INVESTING IN CELEBRITY ESTATES STEFANO RICCI HOME DESIGN

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Stephen Hardy
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INVESTING IN CELEBRITY ESTATES ANDREW MAYNARD ARCHITECTURE BANGKOK S CHANGING SKYLINE PENANG S HERITAGE HOUSES OPUS BY FRANK GEHRY 03 STEFANO

1 INVESTING IN CELEBRITY ESTATES ANDREW MAYNARD ARCHITECTURE BANGKOK S CHANGING SKYLINE PENANG S HERITAGE HOUSES OPUS BY FRANK GEHRY 03 STEFANO RICCI HOME DESIGN July September CLIVE CHRISTIAN KITCHENS BOCA DO LOBO FURNITURE COLLECTING CHINESE ART SALONE DEL MOBILE 2012

2 palace RESIDENCE wellington, new zealand by Christine de Felice Clyde Quay Wharf Past the water s edge in New Zealand s Capital of Cool 68 Palace

LEFT Its unique location on a finger wharf is one of the project s top selling factors BELOW The wharf will remain a key part of city life, as the public will be able to access the area even after

3 LEFT Its unique location on a finger wharf is one of the project s top selling factors BELOW The wharf will remain a key part of city life, as the public will be able to access the area even after the apartments are built A new apartment development in New Zealand s capital city, Wellington, offers what many people the world over yearn for: a home by the water. But the Clyde Quay Wharf residential complex takes the concept a step further it is literally suspended over the water. Add to that uninterrupted harbour and city views, and a history tied to the city s early economic rise. As in many major cities around the world Sydney, San Francisco, Hong Kong, for example Wellington s bustling harbour is a focal point of commercial and recreational pursuits, and its stunning beauty a key attraction for residents and tourists alike. Clyde Quay Wharf has been an integral part of harbour activity through the years. Built in 1907 to service the rapidly growing port city, it was reinvented in 1964 with the construction of an overseas passenger terminal for visiting cruise ships. When that facility was no longer required, the terminal was used variously over subsequent years as a function centre and office space. However, its prime location meant the wharf and terminal building site would always be redeveloped at some point. Built in 1907, the wharf was reinvented in 1964 with the construction of an overseas passenger terminal for visiting cruise ships In April 2004, the owner, Wellington Waterfront Ltd (a subsidiary of Wellington City Council), sought proposals for such a redevelopment. After a three-stage, year-long selection process, Willis Bond & Co was chosen from nine development teams that had submitted proposals. The Wellington-based company had already developed several other waterfront sites in the city. [Willis Bond & Co s] philosophy for residential developments is to find exceptional inner-city sites that are close to the water. Waterfront living in or near cities is a global trend and New Zealanders in particular enjoy the connection with the sea environment, says Clyde Quay Wharf project director David McGuinness. >> Palace 69

palace RESIDENCE The project features 76 individually designed apartments on the upper levels and an enhanced wharf area that retains the existing public access >> The developer appointed the

The project redeveloped heritage buildings into spaces for retail, office and residential use.

4 palace RESIDENCE The project features 76 individually designed apartments on the upper levels and an enhanced wharf area that retains the existing public access >> The developer appointed the multi-award-winning firm Athfield Architects to design the luxury complex. The two teams had worked together on rejuvenating the historic Chews Lane Precinct in Wellington s central business district. The project redeveloped heritage buildings into spaces for retail, office and residential use. We selected [Athfield Architects] for Clyde Quay Wharf because they have designed many landmark buildings in New Zealand and we had confidence that they could deliver something special and appropriate to this unique site, says McGuinness. The project features 76 individually designed apartments on the upper levels and an enhanced wharf area that retains the existing public access. The wharf-level environment will offer seaside dining and lifestyle experiences, marina services, and new attractions for the public, such as a new fishing jetty. The building design for this landmark site delivered an outcome that is simple yet elegant... and one that retains much of the maritime-themed design of the existing building including, for example, the tall spire atop the roof, says McGuinness. A key feature, he adds, is that many apartments have both east and west views. This is achieved by having numerous lift and stair cores to avoid long corridors that break up the ability for apartments to straddle both sides of the building. McGuinness points out that the construction of the Clyde Quay Wharf apartments comes with challenges particularly the need to strengthen the wharf and the new building to meet modern seismic standards in a difficult marine and climatic environment. The work includes boring many new concrete piles through the entire length of the wharf, as well as refurbishing many of the timber piles located around its perimeter. Construction work started in January this year and will be completed in mid New Zealand s property scene has yet to shake off the effects of the recent economic crisis, but McGuinness says 67 of the 76 apartments have already been sold. Clyde Quay Wharf s location may be a major draw after all, few residences in the world are situated on finger wharfs. McGuinness adds that the presentation to the market is based on a personal approach and reflects the sense of luxury the apartments will deliver. Each purchaser meets members of the project team to gain an insight into the project, with the buyer s apartment being designed to his particular requirements. The developers also derive satisfaction from the fact that the property they are creating will be, in McGuinness words: a new, viable landmark building that will enhance one of Wellington s most prominent sites and at the same time be a great place to visit and live in. 70 Palace

individually designed according to the buyer s requirements OPPOSITE

5 TOP Many units feature both east and west views, allowing for morning and afternoon sunlight BOTTOM Each apartment will be individually designed according to the buyer s requirements OPPOSITE You might want to cook a fish caught fresh yourself from the fishing jetty Palace 71

JUMEIRAH COMES TO THE MARINA

JUMEIRAH COMES TO THE MARINA WELCOME TO JUMEIRAH LIVING MARINA GATE Jumeirah Living Marina Gate combines the Jumeirah Group s luxury hospitality experience with Select Group s commitment to creating an