Unveiling the De Bethune Lounge and 1916 Company Watch Collectors Salon: A Fusion of Elegance and Innovation
The De Bethune Lounge and the 1916 Company Watch Collectors Salon were designed by Clifton Leung Design Workshop. These luxurious spaces, located in the heart of Central Hong Kong, serve as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. The grand establishment was officially inaugurated in December, ushering in the New Year with opulence and sophistication.
The De Bethune Lounge and the 1916 Company Watch Collectors Salon were designed by Clifton Leung Design Workshop. These luxurious spaces, located in the heart of Central Hong Kong, serve as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. The grand establishment was officially inaugurated in December, ushering in the New Year with opulence and sophistication.
Upon arrival, guests are immersed in a modern and mystical Art Deco design world from entering the elevator lobby. This captivating experience sets the stage for an extraordinary stay within thoughtfully-curated spaces, where every element, from the furniture to the lighting, has been carefully selected to create a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance.
The showroom has a striking stone bar in the center, adorned with elegant gold details that enhance the ambiance and add refinement. A unique antique mirror is a stunning backdrop for a thoughtfully selected wine collection, creating a visually captivating focal point within the showroom.
The lounge area has designer loungers and coffee tables, creating flexible settings for various gatherings and events, from intimate business meetings to elegant cocktail parties. Two custom-designed desks with an attractive center display feature the finest selections from the watch collection, adding to the area's sophisticated charm.
"The open ceiling is adorned with captivating round feature lights that emit a beautiful glow over the designer furniture. Strategically placed spotlights with a high colour rendering index (CRI) ensure that the true colours of the watches are accurately displayed. This is a crucial element for a watch trading showroom."
A centrepiece feature cabinet in the Salon seating area showcases carefully selected timepieces, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry of De Bethune.
Two exclusive De Bethune rooms, accessible through pairs of elegant black mullioned sliding doors, echo the design of the De Bethune DB25 watch. The walls are adorned with captivating starry sky wallpaper and hand-painted showers of stars, mirroring the celestial beauty of the watch. Complemented by a posh black carpet, midnight blue draperies, and stage-like spotlighting, these rooms create a mysterious atmosphere perfect for personalized service from watch specialists, making you feel truly privileged and special.
An ingeniously concealed dynamic watch trading room, integrated behind a sliding partition, seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience within the 1916 Salon's layout.
The De Bethune Lounge and 1916 Salon offer an enchanting environment where luxury, elegance, and exceptional service converge. Patrons are invited to immerse themselves in a sophisticated salon shopping experience, enjoying intimate and educational interactions with watch specialists while perusing a meticulously curated collection, each item carefully selected for its quality and value. Step into a world where every detail is crafted to captivate and delight.
This project has been shortlisted for the Sky Design Awards 2024 in the Architecture division.
For more information, please visit: https://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/
A New Landmark: Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates Redefines Community Space
In a visionary project by Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates, a new landmark has been meticulously crafted to redefine the urban landscape. This ambitious endeavour, which harnessed innovative design and construction methods, utilized two sites on opposite sides of a road to create a seamless, integrated space.
In a visionary project by Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates, a new landmark has been meticulously crafted to redefine the urban landscape. This ambitious endeavour, which harnessed innovative design and construction methods, utilized two sites on opposite sides of a road to create a seamless, integrated space. The complex includes a florist, a plant shop, and a café, transcending traditional site boundaries and treating the road as an intrinsic part of the unified landscape.
"The design includes a U-shaped glass façade that allows visitors to easily move between the garden and interior spaces. This see-through design makes the building accessible from any direction, creating a welcoming environment. To better connect the indoors and outdoors, the eaves extend 2.7 meters above the ground, creating a friendly intermediate area. This area is designed for relaxation and community engagement."
A significant challenge we faced was maximizing the spatial volume without partition walls. We were able to address this issue ingeniously by using the innovative 'stacked beam' method. This method involved local craftsmen combining three smaller beams on-site to create a longer beam, instead of using a single, expensive, large beam. This not only helped us work within material constraints but also highlighted the significance of local craftsmanship and the use of regionally sourced lumber.
The project is intensely focused on community involvement. The client's goal of creating a significant space was achieved with the help of local artisans, instilling a sense of pride and connection to the project. The materials and textures used in the building, such as natural stone roof tiles and custom-mixed interior plaster, were carefully chosen and crafted by local experts. A single craftsman spent over six months laying 20,000 pieces of natural stone on the roof, while rough stones collected over two years were thoughtfully integrated into the interior design.
One significant moment in the project's timeline was the use of an old piece of wood for the entrance door. This door, which was salvaged from a local building slated for demolition, required a new construction method. However, the local craftsmen rose to the challenge. They designed and installed the door on the spot, aligning with the design intent and the client's vision, and contributing to the project's sustainability and resourcefulness.
Over five years, the collaboration between the client and local craftsmen led to the creation of a new landmark in the town. This project showcases the strength of local craftsmanship and community teamwork, resulting in a functional complex that symbolizes collective effort and creativity. The project's timeline, from its inception to its completion, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved.
This project has been shortlisted for the Sky Design Awards 2024 in the Architecture division.
For more information, please visit: http://tatsuyakawamoto.com/
A Journey-Enhancing Destination - HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO HANEDA designed by NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN LTD
At Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Haneda is more than just a place to stay. The strategic location on the historic runway site of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) offers a unique vantage point as Japan's world-renowned gateway. This prime location transforms the hotel from a mere transit hub into a captivating destination, immersing guests in the airport's vibrant activities. The mission is to provide a place to stay and enhance your experience, inviting you to see the hotel as more than just a place to stay before or after a flight.
At Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Haneda is more than just a place to stay. The strategic location on the historic runway site of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) offers a unique vantage point as Japan's world-renowned gateway. This prime location transforms the hotel from a mere transit hub into a captivating destination, immersing guests in the airport's vibrant activities. The mission is to provide a place to stay and enhance your experience, inviting you to see the hotel as more than just a place to stay before or after a flight.
The floor plan is not just a layout; it's a captivating concept. Inspired by the idea of a 'perch,' it offers guests a unique space to pause their travels and enjoy a dynamic airport view. The restaurant and bar provide versatile seating arrangements for various occasions, while THE ROOF TOP offers a breathtaking 360-degree view day and night. These perch-like spaces are designed to provide a comfortable spot for guests to relax and enjoy their stay, all within a unique and inspiring environment.
The NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN LTD design team's design concept for the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Haneda, is a unique blend of airport and bar elements. It is designed to appeal to both airport users and a wider audience. The design team has incorporated runway-themed corridors and aviation details throughout the hotel to emphasize its unique airport essence. Additionally, the artwork depicts the industrial vibe and history of the surrounding area, one of Japan's foremost factory districts, adding a unique touch to the overall design.
The design concept combines airport and bar elements to appeal to airport users and a wider audience. The design team from NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN LTD has incorporated runway-themed corridors and aviation details throughout the hotel to emphasize its unique airport essence. The artwork depicts the industrial vibe and history of the surrounding area, one of Japan's foremost factory districts.
The hotel features artworks inspired by genuine aircraft parts and route maps, with some pieces reimagined from locally manufactured industrial products. But that's not all. The hotel occasionally hosts aviation-related exhibitions in collaboration with Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. This unique partnership allows both parties to showcase the area's appeal and enhance guest experience with exclusive insights into the aviation world.
HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO HANEDA is one of the Sky Design Awards Shortlisted Project*
For more information, please visit: https://nspacedesign.co.jp/
Photo Credit: Kenji MASUNAGA
Design Team | Designer Profile
A Vision for the Future - "Morinomachi Grace" in Okayama City designed by RENS, NOMURA Co.,Ltd
Designed by RENS, NOMURA Co.,Ltd from Japan. At the heart of this ambitious complex lies "Morinomachi Plaza," home to the "WONSETO FOODHALL." This vibrant culinary hub aims to invigorate regional development by celebrating local cuisine crafted from the unique ingredients native to Okayama and the Seto Inland Sea. Known for its mild climate and fertile soil, this area boasts a rich food culture that WONSETO FOODHALL proudly showcases. The food hall is a dining space and a cultural haven where visitors can immerse themselves in the region's gastronomic delights.
Located in the heart of Okayama City in Japan, "Morinomachi Grace" is a forward-thinking commercial facility that symbolizes innovation and community. It reflects the Seto Inland Sea region's rich heritage and natural beauty. It is poised to become a cornerstone of regional pride and a testament to sustainable urban development.
At the heart of this ambitious complex lies "Morinomachi Plaza," home to the "WONSETO FOODHALL." This vibrant culinary hub aims to invigorate regional development by celebrating local cuisine crafted from the unique ingredients native to Okayama and the Seto Inland Sea. Known for its mild climate and fertile soil, this area boasts a rich food culture that WONSETO FOODHALL proudly showcases. The food hall is a dining space and a cultural haven where visitors can immerse themselves in the region's gastronomic delights.
The design of this space, inspired by the Seto Inland Sea, is a unique and original creation. It seamlessly blends with the city's culture, offering a peaceful environment for the community to come together and enjoy the culinary delights of the Seto Inland Sea. This aims to promote a feeling of hope and connection through food, creating an intriguing and exciting experience for visitors.
The WONSETO FOODHALL is distinguished by its remarkable ceiling, designed to resemble the Seto Inland Sea's undulating waves, wind, and air currents. As natural light enters from the entrance, the expansive waves gradually transform into smaller ripples, leading visitors further into the space. This dynamic ceiling design represents the motion of waves and the passage of time and fosters a serene and unified atmosphere throughout the facility.
The architectural marvel includes a terraced "hill" that connects the first and second floors, resembling a natural topographical feature. This multipurpose space serves as bench seating and an event stage, providing a versatile area for relaxation and comfort. During events, it transforms into a lively stage and seating area, becoming a central hub for community activities celebrating Okayama's charms.
In a nod to local craftsmanship, "Okayama Denim," a specialty product from Ihara City, adorns the chairs and sofas. This choice highlights the region's textile industry and enhances the space with a distinctive regional touch, expanding the possibilities for local industries to thrive in new contexts.
The green zone, designed around a "diverse forest," contains approximately 1,000 trees and greenery, creating a landscape honouring Okayama's natural environment while incorporating new elements. The art lounge on the second floor, curated by Kohei Mawa, exhibits works by local artists and serves as a cultural hub. This space is envisioned to nurture Okayama's art and culture, encouraging new regional and artistic opportunities and linking them to the future.
"Morinomachi Grace" is more than a commercial facility; it represents a vision for the future. It embodies a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and community, creating a space where the past and future of Okayama coexist beautifully. This project is a proud testament to the city's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage, promising to be a cherished landmark for future generations.
"Morinomachi Grace" in Okayama City designed by RENS, NOMURA Co.,Ltd is one of the shortlisted projects from Sky Design Awards - Interior Design*
For more information, please visit:
Website: https://www.rens-design.jp/en/ or http://www.skydesignawards.com
Redefining Suzhou Elegance: COSCIA Pu Yuan Store designed by ADS（All Design Studio）
Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.
Atrium
ADS has beautifully modernized Suzhou-style architecture's traditional spatial layouts and colour schemes, transforming them into a minimalist and contemporary design that reflects Eastern sensibilities. This design simplifies intricate details and creates a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, celebrating a lifestyle characterized by quality and sophistication.
In Pu Yuan Ancient Town, the essence of Jiangnan architecture is meticulously preserved. Every brick, tile, and wooden beam is crafted with mortise and tenon joints, showcasing the enduring skills of ancient artisans. The town's meandering streams, old-fashioned boats, and arched bridges intertwine to create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.
On the ground floor, the pathway is made of bricks and is flanked by two terracotta cabinet walls. This design adds visual depth and diversity to the atrium space. The atrium is covered with ink-black terrazzo, which gives the impression of an ink pool and a rain-dampened slate pathway. In the center of the atrium is a trapezoidal "Ink stick" structure. This structure is a display screen and an artistic centrepiece, drawing the eye upward. Additionally, a mirrored reflection resembling a sky lantern is suspended within the atrium, minimizing direct sunlight. This lightweight material contrasts with the geometric form of the "Ink stick."
Delicate metal chains encircling the atrium evoke the perpetual rainy ambiance of Jiangnan water towns, mimicking raindrops cascading from eaves and creating a curtain-like effect reminiscent of a water cascade. The cashier desk, fitting rooms, and jewelry section come to life on the ground floor. Inspired by mahjong tiles, the jewelry area's ceiling design features a vibrant interplay of orange and gray, squares and circles, infusing the space with a lively and playful ambiance.
The minimalist art journey continues to the second floor, unlike the grand "ink pool" below. Here, textured carpets and metallic panels create the sensation of walking on varied terrain, while a systematic arrangement of display cabinets encourages viewers to pause and explore. This thoughtful design builds anticipation for the unfolding journey ahead.
On the second floor, the VIP lounge and fitting rooms immerse individuals in a desert-themed atmosphere. Twilight imagery and decorative stones shape a unique "natural" landscape, offering modern consumers distinctive experiences and social media-worthy moments.
With this innovative design, ADS not only preserves the historical essence of Suzhou-style architecture but also elevates it by creating spaces that blend tradition and modernity. The result is an intriguing fusion that captivates the imagination and spirit of all who experience it.
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design : Retail Design division
Project Information
Project丨COSCIA Pu Yuan Store
Location：No.233, Pu Chuan Street, Pu Yuan Town, Jia Xing ,Zhe Jiang Province ,CHINA
Project Type：Multi Buyer Store
Area：800㎡
Design Company：ADS（All Design Studio）
Designer：Tao Li, Jing Duan
Photo Credits：Yuuuun Studio
Complete Year：May, 2023
GIKEN GROUP Head Office Relocation Project in Gifu-shi designed by void.Co.,Ltd. from Japan
Designed by void.Co.,Ltd from Japan. The relocation project for GIKEN GROUP's head office near the Gifu Prefectural Office in Gifu-shi embodies a vision to create a multifaceted facility designed to nurture diverse communication and innovation. The building will not just house the head office, but also feature a co-working space, rental offices, and seminar rooms, catering to employees, government workers, businesses, and students. This strategic location is envisioned to be a vibrant hub for interaction, benefitting visitors to the prefectural office and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity.
Designed by void.Co.,Ltd from Japan. The relocation project for GIKEN GROUP's head office near the Gifu Prefectural Office in Gifu-shi embodies a vision to create a multifaceted facility designed to nurture diverse communication and innovation. The building will not just house the head office, but also feature a co-working space, rental offices, and seminar rooms, catering to employees, government workers, businesses, and students. This strategic location is envisioned to be a vibrant hub for interaction, benefitting visitors to the prefectural office and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity.
The project began with an analysis of the local characteristics. Notably, there was an increasing number of young entrepreneurs and a growing demand for remote working options. However, there needed to be more combined office and co-working spaces in Gifu. This facility aims to fill that gap by allowing young entrepreneurs to start their businesses in the co-working space and then transition to rental offices as they expand. It serves as a meeting point for ambitious individuals from government, academia, industry, and civil society, designed to support young entrepreneurs and stimulate innovation.
The building boasts a split-level floor plan, with a two-story section on the south side and a three-story section on the north side. The south side features a triple-height atrium lounge, a cafeteria with views of the entire building, and open-plan offices, creating a modern, light-filled environment. The three-story north section houses private rooms such as rental offices, conference rooms, and the president's office, offering a tranquil setting.
The first floor's co-working space, the second floor's rental offices, and the third floor's headquarters are all arranged to face the atrium, fostering an environment that encourages interaction and innovation. The building's total floor area is 1,682 square meters, with a height of 9.98 meters. It extends 17 meters on the short side and 46.5 meters on the long side, running east to west. The void space is 8.5 meters high, while the two-story south part features large open spaces with a ceiling height of 3.8 meters, creating a spacious feel without internal walls. In contrast, the smaller rooms in the three-story north part have ceiling heights of about 2.1 meters - scaled for comfort and functionality. The rental spaces on the second floor and the offices on the third floor have exposed ceilings, providing ample height and a sense of openness.
The building's exterior design reflects its split-level interior layout, with a diverse facade that combines two—and three-story sections. The first-floor atrium lounge and second-floor cafeteria have an open, airy design with vertical louvres and glazing, creating a strong connection to the street. The office and seminar rooms are embellished with extruded cement panels, combining a sense of dignity with the building's openness.
This relocation project meets the evolving needs of Gifu's business community and creates a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Website: https://void-jp.org/en/
Floor plan & Drawings
