Design & Lifestyle Blog

23 Nov ’11

Zaha Hadid Architects Design Issam Fares Institute At A.U.B. in Lebanon | Architecture

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According to Patrick from Projekt Cyan Lebanon will finally witness its first architectural structure by Zaha Hadid Architects. They have been commissioned to design The Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut. It should be noted that Zaha Hadid herself was an American University of Beirut student.

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This design was chosen among 5 finalists.

Info and images’ source: Projekt Cyan

22 Nov ’11

Marcel Wanders Designs Luxury Hotel In Spain | Hotel Design

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These breathtaking images are none other than of the Kameha Bay Portals, a luxury resort in Mallorca Spain designed by Tec Architecture and interior designer, Marcel Wanders. Kameha Bay Portals has recently been admitted by the Leading Hotels of the World into its exclusive hotel association and is scheduled to open early 2013.

In addition to its beautiful dream-like design, the resort enjoys the highest standards of ecological sustainability and energy efficiency. The development of the Kameha Bay Portals will involve a ‘green building’, which, with its own sandy beach and access to a small bay, will blend perfectly into the natural surroundings.In accordance with the Kameha philosophy of anticipating and catering to the most diverse wishes of the guests, the Kameha Bay Portals will keep transforming its design based on the theme of the changing seasons, a design concept by Marcel Wanders.

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According to Yoo, “currently planned are 64 rooms and suites between 36 and 240 m² that will extend to the main building and the beach. Spa treatments, holistic programs, and water sports are just a few of the activities one can anticipate from the Kameha Bay Portals resort.”

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“Inspiring architecture by tec Architecture has met the extraordinary interior design of Marcel Wanders and in doing so has created one of the new favorite locations in Mallorca. For Sebastian Knorr, CEO of the tec Architecture architectural firm, the interplay of hotel and nature and the highest standards of ecological sustainability and energy efficiency are particularly important in the design. Because of this, the development of the Kameha Bay Portals will involve a ‘green building’, which, with its own sandy beach and access to a small bay, will blend perfectly into the natural surroundings. The investment volume amounts to 50 million Euros.

In accordance with the Kameha philosophy of anticipating guests’ wishes and catering to the most diverse wishes of the guests, the Kameha Bay Portals will keep transforming -­‐ like a chameleon. Based on the theme ‘changing seasons’, the design concept by Marcel Wanders is in line with the seasons: in summer, light fabrics and bright colors dominate, while in winter warm colors have an inviting ‘cocooning’ effect.”

Info and images from: YOO

21 Nov ’11

Design Libya Announces Competition To Redesign Gaddafi’s Former Military Stronghold: Bab Al-Azizia

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Many of Libya’s cities were damaged or destroyed during the February 17th Revolution. While the human cost was heavy by any measure, there is an opportunity for Libya to be rebuilt in pioneering new ways. Design Libya will be sponsoring a major international conference in Tripoli in mid to late 2012, bringing together innovative thinkers, designers, architects and visionaries to collaborate on new ideas for Libya’s new schools, ports, hospitals, public spaces, plazas and more.

Bab al-Azizia, Gaddafi’s former military stronghold, bunker and palace in the heart of Tripoli, was transformed from a 2.3 square-mile symbol of fear and oppression into a place for public gatherings and weekly markets before it was finally demolished in late October. Bab al-Azizia is now the site for an open architecture competition.

Announcing an open competition in 2012 for redesigning Bab al-Azizia. Architects, landscape architects, designers, planners, artists, horticulturalists, students and community members are invited to create visionary, inspired design proposals for the space’s reuse as a public, open space for all. The competition will culminate in a major exhibition in Tripoli, Libya, accompanied by a publication and website. Design Libya hope the rebirth of Bab al-Azizia will come to powerfully symbolize the rebirth of the new Libya, and serve as an inspiration to the Libyan people, and all free people around the world.

The competition is not meant to result in awarding of actual contracts to formally design the new site. This is a preliminary call for open ideas, not sponsored by the Libyan government, to help shape inspire citizen participation and creative investment right here on bitcoin360ai which is better in the future of the country. Design Libya hope as the government is formed and elections take place to build systems to properly begin reclaiming Bab al-Azizia, raising funds and preparing a formal call for design submissions.

As much as the competition sound interesting, I just hope their new government will really take on such a project and allow Libyans a breath of novelty.

7 Nov ’11

Stone Towers In Cairo By Zaha Hadid Architects | Architecture

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From Zaha Hadid Architects:

Stone Towers, named for an ancient petrified tree at the heart of this new development, comprises state of the art office facilities for a rapidly expanding city, alongside a five star hotel, serviced apartments, restaurants, bars and a central landscaped area, the ‘Delta’.

Our design mediates two distinct ‘edges’ – high speed ring road to the north and residential component to the south. Deliberately pursuing a rhythm of interlocking, yet individually differentiated building forms, static repetition is avoided and structures successfully merged within a cohesive landscape.

Ancient and contemporary Egyptian stonework is referenced on building surfaces – producing external skins that respond and change under intense sunlight thanks to the use of protrusions, recesses and voids. Both sunlight and deep shadow serve to further define Stone Towers.

North Edge buildings set a strong vertical presence in response to the ring road, forming a gentle S-curve. The skewed orientation of these buildings creates two different effects when observed driving either west or east. From one direction the louvered East Façade is more prevalent. From the other, the curving, solid pre-cast façade dominates. Additionally, the building setout creates a high degree of self shading for the more transparent east and west façades. Each building follows a similar set of rules, yet is entirely unique.

South Edge buildings, adjacent to the residential development are lower in height, seeming to emerge from the landscape as a series of ribbons. They connect to the North Edge via the ‘Delta’ – a landscaped area marked by water features, cafes, retail outlets and shaded areas, which effectively weaves the entire Stone Towers composition together.

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Stone Towers

  • Cairo, Egypt
  • 2008 – TBC
  • Rooya Group
  • Design
  • 179,970m2
  • Retail: 20,813m²
  • North Office Buildings: 226,163m²
  • South Office Buildings: 231,134m²
  • Hotel: 85,500m²

Set between ring road and residential area, Stone Towers avoids the monolithic repetition of static building masses – comprising higher structures, articulated through a series of ‘ripples’ to create North Edge Buildings and lower, softer ‘ribbons’ at South Edge Buildings – a central, outdoor landscape, the ‘Delta’ fusing these key elements.

ZHA

5 Nov ’11

Abu Dhabi Luxury Landmark: Emirates Palace By Kempinski | Hotels

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Emirates Palace is an iconic landmark managed by Kempinski  in Abu Dhabi representing luxury at its best.  It is located on sandy beach spanning 1.3 km along the  shores of Abu Dhabi. The architecture and design is inspired by the Emirates culture, bragging luxurious rooms, spa, restaurants, and services. Oriental elements mark every single area  of this luxury destinations.

The 394 luxury rooms and suites are nestled within traditional domes which span 85 hectares of lush landscaped gardens. In addition to the Anantara Spa, there are16 internationally renowned restaurants including Haakasan and Mezlai, the UAE’s first traditional Emirati restaurant. Emirates Palace regularly welcomes celebrities, staging world class events including the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Laureus World Sports Awards and concerts from the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Elton John.

The Palace continually strives to set new standards for luxury and hospitality excellence, further enhanced by the resort’s Kempinski management, “As Europe’s oldest luxury hoteliers, Kempinski understands luxury. We are known for our stunning properties, and the luxury of our signature personalized service that anticipates the needs of our guests and exceeds their expectations.”

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Via: Adelto

For more images check the Hotel’s website.

30 Oct ’11

A-Cero Design The Ultimate Dream House | Residential Design

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This has to be the most spectacular villa I have ever seen so far, of all the magnificent works out there, A-Cero outdid themselves with this beautiful project. I think I am over excited posting this, but I couldn’t help my enthusiasm, I am actually calling it my dream home.

This residence belongs to none other than Spanish architect Joaquin Torres himself, and is located in La Finca, a residential area near Madrid, Spain with a total area of ​​1700m2. It has two levels, ground floor and first floor.All the rooms are decorated with items designed by A-cero, alternating with classic designs, antiques and works of art.

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The house is accessed from the outside by a door 5 meters high, flanked by two wooden blinds in the center, a rim of Jerez well, dating from the seventeenth century  of Marita Segovia, handmade carpets from Turkey, orange-white and black picture of Mercedes Rodriguez Parrizas. On the right pedestal,  So-fha sculpture from the Thailand gallery of Antonio Martin. The decorations in the home are in an open dialogue between classic and contemporary.

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The living room window of 15 meters, lies on the floor automatically, leaving open to the terrace.

The living room is the most public place of the house where the client receive the guests, a large space with a considerable height. The decoration carried out by the department of interior design of A-cero, as throughout, features pieces of their own design that coexist with more traditional elements:

A-cero designed the sofas, executed by Manama, upholstered in white silk. Coffee tables design by A-cero, made ​​by Herranz Brothers in DM  with high gloss and white lacquered sheet steel for the inside.

Two Mies Daybed, Barcelona model in white. India silk white carpet of Naim.

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The kitchen is also designed by A-cero, executed by Aries kitchens in high gloss lacquered with DM in white, gray and countertops of graphite and gray Corian . A large central island of white Corian, which ends in a flight of 5 meters serving as a  dining area /office. Appliances are from Siemen.

 

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On their blog, A-Cero describe the details and the process of the works on this beautiful work of art. You can check photos as well of the work process.

25 Oct ’11

The New Manila Trump Tower to be Furnished By Hermès

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“I’ve always loved the Philippines. I think it’s just a special place and Manila is one of Asia’s most spectacular cities. I know that this project will be second to none.” Donald Trump- Chairman & President of the Trump Organization

Owned by Century Group, the Trump Tower in Manila Philippines), the most luxurious building in Manila, features high-rise condos with public areas (lobbies, libraries, pools) and apartments decorated by Versace, Missoni.  Hermès was approached to design the public spaces of the building complex and, surprisingly, they accepted, making it the very first Hermès interior design for a public project. Despite the fact that Hermès has recently launched an extended home collection, including carpets and furniture, the French maison remains deeply focused on its core product range emanating from their exceptional craftsmanship.

The project is estimated to cost $150 Million and will include 244 residential units. It will rise at Century Properties Flagship Development, Century City.

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From a grand lobby that celebrates your arrival, en route to a marvelous hallway that draws your inner effervescence. Amidst a wide array of lavishly designed amenities. Leading to your exclusive living space with sweeping city views.Trump Tower Manila’s emphasis on elegance, quality and craftsmanship will be evident in its amenity spaces. The building will use a selection of Hermès home collections for its amenities and common areas.

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At Trump TowerTM Manila, units are carefully designed to adhere to the Trump brand’s superior design and development standards.The Trump TowerTM Manilla consists of 3 types of units:

Downtown Soho:

At Trump TowerTM Manila lends Downtown Soho’s unique sophistication through ebony wood flooring, pristine white walls with linear paneling and white natural stones in smooth matte finish. Downtown Soho is the ideal interior theme for the upwardly mobile citizen with a contemporary taste in design.

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Fifth Avenue:

Trump TowerTM Manila brings glamorous Fifth Avenue’s classic design aesthetic through art deco in light wood veneer floors and walls, marble and granite natural stones in creams and browns. Fifth Avenue is the perfect interior finish for those who want to enhance and showcase their artwork collections like paintings, sculpture and art installations.

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Park Avenue:

Trump TowerTM Manila echoes Park Avenue’s transitional style using traditional moldings on walls and cornices, contemporary wenge wood flooring, lacquered high gloss finish for doors and door jambs, marble and granite natural stones in cream, white and black. Park Avenue is best suited for those who want the best of both worlds – fusing contemporary and classic in interior finishes.

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The Trump ® brand now encompasses projects across the United States, Panama, Canada and Turkey and is renowned for representing the highest level of excellence and luxury in residential, hotel, office, retail and golf properties.
Trump branded projects have always been associated with the world’s premier real estate. Trump buildings are known for their spectacular views, prime locations, luxurious amenities and discerning owners. The existing clientele of Trump includes global CEOs and celebrities. The experience of owning a Trump branded property and living in the Trump lifestyle is unparalleled.
Superior Quality, Detail and Perfection are standards that Trump demands of all properties bearing its name. The exclusive touch of the Trump brand is present in every aspect of their properties, from the design driven, cutting edge façades created in collaboration with the world’s best architects, to the flawless interiors designed specifically for each market to the world-class service. No detail is overlooked. With each of its developed and branded properties, the Trump brand continues to raise the bar of super luxurious living consistently.

For information, please contact:
(632) 818 -90 41
(63) 917-555-5274
www.trumptowermanila.com
customersupport@century-properties.com

22 Oct ’11

1001 Nights Villa By A-Cero | Residential Design

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There usually isn’t a long interval between posts about  A-Cero’s projects. I am a big fan and in  love with their vision of volumes. Many might find them bulky and “dry” since they heavily rely on concrete and grey stones for their finishes. Scroll down to check out the remaining photos and enjoy the effects the architecture reveals when accompanied with beautiful lighting and an enormous swimming pool.

A-cero is a Spanish architecture firm which has recently completed the 1001 Nights House project. This 22,600 square foot contemporary concrete residence is located in Madrid, Spain.

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1001 Nights House by A-cero:

“A-cero presents one of its more recent projects in single family properties.

It is a single family house located in a development in the outskirts of Madrid. Over a plot of 7000 m2 the building, with 2100 m2, rises with a high standard design answering the owners’ requirements.

The access, through the development walkway, is placed on a higher level. Here is the property, partially hidden by many curved walls that seem to elevate from some water sheets over a stone covering in white, grey and black shades, placed on purpose as a part of the landscape in this area of the plot. Besides its sculptural features, typical of the A-cero style, this side of the facade expects the integration of the building in the surrounding environment. A wide stone path, with water sheets on both sides, lead us to a huge black glass door that gives us access inside the property. In the garden, following the wishes of the owners, there are palms, pome granate trees and Middle East vegetation.

The rear facade of the house, the most visible, makes the most of the slight slope of the plot, where there is the porch, a pool and the garden. Almost all the views from the different rooms of the property are focused here, as the views of the lakes in the common areas of the development.

All the building is dressed in “black villar granite stone”. In this part of the property big windows, with hidden woodwork, are opened, achieving a lot of light for the inside space. In the porch, the window in the main living room, of 10 meters, is automatically hidden, connecting indoors and outdoors.

The passable area is made of white marble, the vase in the pool of blue gressite. The outside furniture is from the Rest collection by A-cero In.”

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