Modern Desert Villa Retreat by Weinstein Vaadia Architects Brought to Life by Studio Aiko.

This Desert Villa Retreat was created for an architecture competition by Tel Aviv based Weinstein Vaadia Architects.











The project was then brought to life by Studio Aiko through 3D computer visualization.

Weinstein Vaadia Architect's general brief was to create a peaceful and calm surrounding in which the villa is located. This desert scene was created by Studio Aiko and merges the magical scenery of the desert with the modern architecture of the villa. With still frames supplied to them by the client, they added their own mystery - and a bit of humor- in the video below:



The most challenging task for Studio Aiko was to create a believable surrounding terrain with rocks and sand in order to achieve a realistic look. They used different types of scatter techniques on rocks and vegetation - a thing that caused them lots of RAM peaks. For the setup of this scene they used V-Ray sun and physical camera. This resulted in great exterior shots. The final achievement of the feel and mood was done in post which added a subtle and calm mood. V-Ray displacement gave them the ability to create the detailed terrain and the rock fence. It required some extra use of RAM so they needed to work efficiently and to optimize every aspect of the project.





About Weinstein Vaadia Architects (וינשטין ועדיה אדריכלים):
Weinstein-Vaadia Architects is a design-oriented Tel-Aviv firm that specializes in architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Founded in 1994, the practice's portfolio includes a range of public and private projects throughout the country. Our buildings celebrate the beauty of simple and natural notions of life such as light, air, vegetation, and movement. We strive to be both precise and relaxed like nature, not by imitating it, but by exploring the interplay between these two positions. Our work focuses on hospitals, such as the Childrens Hospital at the Sieff Medical Center, Tsfat; wineries, such as the Galil Mountain and Golan Heights Wineries; and educational projects, such as the Center for Environmental Education at Hiriya Recycling Park. The firm is led by partners Shai Weinstein and Gil Vaadia.
http://www.zwwv.com




About Studio Aiko:
Founded by Yair Alony and Meny Hilsenrad in 2005, Studio Aiko is a young & dynamic CG visual FX studio.

We provide high-end visuals and aim for excellence, while constantly renewing and refining our professional skills. The quality of our CG is very important to us - whether the project be a commercial ad, content for T.V., or an architectural visualization, Studio Aiko is committed to producing work of the highest quality for its clients.

We offer our services to a wide variety of companies, as well as focusing on our independent goals - to produce original content and ideas.
http://www.studio-aiko.com

A Private Villa is a Mix of Modern and Traditional Thai Design: The Samsara House 5.

Samsara was the first development by Original Vision architects on Phuket with House 5 being one of the first to be completed. The Samsara House 5 displays a distinctly contemporary architecture with influences of the traditional southern Thai vernacular.






The entrance is a processional experience that dramatically uses the view to shape the transition from the road through unfolding external and internal spaces and levels down to the private entertainment and living level.









Interconnecting cathedral roofs float above living and dining spaces that open fully onto terraces and the main pool deck creating a combination of interlinked volumes that blurs the line between inner and outer space resulting in a fantastic resort home that takes full advantage of the slope and the stunning Andaman Sea view.







Bedrooms and Baths:





The home fuses the outdoors and the indoors, providing lots of outdoor seating and the home also has an outdoor shower:








About Original Vision Ltd:
Over the past 20 years, Original Vision has been pioneering new concepts in leisure architecture and design in South East Asia. Based in Hong Kong and Thailand and with projects throughout the region, they are dedicated to innovation, creativity and quality in design and in their finished projects.

The manipulation of space, light, texture and color is the core of their philosophy. They bring these elements together to harmonise with function and desire. Their goal is to create places that are wonderful; spaces that are breathtaking and inspirational and above all, environments where people just love to be.

Original Vision Architects

A Look Inside The Apple Apartments That Turned Beatles History Into Luxury Living.

Earlier this year, 94 Baker Street launched The Apple Apartments. A boutique, luxury development of 5 apartments within a building that formally housed the Beatles' Apple Records and Apple Boutique.


above: 94 Baker Street in 1967 housed the Beatles' Apple Records and Apple Boutique

The apartments (which are now available to rent) launched in July 2013 with much fanfare, including a 1960's inspired psychedelic light projection on the building's exterior - as a nod to the original mural commissioned by George Harrison and painted over the Georgian building by art students in the 60s.



above: Psychedelic light projection on 94 Baker Street as part of the Apple Apartments launch in 2013

First, a little history:



As well as the base for The Beatles record empire in the late 1960s, the Apple Boutique was opened at street level and sold clothes and accessories.



above: the exterior and interior of the Apple Boutique at 94 Baker Street

The aim of the shop was, according to Paul McCartney, to create “a beautiful place where beautiful people can buy beautiful things" (this quote was projected onto the building during the launch). The launch party for the Apple Boutique in December 1967 was attended by John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Cilla Black and Kenneth Tynan.



above: original images from the launch party of the Apple boutique in 1967

The Apple Boutique was an early venture of The Beatles’ Apple Corps company. It was only open from December 1967 until July 1968.


above: the Apple Boutique closed less than a year after opening.

During the heyday of The Beatles tenure, a psychedelic-style mural was commissioned by George Harrison and painted over the Georgian building by art students but planning permission had not been sought and the artwork was ordered to be covered in white paint to satisfy Westminster Council and the landlord, the Portman Estate.


above: The 94 Baker Street exterior mural being painted by art students

The New Apple Apartments
Now, restored by the Malins Group the design theme for the luxury apartments  amalgamated the influences of the eternally stylish monochrome look on the runway for Spring Summer 2013; the 60's images from the Beatles days in occupation; and John Lennons 'Imagine' music video.


above: The 94 Baker Street exterior as it appears today

A Blue Plaque was erected on the 17th March 2013 to commemorate John Lennon and George Harrison.

above: The plaque replaced one that initially only honored John Lennon. The new plaque’s inscription reads: ‘John Lennon M.B.E. 1940-1980 George Harrison M.B.E. 1943-2001 worked here.’ M.B.E. stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, an honor that Queen Elizabeth II bestowed on all of the Beatles back in 1965.

There are four two bedroom and a one bedroom apartment all benefiting from surround sound, comfort cooling/heating system, Sky TV and direct lift access to each flat.

Highlights of the exclusive apartments include: Diffused fresh air, heating and comfort cooling to all principle rooms, Multi Room Audio Visual System, Black solid wenge floors, Full height black wenge and white ice etched glass doors, with satin inlay, White ice etched glass pocket doors, Italian high gloss concealed kitchens with shark nose worktops, V&A designer sanitary ware, Marble slabs to bathrooms, Bespoke wardrobes with grey oak cabinetry, Velvet carpets and Designer feature wallcoverings.

The photos below depict the show flat which is available on a furnished basis. Other apartments can be rented as furnished or unfurnished, depending upon negotation.

The Lobby:



The Living Room:





Bedroom and en suite bath:




Artist Scott Eaton who created the Venus iPad Docking Station and the Hercules XIII Tablet Stand was commissioned to create the unsual lamps seen in the master bedroom:



The apartments were sold to Middle eastern investors just four weeks after the launch for £10.2 million and are being rented for between £750 and £1,150 a week.

"The investors have bought all five apartments, four two-bedroom, which were priced from £1.625,000 and £1.750,000 and a one-bedroom at £1.250,000, and the retail space at ground level. The apartments will be available to rent at the end of the year, for between £750 and £1,150 a week" according to agents Kay & Co, who secured the deal.

Lauren Atkins, MD of The Malins Group, whose development portfolio includes residential developments in Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Westminster, said: “The Apple Apartments have a unique place in the history of The Beatles and the purchasers have bought the ultimate slice of memorabilia. We incorporated exceptional design and specification, with the very best materials and finishes. This has been a very special project and we are really excited that they have sold within a month of the launch. It is a great endorsement for the standards and quality of the work by the Malins Group.”

Available from November 2013. Photos shown in this post depict the show flat which is available on a furnished basis. Rent excludes administration fees of £300 inc. VAT plus £50 per person inc. VAT for referencing which is payable upon creation of a legally binding tenancy agreement.



Interested in renting or scheduling a viewing? Go here.