Surface Design Awards – Complete

• INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE YEAR - NEW
  This is a new category that recognises wall, floor, ceiling and surface design products, including decorative, creative and inventive surfaces for the interior of buildings including both commercial and residential properties.
• HOUSING - INTERIOR 
  Buildings such as houses, flats and apartments that are used for sheltering people. These could be either part of the private or public sector and could be individual dwellings or multi-dwelling developments. Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market are included.
• LIGHT + SURFACE - INTERIOR 
  The innovative use of light and the way it is inextricably linked to surfaces, whether it’s the effect the light has on the surrounding surfaces or the materials used to create the light. 

This exquisite beachfront property boasts five bedrooms and a lateral layout. Acquired by the client a few years ago, they engaged us to revamp the interior, curate finishes, furniture, and fixtures, and collaborate closely with the contractor to bring their vision to life. Our aim was to create a timeless ambiance that would cater to the needs of a multi-generational family. From inception to completion, the project spanned two years, during which we meticulously ensured its functionality and aesthetic appeal across generations. Our aspiration was to infuse an artisanal and enduring quality into every detail, forging a seamless connection between the outdoor and indoor spaces.
The necessity arose for us to reconfigure the interior arrangement due to our discovery that the area initially designated for the master bedroom protruded prominently, impeding the natural airflow into the terrace. Consequently, we undertook a layout transformation to convert this protruding space into the primary sitting room. By equipping it with fully operable windows, we facilitated the inflow of refreshing winds onto the terrace, seamlessly merging the indoor communal space with the external surroundings. This adjustment also achieved the effect of positioning the terrace as the central nucleus of the residence, embraced harmoniously by the primary sitting room and the familial kitchen dining area.
We maintained close collaboration with skilled artisans we're acquainted with, orchestrating the creation of captivating handcrafted lighting installations. Among these, some were fashioned from clay to yield elegant wall lights, while others found form in discarded palm ribs, resulting in cage lights suspended above the kitchen counter. Prioritizing ventilation, we predominantly opted for fans, and we leveraged folding doors to accentuate the profound link with the outdoors. A significant portion of the furniture and fixtures was meticulously crafted to bespoke specifications and drawings. To evoke an artful, sculptural essence, we delicately contoured the skirting and ceiling details. Bathrooms were adorned with feature walls crafted from artisanal, fired tiles, and a majority of the furniture emerged from sustainably sourced bamboo, aligning with our commitment to environmental consciousness.

Hand-poured terrazzo was skillfully utilized to envelop both the interior and exterior floors of the residence. Borrowing from a time-honored tradition, widely employed along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, this technique was a deliberate choice to establish the ideal cooling surface for the floors. Complementing this, the walls were meticulously rendered using locally sourced natural lime, infusing the space with a comforting, tactile sensation. To enhance cooling, every area has been equipped with mechanical fans, strategically positioned for optimal airflow. Moreover, a comprehensive reorientation of the house was executed to harness the best possible air circulation.
Collaborating closely with indigenous craftsmen, we ideated captivating handcrafted ceramic feature walls for each bathroom. A paramount focus was placed on selecting materials endowed with timeless qualities, poised to gracefully mature in harmony with the residence.

Regrettably, we lack the precise means to compute the CO2 emissions per square meter. However, our strategy revolved around a conscious commitment to leveraging local materials, refining cooling strategies, and meticulously tracing the origins of our fixtures and furnishings. These endeavors represented our earnest endeavor to amplify the project's ecological sustainability. By privileging locally-sourced materials, we aimed to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and promote the region's resources. Our meticulous exploration of cooling solutions aimed to curtail energy consumption, with a particular emphasis on embracing natural airflow and ventilation principles.

Furthermore, our unwavering dedication to comprehending the provenance of every fixture and furnishing underscored our quest for sustainability. By delving into the origins of these elements, we sought to ascertain ethical sourcing, encouraging environmentally conscious production practices.

Due to the distinct nature of this artisanal endeavour, we encountered a significant amount of trial and error. The terrazzo floors, embellished with glass separators on the exterior and brass dividers within, demanded an extended period for curing and proper installation within the space. A few of the customized glazed handmade tiles arrived with inaccuracies in colour, and certain pieces proved slightly misaligned upon initial assembly. However, through meticulous scrutiny, we adeptly harnessed the best of the materials presented to us, ensuring a successful outcome.