New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/03C | Page 120

the French doors into a light-filled showroom and
lounge featuring custom designed displays and
large antique mirrors with soft rounded edges
inspired by 1930s Art Deco style.
On the second floor, two of the fitting rooms
have a very feminine feel and style, while the other
has a more masculine tone, ideal for the launch of a
menswear collection, for example.
“The warmth of the ground and first floors
decor – largely provided by the colour palette and
the Marmorino stucco wall finish – gives way to a
more unfinished feel in the intimate library-salon
area on the top floor. Here, we decided to finish the
exposed brick in a light grey paint.”
The second floor also includes a VIP suite so
out-of-town-clients can make the most of their visit
to the fashion house. For the suite, Kokaistudios
chose a soft, feminine decor – again achieved
largely through the choice of colours and furniture.
“While elements such as the cabinetry and display mirrors were designed to complement the villa, we
added contrasting modern pieces, including furniture
and fixtures by local and international houses.”
The eclectic blend of functions between retail,
exhibition, hospitality, office space and even the
landscaping all required a versatile lighting solution.
Responding to this, Kokaistudios designed a flex-
ible system that creates a warm, almost residential
mood adaptable to everything from small events to
major fashion exhibitions. As well as lights by Flos,
Fortuny, and Stellarworks, the architect introduced
Murano glass lamps designed and produced in Italy
by his own family business.
“This project required us to become a tailor for a
tailor and create a custom response that involved
the restoration of a historical home, the insertion
of a contemporary, edgy architectural element and
a unifying landscape,” says Gabbiani. “Everything
was closely considered, right down to the smallest
details and finest finishes – a truly tailored project.”
Project:House of Grace Chen
Architecture, facade design and interior design:
Kokaistudios – project architect, Filippo Gabbiani
Construction:Wenyujituan
Flooring:Imoni, Poly Regen carpet
Walls:Marmorino venetian plaster; painted exposed brick
Paints:Danilo
Display system, custom furniture:Bussola & Ralph (China)
Lighting:Flos, Bussola, Gabbiani, Fortuny Furniture:Outdoor – Van Collection; indoor – Stellar Works
Dining chair:Casa
Vertical blind system:Van Collection
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Story by Charles Moxham
Photography by Seth Powers
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49683 at Trendsideas.com
Below:The light-filled white and
wood show kitchen is only a few
short steps from the indoor and
outdoor dining venues.