All posts by Giulio

Architecture, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Strong promotional push provides Centreville Homes with enhanced visibility

They say timing is everything and Centreville Homes continues to adhere to that principle.

Established in 2006 by founder and president Cesare Bauco, Centreville Homes has been making its mark in the construction industry ever since and is now ramping things up with a more aggressive marketing push.

“We have been a company that liked to stay under the radar,” says Bauco, “but now, with our recent growth and our online presence, we are adjusting our approach.”

Centreville Homes is an experienced urban infill builder that incorporates a hands-on approach to every facet of construction of its new homes. Its knowledge and experience allows for design and project creation that will not only enhance and add value to existing communities but make them landmarks.

As a Tarion/HRCA (Home Construction Regulatory Authority) registered builder, Centreville Homes brings clients a happy living experience created by dedicated professionals with decades of expertise in building homes and land development.

“We have the knowledge and experienced team of consultants to undertake the development process from start to approval,” says Bauco. “In In the last few years, for example, we have acquired lands yielding approximately 908 residential units in various phases of development with an estimated acquisition value of just over $100 million dollars (CAD).”

The company’s success spreads right across the Greater Toronto area from the municipalities of North York, Mississauga, Scarborough, Pickering, Woodbridge, Maple, Barrie, Shelburne and to Blue Mountains near Thornbury, Ontario.

“We understand the details in homebuilding that make the difference between good and exceptional. And we insist that those details are celebrated in all our homes,” says Bauco.

Bauco has been in the residential development industry for over 20 years and oversees the day-to-day operations of the company along with review of new development opportunities and acquisitions.

Part of Centreville Homes’ plan involves looking to acquire development opportunities and expand building operations into the United States, which has involved discussions with property owners in Florida, California, Nashville and Texas.

Centreville Homes takes pride in building landmark homes across the GTA, helping to bring lasting value to communities – wherever they may be.

Look no further than the Essa Towns urban townhome development in Barrie, Ontario.

 

Essa Towns has everything clients want in a home. It’s a focal point of the neighbourhood, features Barrie’s only residential rooftop patio homes, with a multi-colour brick veneer exterior design, modern architecture, smart-home features and unique floor plans. Some call it the definition of urban living in modern luxury.

 

Essa Towns is literally located at the centre of everything in the area. Alongside everyday amenities, Barrie is rich with over 300 hectares of scenic parks, over 88 kilometres of public trails and a beautiful waterfront at the heart of the city.

Emulating European styles with attention to both design and function, Essa Towns offers the finest new living space in Barrie. Consideration was given to space for storage, cooking and entertainment.

 

“Essa Towns also demonstrates how we are working with pre-manufactured panels for construction that will reduce waste, which is better for the environment, and energy-efficient building,” says Bauco. “It also speeds up construction time and provides a better quality of construction.

“We believe that Essa Towns is an example of a stepping stone for the next projects to come our way. We are looking to grow and move our company to the pinnacle of the industry by our commitment to best-in-class home product innovation and service offerings.”

Web / centrevillehomes.ca

 

Centreville Homes is an experienced urban infill builder incorporating a hands-on approach to every facet of new-home construction. The company’s knowledge and experience allows it to design and create projects that will not only enhance and add value to existing communities but make them landmarks.

Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Huron Creek Developments tackling the need for affordable housing

 

Staying one step ahead of the competition is a business strategy that has served Huron Creek Developments well over the years.

Nearly a decade ago, that meant undergoing a major brand change that motivated a new look. Today, that means having a commitment to the critical need for affordable housing.

It’s about being cutting edge, in touch with what’s happening in the world around them … then responding.

“We are always looking for opportunities to build better and be better,” says Rick Martins, Vice-President at Huron Creek Developments.

“Our approach to affordable housing is an example. Our most recent project, La Loma, in Kitchener, Ontario, consists of 144 modern, stack townhouses that will be offered as affordable rentals towards the end of 2023.

“This is an important contribution to the community, as we were seeing a lack of affordable housing across the board.”

Taking their approach one step further, Huron Creek is making the affordable units ENERGY STAR® rated and net-zero ready, with dual fuel systems for added energy efficiency and savings.

“Searching for ways to increase the energy efficiency of a new home is imperative for us, and we can pass down the energy savings of an efficient home to our homeowners.,” Martins stressed. An Energy Star certified home is on average 20 per cent more energy-efficient than a typical new home.”

The industry has taken notice.

At the 2022 ENERGY STAR® Canada awards, Huron Creek was named Builder of the Year – Mid-size. The selection committee said that Huron Creek Developments is a leader in innovation of new home construction and community development. All of Huron Creek’s homes are Energy Star certified and they actively promote their Energy Star certified homes through a wide range of diversified marketing activities, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and other platforms. They take pride in communicating the benefits of an Energy Star certified home to current and future homeowners.”

The selection committee said key 2021 accomplishments by Huron Creek include:

• Attained ENERGY STAR® certification for all homes built;
• Recognized by Building Knowledge Canada for building practices and consistent airtightness levels;
• Created an interactive virtual self-guided tour of their Energy Star homes, highlighting the standard Energy Star features available.

“The 2022 ENERGY STAR® award is a significant accomplishment that we will continue to honour through our commitment to advocate affordability in all the homes we build.” says Martins.

Besides the ardent Energy Star application and support, Huron Creek has made a slew of advances towards more sustainable building practices, including:

• Improved waste and water management;
• Energy management technologies;
• AeroBarrier premium air tightness technology;
• Increased insulation: Below grade under slab insulation, two-inch foam board against concrete exterior walls, minimum R-60 Insulated exterior;
• Construction waste sorted onsite for appropriate recycling and disposal;
• Rigid foam insulation allows for less lumber to be used;
• Recycled building materials;
• Solar-ready roof requirements;
• High-efficiency appliances;
• Low flow toilets.

In 2021, Huron Creek completed its first net-zero ready model home for the Westwood Village Preserve community in Cambridge, Ontario, an option subsequently made available for other homeowners.

“Sustainability and affordability continue to be a priority for us,” says Martins. “There has been a big push from the government in recent years to provide net-zero certified homes and we are constantly evolving and assessing different ways to meet that goal at an affordable level for homeowners.

“None of this would be possible without our dedicated employees and trade partners who help us to grow and push the boundaries of what is possible. They are the driving force of Huron Creek Developments and the inspiration to do more and be better.”

Recently, the principals of Huron Creek expanded to the U.S., with Catana Construction actively building a presence in the new home building market of southwest Florida. The spectrum of these homes range from luxury custom-built homes, to short-term vacation rentals and affordable housing.

“We are committed to help to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings and infrastructure to build better and more with less,” says Martins. “It’s the only way we can build progress for people and the planet together.
“Huron Creek Developments is accelerating the transition to a net-zero future through net-zero construction. We are continually rethinking and improving the basic principles of design and construction and have adopted many environmentally-conscious practices as a standard process in all of the homes we build.”
Web / huroncreek.com

Huron Creek Developments has over 80 years of collective new home construction experience. The company strives to create a better building experience for all its new homeowners. The Huron Creek team has been consistently recognized for its ongoing commitment to innovation in both technology and building processes – making affordable home ownership a reality for everyone.

Architecture, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, LEED, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories

Hidden House in Lagos, Portugal

 

House on a cliff by Kerimov Architects in Portugal

The 800 sq. m house is located on a cliff, near the ocean, in a natural environment. The project had to take into account the main requirement of the local municipality: the house should be practically invisible, minimally change the local landscape and not stand out in the environment, since the cliff in which it is located is clearly visible from the downtown.

 

The house is perfectly integrated into the landscape: from the side of the road, the building seems to be one-story, but from the side of the ocean and the downtown it is almost invisible. Thanks to the smart arrangement of the volumes, following the topography of the site, we were able to achieve the effect of a natural elevation difference: the terraces become a continuation of the landscape. It’s worth noticing that each level (zero and -1) has a view of the natural surrounding and natural sunlight.

The atrium structure is at the heart of the design. Each functional volume of the house is an independent architectural unit. The laconic-formed volumes made it possible to optimize the building area and achieve an architectural appearance that does not argue with the natural context. The color scheme of the house, built of architectural concrete and metal, is inspired by the color of the area: the sandy shade of the facade correlates with the color of the rocks, so the house, like a chameleon, mimics the rocky landscape without standing out.

There are two pools in the project. One is a consoled swimming path with glass sides and a bottom; it is facing the ocean and is located at the level of the upper living room. The second is a large swimming pool at -1 level facing the cliff.

The staff building, which separates the entrance group from the living area, has an exploitable roof with a roof garden where one can relax in nature and enjoy the view.

A bridge leads to the entrance group of the house, on the ground floor. The inner courtyard, on the lower level, can be reached by going down the stairs along the wall with a waterfall.

Strictly following the requirements for insolation, we oriented the house to the cardinal points and maximized all the windows at the main viewpoints. It allows the inhabitants to feel comfortable at home even in the hottest time of the year.

The project uses the sun as an additional source of energy: solar panels are installed on the roofs, which collect both solar and thermal energy. Thermal energy is used to heat the pool and to heat the house on rare cool days. The insolation of the house is also regulated by swivel lamellas installed on the windows.

Since the rocky terrain is problematic for laying communications, we installed water collection tanks and funnels.

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Fusioncorp embraces innovation and new technologies in sustainable construction policies

Nick Ainis is a progressive thinker who leads by example when it comes to the construction industry.

 

As founder and CEO of Fusioncorp Developments Inc., Ainis spearheads one interesting project after another – all of which contribute to his vision of building a greener future.

 

“The industry has been volatile since the pandemic,” says Ainis. “We have been dealing with supply chain issues, record inflation, and lack of manpower and quality trades.

“On the economic side, this has resulted in a downturn and more uncertainty in the residential condo industry. Interest rates have risen, plus there is a war in the world with political change rampant.

 

“So, you name it, we have it. While all this is happening, there’s also a movement towards combating climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion.”

 

He says housing affordability is at the forefront of the situation, with a push to increase the number of units brought into the marketplace.

“But who is going to build it?” Ainis asks. “That is changing right now with the way the industry builds and constructs in the future.  As I see it, the biggest problem in our industry is that it’s slow to innovate.”

 

Fusioncorp is working to change that.

 

Ainis points to a number of projects his company has been involved with that encompass criteria he mentioned – climate, equity, diversity and inclusion.

 

“We have built a number of affordable housing projects for York Region housing (Lakeside Residences in Keswick and for New Frontiers Aboriginal Residential Corporation (Amik II  and Amik III),” he says. “In particular, Lakeside Residences achieved LEED silver certification (close to gold) and it was a brownfield site, constructed of insulated concrete forms, making the building extremely energy-efficient.  Along with Amik II and III, these projects were built for people with a low income and the aboriginal community, so we are quite proud that we contributed to helping those in need.“

On yet another level, Ainis started his own non-profit company to give back and support the housing issue that he believes is at the forefront in the market right now.

 

“Oikeo Non Profit Housing Inc. was established to tackle the affordability of housing,” Ainis explains, “… not only by providing homes for those in need but also through innovation in the housing industry.  I personally believe that we can solve our housing affordability issue through innovation – at least partially so.”

 

Even the most skeptical non-believer, Ainis says, can no longer ignore the inevitable consequences of climate change.

“We all know what we can do on a personal level to reduce our carbon footprint, but what about an industry that is responsible for the housing of our rapidly growing population?” asks Ainis. “How can developers and construction companies reduce their carbon footprint, as well as build more sustainable living environments that not only save new homebuyers money, but also our planet?”

 

To put those values into perspective, Fusioncorp has even compiled a list of seven steps to building a green future.

The variety and thoroughness of its approach speaks volumes about Fusioncorp’s attention to detail, with a full description available on the company website.

 

Basically, the seven steps are:

 

1) Use non-toxic building materials;

2) Refine demolition and repurpose reusable materials;

3) Use locally-sourced materials;

4) Water conservation and recycling;
5) Harness the power of sun and wind
6) Build green and multi-use spaces;
7) And empower homeowners to live green.

 

Ainis would be the first to admit that building iconic new developments is not easy. There is a high level of planning, preparation, analysis and management that goes into each project, no more so than when Fusioncorp tackles an adaptive re-use challenge.

 

“Converting and restoring historic properties is challenging but also very rewarding,” says Ainis, citing Garment Factory Lofts, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, King George School Lofts and The Harbour Club, as examples.

 

From century old schoolhouses converted into condos to abandoned factories resurrected into iconic lofts and residences, Fusioncorp’s experience with such projects is industry-renowned and second to none.

 

“Through the art of constructing conversions and historic preservation, we are inevitably protecting the environment though adaptive re-use,” he says. “We also preserving the story behind these older buildings filled with stories from the past.  I love history and learning about the past from these older buildings, which makes these projects even more rewarding to work on.”

 

Web / fusioncorp.ca

 

Architecture, Building Envelope, HVAC, Ideas, Net Zero, Passive House, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends, Uncategorized

Family works with Somerset Construction to realize dream of sustainable, fossil-fuel-free home

When Steven and Jenny Hitchinson were looking for a builder for their planned net-zero home, they looked no further than Somerset Construction.

 

First, they brought in Andy Thomson of Thomson Architecture Inc. to provide a design, then moved on to finding a construction partner to pull everything together and make their dream a reality.

 

“This is a daunting task for a homeowner and we initially struggled to find a contractor who possessed the skills and desire to take on new and unique project like this,” says Steven Hitchinson. “Through a referral and after initial conversations we knew that Graeme Sperber and his team at Somerset Construction were the perfect partners for this project as they were fundamentally excited to learn with us and apply their decades of building experience to something new.”

In 2020, the couple had purchased a property in Port Credit and, with Thomson’s design in hand, they approached Somerset, and the work began.

 

“When we bought the property with the intent to renovate to net zero, we quickly realized that the level of modifications required to mesh old and new while achieving maximum building performance was going to be more difficult and expensive than building from scratch,” says Hitchinson. “Andy Thomson possessed a deep understanding of building sciences and techniques to achieve our goals.”

Then Somerset entered the equation. Here are the basic design requirements that were presented by the Hitchinsons:

 

  • Eliminate the use of fossil fuels;
  • Maximize the free energy provided by the sun through passive heating and solar PV;
  • Build a smart and functional space;
  • And use low carbon materials and track the total embodied carbon to be offset in the future.

 

Sperber, President of Somerset Construction in North York, says the Hitchinson project has resulted in a magnificent, carbon neutral, net-zero and energy-efficient home.

“Through the process of building this home, we have learned some key things,” he says. “For example, it’s the attention to detail – the little things – that have a big impact.  The structural connections, the fastening details and the superstructure penetrations might be perceived as insignificant, however they go a long way in the thermal performance.

 

“Further, it’s understanding how the selection of materials, such as high-performance air barriers and connections, as well as insulating layers and material choices, go a long way in ensuring the success of a net-zero home.”

The attention to detail is remarkable. Somerset, as a smaller company, has built a reputation on quality service, with an ability to be nimble, responsive and personalized in its approach.

 

“This Port Credit project,” says Sperber, “is an example of how our business has expanded to include new homes and retrofit projects that could include high-efficiency, high-performing homes with a phased approach for net zero.”

 

The task was daunting. A list of key characteristics of the house points out the incredible attention to detail:

  1. Gas line was cut and won’t be reconnected;
  2. Design the roof to maximize solar PV:
    1. The roof pitch and size were specifically set based on the orientation of the house to maximize the size of the solar PV array (20kW) and, as result, the annual energy produced. The house would produce around 30,000 kWh/year.
    2. A standing seam metal roof would be installed to easily clip the solar PV system to the seams and avoid any penetrations within the roof membranes and assembly;
  3. Insulate everything:
    1. Insulation under the basement and garage floor slab.
    2. R42 exterior wall assembly made up of two layers of exterior three-inch rockwool comfortboard 110 and interior rockwool insulation between the studs.
    3. R70 roof with exterior sheathing completing covered in three-inch rockwool comfortboard to eliminate thermal bridging;
  4. Air tightness:
    1. A breathable air tightness membrane wraps the entire house from the basement slab to the peak of the roof. Extreme care was taken to ensure every window and penetration was properly sealed;
  5. Mechanical systems:
    1. Heating is provided by an air to water heat pump system that is distributed throughout the house.
    2. An energy recover ventilator continually monitors and provides fresh air into the house while helping to maintain humidity levels in both summer and winter.
    3. Cooling is provided by an independent ductless mini-split system and strategically located throughout the house;
  6. Taking advantage of passive solar:
    1. Large south-facing windows with a shading structure designed to maximize solar gains in the winter and minimize them during the summer;
  7. High performance windows:
    1. Triple pane, thermally broken windows, tilt-and-turn windows;
  8. Minimizing the amount of concrete used in the foundations:
    1. Concrete has a high carbon footprint, so the structural engineering team worked to provide eight-inch reinforced foundation walls versus the typical 10-inch to reduce the amount of concrete being used;
  9. Reduce thermal bridging:
    1. The traditional deck ledger was replaced by beam pockets incorporated into the foundation walls that allow the deck beams to run perpendicular to the house, allowing insulation to be maintained against the foundation walls.

“We pride ourselves on the connection and relationships we create with our clients – many of whom have come back for repeat business,” Sperber added. “Our goal is to exceed all our client expectations.”

 

Web / somersetconstruction.ca

 

Established in 1999, Somerset Construction is a small-medium size wholly-owned Canadian company with a myriad of experience in the residential sector, commercial and light industry. Somerset specializes in complex projects working closely with the clients, architects, designers and engineers. Project management, construction management and general contracting are a few of Somerset’s strengths which allow its teams to execute projects on time and within budget.

Architecture, Eco Tourism, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories

ECOTURISM – CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND

The Ultimate Castaway Holiday

 

Easy-Going Living in Castaway Luxury

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an idyllic island paradise, with lush tropical greenery and unparalleled views of and access to the majestic Indian Ocean.

Lifetimes away from the outside world, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island celebrates the Maldives as it was meant to be – pristine, peaceful and extraordinary, in perfect harmony with the natural environment.

The best time to visit Maldives from November to March, when you can enjoy sunny weather with a fresh breeze from Indian Ocean. There are over 132 resorts located in Maldives and all of them are so different. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the most unique resorts in Maldives, reachable only by seaplane, which is 30-minute flight from capital Male. It sets on two private islands, both dense with palm trees and indigenous flora that create a natural castaway haven, connected by an impressive 500-meter bridge with perfect miles of white-sand beaches.

Discover white sharks, manta rays and dolphins with snorkeling, yachting, and diving. The resort is quite large, which makes it feel very private and secluded from other guests. Once you step on the island – forget about everything, your personal butler will take care about all details and make sure that you have a pleasant stay. There is a wide variety of rooms: water villas, beach villas, spa water villas, over-water spa rooms with contemporary design with a relaxed desert island ambiance.

These are set on stilts in shallow, placid water some 10-meters out from Rangali Island. Each features two bedrooms, full ablutions, kitchen, ample living space, and generous deck. A wide range of amenities, including 12 world-class restaurants (and many other amenities) are available on Rangali Finolhu across the bridge.

Luxury Meets Sustainability

Eco tourism and sustainable tourism may be a hot topic in the travel industry at the moment, but it has always been an integral part of Rangali Island’s philosophy and of its mission statement. Conrad Maldives Rangali is on an eco-mission to make a difference.

Innovations are ongoing to make the resort fully sustainable. Wooden guest cards and paper drinking straws are just two innovations, complementing a ‘plastic free breakfast’. Much use is made of timber, thatch and other natural products in the chalets.

Conrad’s guests are encouraged to play an active role in reducing the use of harmful materials as they reinforce a positive impact while traveling as well as in their daily life at home offering eco-activities for both adults and children ranging from coral planting, beach clean ups and coral reef regeneration initiative with the resort’s marine biologists.

The drive for sustainable architecture comes into sharper focus during a visit to a neighboring, inhabited island. Guests experience a different way of being, as they contribute to their hydroponics garden. This empowers the island people to become self-sufficient, organically.

Surely, this is what ecotourism is all about? Sustainable architecture with a light, natural footprint, set within an ocean where you could swim in company of whale sharks, mantas, and dolphins. Or scuba and snorkel over brilliantly-varied coral reefs.

Live Like a Fish for a Little While

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to not one, but two underwater structures: the Ithaa underwater restaurant, and The Muraka, very first underwater hotel suite.

Imagine exploring the ocean depths, with the sunlight glistening on the water surface above. Rangali hosts a world first, fusion-style, regional-seafood restaurant five meters (16 feet) below the ocean surface, surrounded by an underwater coral garden.

Access to this place they call Ithaa, meaning mother-of-pearl, is via a spiral staircase from a thatched pavilion at the end of a jetty. This structure is robust having survived the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami unscathed, and provides access to a mostly acrylic underwater structure.

The 16 by 30 foot (5 by 9 meter) prefabricated building accommodates 14 diners within an R-Cast acrylic form. Some 85 tons of sand ballast keep it firmly located on 4 steel piles. Guests enjoy a unique dining experience beneath a transparent roof, offering a 270° underwater view, observing pufferfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and plenty of others.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is one of the most amazing underwater restaurants in the Maldives where you can dine-in for 390 US dollars for dinner and 238 US dollars for lunch. The menu consists of seven-course set option of fine food, including dishes like caviar, Agnotti of duck, reef fish tartare, Maldivian lobster carpaccio, saffron, champagne risotto, black angus beef tenderloin, and foie gras, with glass of champagne per person.

If you long to sleep in a luxury bed 16 feet below sea level, then Rangali Island has a two-level hotel suite, Muraka, which means coral in the local language, with unparallel underwater view, allowing you to gaze at the aquatic life as they swim by. The ground floor at surface level comprises a master bedroom, en-suite twin bedroom, sun deck, and infinity pool. While a smaller R-Cast acrylic shape hosts a double bedroom with 270° panoramic underwater views below.

The Maldives underwater hotel is sky-high expensive. The Muraka offers a four-night package that costs US $200,000, which includes the cost of a personal chef, a butler, a three-bedroom villa with two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, dining area, an infinity pool on the terrace and the use of a private speedboat.

The Muraka is a triumph of modern design and technology, delivering a truly transformative journey suited to amaze the most sophisticated explorers across the globe.

Guests arrive by private seaplane, or speedboat transfer from adjoining Rangali Finolhu resort. The rate includes a private on-call speedboat, complimentary jet skis, private butler and chef, on-call massage, spa treatments and a personal trainer. Ten concrete pilings hold the R-Cast acrylic form in place. Sweet dreams for the night.

 

Architecture, Building Envelope, HVAC, Ideas, LEED, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Women in Green

Qingdao Future City — the Fantastic Jungle

Wandering in the Fantastic Jungle

CLOU architects was commissioned by Vanke to design the fourth-floor atrium of the newly opened Future City Mall in Qingdao. Located in Qingdao’s northern district, Vanke Future City is a brand-new shopping and leisure destination devoted to mingling aesthetics, creativity, and social experiences, hoping to bring fresh vitality to Qingdao’s old town and its surroundings.

 

The crux of the design challenge was to create an iconic social space, tempting customers to the mall’s upper levels and energizing its retail and dining areas. This led to the concept of an immersive jungle garden.

 

Today’s consumers value comfort and intimacy in commercial and public spaces, and cherish nature, outdoors, wellness, and social interaction above all. Responding to this, the firm decided to integrate nature and art into an immersive space. Drawing inspiration from the paintings of Henri Rousseau, CLOU created a vibrant, experientially unique jungle garden.

 

Tropical Forest with Monkeys, Henri Rousseau

In the atrium’s central space, the firm chose a two-storey red cube structure as the focal point, surrounded by a jungle of plants and water. Reminiscent of the primitive and mysterious scenes in Rousseau’s paintings, the vibrant colours, light, and shade invoke an imaginative and dreamlike atmosphere.

 

CLOU chose bright red as a primary colour to create a striking visual impression to quickly grab people’s attention. Like the flowers and animals that populate Rosseau’s mysterious paintings, the firm created a dazzling contrast between the colourful subject, detailed background, and a pleasing sense of illusion.

A circular bridge on the first floor connects the central cube to its surrounding areas with varying staircases. Tropical greenery, seating, water features, and staircases create human-scale details, enhancing the walking experience and enticing customers to linger and explore. This alluring, outdoor feeling provides its visitors with a place where their imaginations can roam freely.

A variety of paths and steps create fun and interactive scenes for socializing, exploring, and taking photos. The entire atrium serves as a public space for the local community to relax and enjoy a perfect venue for joyful community events.

With the unique spatial experience created for Qingdao Future City, CLOU hopes to activate the social and artistic potential of the commercial space by creating a fun, intimate, and pleasurable place for creating lasting memories.

Photography: Zhu Runzi

Architecture, Building Envelope, Eco Tourism, Ideas, Net Zero, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Introducing the world’s first vertical resort

Aera Vertical Resort in Dubai by OBM International wins Best Futuristic Project Award

An Urban Escape; Disconnect Within These Walls

What if there was a resort experience that was accessible within your own urban center? Can you imagine an exotic vacation within driving distance of your home, and yet—a world away. What if you could experience the indulgence of a resort within a global city so that you didn’t have to choose between the cultural richness of international urban travel and the restorative serenity of a beach vacation?

 

While the landscape of luxury travel has looked a certain way, the team seeks to reframe this idea in order to provide a new, distinct offering that is vertically integrated into a city’s urban center. By redefining resorts, we hope to expand our understanding of what is by creating something that has never been. 

The Vertical Resort will capture every resort amenity in a way that is entirely new; it will embody the same un-plugged escape that one finds on a private island without leaving a city’s epicenter— marrying relaxation, convenience and connectedness.

 

Resort Of The Future…

Enter the Vertical Resort—a world of escape that will instantly transport guests to another dimension. The arrival experience overwhelms the senses—aromatic smells, a rushing indoor waterfall, breathtaking design, artful details everywhere—the whole space buzzes with an energy that is distinct and separate from the world outside. 

A host escorts guests to the elevator that transports them to the rooftop, passing vertical pocket gardens, a historic neighbourhood with cultural meanderings and “sidewalk” cafes to reach a domed, glass greenhouse that erupts with vibrant greenery. The rooftop features one of many infinity pools, each offering a unique view of the city below and a different angle to watch the sky at sunset. 

 

 

An ideal location for a quick, romantic getaway—an escape to connect—without enduring lengthy flights and strenuous travel. Upon arrival, guests are invited to sit in a cocooned cabana and served a complimentary welcome cocktail garnished with fresh mint from the resort’s edible garden as the host walks them through personalized options for their stay. This really is a world of its own.

Reimagining A Resort In An Urban Context 

The Vertical Resort Hotel is the one-stop-shop; a destination that guests return to, again and again. Just like a typical resort at an exotic destination, there is intrigue for an entire family. The Vertical Resort will offer a variety of moods to choose from, with separate active zones and quiet spaces, complete with effective noise isolation or curated sound landscapes—depending on what you desire. There will be recreational fun for all ages, lavish spa offerings and a multitude of culinary experiences means that you can come to The Vertical Resort Hotel with your whole family without having to long book flights and coordinate transportation; when you arrive, you won’t even have leave the hotel.

 

 

Arrival And Sky Lobby

Guests will enter through a landscaped park, with lush blooms and climbing gardens that flow through and under the building, and into the lower lobby, instantly highlighting the idea of arriving to an urban oasis—a surprising paradise amongst the cityscape. The lower lobby is simply a drop-off zone for luggage before guests are vertically transported to the sky-dome lobby with stretching panoramic views of the city. 

 

Art and Culinary District

Many esteemed urban hotels are culinary destinations for those traveling to major cities. Michelin Chefs create decadent menus and creative cocktails draw in cultured crowds who want to experience the hotel’s ambiance for even a brief moment. 

Aera will feature multiple culinary offerings that are curated around the layered edible gardens that thrives throughout the resort. As such, the menus will be local-by-design, allowing for organically grown produce that is fresh and exclusively available within the resort. While the fine-dining restaurants, juice bars, cocktail lounges, bakery and casual cafes will be available to the resort’s guests, they will also attract an audience of people who seek exceptional culinary experiences—either locals or travelers staying elsewhere—which will further emphasize the magnetic, alluring qualities of the resort.

 

Lastly, there will be adaptable F&B spaces that are designed to shift with the changing atmosphere