CoolBoom » Interior Design

Kameleon Jewel Shop

Sylvia — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:00:34 +0000

COEN! designed the shop for Kameleon presenting the jewels by their personality, not by material of by brand. They also designed a new logotype and a new website.

Project description:

Everyone is unique. COEN! and his team have the expertise needed to translate this uniqueness into a consistent and powerful corporate identity which fits like a glove.

A chameleon has the unique ability to change its color. Kameleon has changed its color and appeal by a new interior. Banners in different shades color the floor and the walls. A black ceiling supports these stripes. Bright white showcases attract the attention to the modern jewels in an appealing way. The whole shop is illuminated energy effect. COEN! signs for the right interior that sparkles and glows in changing colors.

In this project the design uses color effectively: an appropriate color combination can greatly enhance your shopping experience. Color elements enhance and foci attention on the identity of this shop.

Apartment in the Gothic Quarter

Sylvia — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:33 +0000

YLAB Arquitectos renovated a 130 square meter apartment with terrace, located in the hearth of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, in a catalogued building behind the City Hall.

Project description:

The original space is composed of a sequence of bright and spacious rooms connected by large arched openings, with balconies along the façade and an inner courtyard. Original features are maintained such as traditional Catalan ceilings with wooden beams and vaulted arches, as well as exterior carpentry with wooden shutters.

The project is based on a reinterpretation of the existing spatial structure of different rooms with differentiated uses and atmospheres, redefining the assigned uses and functions and creating new spatial and visual connections without allowing the traditional elements to predominate. The aim is to create a peaceful environment which allows its young owner privacy and a work place, while creating a social meeting place for meals and parties.

We find two areas, one open and social and the other one private: the first is comprised of the sequence of entrance hall, kitchen and living room, while the second consists of the bedroom suite.

The kitchen-dining room, a spacious and clean space, warm and elegant, recalls the old clubs and cafes. The ceiling and longitudinal wall, which begins in the entrance vestibule, are paneled with tinted pine wood slats, assembled by hand. The paneling integrates much of the kitchen furniture and auxiliary spaces, simplifying the geometry of the kitchen space. The low kitchen furniture is finished, along with the dining table, in bronze metal panel, with a large lid that allows the countertop to be covered. The hanging lamp with its metallic reflection, in gold leaf and Swarovski crystals, contrasts with the warm wood finish. At the back, a division of dark grey glass separates a small guest bedroom from the rest of the space.

The living room is located in the center of the apartment and communicates the rooms with each other. Because of its size and position, it is conceived as a perfect white frame where the furniture, modular and free-standing, can be configured according to the occasion. To achieve this frame the existing walls are rectified, the arched openings are recovered matching the original symmetry, and all the wood carpentry is replaced without losing its original essence.

The master bedroom is simple and introverted, linked with the bathroom through a corridor. Since this is the only bathroom, the doors were re-defined so that the axis corridor-bath could be part of both the bedroom and the living room. The bedroom and corridor furniture are finished in white lacquer integrating the wardrobe and extra storage.

The bathroom is a place of relaxation, intimate and sensual, oriented towards the courtyard garden. The walls are paneled entirely in phenolic board with a high-gloss finish, concealing the storage and perimeter led lighting fixtures. All bathroom fittings are free standing and rounded to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The shower area and the toilet are hidden behind a translucent glass.

The continuous concrete paving, the walls and new wooden carpentry, all in ivory white, are common elements all through the house, giving light and serving as a common thread throughout the different spaces.

Photos by Jordi Canosa

Apartment Transformation

Sylvia — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:17 +0000

CSAR Architecture tranformed a former family home into a loft apartment located in Amsterdam. The identity of the existing house has been the inspiration for the transformation, redesign the existing house with almost the same program but keep it more spacious. The original details has been kept in the facade and is mixed with a modern style interior fitting.

Project description:

In the centre of the house where is the minimum of daylight we planned the functional spaces of the program. The kitchen, toilet and shower are situated in this central zone of the floor plan. To show the contrast between the original building and the new interior fitting, this central zone is made more expressive by lowering the ceiling and using glass tiles as well on this ceiling as the walls and floor.

By transforming this family home into a modern loft apartment it fits well in the new identity of the area “de Pijp” in the city of Amsterdam. Formerly a working class quarter built to ease the overpopulated Jordaan in the 19 th century and to house labourers, de Pijp as we Amsterdammers know it today is without doubt a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Thanks to previous settlers such as Heijermans, De Haan, Bordewijk, Mondriaan and scores of students in search of a cheap room to rent, de Pijp continues to breathe life as the lively bohemian district known as the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter). The young, old, students, artists, and families have all chosen to make de Pijp their home, and far removed from the hustle and bustle of central Amsterdam, this homely alternative is appealing.

First Photographs of Hong Kong Exhibition

Sylvia — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:00:24 +0000

Design Systems Ltd. created a theme that intends to deliver a closely-intertwined retrospection of both Hong Kong photography and architecture.

Project description:

As the opening exhibition of the Hong Kong Photo Festival 2010, the “First Photographs of Hong Kong” Exhibition, held at the Former Central Police Station Compound, presents a hundred of old photos of Hong Kong, which have captured the birth of Hong Kong photography during the years from 1858 to 1875. Returning from Europe and America, the photos contain the oldest one according to authentic records.

Since the 147-year-old Former Central Police Station Compound is a declared monument, the design process encountered further limitations in addition to the low budget. The construction of the design was not allowed to include renovation, fixing and any acts that would cause potential damages to the original interior.

In the old days, the Central District of Hong Kong was called “Victoria City” governed by Britain and thus full of Victorian colonial structures, among which the exhibition site is a typical representative. Therefore, the design theme, built upon the compound of “camera” and “colonial structures”, intends to deliver a closely-intertwined retrospection of both Hong Kong photography and architecture.

Outside the exhibition hall, a series of molds of flashlight indicators are set as guiding signs to the entrance where a giant white mold of camera awaits. Standing in front of it, visitors can see the superimposing images of the black and white photo of Hong Kong’s early look shown on the camera and the present exterior of the Compound. Such setting carries the implied connection between the concepts that visitors view the old Hong Kong through the giant camera and that they discover the history of Hong Kong photography through this exhibition.

The focal point of the exhibition – the oldest photo of Hong Kong according to authentic records – is arranged on a display stage which is designed as an indoor rotunda, whereas the other exhibits are displayed on many house-shaped display stands in white, imitating Victorian colonial structures in the past. On the whole, while the exhibition hall is displaying the historical photos of Hong Kong, it also presents an epitome of “Victoria City”.

Bukiya Japanese Shop

Sylvia — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:00:22 +0000

This is the renovation project by Archiee for a boutique, located in Paris, that displays and sells traditional Japanese products.

Project description:

• Simple grid:
The project is based on a simple grid of Phillips screws that form the system for displaying the merchandise. There are a total of 377 screws, each having been individually screwed by hand in its allocated point. Each screw is accompanied by a simple clip, which allows the merchandise to be hung to the wall.

• Flexibility of the layout:
The grid enables the boutique great flexibility with regard to the display of the merchandise. Depending on the scale of the object to be displayed, a single screw or a cluster of screws can be utilized. The products are to be displayed in specific, yet fluid, categories in order to convey a narrative to the customer.

• Composition of the space:
In order to fulfill the grid, the project comprises of expansive and continuous wall surfaces. There are two discernible surfaces. The first surface is a smooth undulating surface that, being placed over the strange existing shape of the boutique, plays two fundamental roles, that of creating a minimal internal surface and that of directing the customer around the space. The second surface is a planar intervention that covers an existing concrete column and a steel column which are awkwardly close to each other. This makes use of what would otherwise be wasted space and also simplifies and facilitates the circulation around the boutique. To maximize space further, the cash register for the boutique is found within this planar intervention.

• Facade:
The facade of the boutique has been kept as minimal as possible in order to create a dialogue between the interior and exterior space. As such, the facade becomes the initial boundary of the continuous undulating surface.

• Merchandise control:
In order to identify the merchandise on display, each screw has a unique identification number printed next to it. This allows the boutique to keep track of the display, stocking, and selling of each item of merchandise. This identification number is purposefully kept visible on the wall as delicate decoration.

Johnnie Walker House

Sylvia — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:52 +0000

Asylum collaborated with the creative agency LOVE to design an interactive space to host the most sophisticated “Whisky Converstions”. Housed in the 3 storey Sinan Mansion, located in the French concession of Shanghai, the space was conceived with the intent to engage and advocate loyalty amongst premium whisky drinkers. The concept incorporates the rich history of Johnnie Walker and whisky knowledge alongside essential elements and building blocks of whisky into the spatial design, using the 3 step approach to evangelism.

Project description:

Based on the central design theme – “Whisky Conversations”, the space was designed where multiple layered conversations are woven into the Johnnie Walker journey, complemented by the graphic designs from LOVE. Upon stepping into the Johnnie Walker House, raw ingredients as malt and peat lined against the wall of the entrance, which acts as an important design exemplar to represent the fundaments of whisky making. Accompanied by copper lamps modelled after whisky stills, the mood of anticipation is imminent while the journey begins.

At the corridor, angled wooden floor stripes that resonate with the slanted label on the brand’s bottle and the magnificent curved constellation wall welcome visitors as they reach the first storey to appreciate the art of whisky blending. Enveloped within a circular wall lined with hundreds of blend, guest can sample various types of whisky while gathered around an interactive table that provides a multi-sensory highlight to the tour.

The brand experience builds up progressively, amplified by the magnificent whisky glass ceiling installation on the second level that serves as a grandeur finale to the tour. Leading to the contemporary faceted copper bar with hanging vintage decanters that provides an engaging setting for visitors to taste the different blends of Johnnie Walker, ending the journey on the finest note.

Juxtaposing distinctive elements found in whisky making alongside innovative fixtures, it conjures a unique expression of the brand vision. The Johnnie Walker House is not just a typical space that houses the best whiskies but is truly a state-of-the-art experiential centre that unveils the legacy of the Johnnie Walker brand that stood the test of time.

Pulperia Vilalúa

Sylvia — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:51 +0000

Mas Arquitectura recreates in Madrid the essence of the traditional “pulperia”, a galician restaurant where octopus is the main product. A unique place to share experiences and enjoy, at the same time, a tasty dinner.

The local, called “Pulpeira Vilalúa”, follow a main idea: a place to share your time with family and friends. For this reason, the local has designed with continuous benches –an invitation to share experiences- and perimetral layout. The furniture, designed by Mas Arquitectura team, bets for renewable materials, as old wood.

The entrance to “Vilalúa” universe supposes a trip towards unknown world: the pleasure of good cooking. A tunnel, which allows us to entry in the local, has been equipped with shelves and wastebaskets to turn this space into a comfortable place for smokers.

Inside, the local hides a lot of secrets. A special main door or wine barrels used as tables are interested details that should be discover.

The Closet House

Sylvia — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:46 +0000

Consexto was commissioned to transform a 44 square meter house into a thoroughly useful and livable house.

Project description:

The house has five spaces, two of them completely flexible and transformable by result of a displacement of a cabinet/wall, in wood with natural finish, that grants spaces from the living and room areas different sizes and uses. Likewise, all the associated automation technology makes possible that joint space, framed in various activities and daily routines.

On one hand, the cabinet/wall serves as bedroom wardrobe, on the other side rises an extendable dining table, a mini bar and an integrated home cinema. However, there is a passage whenever the living area become greatest, be able to access to a higher niche where the bed is. This option allowed a whole perimeter area gain for storage and placement of a built-in LCD.

The profitability of space coupled with technology was the dominant concern throughout the project; the kitchen and toilet equipped with cabinets that blend and automatically glide into the wall, mirrors with monitored exhaustion, ideal for small wetlands and no natural ventilation. All electronic devices, as well as natural and artificial lighting, are fully controlled by a home automation system applied. Energy efficiency guarantee was one of the main concerns.

The closet house came to prove that is possible inhabit in small spaces whit the convenience, sophistication and intelligence of the greatest.

Caffe La Roccia

Sylvia — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:44 +0000

STUDIOUNODESIGN created a new concept behind the design of Caffe La Roccia, was born from the desire to rediscover the ancient traditions of coffee and bring back the authenticity of flavors and where the objective is to provide a service to adapt to your customer needs him into a trip out from everyday life.

In just 15 square meters, the restaurant is the result of the encounter between tradition and innovation. Where the forms and materials look to a conceptual design and modern furnishings and decor, lamps Liberty, chairs and tables from the early ‘90, to recall the past, giving the room a warmer atmosphere.

The perfect touch and extreme quality will be the presence of books to consult, and the creation of various cultural activities such as music, theatrical performances, lectures, tastings, to make Caffe La Roccia is a sort of “Literary Cafe”, a great place carve out for yourself and relax in the company, a vibrant meeting place for cultural exchange and food and wine.

At Caffe La Roccia you will be able to stop for eating tasty dishes and rediscovering the authentic flavors, or spend some time enjoying a quiet afternoon in absolute perfect coffee, chocolate, or choose from a fine selection of teas, tea and herbal teas.

The drink, leisure time, is full of tempting tastes accompanied by a generous wine list. A valuable alternative to traditional bar!

Air Bank

Sylvia — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:43 +0000

Crea International designed a new kind of bank store which aims to be noticed and admired, the Air Bank.

Project description:

A new innovative concept, not a transactions one more transparent than the others, honest to the customers and itself, capable to drive people in self evident and intuitive lanscape with its fast orientation within the store. The customer as protagonist of a new bank trip where he must feel that’s the unique bank he wants, where receiving the only services he desires, where feeling released always with the consciousness that the bank is doing for him.

The final result is not a traditional bank but a real store, with the aim to simplify the complex world of banking, using modern technologies, innovative but simple based on a new service model, paperless with outstanding services following Air Bank values of simplicity, transparency, environmental friendly within the courage to offer the world an extraordinary and never seen bank model. All these features visible even in the simple logo, clean and sharp in a mixture of green and black colours giving freshness, vitality and the sense of renaissance and regeneration. The inspiration came from Agora landscape, in ancient Greek an open “place of assembly”, to create an opened bank, where staff and customer can stay side by side, keeping out from the key points of traditional service models. A place where been really involved into the experience of freedom to browse by oneself, confort to take a seat and care to have assistance upon a touch in an opened layout as expressly reiterpreted by the agora concept, to give the store a clear impact and an easy approach.

To do this Crea International’s team have conceived an open squared place with just a multifunctional central area to make the space fruition free, without established functions and frills but only functional elements. All surrounded by an amphiteater with a stair seating system looking towards the center, where the customers can choose the seating on different levels according to the activity they have to do, discuss and take decision. Closed and private spaces are reduced in order to avoid any connection to the old world of “bank offices”.
Finally a bank speaking a new language, which sets the mark of a really different bank which does not intend to astonish and confuse, but innovate to create value.