SPOTLIGHT ON MALAYSIA FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE LIVING
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Exceeding beyond your imagination
Kitchen island by Staron
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Presenting natural texture and variety of color choices, Samsung offers a piece of art to your living space. • With infinite area of designing space, endless possibilities are enhanced with Samsung's innovation. •
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Exceeding beyond your imagination
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Waterside paradise Ideally positioned along the shores of the Johor Straits and within reach of Singapore, Emerald Bay provides an exceptional lifestyle, investment benefits and opportunities
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EMERALD BAY
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SUSTAINABLE LIVING Floating pavilion Cooled by the breezes passing over ponds on two levels, this new house proves that sustainable architecture can also be at the forefront of modern design
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Tomorrow calling In a fragile world where sustainability is the only way forward, emerging developments look to everything from healthy living to energy efficiency – Pomeroy Studio is a leader in the field
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Planet friendly An eco-township with an innovative park and skygarden set in the 100-year-old town of Kluang, Johor – this is Newpark
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Eco experience With numerous projects in their portfolio, the architects at T R Hamzah & Yeang are walking the talk for green design
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INDONESIAN DEVELOPMENTS Business and pleasure A resort-style residential enclave and a modern commercial park, NavaPark and Foresta Business Loft show every indication of success – both are by award-winning Sinar Mas Land
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SPOTLIGHT ON MALAYSIA It’s a buyer’s market in Malaysia, with landed properties and projects with exceptional locations, amenities, security and a high standard of finish creating the most demand, says the latest market report. We present a variety of such projects from throughout the country
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GRAND DESIGNS Through the ages An Italianate exterior gives way to an Art Deco-style interior on this home
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For years to come Traditional European architecture is referenced in the design of this stately home, which is built from solid stone
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KITCHENS These eye-catching kitchen projects address materials, tones and textures to create design connections that bring the spaces to life
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BATHROOMS Traditional bathrooms focus on the details – the fluting of an edging, the glaze of a panelled door and the finish on a tap all work together in a grand composition
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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 As the world’s population increases, so does our consumption of resources and the negative effect we have on our planet. Across the world, architects and designers have been on the leading edge of the move toward a more sustainable lifestyle. We’re proud to highlight some of their work in this issue. @DavidJideas facebook.com/trendsideas
Increasingly, developers are recognising the need to raise the benchmark in terms of their
David Johnson
residences’ unique selling points; and this now applies to the holistic design, and sustainable aspects, of their projects. Today, potential buyers can find many such ameneties and incentives that will help them secure a good investment that does not compromise on the ecological aspect. In this issue we also present a number of impressive and aspirational luxury homes, as well as kitchen and bathroom designs from across the globe. As usual, these projects are augmented with a variety of goods and services aimed to equip you with the practical knowledge to complete your own project. We trust this issue of Home & Apartment Trends exceeds your expectations. Lastly, our Trends publications are just a small example of what you’ll find online. A world of inspiration can be found when you visit our website, Trendsideas.com. Happy reading
Editorial Editorial Director Paul Taylor Managing Editor John Williams Digital Editor James Gilbert Subeditor Jane McKenzie Senior Writer Colleen Hawkes Staff Writer Charles Moxham Email editorial@trendsideas.com International Business President Judy Johnson – judy.johnson@trendsideas.com General Manager Trends Media Group Louise Messer Director of Strategic Planning Andrew Johnson – andrew.johnson@trendsideas.com Executive Assistant Marinka Simunac Regional Manager USA & Australia Costas Dedes Media Sales Adrian Law – adrian.law@trendsideas.com Ben Trethewey – ben.trethewey@trendsideas.com Leslie Johnson – leslie.johnson@trendsideas.com Shailan Patel – shailan.patel@trendsideas.com Sonia Fredrick – sonia.fredrick@trendsideas.com Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator Lana Tropina-Egorova Email lana@trendsideas.com Production Agency Manager Annette Nortje Operational Account Manager Olya Taburina Project & Client Co-ordinator Terri Patrickson Client Co-ordinator Marijana Zeba Graphic Designers Joan Clarke, Sasha Fowler 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 Production Assistant Anthony Hunt 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 Clint Lewis Distribution General Manager Distribution Tina Kapp-Kailea Distribution MPH Distributors (S) Pte Ltd Email distribution@trendsideas.com or subscriptions@trendsideas.com
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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
In this water-cooled Singapore house, the entire corners of the upper living pavilion can be peeled back to integrate the indoors and outdoors.
High-gloss grey cabinets and a metallic glass-tiled splashback give this renovated corporate condominium a contemporary urban edge.
A suite for a movie star – this traditionally styled bathroom has a serene, glamorous look, reminiscent of the glory days of vintage Hollywood.
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Majestic vision Sometimes the scope, design and setting of a waterfront development are best appreciated in overview
emerald bay
Waterside paradise Waves lapping by the promenade, surrounded by lush landscaping and the scent of tropical flowers – Emerald Bay romances the senses every day
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Harmony is a vital element of any lifestyle property, although achieving a balance between the amenities, comfort, wellness and aesthetic beauty is not always easy. It helps when your natural setting is already close to paradise. A masterplanned, resort-style community by noted developer Bandar Raya Developments Bhd (BRDB), Emerald Bay at Puteri Harbour comprises gracious waterfront homes, and picturesque high-rise apartments. The homes take in the emerald water frontage, with panoramic views and direct access to Puteri Harbour and the Straits of Johor.
Emerald Bay offers a safe, secure lifestyle that is truly idyllic and restful. The waterways that meander through the private estate will be monitored by 24-hour security, and are accessible only to residents and their visitors. There are walking trails and cycle paths, as well a central clubhouse – all making the most of the natural setting. Pocket parks and extensive landscaped streetscapes complete this exclusive waterfront offering that focuses on lifestyle, recreation and complete peace of mind. Nearby Puteri Harbour extends the range of amenities available to residents. This is
Preceding pages and these pages: Emerald Bay comprises freehold bungalows, semi-detached and courtyard homes, as well as highrise and low-rise condominiums. Ideally positioned along the shores of the Straits of Johur and within reach of Singapore, Emerald Bay provides an enviable lifestyle, along with investment benefits and opportunities.
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Above: An exclusive clubhouse overlooks the marina and is a centrepiece of the development. Comprehensive facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, lawns and multipurpose halls. The entire environment is dedicated to enjoyment of the marine world, with public and private marinas and world-class sailing amenities all close at hand.
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a 278ha integrated development. Featuring 10.8km of waterfront properties, this area is home to resorts, hotels, a convention centre, quayside lifestyle stores, and fine dining establishments. There are also alfresco cafÊs, a ferry terminal, a transport hub and 276 marina berths. The pristine Emerald Bay development is located within Nusajaya, Asia’s newest regional city and the key driver of Iskandar Malaysia. Positioned at the southwest tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, adjacent to Singapore, Nusajaya is the largest fully integrated urban development in Southeast Asia, covering 9712ha.
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The natural setting and meticulously configured masterplan are only part of the attraction for residents and investors. The development also offers connections to several important nearby amenities. EduCity@Iskandar is a 123ha fully integrated, best-in-class education hub comprising universities and institutes of higher education, accommodation, and extensive state-of-the-art recreational and sports facilities. Some of the key centres are Marlborough College Malaysia, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia and University of Southampton Malaysia.
The range of health facilities near Emerald Bay include Afiat Healthpark. This spans 27ha and caters to modern medicine, traditional and complementary medicine and wellness. Emerald Bay is well positioned for family fun, too. The nearby Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park includes the first Hello Kitty theme park outside Japan, while Legoland Malaysia is also a short car ride away. Residential options at Emerald Bay include architecturally designed freehold bungalows, semi-detached and courtyard homes, as well as picturesque high- and low-rise condominiums.
Left: A gathering point for the wider community, the Clubhouse at Emerald Bay features a natural material palette and commanding views of the marinas and waterways. The architecture is a meticulous blend of indigenous materials and clean-lined contemporary accents. The clubhouse and individual homes all feature passive cooling strategies.
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Above: Emerald Bay’s latest residential option features 56 apartments over four floors, all with dramatic water outlooks. The distinctive facade is a combination of modern and traditional architecture. The fins and louvres provide an individual touch and the building pays homage to an historic coastal style.
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Three distinctly designed show homes express the luxuries of waterfront living. The courtyard homes are in the Caribbean style, designed by Studio XMSL. This melds the indigenous textures of Caribbean culture with a modern, laid-back aesthetic. White-washed timbers and organic, naturally occurring forms are interwoven with all the must-haves of a modern luxurious family home. Relaxed Palm Beach chic is the look for the semi-detached homes, designed by designer Omar Khan. These evoke the sea and surf, with a nostalgic twist. Splashes of colour, quirkiness
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and freedom of expression are seen throughout. The villas are in the Modern Asian style, finished by eminent designer David Winter. With its generous, airy interiors, the villa option melds hints of Asian design with a more modern look. The Eastern scheme sees deep, rich wood tones set against a cool white background. Then there are the apartment options, which also deliver premium waterfront living. With just 56 homes over four floors, these units are a mix of nostalgia and modern luxury. Intelligent design maximises natural light and ventilation, and offers a clear line of sight to the horizon.
Water-view units range from 130m2 to 176m2 and will be launched in the last quarter of 2014. Whether for resident or astute investor, all these well-appointed freehold homes in a waterfront setting offer a rare opportunity. For further information, contact Bandar Raya Developments Bhd, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 2095 4088 or (+607) 289 3232. Alternatively visit: www.emeraldbaybrdb.com, www.brdb.com.my
Look
Left: Residents can enjoy leisurely strolls along the many promenades and parks at Emerald Bay. Every aspect of the landscape celebrates lush greenery, water and sunshine. BRDB sees the entire lifestyle experience at Emerald Bay as an exercise in wellness and clean living.
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Leading by example Eco-friendly design is transforming the way we live, and in Southeast Asia, architects are pioneering many new sustainable design initiatives
sustainable living
Floating pavilion Cooled by the breezes passing over ponds on two levels, this new house proves that sustainable architecture can also be at the forefront of modern design Preceding pages: Water surrounds all sides of this living pavilion on the upper level of a new two-storey Singapore house designed by Wallflower Architecture + Design. Above and facing page, top: The cladding is a mix of textural surfaces, including slate and rough plaster. Facing page, lower: A 40m-long koi pond inside the house helps to cool the interior. Light wells overhead are open to the elements.
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A tropical climate poses a few challenges for architects looking for sustainable design solutions. Adequate cooling is an obvious priority, but houses also have to accommodate rain storms and high humidity. The owner of this house designed by Wallflower Architecture + Design was eager for the design team to explore natural cooling alternatives, says architectural consultant
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Cecil Chee. At the same time, it was essential to maximise the great views from the site, which is at the end of a long, sloping driveway. “We noticed the best views were from the upper level of the original house on the site, which started us thinking about inverting the way the living spaces are used. This led to a plan to put the living room on the second floor.�
The deisgner says the team, which is renowned for designing houses that respond to the climate, believed a watercooled house would be the best option. But the need to have the living areas on the upper level interfered with the idea of a house that would be cooled by the breezes coming off large ponds. “This sparked the idea of bringing the water right up to
This page: A large oculus in the roof of the car porch provides a view through the rooftop pool. It also allows a round patch of sunlight to highlight the formal entry to the house. Facing page: The circular shape of the oculus is echoed by the stairwell opening on the upper level. The sculptural spiral stairs create a strong sense of arrival and herald the journey to the living pavilion on the top floor.
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the living area,” says Chee. “So the second floor takes the form of a large, glass-walled floating pavilion set within a large, rooftop pool. “The water creates a reflective boundary for the building, with the infinity edges blurring to merge with the tree canopy and sky. This focuses the eye on the outlook. At this level the house itself is very transparent – it is little
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more than a roof over your head. With all the glass walls opened up, the pavilion is cooled by the breezes coming off the water.” Chee says these breezes are created naturally by temperature variations between the water and hard landscaping elements, such as the paving and solid walls. These are heated by the sun to a greater degree than the water.
The entry to the house hints at what lies beyond. The design team created a large oculus in the roof of the car porch, directly beneath the pool. “The sunlight casts a circle on the ground, like a spotlight that defines the entry,” says Chee. “It’s possible to look up through the water and glimpse the tops of the palm trees and the sky.”
First floor
Ground floor
Legend: 1 entry, 2 dining room, 3 kitchen, 4 pools, 5 bedrooms, 6 master suite, 7 family room, 8 media room, 9 living room, 10 terrace. Above right and facing page: The living pavilion resembles a floating platform. Glass walls open up the space and provide cross ventilation for the cooling breezes off the water, ensuring the owner rarely needs to use air conditioning.
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Further visual interest is provided by contrasting textural elements. A blade wall of slate crosses the front of the house, intersecting with a white plastered beam. “We like to use textures to illustrate the different forms of a building,” the designer says. “Here the rough-plastered white surface defines the edge of the pool above.” The front door is a simple
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timber-framed cutout in the slate wall. This exposes a view of the large sculptural spiral staircase leading up to the pavilion. “Creating a hierarchy in the journey through a house is important,” says Chee. “It should be instantly clear where you are expected to go when you enter through the front door. The spiral staircase immediately draws the eye.
In contrast, a wall across the back of the entry screens the private areas from view.” The ground floor of the house comprises two long rectangular forms. The wider volume, which is just one room deep, accommodates the entry with dining table, bedrooms and a family living room at the far end. The narrower form houses the service rooms hidden behind the long wall.
The passage between these two volumes incorporates a 40m-long koi pond, with bridges linking the walkway to the individual rooms. “Because this volume is just one room deep, it’s possible to open doors on both sides to get good cross ventilation,” says Chee. “Here again, the pond creates cooling breezes. Large air wells in the roof above the pond provide
further ventilation. These openings echo the shape of the pools. They also allow rain water to cool the interior. Even in a severe rain storm, the raindrops come straight down, not at an angle, so the doors to the bedroom doors can be left open.” Water run-off from the rain is channelled into a hidden reservoir and used for garden irrigation.
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resources & more images 45589 at trendsideas.com another sustainable home 43691 at trendsideas.com search wallflower at trendsideas.com
“The pools on both levels enliven the interior spaces,” says the designer. “Sunlight reflecting off the water casts reflections on the ceilings, and the wind creates ripples.” Materials used inside the house reinforce the sleek, minimalist architecture. Travertine lines the entry, and the floor in this area is white marble. “We also used white marble for the floor in the
pavilion to enhance this more formal space,” says Chee. “In contrast, all the joinery and the ceiling, which extends out to form the sweeping eaves, are in teak. This is a very tropical, Southeast Asian design response.” Balau hardwood was specified for the raft-like platform that extends out above the pool, linking the living areas with the views beyond.
The designer says the house is being cooled exactly as planned. Since the owner moved into the house, she has not often had to use the air conditioning. “It is not just the breezes that are helping to cool the interior. The water on the upper level also helps to cool the rooms below. Water lost to evaporation is topped up from the hidden reservoir.”
Facing page: The entire corners of the living pavilion can be peeled back to integrate the indoors and outdoors. Above left: Ripples on the water enliven the interior spaces. The pool has an infinity edge so the water appears to merge with the lush tropical greenery beyond. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Albert Lim
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Tomorrow calling In a fragile world where sustainability is the only way forward, emerging developments look to everything from healthy living to energy efficiency – Pomeroy Studio is a leader in the field
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Designing a sustainable mixed-use project involves more than optimising solar power and outdoor spaces. Today, every aspect of living is factored in, and acknowledging qualities such as cultural history, sense of place and a healthy lifestyle is all part of its ultimate success. Pomeroy Studio is an international team of designers and thought-leader of sustainable built environments. Two recent projects here reflect its holistic approach to green developments. Director Jason Pomeroy says the cultural background of the people and history of the land are key factors in effective green environments.
“Recently, we designed a large, mixed-use development in Jakarta – One Mackenzie Park. The project required a homegrown, cultural feel as it was in a part of the city with myriad glass skyscrapers that had lacked a sense of tradition. The scheme embraces diverse functions, including residential, retail and some broader commercial components in future phases. “In spatial terms, the design incorporates a reinterpretation of the traditional Indonesian serambi, or terraces. This design approach allowed for outdoor social space often adopted by the Malay community and provided a means
Above left: One Mackenzie Park, by sustainable design specialists Pomeroy Studio, reinterprets the cultural traditions of Borabadur in not only the landscape treatment, but also the buildings’ facade design. Top and above: The architecture seeks to respond to the climatic factors of the region by optimising air flow through the green open spaces.
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of shading the facades. This in turn served the environmental purposes of passive design that optimised natural light and ventilation to flow through the buildings. The concept was first tested by quantitative building physics models.” In addition, modular construction has been proposed throughout, with a 90% ratio of modular components to special parts. This has the potential to halve the construction time and minimise wet trades. Borabodur, the UNESCO world heritage site, provided the source of inspiration. Its many traditional stupas – commemorative mounds,
or monuments – dotted around the landscape, brought the chance for cultural reinterpretation and a sense of identity to the development. “We designed chequerboard facades and green terraces that visually reference the ancient stupas and historic site while also providing environmental protection to the buildings. In addition, we introduced rotund, recreational pavilions that echo the the iconic stupa form. These are carefully positioned in adherence to early geomantic principles,” says Pomeroy. “They also help punctuate the large central open public space.”
Facing page: The buildings are conceived in modular form to minimise costly one-off elements, wet trades and to speed up construction by up to 50%. Above: One Mackenzie Park also references local ancient monuments. The stupas, or mounds, are echoed in round recreation pavilions between the buildings. The facades and green terraces on the development also call to mind these iconic, historic forms and their geomantic placement.
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Above: Newpark is another forward looking mixed-use development by Pomeroy Studio. Here, the residents will enjoy reductions in energy and water bills given the building’s optimisation of natural light, natural ventilation, grey and rainwater harvesting methodologies and the exploration of solar energy. The result will be green living with enhanced safety and security blended with healthier lifestyle choices.
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“We are currently exploring another form of reinterpretation, too, with the mixed-use township of Newpark. Here we are drawing on the undulating landscape in the Gunang Lambak hills of Kluang, Malaysia. This time, however, it’s the stratified lines of the topography that are our source of inspiration.” Central to the masterplan is a new park – The Promenade – that references the hills that form a backdrop to the town. The Promenade will connect an expo-trade centre, an education hub, serviced apartments, a business hotel and its associated convention facilities, retail, offices
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and business parks, together with a residential community. Not only will the Promenade offer an abundance of social and recreational amenities for both residents and visitors, but it will also be a zero-energy public space, generating energy to offset what it uses for park services. “Both projects demonstrate that cultural sustainability is an integral aspect of green design and transcends scale, discipline and sector. Perhaps by foregrounding our cultural heritage – through abstraction and architectural reinterpretation – we may preserve the character of historic places for future generations.Cultural,
spatial and technological sustainability seem as important as the accepted ‘triple bottom line’ when it comes to developments that reinforce the idea of ‘people, profit and planet’. These goals drive our design and thought leadership on sustainable environments,” Pomeroy says. For further details contact Pomeroy Studio, email: pr@pomeroystudio.sg. Alternatively, visit the website: www.pomeroystudio.sg
Left: The three principal buildings at Newpark – an education facility, apartments and a hotel and convention centre – generate their own micro-climate. Exploring the architectural possibilities for natural, sustainable heating and cooling solutions is essential to the green credentials for the entire development.
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Planet friendly An eco-township with an innovative park and skygarden set in the 100-year-old town of Kluang, Johor – this is Newpark Above: Designed by Pomeroy Studio and driven by Majupadu, the Newpark development will offer the first serviced residences at Kluang. The concept seeks to balance the contemporary living with the delight of resort – style recreational amenities. Offering a range of suites that have views to either the Promenade, or the distant hills of Gunung Lambak, the design of this landmark residential development will be a lesson in green design.
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On an over-stretched planet, going green is the logical move for a far-sighted developer. Driven by Majupadu Development Sdn Bhd and designed by Pomeroy Studio, Newpark will be a flagship for sustainable living and commercial opportunity, says Majupadu executive director Ms Tey Fui Kien. “With a lush green park and skygarden, Newpark in Kluang, in Johor, Malaysia will be the town’s largest masterplanned project.” The mixed-use development will signal Kluang’s continuing evolution from a palm oil producer to a vocational education and trade
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leader. The forward-looking eco-friendly design draws inspiration from the nearby landmark of Gunung Lambak hills. ““We are delighted to be partnering with Pomeroy Studio given their track record of pioneering green design. This project is an opportunity to upgrade Kluang for the future and is a game changing moment for us.” Central to the masterplan is a new park, the Promenade. This will connect a trade centre, an education hub and serviced apartments; a business hotel, shops and offices; commercial parks and a residential component. The Promenade
will also generate enough energy to offset what it uses from the public utility infrastructure. The hotel and convention centre forms the gateway to the township. Embracing the trade and education focus, it will be a hub of social and economic activity, with 250 business-class rooms, suites and family suites, backed by a raft of commercial facilities. A rooftop bar will offer views to Gunung Lambak hills. The Deck links to the hotel and convention centre and offers a multitude of leisure amenities, including swimming pools, a gymnasium and children’s playgrounds.
“Newpark will balance contemporary needs with the delight of a resort-style environment. It will also be a lesson in green design with residents enjoying reduced energy and water bills due to the apartment building’s smart use of natural light and ventilation, grey and rainwater harvesting and solar energy. The result will be green living in a secure setting, with many healthy lifestyle choices,” says Tey Fui Kien. save & share 45218 at trendsideas.com
Top: The mixed use development by Marzuki Mahadi Architects includes offices and high-end retail as well as speciality restaurants and bars. Above: The Promenade will connect an expo-trade centre, an education hub, serviced apartments, a business hotel and its associated convention facilities, shop offices and business parks and a residential community. A zero-energy realm, The Promenade will also generate its own power for all public utilities.
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Eco experience With numerous projects in their portfolio, the architects at T R Hamzah & Yeang are walking the talk for green design
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With the demand for green design soaring, it’s probably not surprising that most architects talk about working on such projects. But there are varying degrees of “greenness� and it is always a good idea to do your research before embarking on a project. The architectural firm T R Hamzah & Yeang (TRHY) delivers an ecology-based approach with an especially
high degree of environmental authenticity. Principals Tengku Robert Hamzah and Ken Yeang says this puts their team firmly at the leading edge of the next generation of green design. “We have a super-green signature architecture that goes way beyond accreditations such as LEED, BREEAM, GBI and Green Mark,” says Yeang. “We are architects and ecologists, and TRHY is best
known for its hyper-sustainable carbon-neutral architecture and masterplans that integrate seamlessly and benignly with the natural environment.” Yeang says the firm’s work also seeks to create spaces and places, built forms and masterplans that are uplifting and pleasurable. “TRHY has been in business since 1975 and has always been in the constant pursuit of
These pages: T R Hamzah & Yeang is an international architecture firm with a focus on environmentally friendly design. Solaris, Singapore (facing page) was designed as a 1.3km vertical park, with a continuous spiral landscaped ramp. It has received the highest possible green certification. Also shown are the Genandra Art House with experimental cooling shaft (above left), the Digi Green Mark Gold building (above) and the National Library Singapore, which has a naturally ventilated atrium (left).
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Top: The Roof Roof House features an experimental double roof that insulates the home interior from the heat of the sun. Above: TRHY also works on large commercial and civic projects. The Calvary Convention Center features a 5000-seat auditorium with an operable roof.
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innovation. We have a focus on eco and bioclimatic design solutions, while also promoting customer-friendly design and strict value-engineering control of cost.” Both principals studied at the renowned AA (Architectural Association) School in London. Hamzah attended the AA Tropical School under Dr Otto Koenigsberger, whereas Yeang received a doctorate in
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ecological design and planning from the University of Cambridge. “This shared interest engendered a friendship and a synergy that fuelled our partnership for more than four decades,” says Yeang. The firm has received many awards in this time, including the Prinz Claus Award (Netherlands), the Aga Khan Award (Geneva) and many others.
The firm has two sister companies, Ken Yeang Design International (UK) and NorthHamzah-Yeang Architectural Engineering Design Co Ltd, which has five offices in China. TRHY has ongoing projects in Singapore, Europe, USA and elsewhere in Asia. The architects have designed and built virtually every type of building, from small houses to branded factories,
convention centres and green libraries. Projects include the Great Ormond Children’s Hospital extension, the Yamaha factory, DiGi low-energy data centre, the bioclimatic Calvary Convention Center, National Library Singapore and the Genome Research science building in Hong Kong. The team has also designed religious buildings and experimental art galleries, such as
the Genandra Art House. The architects’ work has been published extensively in international journals. They also have a history of involvement in the local design community. Yeang was also a former RIBA council member, Malaysian Institute of Architects president and PAM gold medallist. “Despite our extensive experience, our work remains
unique, relevant, credible, topical and motivating,” says Yeang. For details, contact T R Hamzah & Yeang, No 8 Jalan Satu, Taman Sri Ukay, Off Jalan Ulu Kelang, Ampang, Malaysia 68000. Tel: (+603) 4257 1966. Website: www.yeangs.com
Top: The H House, designed by TRHY, has a naturally ventilated cooling courtyard. Above: The Reynolds House is a water-cooled house, whereby breezes created by surface temperature differences are channelled through the interior.
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Business and pleasure A resort-style residential enclave and a modern commercial park, NavaPark and Foresta Business Loft show every indication of success – both are by award-winning Sinar Mas Land
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indonesian developments
One mark of a great innovator is the ability to create successful visionary projects in diverse fields. Another indicator is a company that has a string of industry awards to its name. A leading developer in Southeast Asia, Sinar Mas Land has more than 40 years’ experience in the field of property development in Indonesia. With 50 major projects in its portfolio, Sinar Mas Land is seen as one of the most dynamic developers in Indonesia. The company’s skills are recognised through the prestigious awards it has attracted, such as the International World FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Award in Cyprus
(2011), World FIABCI Prix Award in Taichung (2013), and the Asia Pacific Property Awards in Kuala Lumpur (2012 and 2013). And in return, the company itself has launched a Young Architect Competition 2014. Two quite different new developments give a further indication of the quality that Sinar Mas Land strives for, says Ishak Chandra, managing director corporate strategy and services. “NavaPark is an international resort lifestyle enclave developed in conjunction with another big-name Asian developer, Hongkong Land. Set on 67ha, the modern, mixed-use project offers
Above: NavaPark offers a residential township in a lush tropical setting next to a river. The development is driven by Sinar Mas Land in conjunction with Hongkong Land. A raft of educational, recreational and medical facilities, plus a broad array of recreational options ensure NavaPark offers an holistic, healthy place to play and work.
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Above: Relaxation central – the leading feature of NavaPark is the country club, nestled at the side of an artificial lagoon. The twostorey facility provides recreational facilities that include everything from a mini-putt golf course to a full-length swimming pool, as well as badminton, tennis and basketball facilities. These are just some of many options available.
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a strategic, pristine location and accessibility. NavaPark has been precisely designed by masterplan consultant Aecom, and presents a diverse residential offering that includes landed houses, waterfront villas, and condominiums.” Lush surroundings and water views will be enjoyed from most units in NavaPark, which includes 3ha of riverfront green belt, a 7.4ha Botanical Park, and a neighbourhood park. NavaPark’s resort-like air is captured in its refined country club, which serves as the centre for sports, leisure and recreation. The club’s organic-look architecture is by Axis Architect
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Planners, with the verdant landscape design by Coen Design International, both of Singapore. Located within its own lagoon, akin to an island of 2.4ha, the two-storey building includes several leisure amenities and dining options. NavaPark will be also enriched by the nearby commercial, retail, and lifestyle amenities. The development is strategically located in the heart of Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD City). And in commercial terms alone, NavaPark is in excellent company, being surrounded by a number of business establishments such as the BSD Green Office Park, and the Indonesia
Convention Exhibition. Educational facilities nearby include the Jakarta Nanyang School, Sinar Mas World Academy, the Swiss German University and Prasetya Mulya Business School. There are also myriad recreational options to hand, including an international golf course, the popular Aeon Mall and Breeze Lifestyle Centre. “NavaPark is envisioned to become an iconic address that offers a waterfront lifestyle infused with the natural world,” says Chandra. “Every aspect of the built environment has been designed in careful detail by Aecom – we are pleased to have chosen the right partner.”
Left: Part of the charm of NavaPark is that residents are never far from the sight and sound of running water. Extensive landscaping ensures the natural feel of the surrounding environment is carried through into the development. Every aspect is intended to evoke a relaxing sense of tranquillity for owners and visitors alike.
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Above: The new Foresta Business Loft 3 development offers a fresh and exciting way to operate, with respected local and international neighbours and a variety of commercial facilities. It also caters to everyday office requirements. Centrally located on the main road in BSD City, Foresta Business Loft 3 is close to several major road transport connections.
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The other development, also at BSD City, is all about the future of business in the area. “Foresta Business Loft 3 is the answer to the growing demand for commercial spaces that are strategically located and offer a high investment value,” says Chandra. “The project combines classic and contemporary design accents with premium units in limited numbers. There are just 26 units, in four different styles.” Again, supported by the location, Foresta Business Loft 3 is on the main line, close to the same retail, educational and business amenities as NavaPark. Foresta Business Loft 3 is close to
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the Foresta residential area and De Park, another premium residential area in BSD City. Both developments are supported by the Ciledug-Ulujami Jorr West 2 toll roads that make access to BSD City easier, Chandra says. “With the launch of Foresta Business Loft 3, boasting an individual design, state-of-the-art facilities and investment value, Sinar Mas Land has responded to the needs of the local business and commercial community. This project has attracted interest from world-class companies across Asia, and we expect a fast take-up rate.� Sinar Mas Land is also running a programme
to develop and recognise the talents of the youth of Indonesia. This prestigious event, the Sinar Mas Land Young Architect Competition (SMLYAC) 2014, is for architecture students in 7th semester. Registration has been open since June, and will close on 20 November 2014. For details, contact Sinar Mas Land, Jl Grand Boulevard, BSD Green Office Park, BSD City, Tangerang 15345. Web: www.sinarmasland.com see & share 45217 at trendsideas.com
Above: Each building is designed with a high ceiling and large windows for a light-filled, expansive feel. The material palette is natural and features travertine on the facade, as well as a marble ground floor and frameless glass doors at the main entrance. These factors ensure the newest business and commercial district in BSD City marks a new beginning for urban office in terms of chic urban design.
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Pick of the bunch It’s a buyer’s market in Malaysia, with landed properties and projects with exceptional locations, amenities, security and a high standard of finish creating the most demand, says the latest CBRE market report Cooling measures introduced to the Malaysian property market by authorities are affecting sales, as predicted. But certain areas of the market have proved resilient, says the latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis. “Landed properties with freehold titles remain top favourites in the present market conditions,” the report says. “Security is still the main issue of concern – it is ranked the most important for buyers. So gated and guarded developments are also highly sought after, especially for
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properties in good locations. Products with good design and high-quality finishing also continue to do well, as these are still somewhat limited.” CBRE predicts that property prices, particularly in the landed segment with good infrastructure and amenities, will continue to climb steadily. “Land and construction costs are both on the way up, and coupled with the GST to be introduced in the second quarter of 2015, property prices should head northwards. However, transactions for
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condominiums in mid-high to high-end segments will be affected due to current supply, but it is seen as a short-term effect. “Rental yields in residential properties are in the region of 3% to 5% per annum, and with capital values moving upwards, we expect rentals would follow suit.” The report says two-storey terrace and semi-detached houses will continue to be the most popular category as all buyers will ultimately want to own a landed property with a title if it is achievable. The secondary market is becoming
spotlight on malaysia
more active, with prices in select locations now looking relatively attractive. Areas such as Damansara Heights, Hartamas, Bangsar, Desa Park City, Mont Kiara, Bandar Utama and Mutiara Damansara will continue to be in strong demand. “Today, buyers are turning their attention to this secondary or sub sale market, even though there is a hefty down payment and high costs of acquisition for these properties. The current prices are still lower in comparison with those of the newer launches, so there is clearly a
greater potential for capital appreciation.” For details, contact Paul Khong, CB Richard Ellis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Level 9 Menara Millennium, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Danamsara, 50490, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 2092 5955. Fax: (+603) 2092 5966. Mobile: 6012 2168 278. Email: paul.khong@cbre.com.my. Or visit the website: www.cbre.com.my
Facing page: Malaysia is open for business. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis says it’s a buyer’s market at present. Gated and guarded properties and landed housing are particularly well sought after. Above: New developments close to expressways and rail and bus links are getting the most attention from potential buyers.
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Market spreads out in KL The property market in Kuala Lumpur is changing, with affordable housing becoming the target segment for most developers, says CBRE While there remains a market for luxury properties in Kuala Lumpur, it is the affordable housing market getting the most attention from developers. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis says the focus on affordable housing is a trade-off between high-risk super profits in the luxury segment, and lower-priced products with good and ready demand and lower risk. “On the mid-end segments, Kajang, Semenyih and Nilai are new fringe locations that have become popular over the
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past few years. Many projects here have sold well, and the development trend is heading southwards towards KLIA. Most of the new projects that sell well are close to the main highways.” The report says first-time buyers will have a better chance to own their first landed property in these secondary locations at more affordable prices. However, prices are increasing – it is always a tradeoff with distance versus price and landed versus strata. “We are continuing to see a slight
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increase in the average price for secondary transactions of condominiums in the areas of KLCC, Bangsar and Mont’Kiara. Prices are up 1% for the quarter. This suggests that investors continue to view opportunities in the secondary market rather than those offered in prime markets, as they offer good value deals. However, the challenging rental market remains a concern.” CBRE says some new launches in 2014 with good take-up rates include Lakeville Residence @ Taman Wahyu Kepong, developed by Mah Sing. This features
1244 condominium units at RM570psf. It is reported that 85% of the units are sold. EcoMajestic @ Semenyih by Ecoworld has 612 units of terraced houses, with 95% sold. Sunway Geo @ Sunway South Quay had a complete sell-out of the first phase. At the soft launch of the second phase this year 80% of the units were sold. Other sell-out launches this year include Tropicana Heights terrace houses and Arnica serviced apartments. A few Bayberry serviced apartments are available. SK One Residence @ Seri Kembangan
Tower A by Malton is also fully sold out. For details, contact Paul Khong, CB Richard Ellis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Level 9 Menara Millennium, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Danamsara, 50490, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 2092 5955. Fax: (+603) 2092 5966. Mobile: 6012 2168 278. Email: paul.khong@cbre.com.my. Or visit the website: www.cbre.com.my save & share 45495 at trendsideas.com
Facing page and above left: KL Eco City is one of the new mixed-use developments in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis reports that developers in Kuala Lumpur are paying close attention to the affordable market and first-home buyers – the high-volume, low-risk option is paying dividends. Above: Angkasa Raya opposite the Petronas Twin Towers in the heart of KLCC is a mixed-use development comprising premium offices, a luxury hotel and serviced residences.
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Green at heart From the lush landscaping to the indoor-outdoor living, luxury bungalows in the Aspen@Garden Residence enclave are closely linked to the natural environment Escaping the city doesn’t have to involve taking a well-earned vacation. When you live in a tranquil resortstyle setting, you can enjoy a holiday lifestyle all year round. Aspen@Garden Residence, developed by Mah Sing Group, offers such an escape. Part of the group’s awardwinning Garden Residence series, Aspen is a gated enclave of luxury bungalow homes,
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with a modern, minimalist architecture. Each bungalow has three-and-a-half storeys and generous built-up areas. As the name suggests, the bungalows enjoy a close relationship with nature – extensive glazing provides views of lush gardens, and many of the nine rooms in each bungalow open up to the outdoors. An open-plan layout also means the interiors are
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spacious, airy and filled with light. But at the same time, the design ensures each home is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. With a north-south orientation, none of the homes have direct exposure to the west. There are also balconies that shade the interiors. Each home has a rooftop garden terrace, which overlooks the 20ha forest reserve
right behind Aspen@Garden Residence. These terraces enhance the sense of a green oasis, and reduce the carbon footprint of the houses. They also work to significantly cool down the interiors. Other key features of the bungalows include a private elevator, an outdoor Jacuzzi on the rooftop terrace, and a flexible design that caters to multi-generational living.
The ground floor of each home was conceived as an entertainment space. It incorporates the living room, a wet and dry kitchen, multipurpose guest room and a library that can be converted into a home office or studio. The public spaces feature smooth marble floors, while the more private rooms have timber floors, with marble and porcelain tiles in wet areas.
Facing page: Luxury detached bungalows line the avenues of the new Aspen@Garden Residence in Cyberjaya. Each three-and-ahalf-storey bungalow is designed to minimise heat gain, while maximising views of the lush gardens and neighbouring forest reserve. Above and left: Developed by Mah Sing Group, Aspen@Garden Residence features avenues lined with shade trees.
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The homes have numerous eco-friendly features in addition to the sun shading and the cooling effect of the rooftop terrace. These include good cross ventilation, rainwater harvesting, low-energy appliances, solar-powered water heating and sustainable materials. To enhance the concept of a garden-infused home, the avenues are lined with shade palms. The streets are also laid
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out so they radiate to a central park accessible only to residents. Other amenities include swimming pools, a children’s playground and clubhouse. Security is a given – each home has a standalone security system and an intercom connected to a guard house. The perimeter fence is monitored by CCTV cameras with night vision, and a video motion detector system.
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Garden Residence is in a strategic location within the heart of Cyberjaya, home to many multinational companies, including Shell, HSBC, Dell and BMW. The Maju Expressway that runs between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya ensures KL is just a 20-minute drive away. Further accessibility to other areas is provided by a network of highways and the Express
Rail Link (ERL) through KLIA transit. For more details, contact Mah Sing Group Berhad, Wisma Mah Sing, Penthouse Suite 2, No 163, Jalan Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57100, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 9221 6888. Web: www.mahsing.com.my save & share 45235 at trendsideas.com
Facing page top: Homes in the Aspen@Garden Residence enclave have a crisp, contemporary architecture. Facing page centre and above: Spacious interiors and rooftop terraces with Jacuzzis are features of the bungalows. Facing page lower and left: Shared amenities include swimming pools, a children’s playground, gymnasium and futsal and badminton courts.
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Question of style Contemporary architecture for modern living – the high-end Aspen@Garden Residence enclave puts the focus on good design
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Good design infiltrates every part of our lives today – from the smartphones we use to the cars we drive and the homes we live in. So it’s not surprising that a luxury development such as Aspen@Garden Residence would prioritise good architecture. And that’s precisely what Mah Sing Group has done. The three-and-a-half-storey bungalows in the precinct
have a minimalist design that is reflected in pure geometric forms and sharp, clean lines. The architecture, which is based on the concept of “controlled simplicity�, juxtaposes solid and glass walls in layered facades with deep balconies that provide sun shading. In keeping with the crisp, minimalist theme, the exteriors are finished in white and light, earthy tones, creating a
backdrop for relaxed living. The design provides open frontages on all units. A gated and guarded entry to the enclave removes the need for traditional fences. Mah Sing Group says there is a pent-up demand for landed properties in Cyberjaya that feature high-end contemporary architecture. This is because most of the current residential properties comprise
medium-range apartments and bungalow lots. For more details, contact Mah Sing Properties Sdn Bhd, Wisma Mah Sing, Penthouse Suite 2, No 163, Jalan Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57100, Malaysia. Tel: (+603) 9221 6888. Web: www.mahsing.com.my save & share 45238 at trendsideas.com
Facing page: The luxury bungalows at Aspen@Garden Residence are distinguished by their streamlined, contemporary architecture. Each residence has a car porch with parking for three to four cars. Above: Leafy trees soften the geometric form of the bungalows, which are set against the backdrop of a 20ha forest reserve. The new BMW X3 car in these photographs is courtesy of BMW Malaysia.
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The high life Two imposing towers illuminate the South Desa Park skyline at dusk – Villa Crystal is a new jewel in the crown for Orando Holdings Finding the right property is all about doing your research – and when the right location, inspiring architecture and a reputable developer all come together, you know you are on track. Villa Crystal is the latest offering from Orando Holdings, a multi-award winning company with an established reputation for high-quality residential developments. Located in South Desa Park, between North Kiara and Desa Park City, Villa Crystal is a freehold development comprising two soaring towers – the Ametrine
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building has 38 storeys, and the Branberg has 37, with a combined total of 414 units. Each tower boasts a grand lobby and four high-speed lifts to whisk owners up to the private apartments. And it is here that residents can put their personal stamp on a home interior. Apartments have versatile, spacious living areas. There are eight layout plans, ranging from 107m2 to 150m2. Each apartment comes with multiple bedrooms, a private balcony and dedicated multipurpose area, which could be transformed
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into a media room or home office. Other features at Villa Crystal include a swimming pool, in-house jogging track, children’s play area and three-tier security. To contact Orando Holdings Sdn Bhd, No 1, 6-1, Jalan Medan Putra 4, Medan Putra Business Centre, Off Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur 52200. Tel: (603) 6275 4933. Web: www.orando.com.my save & share 45512 at trendsideas.com
Facing page, above and left: Villa Crystal is a new development in South Desa Park by Orando Holdings. Two towers, the Ametrine and Branberg, have 414 apartments, all with versatile, spacious living areas and master suites. A three-tier security system includes dedicated access card entry. The development is close to major highways, international schools, medical centres, a leisure park and shopping malls, including I Utama and The Curve. Far left: Residents can enjoy the swimming pool and sun terrace at Villa Crystal. There is also a children’s playground and indoor jogging track.
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Steady as she goes The Iskandar Malaysia property market is feeling the effects of government cooling measures, with slower take-up rates. But several launches are planned for the second half of this year, says CBRE The number of property launches in Iskandar Malaysia was down in the first half of 2014, but more launches are on the way this year. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis says take-up rates are at reasonable levels, but are definitely slower than the past few quarters. “With all the events in the market, property prices still show signs of improvement in the secondary markets and there has been a positive impact on the landed property segments. “With Developer Interest Bearing
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Schemes barred, there has been a slower take-up with homeowners struggling to find the big deposit. Homeowners are also taking a cautious approach, and there are still strong concerns over the rising house prices and general affordability.” The report says Iskandar is often referred to as the Shenzhen of Singapore, with Singapore investors still a key target market. Many Chinese developers have entered the market, with launches planned by Country Garden, GuangZhou R&F Properties, Greenland Group,
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Zouda and Hao Yuan Investment. Many new projects are expected to enter the market in Medini this year, including 1 Medini Walk by Tangs Group, Singapore, Gleneagles Medical Suites by Parkway Group, UMLand by Medini Projects, and Sunway Iskandar. Recent launches include Eco Spring and Eco Summer at Tebrau, near Setia Indah – a RM5.87 billion mixed development by Eco World. IOI Properties has launched 180 units of Oleander Cluster houses in Taman Kempas Utama. The
Alvira Garden Terraces and Mah Sing Bandar Meridin East township are other launches. Several highrises are also planned, including R&F’s Princess Cove Phase I, Country Garden Danga Bay, Green Haven, Tropicana’s Danga Bay and Sunway Iskandar @ Citrine Residences. The report says one major catalyst for business is the new Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex development, which will spur and boost activities in east Johor over the next few years. A total of RM170 billion is being invested in this project.
For details, contact Paul Khong, CB Richard Ellis (Johor) Sdn Bhd, Level 16-1, Menara Landmark, No 12, Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: (+607) 221 7118. Fax: (+607) 221 7119. Mob: +6012 2168 278/+6016 6279 139 (Ms Ong Tee Hui). Emails: paul.khong@ cbre.com.my or teehui.ong@cbre.com.my. Website: www.cbre.com.my
Facing page: Iskandar Malaysia is one of the more picturesque regions receiving plenty of attention from developers. Shown here is Puteri Bay, home to several major developments. Above: Many of the projects are positioned near the waterfront in Iskandar Malaysia. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis says that Singapore buyers are now being specifically targeted by Chinese developers.
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Bridge seen as catalyst Development in South Penang is expected to soar following the opening of the Second Bridge in Penang in March 2014, says CBRE Malaysia Accessibility is a priority for most new home buyers and this is most apparent in Penang where new transport links and infrastructure projects are making certain areas more attractive to developers. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis says the opening of the Second Bridge, for example, is considered the development catalyst for South Penang. On the mainland, the proximity of the bridge has seen Batu Kawan experiencing huge demand for land. Eco World has just bought 190.2ha of
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land in Batu Kawan for RM1.02 billion, and Penang Designer Village and Ikea are both under construction in Batu Kawan, completing within two to three years. Infrastructure projects enhancing the potential of the area include major upgrades to Penang Airport, Penang Ferry Terminals and the Rapid Penang bus network. Roading improvements totalling RM6.34 billion are also underway. These include new expressways and an undersea tunnel linking Gurney Drive and Bagan Ajam in Butterworth.
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CB Richard Ellis says on Penang Island, the corridors of growth are all near the expressways. However, the company says that overall the residential market growth has slowed a little, with the total supply increased to 381,000 units, 55% of these on the island. “We notice increasing demand for properties on Penang Island, with landed properties accounting for 40% of all properties here. The values of these increased by 17.5% per annum in 2013. But new
regulations for foreign investment will eventually affect demand.� CB Richard Ellis says in the high-rise segment, the top three performers in terms of location are Tanjung Tokong, Ganjung Bungah and Georgetown. Rents grew steadily and average rates saw a 28% increase over five years. Take-up rates for newly launched residential developments throughout the region are described as moderate. Most transaction prices of completed highrise units are within RM400psf to RM 600psf.
For details, contact Paul Khong, CB Richard Ellis (Penang) Sdn Bhd, No 1-1-40, Elit Avenue Business Park, Jalan Mayang Pasir 3, 11950 Bayan Baru, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Tel: (+604) 226 4888 Fax: (+604) 226 4111. Mob: +6012 2168 278/+6013 3921 918 (Ms Lee Hooi San). Emails: paul. khong@cbre.com.my and hooisan.lee@ cbre.com.my. Web: www.cbre.com.my save & share 45494 at trendsideas.com
Facing page: Penang Designer Village is a new development planned for Batu Kawan, Penang. The latest property market report from CB Richard Ellis says this area is experiencing huge demand for land, due to its proximity to the new Second Bridge to Penang Island. Top and above: Developer PE Land Sdn Bhd, which currently operates Kuching’s The Spring Mall in Sarawak, won a tender from the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in an open bid for the ambitious project. Penang Designer Village will incorporate a premium retail shopping outlet and hotel and is expected to be built within two years.
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Iskandar investment soars The Iskandar Malaysia region has been attracting huge interest from foreign investors in 2014, especially from companies based in Singapore, says the latest property market report from PropertyGuru
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New investment figures show that the Iskandar Malaysia region is attracting huge interest from foreign investors and has grown exponentially, despite getting off to a slow start when it was first launched in 2006. PropertyGuru, the online property marketing specialist, says recent reports show new investments in Iskandar Malaysia more than doubled in the second quarter of 2014. This brings the year’s total investment figures to the end of June to RM14.56 billion.
Facing page: New property listings with PropertyGuru include SouthKey Mosaic serviced residences in Iskandar, Johor. The development offers a mix of recreational facilities, food and beverage premises and entertainment options. Above: Country Garden in Danga Bay, Johor, offers 180° panoramic views of the sea, city skyline and Singapore. Left: The Peak in Johor features architecture based on historical inspirations dating back to 1855 when the Temenggong Dynasty rose to power.
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The second quarter surge came from new spending in the property, manufacturing and finance sectors, says a spokesperson for the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). The figures recorded from January to June this year indicate Iskandar Malaysia will equal or surpass last year’s annual investment figure of RM25.33 billion. Since the launch in 2006, 64% of the investment in the region has been by Malaysian investors, with 36% from foreign interests. Singapore continues to be
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the country with the highest number of foreign investors in Iskandar Malaysia, with committed investments totalling RM 11 billion up to April this year. But the success was not without hard work. In order to boost the overall appeal of the region, the Malaysian government has committed significant investments to improve infrastructure and develop catalytic projects. These include the Johor State New Administrative Centre in Kota Iskandar, Legoland Malaysia Theme Park, Hello Kitty Town, Johor Premium Outlets,
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Newcastle Medicine University Malaysia and Marlborough College, as well as new highways such as the New Coastal Highway and the Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway to boost accessibility and connectivity within Iskandar Malaysia. Getty Goh, director of Ascendant Assets, a real estate research and investment consultancy firm, says rising land costs in Singapore, coupled with land and labour shortages, have led companies to reconsider their business strategies and operations to be more cost efficient.
“Over the past five years, the industrial land price index in Singapore has increased by more than 100 percent; hence, it has been increasingly costly for both local and multinational companies to continue having their factory operations in Singapore. “As a result, many companies have started looking at Iskandar Malaysia. Not only is the region close to Singapore, it also offers abundant natural resources, greater land area, and a pool of skilled labour at a lower cost.”
Under the Malaysian government’s Comprehensive Development Plan, Iskandar Malaysia has until 2025 to achieve a target population of three million, with 1.46 million jobs, a cumulative investment of RM383 billion and a GDP of USD93.3 billion. With the development of Iskandar Malaysia now into its eighth year, the region is well on track to meet its goals. Iskandar Malaysia’s economy is also expected to receive a huge boost when the Nusajaya Tech Park is fully complete.
Above left: Iskandar Residences is a luxury condominium in the Medini region of Iskandar, comprising two towers with 640 units and full recreational facilities. Top: Developed by UEM Sunrise, Almas is a new high-rise development within the vicinity of Nusajaya, Johor, close to Puteri Harbour. Above: The rooftop gardens at Petrie Villas provide spectacular panoramic views of the Johor Straits and Singapore frontier.
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The 210ha tech park, to be developed in three phases over nine years, will offer quality infrastructure to support a range of industries such as electronics, precision engineering, clean manufacturing and logistics. The first stage is set to be complete in 2016. Other new commercial developments that are expected to attract large groups of foreign investors and entrepreneurs include i-Parc at Tanjung Pelepas and Austin V Square. The former, comprising 474 units, is
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just five minutes away from the Second Link. Furthermore, most companies will appreciate the development’s special four-in-one feature, where a factory, office, showroom and warehouse can all operate from one central location. Austin V Square is a lifestyle-centric commercial spot set within a prime location in Austin Perdana, approximately 15km from Johor Bahru City Centre. Special features include private elevators in every block and enhanced security. PropertyGuru provides an online
property marketing service that is used by nearly 11 million property buyers a month. The company has won many awards for its work, and is focused on innovation. To contact PropertyGuru Pte Ltd, 51 Goldhill Plaza, #11-03/05, Singapore 308900. Tel: (+65) 6328 5971. Alternatively, email: editor@propertyguru.com.sg. Or visit the web: www.propertyguru.com.sg save & share 45369 at trendsideas.com
Above left and top: Developed by MTT Properties and Development, Botanica CT Garden Township strives to be Penang’s first township built from the ground up. The development is being promoted as a healthy lifestyle sanctuary. Above: Begonia Bungalow is one of several landed properties in the Ambrosia@Kinrara residences. The home has a breathtaking view of the lush, 1214ha Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve. Far left: R&F Princess Cove at Tanjung Puteri is a mega-residential project in Iskandar that is set to be the gateway to Johor via MRT from Singapore.
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Inspired choice With soft corners, sculptural lines and a smooth, contemporary aesthetic, Staron® by Samsung brings a building, lobby or interior to life For architects and designers who think in terms of possibilities, not limitations, the angular aesthetic of traditional straight lines and corners is not always enough. Samsung Staron® surfaces throw the rule book out the window when it comes to innovative interior design, says Samsung Chemical Thailand manager Serin Lesiuk. “This versatile, solid-surface designer cladding is made from a highly durable acrylic which can be easily thermoformed into flowing curves or sculpted into any shape imaginable,” says Lesiuk.
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“The product’s flexible nature lends it to eye-catching feature walls, ceilings and window surrounds, or a reception desk or feature pillar. Any project that needs to step outside the box and offer a ‘wow’ factor will benefit.” Smooth and pleasing to the touch, Staron is offered in over 80 colours. Some Samsung Staron surfaces are translucent and can be backlit to further expand the options. And Samsung’s wall coverings also include the textured Tempest range which has the look of natural stone and
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quartz, for a deep, lustrous appeal. Staron and Tempest are both LEED approved. For information on Samsung Staron solid surfaces, tel: (+066) 0 2624 6700. Email: lesiuk.s@samsung.com, or visit the website: www.staron.com save and share 45552 at trendsideas.com This page: For fluid, organic feature walls, a sculptural lobby desk, or a softened window reveal, Samsung Staron surfaces bring a seamless result.
Creating an everlasting impression through the finest craftsmanship and sustainable materials.
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grand designs
Personal space These projects share a strong, overarching vision that draws all their individual elements together into a cohesive architectural design
Through the ages An Italianate exterior gives way to an Art Deco-style interior on this home
Preceding pages: Decorative wrought iron at the front entry is the only clue that this Italianate exterior conceals an Art Deco heart. Above: Touches of Italian style filter indoors, too, as with this graceful groin vault on a second-floor corridor. Right: Window and stair detailing, artworks, lighting and furnishings all further the Art Deco feel.
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Often, it’s sheer size or wealth of detail that give a house a commanding presence. However, a sense of individual charm can have a more lasting impact. This grand home, set on a relatively modest 0.2ha site, is by architect Richard Landry, with interiors by designer Joan Behnke. The owners had wanted an Art Deco-style house, but neighbourhood design guidelines dictated an approved Italianate look. Landry’s response was to include influences of both – Italianate on the exterior, Art Deco on the interior – for a house that conforms with its surroundings, yet retains its individuality. “I designed the exterior in the formal Italian style – with some changes to reflect California’s climate that’s suited to indoor-outdoor living. “The facade is traditional French limestone with classic Doric columns and stone tracery on the balconies. The recycled clay roof tiles were imported from Italy, and exposed wood outriggers under the eaves are another classic detail. Adding to the look of an historic residence, the entry steps are flanked by stone balustrades with channels for water to trickle down into ornate circular pools at their base.” Departures from this style include recessed balconies, which help to break up the facade visually, downplaying the home’s scale. Centuries ago, an Italian house of this size, around 1950m2, would have been surrounded by its own estate – as much as 40ha of land. The large windows are another modern element, letting in plenty of light and optimising views to the front garden. The driveway and entry to the basement garage are set to one side to make way for extensive formal landscaping. Stepping inside the house is like stepping forward in time to the glamour and luxury of the Roaring Twenties. While not strictly Art Deco in style, the interior does draw inspiration from that period, the architect says.
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Above: The ceiling in the library is adorned with beams and a handpainted canvas mural. Right: Ornate coffered ceilings with Art Deco stepped mouldings are a feature of the interior, while classic Doric columns reflect the occasional Italian influence. The emphasis on straight lines and circles in both architectural styles help them merge visually.
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Above: From rustic to regimented – the view from the pool house fire pit takes in the grandeur of the house. The view is framed by rough stone columns and an archway. Right: And from formal to farmhouse – the pool house or cabana has been given the look of an old barn. A fountain on the rear wall adds the pleasing sound of trickling water.
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The double-height entry foyer is crowned by a large wrought iron skylight in Art Deco style, and the stair, window and mouldings all reflect the stepped lines of the era. The glinting stand of green glass blades by Chihuly and a sculpture-meets-light fixture by Hervé Van der Straeten are also Art Deco in feel. While the exterior window frames are bronze, for a lavish Italian look, on the inside, they are wood. Landry says touches of Italian design can be seen indoors, too. The groin vault corridor upstairs shows a clear Italian influence, and the fluted columns fit with both styles. Most rooms lead off the central foyer, with formal rooms to one side and informal spaces to the other. The master suite and guest bedrooms are upstairs. The residence is frequently used for entertaining on a lavish scale and the basement includes a large games room, a bar area, lounge, an indoor swimming pool, two spas, and a movie theatre, as well as the garage. The great room opens to a covered loggia with double bifolding doors, another concession to modern indoor-outdoor living. A coffered ceiling with stepped mouldings, and an inlaid floor pattern continue the Art Deco theme. Low, linear modern furniture is sympathetic to the architecture. The living room and covered loggia look across the swimming pool to what appears to be a rustic old building. However, this large stone structure is also brand new and incorporates a guest suite with balcony, a covered loggia, a tower and fire pit. “The concept was to create a visual story, implying that when the main house was built there were several existing structures on the land and one was repurposed as a pool house or cabana,” says Landry. The main residence and cabana have quite different characters, but similarities of tone and scale draw them together visually.
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These pages: The layout of the home, pool and cabana creates a sense of a large property. The cabana provides guest accommodation and covered seating, and makes a distinctive focal point. Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Erhard Pfeiffer
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For years to come Traditional European architecture is referenced in the design of this stately home, which is built from solid stone
Preceding pages: Solid stone walls, a slate roof and multi-gabled roofline define this new house, which reflects a strong European influence. This is echoed by the formal landscaping. Above: A large portico creates a sense of arrival at the front of the house. The entry has a highly symmetrical design that reinforces the traditional formality.
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The true character of a traditional home is best revealed in the materials, and whether or not they will they stand the test of time. There can be no doubt this house was built to endure for generations – the walls are made from solid stone and the roof is slate and copper. But it’s also the architecture that sets this house apart from other new builds. The house, which was designed by architect Mike Sharratt of Sharratt Design & Company, references traditional European architecture – there are English and Italian influences that can be seen in the roofline, windows and soffits.
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Builder David Erotas of Erotas Building Corporation says the exterior features a Chilton blend of stone from Wisconsin. “This is a heavily textured stone that conveys substance and permanence – you can see at a glance how solid this house is. And like traditional homes from centuries past, it was built with the patience and care required to achieve this level of craftsmanship and longevity.” The park-like setting also enhances the character. The house is set on a large site, with formal landscaping leading the eye to the main entry. This features a symmetrical arched
portico supported by substantial stone columns. Inside, a lowered ceiling immediately beside the front door creates a sense of intimacy and welcome. Beyond this is a rotunda vestibule with a marble floor and an ornate domed, handpainted ceiling that features a shell-like fan pattern with a bright blue border. Interior designer Laura Ramsey Engler says the owners wanted the house to have a very enduring, classical look. “They are a young family, but they didn’t want everything in a hurry. They recognise that some things take time when they are crafted by
hand. At the same time, however, I believed it was important that the interior offer a youthful, fresh take on tradition. Because the owners are young, I felt the design and furnishings shouldn’t be too stuffy or formulaic. “For example, the domed ceiling, with its radiating pattern is a classical derivation. But the bright blue accents break away from the tone-on-tone neutral palette that defines most of the interior. Because this is a circulation area that you pass through, it’s easy to be a little more adventurous with the design.” A coffered ceiling in the formal living room
Above: The gabled roofs, large overhangs and eyebrow windows enhance the old-world character of the house. So, too does the heavily textured Chilton blend stone that forms the exterior walls. The slate roofing mixes three colours in a random pattern. In contrast, the distinctive tower elements and feature standing seam copper roofing that will gradually acquire a patina over time.
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Above: The visual impact of the entry is further enhanced by a large rotunda-style entry hall with a domed ceiling. The hand-painted dome features a radiating shell-like pattern, edged with a bright blue border. Three types of marble on the floor reinforce the circle theme. Above right: Designed by Laura Ramsey Engler, the interior is not imitative of a century-old manor house. It has a more evolved look in keeping with modern sensibilities.
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is another distinctive feature of the interior. This incorporates extra-large beams with a circular centrepiece and a large chandelier. Silvery taupe walls and antique accessories are complemented by a custom handmade area rug in silk and wool that ties together the various tones. Arched windows echo the form of the wide arched openings between the various living and dining areas. These openings provide sightlines through the house and ensure there is an easy, relaxed flow to the circulation areas, in keeping with modern lifestyles. “A lot of attention was also given to the
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white oak flooring,” says Erotas. “It includes parquet in the hallway, and a square Versailles pattern in the formal living room, which creates a variety of textures.” Other key rooms on the first floor include a gentleman’s study, which features stained wood beams, alder joinery and wainscoting. “This room has a deeper, richer palette of materials, and a look influenced by menswear suiting,” says Engler. “A suede fabric was used to upholster the walls.” The large kitchen is visually anchored by a long island that has raised upstands at either
Far left: Stained cherry wood joinery is a key feature of the gentleman’s study off the entry hall. This room also has its own fireplace. Left: Walls in the formal dining room are a soft buttery yellow shade. The wallcovering incorporates an antique silver motif that adds visual interest. The upholstered dining chairs pick up the grey, taupe and gold tones evident throughout the house. There is also a hint of blue in the fabric.
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Above: Let me entertain you – the lower level of the house is fully equipped for entertaining on a grand scale. In addition to a threesided bar, there is a separate home theatre, a catering kitchen and a mini basketball court. The stone columns have been roughly mortared to create a rustic, textural look. Doors on either side of the vestibule at the back of the bar lead to two wine cellars – one stores red wine, while the other stores white wine.
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end. These bring a sense of scale to the cabinetry. “They also add character, and serve to hide the main work area from the family room on one side, and formal living room,” says Engler. The cabinetry has an off-white glazed finish, with moulded bead doors and traditional pulls that enhance the old-world look. Other features include a French Provincial-style rangehood and a black cabinet with antique gold detailing concealing the refrigerator and freezer. Much of the entertaining in the house takes place on the lower level, however, where there is a catering kitchen, large bar area, separate
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home theatre and mini basketball court. “We chose to made a feature of the massive stone structural columns on this level,” says Erotas. “To introduce a rough, textural element the mortar was spread thickly over the stone and later treated with a blow torch to give them an aged look. The arched stone vestibule behind the bar has doors on either side leading to two climate-controlled wine cellars – one for red wine and one for white.” The owners can also entertain outdoors. The house has an outdoor kitchen area with built-in grille, and a shaded alfresco dining area.
Far left: The long island in the kitchen has a Geriba granite top. The island is deep enough to have doors and dishwashers on both sides. Left: The master bedroom features a barrel-vault ceiling. The curved form is repeated in the high oval window, the mirror and the arch of the French doors that lead to a terrace. Hand-carved detailing enhances the character of the custom marble fireplace surround. The walls have a waxed Venetian plaster finish.
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Right: An outdoor kitchen and alfresco dining area on the sunny side of the house can also be used for entertaining. Story by Colleen Hawkes Exterior photography by Jamie Cobel Interior photography by Susan Gilmore
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kitchens
Surface attraction These kitchen projects address materials, tones and textures to create design connections that bring the spaces to life
Black and tan This project has two faces – a practical family workspace, and all the gloss and presence appropriate to entertaining
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With benchtops and cabinets creating the lion’s share of the impact in a kitchen, it’s worth taking your time and making material choices carefully. For example, just as a sparkling black cocktail dress instantly conjures up evening glamour, so will glossy black cabinetry. As the owners of this kitchen have four children and an energetic social life, they asked designer Jasmine McClelland to create a seamless blend of family functionality and entertainment chic. The kitchen successfully meets both these needs through careful space planning, the
choice of finishes, and attention to day-to-day functionality. “In a sense, this kitchen hides in plain sight,” says McClelland. “To downplay the functional aspects in visual terms, we created three main divisions and elements. The central, self-contained bar area, set into the wall, is ideally situated for parties. It is close to the island, which can act as a serving counter, and is only a couple of steps from the dining table. “The large island looks much like a piece of furniture or a sculpture, and the perimeter workspace that runs along in front of the
window resembles a deep window ledge. This benchtop retreats into a passageway that leads to the laundry and the back door. Most of the storage and appliances are integrated into this area, out of sight of the open living spaces.” The kitchen’s dual roles are reflected in the materials. Warm caramel-coloured True-Grain Veneer on the cabinet fronts contrasts with the sleek sheen of the black quartz on the island and bar area. The niche below the cantilevered benchtop is in the same veneer as the perimeter cabinets, and the dark stone is complemented by black blinds and pendant light fittings.
Preceding pages: Rich orange wood veneer balances jet black engineered stone in this open-plan kitchen by designer Jasmine McClelland. These colours are continued through the home, including the entry foyer. The concrete floor was specified in a warm grey that complements the tones of the cabinetry. These pages: The cantilevered island benchtop echoes the custom stainless steel rangehood designed by McClelland.
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Above: The polished benchtops and rangehood bounce light around the space. Cantilevering the bench was a way to play down the presence of the island. Right: With the cooktop set flush, and in the same colour, the perimeter benchtop could be mistaken for a long, deep window ledge. Horizontality is emphasised throughout the design.
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This black and tan palette continues throughout the home, including the entry foyer behind a glass wall and in the cabinetry upstairs. The three sections of the kitchen connect with each other visually in other ways, too. “To create aesthetic balance, the custom rangehood extends the length of the benchtop beneath. Together with the suspended, cantilevered island bench, this creates a luminous and dynamic room,� says McClelland. And despite its size, the rangehood also plays something of a disappearing act. Its long, slender form does not call attention to itself,
and the reflective stainless steel picks up on its immediate surroundings. To address the functional requirements, practical elements, including storage and appliances, are set on or near the perimeter of the space. All cabinets feature Blum Servo-Drive hardware. The project won the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute Large Kitchen of the Year Award for 2013.
Above: Perimeter cabinetry is to the left, and storage and appliances are to the right in the practical heart of the kitchen. The laundry at the end of the corridor is painted orange to tone with the cabinetry. Story by Charles Moxham Photography by Andrew Ashton
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Breakout zone Corporate entertaining is relaxed in this renovated condominium, where a flexible design maximises all the available space There’s a good reason why developers opt for neutral palettes – they don’t want to scare prospective purchasers with a bold design statement. This condominium in a restored turn-of-the-century loft building was a typical developer’s package, says interior designer Tom Stringer. “It was best described as a beige drywall box,” he says. “This did not suit my client, a
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company with a strong design focus, who wanted a crisp, contemporary interior.” Stringer says the condo was to be used in a number of ways – as a guest apartment for visiting clients, a corporate retreat for meetings, and for entertaining purposes. “Design flexibility was essential. The remodel also had to be cost effective, without sacrificing good design.”
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With this in mind, Stringer suggested contemporary Ikea cabinetry in a glossy grey. “Almost everything we do in our design company is bespoke, so this was a little offthe-wall for us,” he says. “But even though the client is very design driven, and has a collection of classic Mid-century furniture pieces, the kitchen itself was not about provenance. I admired the lines
of this Ikea cabinetry and the surface gloss was just right.” The designer teamed the cabinets with white quartz and recycled glass benchtops, and smoky metallic mirror glass tiles on the splashback, which have an iridescent quality. Polished stainless steel shelves reinforce the look. Stringer also introduced a much longer island, anchored at one end to a structural
column. The other end of the island forms a bar, where a bartender can serve drinks without interrupting the main work zone. “The client wanted to be able to screen off the kitchen, without completely hiding the activity, so we added a long, sheer drape that can be pulled across the front of the island. You can still see movement through the drape, but it
is muted – meal preparation is like a ballet in the kitchen.” Stringer says there had been a pool table in the condo when the client took ownership. This proved to be popular with clients and staff. “We chose to keep this option, by specifying a dining table that can be converted into a pool table. The legs have gas struts, so they can be raised and lowered easily.
“The table also functions as a conference table – videoconferencing equipment is stored in the floating console below the television.” Despite the changes, the character of the building remains intact. The high ceilings and original windows were retained, as was the maple flooring. This was refinished, with a light grey tone replacing the yellowed varnish.
Facing page: High-gloss grey cabinets and a metallic glass-tiled splashback give this renovated corporate condominium a contemporary urban edge. Interior designer Tom Stringer introduced a long sheer drape so the kitchen can be screened off from the rest of the living area. Above: Designer furniture pieces include Philippe Starck bar stools in mirror-finish polished aluminium, and Donghia dining chairs.
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Left and above: The Blatt dining table doubles as a conference table. It can also be converted into a pool table – gas struts in the legs make it easy to raise or lower the tabletop, which can be flipped to reveal the pool table. A long, floating console in dark-stained walnut conceals audiovisual equipment, including video-conferencing tools. It also houses the pool balls. The existing maple floors were stripped, sanded and coated with a water-based lacquer to retain a pale, grey look.
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Freshly picked With sunlight pouring in and the garden right outside the window, this kitchen in a Georgian house is light, bright and cheery
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Everyone gravitates to the kitchen, and that’s precisely why it has become the relaxed social hub of the home. Invariably it’s also a room that opens to the outdoors, which adds to the sense of informality. The kitchen in this new Georgian-style house is such a gathering place for the family. It overlooks a pretty garden, which has influenced both the material and colour palettes. But despite the informality of the setting, the owners wanted the kitchen to tie in visually with the more formal elements of the house, says architect Anne Adams of Stuart Silk Architects.
“Because this is a Georgian house, there is a formality that extends through all the rooms on the main floor. Ceiling heights and decorative mouldings are consistent from the entry hall into the living and dining rooms. So it made sense to continue this detailing in the kitchen, which can be seen from the dining room.” In keeping with this theme, the cabinetry features traditional white-painted panel doors with an inset detail, and an antique nickel finish on the hardware. The mouldings on the island mimic the detailing of the crown moulding, which helps to unify the space.
Wherever possible appliances are integrated, says Adams, who worked on the project with interior designer Kylee Shintaffer. “The largest appliance was also the biggest challenge,” the architect says. “The owner wanted a freestanding range, but the subtlety of the interior design meant there was a risk it could dominate. To avoid this, we placed it behind the island where it is partially hidden, and added a custom shroud-style rangehood. “The hood is fabricated from steel, but has been treated so it has a patina resembling aged zinc or pewter. With its bands of steel, it looks
Facing page, top and above: A strong sense of symmetry defines this traditionally styled kitchen in a new Georgian house designed by architect Anne Adams of Stuart Silk Architects. The centrepiece is a large Capitol range that sits beneath a custom steel shroud with an aged patina. Holophane pendant lights complement the look. Facing page, lower: The refrigerator is integrated into the cabinetry to minimise its presence in the kitchen.
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like a very old fixture that has been salvaged.” Two matching farmhouse sinks are another traditional touch – the sink on the island is used for food preparation, while the sink on the perimeter cabinetry is the clean-up area. There is also a large pantry that has another sink and plenty of bench space. This room, which can be glimpsed from the kitchen, features a reclaimed mahogany splashback and benchtop. “We have taken into account the fact that the owners love to entertain,” says Adams. “There is a side door that can be used by caterers, and the kitchen has been designed so it is easy for
more than one person to work at the same time.” Benchtops feature Pietra Del Cardosa, which is durable sandstone that looks a little like bluestone. This provides a visual link to the bluestone paving on the terrace, which helps to bring the outdoors in. Other materials include white splashback tiles with a raised relief pattern. Adams says much of the detailing in the kitchen is subtle, but it helps connect the space with the surroundings. Varying tones of blue, green and soft lemon also help, by creating a strong visual link with the garden beyond.
Facing page: The symmetry extends to the clean-up area, which has a farmhouse sink positioned to maximise a view of the garden. Large ceiling beams and an acoustic ceiling help ensure noise doesn’t travel to the master suite above. Above: A sliding door opens to a large pantry, which features an oval window and mahogany surfaces. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Michael Cole
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Conversation piece Art moves into the kitchen with this contemporary remodel. The overhead cabinets feature a bold canvas painted by one of the owners – a professional artist
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Many kitchen projects evolve over a period of a few months, while owners and designers research styles, materials and colours. This remodelling project was no exception, says kitchen designer Bill Dellinger of Cooper Pacific. “The house, on a golf course, was part of a high-end development – the owners bought it new about 20 years
ago, but had not had any input into its design, which was quite traditional,” Dellinger says. “We worked with the architect while the design concept evolved from traditional, through transitional to highly contemporary.” Dellinger says the kitchen was pushed out a little, creating enough space for a bank of freestanding cabinets and a dining table.
Rift-cut white oak wraps right around the freestanding unit, reinforcing the sense of a box inserted into the space. The island and perimeter cabinets are also in white oak, with recessed pulls on all the doors except for the ones beside the dishwasher. “We provided vertical pulls for the tall cabinets to reinforce their sleek, uncluttered lines,” Dellinger says.
“We wanted the overhead cabinets to make a strong design statement, so these were wrapped in canvas, and one of the owners created a colourful artwork.” The modern aesthetic is further enhanced by stainless steel edges on two wood shelves above the cooktop, and by a recessed metal strip that creates a negative detail around the benchtops.
Above left and top: Rift-cut white oak cabinets bring a fresh, contemporary look to this renovated kitchen. The overhead cabinets were wrapped in canvas and painted by one of the owners. Above: The benchtops, which have a 10° tapered profile, appear to float above a recessed metal strip that wraps around the top of the cabinets. Because the owners do a lot of cooking outdoors, they chose not to have a rangehood.
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Left: The kitchen was extended and full-height windows introduced to maximise a picturesque view of the adjoining golf course. A freestanding bank of cabinets, wrapped within a white oak “box� sits along one wall. This accommodates the refrigerator, ovens and pantries. The kitchen also has a walk-in pantry, to the right of the cooktop. With two sinks in the kitchen, it is easy for more than one person to work at the same time. The smaller sink near the cooktop is the main food prep area.
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bathrooms
All in harmony Traditional bathrooms focus on the details – the fluting of an edging, the glaze of a panelled door and the finish on a tap all work together to create a grand composition
Behind the scenes A suite for a movie star – the latest traditionally styled bathrooms have a serene, glamorous look, reminiscent of the glory days of Hollywood Interior designers are right up with the play when it comes to design trends, new products and materials, so it is always interesting to see what they choose for their own homes. When Terri and Doug Miller came to renovate the master suite in their own family home, they took their cue from the home’s Mediterranean style and its location in the Napa Valley, California.
“Our goal was to blend the Spanish architecture with traditional design elements that would be elegant and enduring,” says designer Terri Miller. “Over the years, we have accumulated various antique items, and these helped influence the design.” The first step, however, was to alter the layout of the suite, to better suit the family’s requirements.
Preceding pages and facing page: This master bathroom in a ranch house has created a glamorous private retreat for the owners. Owner-designer Terri Miller specified three decorative mirrors, with matching sconces. The centre mirror sits above a lowered make-up table. Bow fronts on the table and vanities help to break up the long expanse of cabinetry. This page: The suite has a coffee area with sink and refrigerator.
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Above and right: A large, marblelined shower room leads to a steam shower. Floor tiles laid on the diagonal create added visual interest. Above right: An MTI Whirlpools tub sits in front of a new bay window. The sense of intimacy is enhanced by a lowered soffit. Decorative artist Caroline Lizarraga painted the glazed finish on the cabinets. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Tim Maloney
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“We have taken space from the bedroom to make the bathroom and wardrobe larger, and we added a coffee bar and laundry facilities.” Miller says the original bathroom had a very ’80s look. The space was filled by a big built-in tub and a circular shower that stood right in the centre of the room. “It was very dated, with inexpensive finishes that were
not of the same high standard as we were using in the rest of the house.” The designer says she wanted the new bathroom to have a serene feeling, with soft, flattering colours. “The cabinetry needed to be beautiful, but not intrusive, especially as it runs all the way along one side of the room. We also wanted three separate, framed mirrors, rather than
a great expanse of mirror.” Miller liaised closely with fine cabinetmaker Mike Peachey of The Elegant Box in Georgia to build the cabinetry, and San Francisco decorative artist Caroline Lizarraga to fine-tune design elements, paint colours and glazing. Local builder Larry Ellis of Ellis Construction oversaw all aspects of the construction. The bathroom also features
an extra-large, marble-lined shower room and a separate, matching steam shower. “Subtle innovations can make a big difference,” says Miller. “In a master bathroom, you want to consider not only how things look, but how well they work on a daily basis. A simple example is the slight slope on the steam shower ceiling that keeps condensation from dripping.”
The pièce de résistance is the bathtub, positioned in the bay window. Its oval shape and the bow-fronted vanities help soften the look, enhancing the sense of sanctuary. resource list 45389 at trendsideas.com see the kitchen 43477 at trendsideas.com
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Victorian charm This master bathroom, in a new addition to a Victorian house, replicates the original traditional wall casings and marble floors in the home Traditional houses are often full of character, but they were not always designed to make the most of a great location. This new master bathroom is in an addition to a Victorian house on a picturesque inner harbour. Project designer Steve Harrington of Carpenter & MacNeille says the existing master suite was on the other side of the house, facing the street rather than the view.
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“By adding an extra storey to an earlier addition at the rear, we were able to create a new suite that maximises the water views.” Harrington says the owners wanted the suite to be in keeping with the era of the house. Consequently, the bathroom replicates the existing joinery, right down to the casings and the cap on the high wainscoting.
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“Because the new addition was limited to the size of the existing footprint, the furniture-style cabinetry and custom built-in panelling was used to maximise the space and create a cohesive look.” The sense of tradition is reinforced by a Victoria & Albert freestanding tub positioned beneath the window. White painted shutters on the lower part of the window
further enhance the look and help to maintain privacy. Honey Collins, the interior designer on the project, teamed the white vanity with a soft green paint shade on the walls. “The client wanted a beach feel, since they live on the coast. The green is reminiscent of the ocean. The colour is also picked up by the small green tiles inset in the larger Carrara marble tiles on the floor.”
Collins also specified Carrara marble for the vanity tops and shower tiles. “Carrara is a versatile marble – it works in traditional and modern settings.� resource list 45390 at trendsideas.com search macneille at trendsideas.com
Facing page: Carrara marble is teamed with white painted joinery in this new bathroom in a traditional Victorian house. The sliding door opens to a dressing room, while the door to the toilet room is on the left. Above: Traditional features include a Victoria & Albert tub. The wall panelling and mouldings replicate existing details in the house, right down to the cap on top of the wainscoting and the blocks behind the light sconces.
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Natural beauty The garden casts a spell on this master suite in a new Georgian-style house
These pages: Furniture-style cabinetry anchors one end of this master bathroom. The flooring features a custom mosaic pattern inspired by the garden. It incorporates a mix of onyx and marble tiles. Following pages: A large round tub with a marble surround is positioned beneath the window looking out to the garden. The ceiling above the tub soars to a high gable. Several shades of white create a soft ambience.
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Forging a connection between the indoors and outdoors is a priority for most new homes today. But the design team behind this new Georgian house took the idea a step further, bringing the garden into the house. The house is focused on a garden which is enclosed by walls and trees, says architect Anne Adams of Stuart Silk Architects. “They wanted to carry the garden motif inside. This influenced the design and colours of the master suite.” One of the most noticeable features is a floral tile pattern on the bathroom floor, designed by interior designer Kylee Shintaffer. Swirling stems, sprigs and dragonflies are created by different coloured mosaic tiles, including Calacatta Gold, onyx and other marble types. The tiled pattern encircles a large round tub, which forms the focal point. “The tub is tucked beside the windows in its own niche,” says Adams. “With panelling wrapping around the walls on three sides, it feels enclosed and protected.” The visual drama is reinforced by the vaulted ceiling that soars to a point above the tub, and by a large pendant light. “It’s a very glamorous look, enhanced by traditional hardware on the cabinets, which includes crystal knobs,” says Adams. A furniture-style vanity cabinet and framed mirrors mounted on a mirrored wall are another traditional note. “The wall mirror is large enough to reflect the view of the garden and the trees, yet the smaller framed mirrors retain a traditional scale and define the his-and-hers sinks.” Two toilet rooms are provided, one to the right of the vanity, and one off the passageway leading to the bedroom. There is also an extra-large walk-in closet, which has similar painted cabinets with recessed panel doors.
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This page: Soft green, gold and lemon tones influenced by the garden feature in the master bedroom. Extra-deep ceiling coving makes the room feel more intimate. Facing page: An extra-large dressing room is encircled by cabinets and shelving. Special features include a ventilated shoe cabinet, retractable valet bars, and accessory drawers. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Michael Cole
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Spanish lesson Although within a new addition to an historic home, this suite respects the 1920s Spanish architecture Balancing the new with the old is always a challenge when your home is in a heritage zone. For starters, every aspect of a remodel needs to go through a review process. But respecting the historic architecture of such a home can bring plenty of rewards, as this project demonstrates. The suite is within a new addition to a 1920s home, which has a Spanish style of architecture.
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Architect Linda Brettler says the remodel adds 45m2 to the house, and accommodates the entire master suite. “We had the advantage of a high ceiling, as the addition is stepped down from the rest of the house, but the roof height remains the same,” she says. “The house is in an historic preservation zone, and we wanted to complement the architecture, so we chose to
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introduce key Spanish motifs, including arches, niches and alcoves. This was also a way to break up the space and make it seem more private and intimate. We didn’t want a great sense of openness.” Brettler says the palette needed to be quiet and serene, so the points of difference are in the detail, rather than colour accents. However, a dark wood stain for the hand-
crafted vanity helps to ground the space visually. This was inspired by an image found by the owners, who also selected all the tiles. “In true Spanish style, the dark wood vanity is like a piece of furniture. Because the rest of the room is light filled, it provides a balance. The cabinetry also reinforces an Arts and Crafts element that can be seen elsewhere in the house.”
The architect created three separate niches, each framed by a Spanish arch – one to accommodate a large tub, one for the toilet room and one for the shower stall. “I added a half wall to the side of the tub that meets the vanity, so the wood is not right up against the tub,” says Brettler. “It also makes the niche look more substantial.” In keeping with tradition,
the architect introduced a tiled wainscoting that wraps around the entire room. This features high-gloss Ann Sacks Earthenware tiles. The soft gray tones complement the Walker Zanger Vintage glass mosaics that line the wall behind the vanity, and above the wainscoting in the shower. “We paid a lot of attention to scale,” says Brettler. “While the mosaics are very small, the
wainscoting tiles are medium sized, and the floor tiles are large. Instead of capping tiles on the wainscoting, we have used slabs of marble, so the trim is continuous. It creates a very finished look.” The walls above the tiled wainscoting are painted in a very soft shade of pale green. “A pure white bathroom would not have been nearly as interesting,” says the architect.
Facing page: This bathroom in a new master suite needed to complement the design of an historic Spanishstyle house built in the 1920s. Architect Linda Brettler introduced Spanish architectural motifs, including arches, niches and alcoves. Above: A dark wood vanity, cabinet door and mirror frames help to counter the light tiled elements in the bathroom. Brettler specified tiles in three sizes – small glass mosaics, medium wall and large floor tiles.
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Right: The toilet also has its own alcove with an arched entry. Setting the bath within a deep surround has provided ledges for bath products and towels. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Jim Simmons
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index Adams, Anne AIA
Collins, Honey
104-107, 120-125 All-Star Roofing
82-90
Americh
126-129
Anderson-Ladd Ann Sacks
118-119
Conrad
72-81, 82-90
Haystack Antiques
120-125
Hinkley Lighting
82-90
Cooper Pacific Kitchens 108-111
Holaday-Parks
Cottonwood Fine Kitchen Furniture
Honey Collins Interior Design
82-90
108-111
04-107, 126-129
Cowtan & Tout 104-107, 120-125
120-125
MTI Whirlpools
112-117
Stringer, Tom
Nanz
120-125
Stuart Silk Architects
Newport Brass
126-129
Niro Ceramics
5
118-119
Nowak, Margaret AIA
Hunter Douglas
112-117
Orando Holdings
100-103
Palmer Hargrave
120-125
Aquatic
120-125
Dacor
104-107
Ikea
Artcraft Lighting
126-129
Daltile
100-103
Jado
118-119
Perrin & Rowe
82-90
Arteriors
100-103
Decorative Crafts
112-117
Jasmine McClelland Design 94-99
Philippe Starck
100-103
Dellinger, Bill
108-111
Jennifer West
Pollin’s Upholstery
112-117
Design Within Reach
100-103
Asian Global Business Asko
OBC 82-90
Bandar Raya Developments 8-15
Domus Vita Group
Bates and Bates
112-117
Donghia
Beauvais Carpets
120-125
Dulux
Benjamin Moore
100-103 94-99
Ebanista
100-103, 104-107 Berry, Greg
108-111
Blatt
100-103
Blum
94-99
BMW Malaysia
82-90
52-53, 132-IBC
112-117
Egner Building Technologies 16-25
104-107 112-117
Emerald Bay
8-15
Bob Spoor Masonry & Tile 112-117
Erotas Building Corporation 82-90
Brema
F Schumacher
104-107 118-119
94-99
Brettler, Linda AIA
126-129
Farrow & Ball
Capitol
104-107
Finton Construction
Carlisle Flooring
108-111
Fisher & Paykel
Carol Neilson Smrz
108-111
Caroline Lizarraga
112-117
Fleetwood
Carpenter & MacNeille
118-119
Franke
Carrier
72-81
CB Richard Ellis 44-45, 46-47, 56-57, 60-61 Charles Edwards
120-125
Jim’s Heating & Air
72-81
72-81
Pratt & Lambert
John-Richard
Property Guru
KitchenAid
112-117 100-103, 108-111
KNA Engineering
72-81
Kohler
The Elegant Box The Fine Line
112-117 00-103 104-107
Ramsey Engler Ltd
82-90
Thern Electric
112-117
Ramsey Engler, Laura
82-90
Tile by Design
118-119
Tom Stringer Design Partners
Topo LLC
82-90
72-81
Rohl
Landry, Richard AIA
120-125 82-90, 118-119
Lefroy Brooks
120-125
Samsung Staron
Linda Brettler Architect
126-129
Sharratt Design & Co
82-90
Sharratt, Mike
82-90
Sherwin-Williams
82-90
Loewen
82-90
IFC-1, 48-51 Majupadu Development
2-3, 68
Shintaffer, Kylee 104-107, 120-125
32-33
Marvin Windows & Doors
Silverman Roofing
72-81
Sinar Mas Land
38-43
Metropolis Construction 126-129
Sonoma Tilemakers
82-90
Miele
SR Mechanical
82-90
104-107, 112-117 94-99
82-90
Häfele
94-99
Minnesota Tile & Stone
82-90
Mitra Karisma
38-43
Miller, Terri
Moen
16-25
The Holloman Group
16-25
2-3, 68
34-37
Tan, Robin
94-99
GCE Consulting Engineers
Havas Media
T R Hamzah & Yeang
72-81
Landry Design Group
16-25
72-81
112-117
82-90
Milliard Pte Ltd
Coastal Tile
Surface Art
Quantum Quartz
McClelland, Jasmine
118-119
94-99
94-99
72-81
Harrington, Steve
Sunset Kitchens
Tonka Building Supply
58-59
12-117
16-25
Rogers & Goffigon
Grand Medini
Cifial 1
Sunlight Luminaire
Rocky Mountain Hardware 112-117
Chee, Cecil
120-125
72-81
Qasair
Galerie Van Der Straeten
112-117
Sun Valley Skylights
72-81
La Finestra
Grace Miller Interiors
Chesney’s
7, 62-67
94-99
100-103
82-90, 100-103, 104-107, 108-111
104-107, 120-125
Charles Gemeiner Cabinets 72-81 16-25
82-90
Gaggenau
GE
Sub-Zero
108-111, 118-119
94-99, 100-103, 104-107
94-99, 108-111
26-31, 32-33
Restoration Hardware
Kylee Shintaffer Design
Mah Sing Properties 108-111
Pomeroy Studio
Joan Behnke & Associates 72-81
100-103, 120-125, 126-129
Elliott Bay Hardwood Floors
Ellis Construction
120-125
104-107, 120-125
100-103 54-55
100-103
112-117
100-103
Smrz, Brian and Carol
Starphire
108-111
94-99
100-103
Toto
118-119, 126-129
Trends Publishing International 69, 70, 91, 92-93, 131 TrueGrain Veneer
94-99
Vaughan Designs
120-125
Victoria & Albert
118-119
Vintec
94-99
Walker Zanger
Wallflower Architecture + Design 16-25 Warisan Eurindo
71
Waterstone Faucets 104-107, 108-111
Stephen Terhune Woodworking 118-119
126-129
Waterworks
Steven Cabinets
82-90
Wolf
Stonewerk
82-90
Zheng, Sean
104-107
82-90, 100-103, 108-111 16-25