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Category Archives: Lifestyle

A Wellness House | Belgium

30 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by Y2DC© in Lifestyle

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architecture, interior design, interior design companies, interior design consultants, Wellness House

This house created by the architect Bruno Erpicum is limited to a single level, it is weightless on the water area that separates it from the entrance avenue. To the left, the entrance shows its gallery wall. Descend a level, the construction frames the view over the fields, the countryside is yours.

To the left, behind you, a series of levels interrupted by stairs that stretch outside bring the profile of the site together. To the right, beyond the overhanging part that covers the dining room, the kitchen benefits from a lateral patio that bathes in the morning sun.

Go down further, the garden continues right up to the old trees in front of a swimming pool that is so long that it takes the liberty to fold back into the building through the fault-line freed up under the built-up framework. It is all arranged for one to feel good: exercise, relaxation, cinema room, enological living room with a direct view over the beautiful cars. Here, the heart is in the bowels of the earth.

Four bedrooms complemented with an office on the mezzanine are arranged at the +1 level, the apartment of the owners is organized higher up on the roof, in a vast room devoid of partitions to make the bedroom into a covered terrace when the weather is good.

Here, the heart is in the stars.

Photo art works delivered by Artphotoexpo New York (Carla Gitare, Philippe Robert, Seb Fariak, Walter Chris) and Absolute Art Gallery.

The Resort | Atlantic City

30 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by Y2DC© in Lifestyle

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architecture, Atlantic City, interior design, interior design companies, interior design consultants, luxury development, luxury hotels, Skygarden, The Resort, travel

SKYGARDEN

An outdoor landscape 114 feet above the sea with sweeping views of the Atlantic by day and the stars by night

SkyGarden is an oasis situated 114 ft. above sea level between sand and sky. Breathe in the scent of native pine trees that stand in a grove near the outdoor fireplace. Slip off your shoes and relax. Or follow enchanting pathways that wind through the coastal landscape created by 20,000 plants.

Panoramic ocean views make SkyGarden the ideal place to bask in the glow of a sunrise, whether you’re late getting to bed or early greeting the day. Stop by later to enjoy downtime with a book or conversation with friends. Come back at night when fire pits blaze against the cool ocean breeze.

Reflecting the changing seasons, SkyGarden offers a little serenity any time of year.

VIEW SUITE

A spacious suite with sweeping Atlantic views through floor-to-ceiling windows

The ocean sparkles by day while the city sparkles by night. Vistas of both are a central theme for each View Suite, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows. Modern, clean design and neutral tones complement the inspiring scenery and create a sense of balance.

The living area features a dinette for two, an elegant seating area with L-shaped sofa, and a large flat-screen television. The separate master bedroom and bath give you the space you need to truly unwind.

Throughout the suite, sleek, contemporary lamps and fixtures provide a variety of lighting options, and low-profile furnishings make the most of your views. Interior doors of frosted glass and rift-cut red oak are custom stained a rich espresso brown.

Creating an environment to match every mood is easy. Simply use your room’s remote to control temperature and lighting. The in-room tablet device serves as a resort directory and has an attached handset that makes it simple to call for anything you need, from In-Room Dining to dinner or spa reservations.

Your master bath features marble tile and a granite countertop with two sinks. The spacious shower pampers with a multi-speed showerhead, overhead rain shower, and built-in bench. A separate tub for soaking completes the luxury.

In short, whatever your day or night calls for, the View Suite has an answer.

A Look at Santa Monica’s Unique Hill House

30 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by Y2DC© in Lifestyle

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architecture, green architecture, Hill House, interior design, interior design companies, interior design consultants, los angeles architecture, los angeles interior design, luxury development, Santa Monica, Sustainable Architecture

Seated in Santa Monica, California’s Pacific Palisades, this house was advantageously planned to meet the restricted policy of the area. It also designed to promote safety and preserve the said landscape. The landscape of the area is one of the most important factors in selecting a house spot. Also it is made to take advantage of its volume considering its environmental effect.

This house is called the Hill House and it has three floors. It is built to create a more spacious and a friendly interior area. The central floor is where you can see the living room, kitchen and the dining room. It has a semi-private loft space above the main floor. The bedrooms are located in the ground floor.

The highlights of this house are sliding glass doors on the main floor and the skylight aperture. It is made of high quality materials such as concrete, steel and timber. Also it is covered with a special material that was colored to match the eucalyptus bark that is found in the place. Now, I am pretty sure that you are so excited to see the pictures that will justify my description of this Hill House. You may now look at the pictures below to fully see its features.

Hill House Front View 1

Looking at the front of this house can make you think of the secrets that can be revealed from the inside.

Hill House Front View 2

The role of the skylights in both the flat and sloped roofs added the typical distinction between the roof and its wall.

Hill House Exterior 1

The foundation of this house is nine 35-foot deep with the concrete piles.

Hill House Furniture

The lines and shape of this house complements with the arrangements of the chairs.

Hill House Furniture

Here is a glimpse of the simple dining room and kitchen.

Hill House Dining Room

The panoramic view is straightly seen from the dining room to the kitchen room.

Hill House Kitchen Room

You can see the area from the living room to the loft of this Hill House.

Hill House Interior 1

You may feel the freedom in exploring the different spots in this wide space of the house.

Hill House Bookshelves

Here is the loft where you can see their collections of reading materials that are perfectly arranged in these shelves.

Hill House Bedroom

You are now looking at the simple bedroom just found below the main floor.

Hill House Fixtures

Here is the sliding glass door in the main floor that emphasize the uniqueness of this house.

Hill House Kitchen Sink

The combination of white and silver color in this kitchen area stressed the cleanliness and neatness of this space.

Hill House Interior 2

For sure you can unwind here when you can see the landscape from the exterior.

Hill House Interior 3

The first rate furniture are excellently placed in its respective area.

Hill House Interior 4

This is the ideal area where you can sit down and read your favorite book.

Hill House Sketch Plan

This is the Sketch Plan of the Hill House.

Now we may say that the incredible shape of this house contains a very strong minimalist concept. The design of this house provides an opportunity to see the green view from the different parts of the house. Undeniably we are truly impressed on this Hill House which is made by Johnston Marklee. The designer is very creative and intelligent to come up with this kind of house.

You have witnessed how the designers wittingly planned where to put the different rooms in its respective place. The private areas of this house are the loft which is a studio and a bathroom in the basement. You can also see some California grasses that seem to form a blanket that covers the slope in the entire house. Thus we can say that if and only if we would have house design like this, our everyday life will be more peaceful and calm. Are you inspired to have a house design like this?

Green Roofs Are Changing Architecture: Kowloon Rail Terminus

30 Monday Apr 2012

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architecture, green architecture, hong kong, investing in hong kong property, Kowloon, Kowloon Rail Terminus, transportation, Victoria Peak

Lloyd Alter
Design / Green Architecture

It used to be that roofs were up top where nobody could see them, covered in gravel and full of mechanical equipment. Architectural renderings were pretty much all shot from eye level. Not anymore; green roof technology is making roofs into habitable architecture, and changing the way architects think of buildings.

The Express Rail Link – West Kowloon Terminus by Aedas will connect Hong Kong to the National High Speed Rail Network. The terminal’s roof is a series of ribbons that meet ground level, turning the building into a big walkable (climbable?) hill.

The architects tell Designboom:

Flowing ribbon pathways spread to the roof plane, morphing into a highly sculpted garden. atop the 25 to 45 meter tall volume, an observation platform along the south elevation directs views towards the skyline, Victoria Peak and encompassing landscape. The roofscape circulation will link to retail and nearby subway and public transit points. Voids and apertures within the facade bring daylight as well as visual glimpses down to the sub-grade platforms.

The have green walls inside the terminal, too. I wonder how many people will slog up those ramps, that look more like hills and must break every rule about maximum slope. But I do like the trend of roofs becoming public space.

More images at Aedas and designboom

What is paradise?

26 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Y2DC© in Lifestyle

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architecture, interior design, interior design companies, interior design consultants, luxurious hotel rooms, Luxury Condo, luxury hotels, Luxury Living, Peterson Group, Shangr-La, shangri la hotel, shangri la vancouver, Shangri-La Toronto, Showcase Apartment, state of the art technology, style, Toronto, Westbank

A construct of the mind, the spirit or the land? Is paradise a place, or a state of grace? These are the questions traced while examining the complex orchestration of concept, talent, architecture and development of Living Shangri-la Toronto, Canada. Join us as we venture behind the scenes of a new urban icon.

  • The same development team as Shangri-La Vancouver
  • The prestige and luxury of Shangri-La Worldwide at your doorstep
  • 66 storey tower
  • Floors 1-17: 222 Luxurious hotel rooms
  • Floors 18-49: 287 Residences
  • Floors 50-66: 83 Private Estates (including 2 Penthouses)
  • 24 hour access to Shangri-La Hotel amenities
  • The 873,000 sf development will be located on Toronto’s most celebrated street — University Avenue

Bordering the entertainment and financial districts, these homes will offer the convenience and vibrancy of urban living with the legendary services of a 5-star Shangri-la Hotel. The two-storey glass atrium and podium will be a focal point on University Avenue across the street from the new Opera House.

Shangri-La Toronto

Location: 180 University Avenue, Toronto Ontario

Price: $1,000,000 to $18,888,000

Shangri-La Toronto

Location: 180 University Avenue, Toronto Ontario

Price: $1,000,000 to $18,888,000

The Shangri-La Toronto, built by Westbank and Peterson Group is one of the most anticipated condominium developments in downtown Toronto. The Shangri-La Toronto is scheduled to be built in 2012 and has a total of 572 units.


The Shangri-La Toronto is going to a development with great amenities to make any residents right at home. State-of-the-art technology within the suites like, multi-media outlets, VOIP and premium phone services, keypads to adjust settings within the suites, and gated parking spots, and private lobby for residents add to the features of this condominium.


There are some great areas within the building that are perfect for personal security and entertainment.

The Shangri-La Toronto showcases a Business Centre, Concierge Service, Shangri-La Lounge and Fine Dining Restaurant, and Limo services in downtown area for private estates.

For entertainment and relaxation, residents of the Shangri-La Toronto can expect a heated indoor pool with hot tub, Yoga/Pilates spaces, steam room with luxurious showers, world class multimedia screening room, and a top-of-the-line fitness centre with TechnoGym equipment.

The Spa at the Shangri-La Toronto, is all about tranquility and relaxation. If you were to book an appointment you can pick from a wide range of treatments such as specialized body, water, massage and facial therapies, all based on Chinese and Himalayan traditions and methods.


Photos from: Shangri-La Toronto


Century Luxury Condominium in Los Angeles boasts of restaurant run by Chef David Myers

24 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by Y2DC© in Lifestyle

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Aaron Spelling, Bernie Ecclestone, Candy Spelling, Century Drive, David Myers, Fox Studios, LA Luxury, Luxury Condo, luxury development, Petra Ecclestone, Robert AM Stern

Wrik Sen

Los Angeles being the real estate hotspot it has traditionally been, will get yet another star mark on its uninterrupted growth as one of the prime locations in the world to own a property in. The Century Luxury Condominiums, located in close proximity to Fox Studios, is going to rule the roost for being the most luxurious residential offering in the city. The 41-floored tower amongst other offerings will have celebrity chef David Myers’ run restaurant operating within its premises, which has special passageways meant exclusively for the residents of the building. Spread over 4 acres space, this building was finished for construction in 2010, after incurring a cost of $300 million. One of the first buyers since then is Candy Spelling, who once boasted of owning the ‘Spelling Manor’, now owned by Petra Ecclestone.

Set in the prime locality where the famed Fox Studios are in close proximity, these condominiums are set in amongst all the very best the city has to offer. From the Art decoration inspired designing scheme put across by the famed architect Robert AM Stern, there is a restaurant run by Chef David Myers, who plans on bringing Oriental cuisine into this exclusive outlet. Other than the exotic food, the place will boast of a special valet parking for guests, along with passage ways for access by the residents of the tower. The exclusive 140-homes within the building will also have the state of the art technology and amenities apart from the unparalleled views of the Los Angeles city. Those concerned about the ecological side of the construction, the Century Condominiums have been certified with the LEED Silver certification by the US Green Building Council, which takes note of the sustainable elements of the overall architecture.

Celebrity Neighborhood

Candy Spelling, a well known socialite and author, and also the wife of deceased television producer Aaron Spelling, happens to own the top 2 floors of the tower. She is still constructing her place, and was also one of the first investors in this project. Her place alone is said to be worth in excess of $35 million. Her formerly owned mansion, ‘Spelling Manor’, was once the most expensive home in the US and co-owned by her late husband, was later purchased by Petra Ecclestone, the daughter of F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone.

The amenities on offer

Each of the 140 condominiums located in the building, will vary in size ranging from 2,500 sq ft to 9,000 sq ft. Some of the distinguishable features include:

· Special ‘great rooms’ with built-in modern fireplaces.

· Balconies with 180-degree views of the city skyline for most apartments.

· Customized kitchen cabinetry for each unit.

· Individual laundry room.

· Private elevator and vestibule for each condominium unit.

· Floor to ceiling windows especially for the living area.

· Extensive use of rare fabrication such as Italian pattern matched marble in each apartment. This is one of the rarest and most extensive forms of craftsmanship when it comes to establishing patterns for flooring of condominiums.

With relation to the common areas of the building, there are plenty of luxuries to enjoy:

· 24-hour valet parking and security

· Porter and doorman at all times.

· 20 different floor plans to choose from, when it comes to selecting one’s perfect choice. Themes include Century, Manor, and Metropolitan for each condominium.

· Special pool deck area with cabanas, which recreates a mini-beach like vacation ambience even though located with a concrete jungle endowed metropolitan city.

· Special outdoor dining rooms and catering kitchens for personal events.

· Modernized gymnasium and fitness center.

· Assouline Culture Lounge, which is named after the French publishing house known for its books on art, photography, and fashion, is actually the in-house public library that has extensive reading lists for those intellectually inclined.

Address: 1, Century Drive, Century City, Los Angeles, California 90067

Via: LA Times/ LA Curbed

Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

24 Tuesday Apr 2012

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auto china, Concept car, Lamborghini, Lamborghini 4X4, Lamborghini Concept, Lamborghini URUS, Luxury Car, luxury sports car, SUV

by AFPRelaxnews in Automobile

lamborghini urus 468x309 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

Lamborghini has unveiled a new concept which appears to confirm it intends to follow rival Maserati into the SUV market.

The luxury sports car manufacturer revealed its Urus SUV concept for the first time at Auto China in Beijing this week, promising that its long history of supercars could make the beefy model the ‘ultimate super athlete’ in its segment.

lamborghini urus 6 468x285 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

The new model appears to vindicate the decision of Maserati to launch its SUV, the Kubang, suggesting that supercar makers are set to continue branching out into SUVs, which are perennially popular in luxury-loving markets such as China.

Interestingly, Lamborghini has chosen the concept’s environmental credentials as a key differentiator, promising that it will offer lower CO2 levels than its competitors thanks to lightweight materials.

lamborghini urus 9 468x268 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

It’s believed that the model, designed so that families can also enjoy the Lamborghini experience, could hit showrooms in 2015.

lamborghini urus 0 468x263 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

The move to SUVs from luxury automakers has become increasingly apparent in recent months, with Bentley also showing its luxury EXP 9 F concept in Beijing and revealing that it would boast a 6.0-liter engine, were it to hit production.

lamborghini urus 7 468x312 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

It’s a boom that is undoubtedly being fueled, at least in part, by the insatiable demand from Chinese consumers for SUVs, with luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz already calling 2012 the ‘Year of the SUV’ in China.

lamborghini urus 10 468x300 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

The country is now one of its biggest consumers of SUVs, with sales of the larger models as a proportion of all models rising from 10 percent to 30 percent between 2007 and 2011, according to reports.

lamborghini urus 8 468x350 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

SUVs are now the fastest-growing segment in the Chinese auto market as a whole, reports China Daily, and that means that names such as Maserati and Lamborghini are unlikely to be the last to go large in the country.

lamborghini urus 3 468x311 Lamborghini SUV Urus Concept

Castello di Casole

23 Monday Apr 2012

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architecture, Castello di Casole, hospitality experience, interior design consultants, italian architects, Italy, Siena, siena italy, style, travel, Tuscany

This sort of thing is why the word Tuscany carries such rich connotations all around the world. Hotel Castello di Casole stands on the site of a thousand-year-old aristocratic estate, the fruit of years of meticulous restoration by an American ownership team and an army of Italian architects and designers. It’s a restoration that was rigorously historical where it could afford to be, and yet wasn’t afraid to take some very welcome liberties — the atmosphere is timeless, classic Italian country living, which is only enhanced by the addition of modern marble baths and up-to-date electronic amenities.

Most suites stick closely to the stylistic parameters of the old castle, whether in the main building, the old priest’s quarters or the outlying farm buildings. Nine of them, though, the Oliveto Suites, are strikingly contemporary, an opportunity for the Castello to flex its modern-design muscles. They differ mostly in the aesthetic dimensions, however — comforts are consistent throughout, though there’s more space if you need it: a pair of villas and seven secluded farmhouses round out the accommodations.

Suffice it to say that very few parties will arrive with needs the Castello can’t fulfill. Add a versatile, highly professional staff and a near infinity of leisure offerings — a pool, a spa, a diverse food and beverage program and hosts who’ll arrange just about any tour or excursion you can imagine — and the result is a Tuscan hospitality experience of the highest possible standard.

How to get there:
Castello di Casole is located in the province of Siena, 20 minutes by car from Siena city center. Florence is about 40 minutes away by car. Please contact CustomerService@TabletHotels.com for further assistance.

Castello di Casole

53031 Casole d’Elsa

Siena, Italy

STAR PARTY

23 Monday Apr 2012

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amateur astronomers association of new york, astronomy, high line new york, New York, new york style, star gazing

ASTRONOMY 101 — IN SESSION ON THE HIGH LINE

Manhattan is usually low on the list of places that comes to mind when the topic of star-gazing (of the celestial type) is broached. There’s too much light pollution in major cities to see more than a few dozen stars, much less planets or other galaxies. But given the right equipment, your odds improve significantly.

Every Tuesday night, the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York invites you to use their high-powered telescopes stationed near the 14th street entrance of the High Line park, just south of the Standard Hotel. Under favorable conditions, you can get a close-up view of the moon, Jupiter, Venus and Mars, and the brighter stars like Sirius. You’ll have to plan around New York’s fickle weather, but even under cloud cover, your consolation prize is handsome: a stroll along the newly expanded park with spring coming into full bloom.

Star-gazing on the High Line is a free public program that takes place every Tuesday from dusk until 10pm, weather permitting. Follow @highlinenyc for updates.

Images courtesy of Karen Blumberg/SpecialKRB.

Article from Tablet

MORE THAN A STORE

23 Monday Apr 2012

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arts, Concept Store, fashion, Jil Sander, LN-CC, London Fashion, Martin Margiela, shopping, style

LN-CC OPENS IN LONDON

Hidden in an unassuming basement on London’s Shacklewell Lane lies LN-CC (Late Night Chameleon Café), an appointment-only concept store with a peculiar name and a very fashionable stock of premium designers.

After being channeled through a wild wooden tunnel created by London-based set designer Gary Card, visitors are treated to multiple showrooms, each designed to complement the labels carried within. The overall recipe is one that combines emerging designers with established ones: labels like Sasquatch Fabrics from Japan and Perks and Mini from Melbourne ensure customers with more daring tastes will find something unavailable elsewhere in London. On the more conservative end of the spectrum Jil Sander and Martin Margiela are safe bets for shoppers wielding AmEx black cards.

Beyond the clothing, LN-CC’s books and records room is not to be missed. Here you can sample Turkish psychedelic records and stumble across rare finds like a signed copy of Basquiat’s Drawings. Further adding to the store’s versatility is a gallery space and a club room, where friends and family get to live out the “late night” half of LN-CC equation.

LN-CC, 18 Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2EZ.

For an appointment or private event inquiries, contact +44 0203 174 0727 or send an email to appointments@ln-cc.com.

Monique Kawecki is co-editor of Ala Champfest magazine and lives in London.

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