Property & Design
Bespoke carbon fibre furniture defies the laws of physics
Upcoming British designer, Jules Sturgess launches his debut collection of handcrafted, limited edition furniture that uncovers the hidden potential of the structural properties of materials to create unlikely and beautiful forms. The first collection focuses on utilising the unique properties of carbon fibre to create custom-made pieces designed to stretch the potential of carbon composite to the extreme.
Inspired by the idea of the human form in suspension and the single motion of a brush stroke, Marea the first piece in the carbon fibre collection, is a sleek take on a chaise longue that strikes a perfect blend of fluid beauty and innate strength. Just 4mm thick, yet remaining capable of sustaining great weight, Marea is built-up of two separate carbon sections, anchored together at the critical strain point by a central titanium hub. When viewed from the side, it is almost invisible – taking the traditional form of the chaise lounge to a cantilevered extreme, both from a functional and aesthetic point of view.
Limited to 50 individually numbered pieces, each chaise longue is carefully crafted by hand from 22 layers of three different weaves of carbon fibre, each over the course of several days to maximise strength while retaining the beauty of the carbon fibre finish. Made to order, no two will be the same with personalised added extra options allowing it to fit perfectly into your home. Prices start from £14,999.
Jules’s background influence predominantly comes from automotive design. As teenager racing model cars, Jules discovered a skill for re-engineering his models through creating replacement parts using superior manufacturing processes and materials. This focus on engineering minimalism to reduce weight and increase strength allowed him to become faster and more competitive. Later whilst studying, Jules became more aware of the artistic possibilities of new materials and processes, especially in furniture design, as the constraints on artistic expression were much less in this area than in pure engineering.
Consequently, Jules has combined his design and manufacturing skills with the properties of these ever more advanced materials to create gravity-defying pieces in which the innate beauty and the technical scope of the materials is revealed. Created through the combination of ultramodern design practices and materials, with traditional handcrafting skills permits the creation of pieces in advanced composites, featuring thin sections, extreme cantilevers and unlikely forms.
Website: http://julessturgess.com/
Twitter: Jules Sturgess
Written by Grace Williams – 26/6/12
Solar Floating Resort Part 2, a vision into the revolutionary ecotourism that is to come
Following on from CDC Lifestyle’s previous update on the Solar Floating Resort, the same genius Italian industrial designer, Michele Puzzolante has announced the full development of The Solar Floating Resort Part 2 as part of his truly global concept. Read more
The Solar Floating Resort; with global warming comes genius architecture
Italian industrial designer Michele Puzzolante has designed a conceptual luxury floating hotel, the Solar Floating Resort (SFR). Convinced that solar energy is the solution to global warming and environment issues, Puzzolante decided to get involved in the green energy new era by inventing a unique building integrated photovoltaic concept totally self-sufficient energy generator, non-polluting and in unison with its natural surroundings. Entering new age of advanced construction techniques based on industrial design rather than traditional architecture this concept is certainly intriguing. Read more
A review of Jumeirah Living's new serviced accommodation Grosvenor House Apartments
Although much like a hotel in many respects, the Grosvenor House Apartments marks the group’s first foray into the business of serviced residences in the UK Read more
Interior design firm Muralto team up with audio-visual specialists RSAV Solutions
Exclusive interior design firm Muralto have teamed up audio-visual specialists RSAV Solutions to provide a superb home entertainment showroom in Marylebone, illustrating the potential for clients’ homes.
Muralto’s furniture provides the perfect setting for Meridian audio hardware; Meridian Soolos control hub and the revolutionary amBX intelligent lighting system, all installed by RSAV.
Controlled by Soolos, Meridian’s amplifier and speaker systems fill the space with a remarkable sound and their sleek modern design is certainly complimented by Muralto’s interior. Soolos allows for wireless audio streaming throughout one’s home from its 17 inch touchscreen hub (the Control 15), a feature which is easily demonstrated on Muralto’s two floors: both the downstairs home cinema set-up and the audio lounge upstairs are controlled by the Soolos system.
Soolos also controls visual and networking features. Using it, one can summon a whole spectrum of media from the Meridian Media Core 200 as well as other sources: from presentations stored wirelessly on a laptop, to the Internet, to film and television libraries. It can even access a games console! All of which is displayed in brilliant high definition on a beautiful Loewe flat screen or on a retractable cinema screen via a Meridian projector.
One of the most impressive aspects of the home cinema demonstration is its concealed-fitting amBX lighting. amBX’s main function is to provide ambient lighting to enhance a viewing experience: it registers the average colour for what is being displayed on-screen, and displays said colour.
When installed in full, as it is at Muralto, it also offers directional lighting: for instance, were the left hand side of the screen displaying a fire, and the right hand side darkness, there would be a transition of orange to black within the room. It truly adds another visual dimension by enveloping one’s field of view in colour, especially with film.
In combining all of these features, RSAV and Muralto have created a stellar presentation space and entertainment showcase, which must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
Muralto, 6 Seymour Place,
Portman Village,
London W1H 7NA.
Tel: 0207 724 3750
Email:info@muralto.co.uk
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Weekends by appointment.
Written by: Jérôme A M Kamm - 10/5/12
The Lancasters Hyde Park - Lawson Robb show apartment
Highly acclaimed architectural and interior design specialists Lawson Robb appear to have cracked the international design code, inspiring a multitude of nationalities and cultures with a single show apartment which has just been reveal at The Lancasters, Hyde Park.
Frustrated with the lack of cohesion between architects and interior designers, Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb joined forces in 2003 to raise the bar in communicative design and provide the ultimate turn-key service. Thanks to increased design exposure to the corners of the earth, cunning analysis and of course crackingly good taste, LAWSON ROBB have excited the world of agents and developers by coming up with a strategically alluring design style that appeals to the broadest possible market of international high net worth buyers.
Over the last eight years, LAWSON ROBB have ardently pursued the art of style invention. Alix Lawson, joint founder, commented: ”As the finders of design and style solutions, a key skill lies in our ability to extract then translate our client’s personalities, standard of living and style. The pursuit of design perfection and creating a client’s ultimate dream home is not just a necessity but also a passion.”
Charlotte Robb added:”Having the day to day experience of working closely on private residential projects with the market clientele, an in-depth understanding of their aspirations, cultures, lifestyles and level of detail and quality expected, allowed us to confidently identify the most effective scheme to capture and excite the differing tastes of this discerning global high net worth buyer.”
It was evident from initial scrutiny that there are certain common threads that appeal to all: superior quality, luxurious and unusual finishes and materials, natural but rich colour palettes and meticulous detailing. A scheme not too elaborate but not plain, impressive but not ostentatious would be the answer.
Further inspiration was drawn from elements of the predominant cultural: the rich intricate inlays of the Middle East; the vibrancy of Southern Asia; American understated classical detailing paired with the simple lines and impeccable quality of European design. The calm proportions and structured patterns of the Far East were also important influences, as well as the idea of incorporating subtle elements of more opulent detailing seen in traditional Russian design.
Layering of these select elements allowed their harmonious marriage into a stylishly balanced scheme of understated luxury and sophistication. Materials used include silver leaf, pyrite, leather, rich walnut, lacquer, metal, velvet, silk wallpaper, marble, antique mirror.
Unveiling of this ‘International Style’ in the Lancasters show apartment has caused quite some excitable ripples and significant interest from the agents, developers and clients alike.
Website: www.lawsonrobb.com
PGA Catalunya villa designed by Damian and Francisco Ribas
PGA Catalunya in Spain, a golf and residential development very close to Girona. The owners and developers have commissioned a collection of eminent European architects to bring their vision to life. This year has seen the completion of three show properties designed by De Blacam and Meagher, Lagula and Damian and Francisco Ribas. Carlos Ferretar, holder of the prestigious ‘White Barcelona Chair’ and the architect behind some of Barcelona’s most impressive buildings, including Paseo de Gracia’s Hotel Mandarin Oriental and Group Azahar’s new headquarters is also working with PGA Catalunya to create a collection of stunning homes.
PGA Catalunya is proud to announce the completion of its third show property this year with the unveiling of the spectacular semi-detached villa. Designed by prestigious Catalan architects Damian and Francisco Ribas this property is situated in a private garden enclave surrounded by mature natural woodland and views to the surrounding Montseny Mountains.
In line with what has been a very successful year for PGA Catalunya, this property sold almost immediately when released to the market in the first quarter of 2011. Irish investor Joe Thomas explains why he immediately fell in love with this special home “I purchased a semi-detached villa because of its location and quality of build; the straight lines, the roominess, the open atrium between the two floors were all aspects of the home that appealed to me.” Joe was also attracted by the resort’s location “As…an avid sun worshipper, golfer, skier and football mad the location ticks all the boxes…ideally placed on a golf course, close to the coast, mountains and town of Girona and very close to the wonderful city of Barcelona”
Barcelona based architects Damian and Francisco Ribas who have been involved in the PGA Catalunya project since 1999 and have already designed the popular golf clubhouse, have taken great pride in creating the development’s first semi-detached property.
Damian Ribas explains how he was careful to ensure that the architecture seamlessly complements its beautiful surroundings. ‘Part of the joy of PGA Catalunya is the beauty of its spectacular surroudings from the carefully manicured 300 hectares of estate grounds to the majestic Pyrenees mountains that lie beyond. Our architecture strives to incorporate these beautiful environs into the living areas with wall to wall sliding glass doors, expansive terraces, private gardens and double height vaulted ceilings. As such this home is inspired by the region and its traditions whilst still maintaining a 21st century feel’.
With 14 sales confirmed, 8 reservations in place and 15 contracts currently under negotiation PGA Catalunya has had a strong year in terms of sales. The resort has also recently been named as both a Top 100 Golf Course and a Top 100 Worldwide Course by Golf World and has just welcomed new Chief Executive Officer Julio Delgado to spearhead the estate’s next phase of growth.
www.lifeatpga.com / www.pgacatalunya.com
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Enjoy someone else's home while they're out of town with onefinestay
“Marble lobbies, concierges and room service are not exactly things to be knocked in the World of luxury, but don’t you feel like you would just rather something a little bit less generic with a bit more space and character, in fact rather much like your home? Well now with private home stay specialists ‘onefinestay’ this is all now possible. As it happens they can also rent out your house while you are not using it. Read on to find out how it works….”
onefinestay redefines the experience of visiting London: live like a local by staying in a distinctive home while the owner is out of town, with a service which offers all the convenience and comfort of a hotel. Guests enjoy luxury amenities like 5* hotel linens and toiletries from The White Company as standard. Every guest is also lent an iPhone for the duration of their stay which is stocked with local tips and helpful videos recorded by the home’s owner, and from which they can make free local calls. Members benefit by earning an income from a house or flat which would otherwise sit vacant, without the risk or hassle associated with alternatives like holiday rental or short letting.
Prices range from £150 a night for a comfortable one bedroom apartment in Marylebone W1, to £2,000 a night for a grand townhouse in South Kensington near Hyde Park. Other distinctive options on www.onefinestay.com include a pied-a-terre in aristocratic Mayfair, a family home in leafy Primrose Hill, a bachelor pad in trendy Shoreditch and a palatial home in luxurious Knightsbridge. This service suits everyone from regular business travellers to London, professional couples seeking a better way to experience the city, to families with children.
onefinestay members benefit from a complete service, from marketing and photography to insurance, cleaning, and provision of linens. The amount members can earn depends on the value of their property and the amount of time they’re away. onefinestay essentially delivers an income level which is comparable to the fair long-term let value of their home.
onefinestay was founded in 2009 by three serial entrepreneurs with property management, logistics, investment and technology experience. Fuelled by rave reviews from guests and hosts, onefinestay has expanded from just 6 host members in 2009 to more than 150 today. onefinestay now has over 150 members with distinctive homes across London’s best neighbourhoods. onefinestay’s early success was spotted by leading European venture capital firm Index Ventures which led a $3.7m funding round. Other angel investors include Brent Hoberman, co-founder & CEO of Lastminute.com, Andy Phillipps, co-founder of ActiveHotels, and other leading figures from the travel and hospitality community.
Unit 3, 40 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0NE
Office: (+44) (0)20 3287 4639
Bookings: (+44) (0)800 612 4377
Email: www.onefinestay.com
onefinestay is a trading name of Lifealike Limited, UK registered company number 06554630, registered address 7th Floor, 4 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4UP.
The Luxury Property Show at The Hurlingham Club
Property Expert, Melissa Porter, Confirmed to Host the Largest Two-day Event, which Celebrates the Most Exclusive Properties from Around the Globe
What: Showcasing only the finest properties from around the globe, The Luxury Property Show provides a unique opportunity to view and buy some of the world’s most exclusive properties.
Where: The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, Fulham, SW6 3PR
When: Tues 1st Nov 11:00am- 6:00pm / Weds 2nd Nov 11:00am- 5:00pm
Tickets: To ensure you receive your complimentary ticket to this event, please register your details on the main website. Please note, there are a limited number of tickets for each day.
Details: Set within the stunning grounds of The Hurlingham Club, The Luxury Property Show promises guests will experience some of the finest properties on the international market. Whether you are looking for a scenic real estate in the countryside, a city apartment in New York, or a luxurious beachfront home in Abu Dhabi, we will be showcasing the most celebrated estates from around the world and are sure to find your perfect match. Come and meet property expert, Melissa Porter, who will be on hand to discuss all aspects of buying, selling, renovation and relocation. Melissa is best known for her BBC lifestyle and property shows including
‘To Buy or Not to Buy’, ‘Put Your Money Where Your House Is’ and ‘Own Britain’s Best Home’. With an extensive background in travel writing and premium property development, Melissa will be making her debut appearance at The Luxury Property Show to answer all your questions regarding the future of the luxury property market.
We will also be joined by a number of industry experts, who will be running various interactive workshops and seminars over the course of this prestigious two day event.
Alongside this, guests will also have the chance to meet with other specialists involved in the industry including currency brokers, architects and interior designers, who are all keen in making your dream a reality. Among this year’s exhibitors, we are delighted to be hosting the likes of Mayfair International Realty, who have grown to become one of the foremost groups of luxury real estate agents in the UK and Ireland. We are also proud to announce that Coldwell Banker will be showcasing a number of their properties from the glistening beaches of Barbados, alongside Selected Estates Bali, who will be displaying a range of paradise beach estates from the shores of Bali.
Situated in the idyllic surroundings of South West London, The Hurlingham Club, is a perfect location to host this year’s event. The prestigious private member’s club provides a small and intimate setting, to ensure that our exhibitors offer a dedicated service to all our guests. This stylish and sophisticated venue is regarded as the ultimate backdrop to enjoy some of the world’s most exclusive properties, whilst relaxing in their magnificent grounds.The event will be an ideal destination to network with like-minded people over coffee or afternoon tea.
Join us at The Luxury Property Show and find your next luxury home. Register today, for upcoming news and exclusive offers.
Getting There…
Tube: Nearest stations, Putney Bridge / Parsons Green (District Line)
Rail: Putney overground
Car: Limited on-site parking available. Sat Nav users should key in ‘Napier Avenue’.
Website: www.eton-events.com/LuxuryPropertyShow/
Facebook: facebook.com/theluxurypropertyshow
Tropical Gulf of Panama's 'Pearl Island'
Introducing Pearl Island: A Natural Paradise in the Tropical Gulf of Panama…
a serene Pacific island that is being sensitively transformed into a luxurious 5 star sustainable hideaway. One of the few remaining untouched havens in the world, Pearl Island offers the chance to live a perfect private island existence complemented by a range of fully managed services.
Leading luxury resort investor and developer Dolphin Capital Investors are working together with Panamanian based Grupo Eleta to deliver a low density, premium luxury, sustainable real estate and leisure development. Just an hour by boat from the buzzing Panama City, offering 30 km of unspoilt coastline and 14 private sandy beaches, Pearl Island represents probably the largest luxury private island development in Central America. 75% of this historic 6,000 year old island will remain untouched, abundant in rich flora and fauna.
A select number of beautifully positioned home sites and cliff-top ocean-fronting villas are now available for sale within a handful of thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods in the initial Founders’ Phase of the development; the Cueva Peninsula. Home sites will range from 1-2 acres in size and have been inspired by their topographical setting affording magnificent views and optimal privacy. The sites can be developed to create bespoke homes subject to the island’s already established architectural and landscape guidelines. In addition, a limited number of two, three and four bedroom villas will be built on the cliffs around the beach club to exceptional sustainability standards and can be purchased on a turn-key basis.
Boasting fourteen white sand bays discreetly scattered between 3,000 acres (or 15 km2) of tropical rainforest and one of the most spectacular ecosystems in the world, Pearl Island is also home to an array of treasured species including humpback whales, over 700 species of tropical fish, turtles and a rare iguana. It also has a history that dates back almost 6,000 years and was a destination once revered for its abundant pearl farming.
Set to become one of the globe’s next luxury hotspots thanks to the innovative and intricate development that is sensitively transforming this serene haven into an exemplary 5 star destination, Pearl Island will offer every imaginable luxury to owners and visitors. Just some of the amenities being carefully crafted into the landscape will be a gym, kids’ club, tennis courts, state of the art equestrian centre, ocean-front beach club, spa and marina.
Dedicated to conservation, the developers of Pearl Island have also created the not-for-profit Island Foundation. Funded by a percentage of property sales, it sponsors numerous projects to protect the island’s precious biodiversity including turtle tagging and whale shark preservation whilst helping to re-establish the natural pearl farming industry that the island was once famed for.
Only an hour by boat and twenty minutes by air from booming Panama City, Pearl Island has the added benefit of being on the doorstep of one of Central America’s most exciting metropolis. This captivating city offers buzzing nightlife, varied restaurants, a lively art scene and a charming colonial centre for residents to enjoy. Furthermore, Panama’s stable government and currency as well as profitable tax advantages make this an appealing destination for overseas buyers.
Early release 2011 lot prices range from $800,000 to $2 million
and are from 1 to 2 acres in size.
For a glimpse into the aspirational Pearl Island lifestyle visit the destination’s newly launched website’s: www.pearlislandliving.com and www.pearlisland.com
51 Spa Residences Swiss Development
SWISS DEVELOPMENT GROUP SHOWCASES ITS OUTSTANDING
“51° SPA RESIDENCES” PROJECT AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW 2011
To coincide with the Monaco Yacht Show 2011 taking place between the 21 - 24 September in the Principality, Swiss Development Group will showcase its fabulous “51° Spa Residences” project. Following a VIP presence at the Montreux Jazz Festival and Gstaad, the stand is continuing a world tour designed to present its plans for a luxury residential development.
At the heart of the Swiss Alps, adjacent to skiing facilities at an altitude of 2,600 meters, Loèche-les-Bains (Leukerbad) has been famous since Roman times for the quality and benefits of its thermal springs. Thanks to Swiss Development Group, this mountain resort will now become one of the most desirable destinations for all who embrace a refined lifestyle.
The design of this apartment hotel and 5-star hotel, which incorporates luxury boutiques, a spa and well-being centre together with the highly prestigious Ginza restaurant, has been assigned to the American firm of architects Michael Graves & Associates. Residents and visitors will enjoy an authentic atmosphere where architecture and thermal springs blend together in an opulent yet environmentally friendly setting.
Unique the world over, the apartment hotel will celebrate these waters which offer a richly sensual experience;
each of the 51º Spa Residences will have its own spa facility complete with an indoor / outdoor relaxation pool, steam bath and sauna (Heaven Shower), all enjoying direct, unlimited access to Leukerbad’s thermal springs.
For an unforgettable experience at the heart of the mountains, apartment owners can dip into a jacuzzi filled with natural spring water on their generously proportioned balcony, with a breathtaking view of the Gemmi mountains.
Never seen in Switzerland before, these luxury apartments will enjoy a raft of high end services offering an unparalleled degree of comfort. Luxury boutiques with private access, exclusive lounge, individual wine cellars, children’s club, doorman, concierge and ski valet, cinemas and games rooms… all combine to enhance an amazing experience.
Swiss Development Group is delighted to have chosen the Monaco Yacht Show 2011 which attracts some 30,000 enthusiasts and professionals to present 51° Spa Residences.
Enjoy a foretaste of this quintessentially Swiss lifestyle by visiting the superyacht.com stand, “Darse Sud (South dock), stand QSE2″
For more detailed information, please visit the website www.51degrees.ch
Swiss Development Group SA is an investor and promoter of prestigious and superior real estate projects, in particular 5-star hotels and private luxury apartment hotels in Switzerland and abroad. The company’s ambition is to redefine the nature and limits of high end real estate. www.sdg.ch
Andermatt Swiss Alps for Chic Chalets and Superlative Skiing
“With the nights beginning to creep in and the great British summer continuing to evade most of the country, what better time to start thinking about the 2011/2012 winter ski season ahead?”
One destination that is already turning heads and setting snow aficionados a flutter is the brand new Andermatt Swiss Alps found in a steep alpine valley at the crossroads of Switzerland.
Destined to become one of Europe’s most stylish luxury destinations to rival even the very best existing resorts, Andermatt Swiss Alps is being developed to deliver a range of architectural masterpieces in the form of chalets, apartments and hotels serviced by every conceivable on-site amenity from spas to restaurants, boutiques to bustling bars.
According to Samih Sawiris, Founder and Chairman of Orascom Development Holding, also responsible for El Gouna in Egypt, the vision for Andermatt Swiss Alps is…
“to create a leading sustainable destination that will become a benchmark for luxury resorts in Europe offering the finest array of luxury facilities and accommodation in one of Switzerland’s most spectacular valleys”.
Andermatt Swiss Alps is also currently in negotiation with SkiStar to transform Andermatt into one of the most modern ski arenas in Europe. SkiStar are owners and operators of alpine destinations in Sweden and Norway whose vision it is “to create memorable winter experiences as the leading operator of European alpine destinations” Andermatt plans to work with them to link existing village pistes, renowned for their powder, with neighbouring resort Sedrun to deliver 130km of both challenging and family terrain. These pistes will be serviced by a state of the art lift system and will promise visitors and owners an exhilarating ski experience. Investments amounting to approximately CHF 140.8 million are planned.
Veteran Olympic, World Cup, and World champion downhill skier Bernhard Russi was born in Andermatt and is an avid advocate of its pistes. He explains “the ski slopes of Andermatt are where I first learned to ski and where I perfected my downhill technique. They are perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers to enjoy and are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. The expansion with Sedrun will serve to enhance the already exemplary skiing and will turn Andermatt Swiss Alps into a leading international ski destination”.
For those less allured by the snow, Andermatt Swiss Alps will offer a host of other year-round activities to tempt owners to return every single season including 35,000m² of retail space, diverse sports and leisure facilities, a concert hall for up to 700 people, an 18 hole golf course as well as cycling, climbing, canoeing and white water rafting opportunities close at hand.
The first properties and impressive hotel The Chedi Andermatt will be delivered in time for the 2013 winter season whilst the 18 hole golf course will be finished for summer 2013. Pre-completion prices are currently available for the first 4 apartment houses as well as residences within the spectacular The Chedi Andermatt. This is the perfect opportunity to secure a slice of Swiss Alps’ history that will offer an aspirational lifestyle and prime real estate that is expected to appreciate rapidly over the coming years.
Prices in residential buildings Hirsch, Steinadler, Murmeltier and Steinbock are currently available from CHF 15,500 per sqm (approximately £11,700). Residences at the inaugural hotel The Chedi Andermatt are available from approximately CHF 1.8 million (approximately £1.4m).
For further details visit: www.andermatt-swissalps.ch
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