels within the vanity, makeup and storage cabinets feature gold veining, which gives them an antique Venetian look that complements the marble and vintage statuary. The spa analogy extends to the functionality – the bathroom has a high-performance steam shower with a variety of showerheads.
Facing page: Mirrored cabinets flank the entry to the steam shower. This is lined with Carrara marble petitbrick tiles with a border trim in a Greek key pattern. Above left: Vintage statuary and artworks collected by the owner provide decorative focal points. Above: A sparkling chandelier and Hollywood lights around the mirror create an inviting makeup area near the door to the pool area.
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index A Rudin
89
Allen, Brian Z
136-137
Corian
121
Countryside Drapery and Interiors
Alpine Return Sdn Bhd
89
2-3, 26-33, OBC AMS Construction
150-153
Andreas, Claire L
14
Angelica Henry Design
146-149
Cox Homes Cravotta Studios
16-25 130-135
Crenshaw Lumber
25
Cres Cor
114
Golden Triangle
148
Grohe
105, 121
Tech Lighting
105
Halo
Monterey Lighting Solutions
Teragren
114
Hansgrohe Henredon
Arteriors
89
David Wilkes Builders
130-135
Artistic Frame
89
DaVinci Marble
De Gournay
81
DecoGlaze
121
Baron Gurney Interiors
8-14
Barron Custom Furniture
89
Bayu Damansara@PJR
66-67
Design Atelier Design Cabinetry
146-149
Hettich
121
Horner, Martin InSinkErator
124-127
64-65
Henry, Angelica ASID
Hunter Douglas
Baker Mechanical
98, 135, 138-139 89
De Giulio Kitchen Design 140-145 140-145
81 121
Intelligent Window Systems
52-55 Jack Fredericks
25
98
DeWitt Designer Kitchens 124-127,
Becker Works
89
150-153
Just Water
Dick, Douglas AIA
108-114
Katsioula-Beall, Elina
Dornbracht
135, 144
137
Blanche Bay
81
Blendtec Blu Water Studio
JJ Designs & Development
89 121
124-127, 150-153
114
Dream Interiors
96-99
90-92
Drexel Heritage
89
Kitch (M) Sdn Bhd
Dulux
81
KitchenAid
BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd 58-59,
98
Ivory Properties Group Bhd
89 100-105
Kettal
81 4, 106-107 105
156-IBC
Duravit
148
Bofi
116-117
Eago
148
Brian Z Allen Design
136-137
Elite Modern
105
Kohler
Elitis
148
Kouzina Appliances
121
Empire Marble & Granite
153
KWC
127 153
BSG Property
IFC-1, 48-51
Caesarstone
98
Cal Crystal
153
Cameron Woo Design
72-81
Campion Hruby Landscape
Knight Frank
44-47, 56-57, 62-63
105, 114, 137, 144, 153
Equapac
122-123
Lamps Plus
Evans, Seamus
140-145
LDA Architecture & Interiors
Evo
116-117
148
Motif Designs
89
Moulmein Rise
90-92
Murano
85
MVK Architectural Millwork Corp 108-114 Myson
153
Nault, David
108-114
Neorest
128
Oriss Sdn Bhd
122-123
Osborne & Little
33, 89
Oscar Isberian Rugs
89
Pappas Design
100-105
Pappas, Mary Jane ASID 100-105 Permai Gardens
IFC-1, 48-51
Pindler & Pindler
89
Property Guru
7, 66-71, 94
Qasair
98, 121
Randolph & Hein
89
Resene
121
River Architects
100-105
Robert M Gurney Architect
8-14
Rohl
114
Ronbow
135
Serrao Cabinets
124-127
Sharp
105
Shelter Associates Ltd
108-114
25
8-14
Sherrill Collection
89
Architects
14
Ferguson
Lee Jofa
89
SieMatic
137
Campion, Kevin
14
Fleetwood Windows & Doors
25
Lee Lumber
89
Silestone
98
Candice Olson Fine Wallpapers 153
Fortuny
89
Lightology
89
Capital City
Francis, Melanie
Carera Bathroom Carlo, Jose R Choate, James AIA
64-65 98 140-145 16-25
148
Moooi
82-89
Beauty Furnishings Benjamin Moore
8-14 127
14
De Giulio, Mick ASID
96-99 127
Liton
Franke
114
Mal Corboy Design
64-65
Circa Lighting
89
GAF
Clarence House
85
Gaggenau
121
Columbia Cabinets 124-127, 153
Gita Bayu
58-61
Corboy, Mal
Global Views
118-121
Lim, Andrew
Francois & Co Gadang Holdings
25
89
114
Gurney, Therese Baron ASID 8-14
D Anthony Beale LLC
135, 139
100-105 T&S Brass
89
135
Axor
98, 114, 121, 127 153
Architerra Design Studio
140-145
Miele
Swinghammer, Michael AIA
Molise Granite & Marble
Hatten Group
De Giulio Collection
146-149 TCD Company
25
34-41
140-145
McKnight Construction
123
Custom Heating & Air
Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd
McCann, Janet
Minotti P
Gurney, Robert M FAIA
Antique Mirror Glass Company 153
137
89
Graff
96-99 153 118-121
Marble Unlimited
127
Margaritelli
89
Marset Marvin Windows and Doors McCann Associates
Smeg
4, 106-107
144
The Central
52-55
The Rice Miller Project
34-41
The Wave
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