All posts by Kristen Ordonez

EarthCam Time-Lapse Showcases Construction of 56 Leonard in New York City

with:

Photo courtesy Interior Marketing Group. Video courtesy of EarthCam.

56 Leonard is the first skyscraper designed by international architects Herzog & de Meuron and features completely unique design elements, making this one of the most recognizable residential towers in Manhattan. EarthCam, a global leader in providing live streaming video, time-lapse construction cameras and photography documentation for corporate and government clients in major cities around the world, recently released a time-lapse video of the Jenga building located at 56 Leonard. From March 2014 to December 2016, each stage of progress was captured with high-definition imagery and hand-edited into EarthCam’s newest time-lapse movie.
Earlier this spring, Unique Homes went on-location to 56 Leonard’s debut of a completed apartment unveiling to the public. To read more about Residence 46#E and 56 Leonard, click here.

Leave a comment

The Newton Collection Carries ‘Standout Pieces of International Desire’

with:

The luxury bathroom brand Maison Valentina has recently released The Newton Collection onto the luxury market, a futuristic take on simple bath features that are made to be extraordinary.

All photos courtesy of Maison Valentina. 

Born through a partnership between Maison Valentina and its sister brand Boca do Lobo, The Newton Collection aims to bring a sense of uniqueness to a space as universal as a bathroom, according to the collection’s designer Joaquim Paulo.

The Newton Collection, or “family” as Paulo sometimes refers to it, consists of a few striking bath pieces, particularly the bathtub, washbasin and freestanding washbasin, which are covered in clusters of black and golden spheres which resemble bubbles floating in a soaking bath. And though all the pieces are vital to the collection, “everything started with the bathtub and only after arriving to final drawing of it we started to develop the other pieces of the family,” according to Paulo. The designer does give credit to the washbasins as well, calling each a “standout piece of international desire that distinguishes itself from all the other designs by its futuristic forms.”

The designs are meant to be futuristic in nature with their overall color scheme focusing on dark colors with bright gold accents, to add a tranquil, elegant or dynamic atmosphere. Paulo says these choices fit well with the goal of the collection, which was to not only bring a luxury touch to every bathroom, but to go beyond and help clients create a unique home experience through the materials.
“Nowadays, bathrooms are seen more and more as a premium area in a house, hotel, bar or restaurant, so we believed that we needed to bring a touch of luxury and exclusivity to these areas,” he says.
The collection took four months to develop from the first sketch to the final product, according to Paulo, a process which took a lot of examination and preparation before coming to fruition. “We studied the luxury market, our competitors, and we identified the needs for these kinds of products,” says Paulo. The designer also gives much credit to the other designers from Boca do Lobo, whose expertise was key to creating such marvelous pieces.

Overall, all of the pieces in the Newton Collection standout and distinguish themselves from all other designs. “Newton is an outstanding moment of inspiration — a luxury statement piece created in order to fulfill the needs of our clients that are looking for the best in contemporary furniture design mixed up with luxurious details and high-quality materials,” says Paulo.

Pricing:

Newton Bathtub – $21,210

Newton Freestand – $11,355

Newton Washbasin – $15,955

Top photo washbasin, bottom photo freestanding washbasin.

Leave a comment

Barclay Butera Discusses New Outdoor Furniture Collection

with:

Designer and author Barclay Butera has collaborated with a team of artisans to create The Barclay Butera Outdoor Collection for CASTELLE.

Transitional deep seating from the Barclay Butera Outdoor Collection for CASTELLE. All photos courtesy of CASTELLE. 

The Barclay Butera Outdoor Collection for CASTELLE features intricate fretwork, curves and engineered castings. Within this designer collection, Butera’s signature white and navy blue color story is impressively presented in the finishing and textile selections.
“Well anyone who knows me has seen the evolution of my love affair with blue and white over the years,” says Butera. “It’s such a classic, and the pieces had a nod to nautical, but definitely have a little all-American and a little European influences. I love the ocean, the beach, the sun and sky; blue and white just seemed right.”
Butera began working on the collection with CASTELLE, a furniture company specializing in cast aluminum outdoor furnishings, in June 2016. He says he has been designing outdoor spaces “for what seems like forever” and wanted to make a change when it came to creating outdoor furniture pieces. “We are so fortunate in Southern California to be able to use our outdoor spaces year-round, I often refer to porches, patios, decks and the like as the fifth room. I was constantly on the lookout for a fresh, traditional-with-a-twist furniture; I wanted something that could go transitional and contemporary if need be as well. So I was thrilled when CASTELLE approached me about a line, I could not be more over-the-moon with the end result.”
The celebrity designer says he has thoroughly enjoyed working on the collaboration and with the team on such a spectacular collection since they started. “When I first approached the design process, I was inspired by this magnificent geometric ceiling carving I saw in an English manor years ago. I have incorporated this pattern into carpets, wallpapers and now the fretwork for outdoor furniture; I think it translates beautifully! And, of course, clean navy and crisp white are always in fashion.”
Butera’s vision for the collection was to have pieces that were glamorous yet comfortable, with an emphasis on versatility and being “chameleon-like.”

Barclay Butera

“This design is so versatile it will work in a Central Park penthouse as well as a chic beach home on Newport Harbor and everywhere in between… I can’t imagine a home that this collection would not work with!” Butera affirms.
The collection debuted earlier this year at the Spring High Point Market in CASTELLE’s showroom, exhibiting a deep seating collection including a sofa, loveseat, lounge chair, ottoman and coordinating tables, as well as cushion and sling dining. All the pieces received high marks and positive feedback from buyers, according to CASTELLE President and CEO Derek Ritzel. “We had great numbers for the launch reception and were especially excited about our products being selected from the entire market as favorites by show spotters.” In regards to the Butera collection itself, Ritzel had his own positive remarks to share.
“Throughout the design and production process, partnering with Barclay and his team has proven to be a very creative and positive experience for CASTELLE,” said Ritzel. “The final designs definitely present the quality and luxury of CASTELLE and the unique design aesthetic of Barclay.”

Reflective of the success of the outdoor collection already, Butera is prepared to continue working with CASTELLE and make changes to the outdoor furnishings market. “As we grow our partnership, expect to see a wide range of chic styles and design choices. For me, it is always all about giving the clients furniture that they will love for a very long time.

Chaise lounges from The Barclay Butera Outdoor Collection for CASTELLE.

Leave a comment

Pretty in Permanence

with:

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Edition of Homes & Estates Magazine.

Internationally acclaimed designer Sandra Nunnerley masters the art of creating timeless interiors through her modern interpretation of the classics.

By Alyson Pitarre

Sandra Nunnerley is acutely aware of the enduring nature of interior design. “Fashion may influence design,” the New York-based designer is fond of saying, “but you can’t change rooms every season.” W Magazine has called her “one of the most fashionable designers” in New York, after all.

Nunnerley has cemented her place among the world’s top designers. House & Garden UK selected her as one of 10 leading American designers. In 2017, she will appear on the Architectural Digest France International List, which honors 100 design talents worldwide — a distinction she has enjoyed multiple times. She remains keenly focused on her signature style, one that is both modern and timeless, anchored in a sophisticated understanding of architecture, historical periods and art. Her work, which ranges from a glamorous NYC duplex that once belonged to Hollywood producer Jack Warner in the Sherry-Netherland Hotel to a project in Hong Kong to beachfront retreats in her native New Zealand, continues to garner praise for her characteristic style, often described as “contemporary with a classic twist,” bringing together period pieces with modern design.

We recently caught up with the ever-stylish, New Zealand-born designer to ask her about her inspirations, what drives her design choices and how…

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2017 ISSUE OF HOMES & ESTATES.

Photos courtesy ©Peter Estersohn and ©Jamie Ardiles-Arce

Leave a comment

Hand Meets Machine

with:

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Edition of Homes & Estates Magazine.

With price tags rivaling those of Italian sports cars, buyers of super-luxury timepieces are paying for the labor of skilled artisans.

By Roger Grody

Throughout history, watches have always incorporated innovative technologies, but the finest of those miniature machines showcase craftsmanship, through meticulous movement assembly or exquisite decorative enhancements. “When you want to buy exclusivity, you want something that requires the labor of true artists,” reports timepiece authority Ariel Adams, whose “A Blog to Watch” is an industry standard.

Precision craftsmanship is the foundation of watchmaking and premium manufacturers continue to emulate techniques perfected hundreds of years ago. Hand-painted dials are currently popular and watchmaker Bovet is known for remarkably detailed illustrations on lacquered mother-of-pearl surfaces, while Jaquet Droz’s Les Ateliers d’Art series reflects various techniques: painting, enameling, engraving, bas relief, and mosaic. Blancpain is one of several manufacturers that exploits the current trend of see-through cases by engraving or hand-painting freshly revealed surfaces.

Widely acclaimed Greubel Forsey — its limited-edition watches average about $500,000 — is renowned for…

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2017 ISSUE OF HOMES & ESTATES.

Photos courtesy Richard Mille and Grueber Forsey.

Leave a comment

Radiant Revival

with:

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Edition of Homes & Estates Magazine.

VILLA RENÉ LALIQUE DAZZLES AS A HOTEL AND EPICUREAN DESTINATION EMBODYING FRENCH ART DE VIVRE AND SAVOIR FAIRE. 

By Alyson Pitarre

Vineyards thread across the foothills of Alsace, a region nestled in France’s northeast corner between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. Villages with timber-framed houses and brasseries nod tenderly to the region’s agricultural past. They are the hidden pearls of Alsace, each telling its history through gastronomy and savoir faire.

Wingen-sur-Moder is one such gem. On the surface, the tiny hamlet on the Moder River may seem like an unexpected place to find one of France’s most exclusive villa hotels and three-star Michelin chefs, Jean-Georges Klein. But in fact, Wingen-sur-Moder is where René-Jules Lalique established his crystal-making factory and home nearly a century ago. It’s also where Silvio Denz, chairman and CEO of Lalique, found the inspiration to transform the provincial villa into a luxury hotel, food and wine destination while paying homage to the iconic crystal brand.

“I wanted to combine French savoir faire, epitomized by Lalique’s craftsmanship, with French savoir…

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2017 ISSUE OF HOMES & ESTATES.

Photos courtesy ©Gilles-Pernet and ©Reto Guntli.

Leave a comment

Explore Europe with Million-Dollar Cab

with:

Inspired by the tale of three Englishmen who had undertaken the longest cab ride around the world in 2011, Christopher James Jolly designed a customized trip where he personally chauffeurs travelers around Europe — Million-Dollar Cab. With exclusive, personal service, this trip takes travelers on an exploration of Europe’s cultures, countries, food, wine and more.
“The variety of Europe is so much greater than some continents and it is clearer and clearer when driving, as opposed to other forms of transport,” says Jolly.
This 90-day, $1 million experience is “for people whose horizons have not been fully satisfied and want to open new channels and have unforgettable experiences,” says Jolly. “Boredom can lead to depression and this European trip would stimulate the soul, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity, distinguishing itself from other vacations/trips.”
For more information visit www.milliondollarcab.com.
 

Leave a comment

Exclusive Unveiling Reveals Star Apartment at Jenga Building

with:

Photos courtesy Interior Marketing Group.

By Kristen Ordonez

Unique Homes went on location to the exclusive unveiling of Residence #46E at 56 Leonard Street in New York. Warburg Realty, which represents the seller, welcomed guests to the residence and introduced them to all the apartment has to offer. After meeting with broker Gabriel Leibowitz and talking with designer Cheryl Eisen, all that can be said about this place can be said in one word: astounding.

From the moment you step out of one of two private elevators into the foyer of the apartment, one can tell that this place is more than just special. Warburg Realty describes the residence as a “castle in the clouds,” and from any and every room of this apartment, it essentially feels that way. The four-bedroom masterpiece offers 12-foot ceilings and staggering views from every room of the apartment. Moving from the foyer, the 1,250-square-foot great room boasts a fireplace, wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows and a 435-plus-square-foot terrace that reveals views from the East River to the Empire State Building and across to the Hudson. The open floor plan flows right from the great room to the open kitchen which features Corian countertops, a granite kitchen island, Miele double oven, dual dishwashers and built-in coffee maker, as well as a Sub-Zero double refrigerator and wine fridge.
The oversized master suite has views of southern Manhattan and the harbor, as well as a master bath with radiant heated floors and a soaking tub. The second and third bedrooms also have their own en suite baths, large closets and views.

Warburg Real Estate Broker Gabriel Leibowtiz definitely knows the worth of the residence based on its views alone. “There is a dramatic feel throughout the apartment that continues out onto its three outdoor spaces.” He also understands how great the residence fits into the culture and liveliness of the surrounding area. “Tribeca is loaded with chic restaurants, great shopping, and terrific school zones. This is also one of the few brand-new high-rises with bells-and-whistles amenities. Zoning prohibits much more in REAL Tribeca, so it will always be one of the few options in a location that’s very popular.”
Speaking of Tribeca, Leibowitz knows how such a modern building might seem a little out of place, but isn’t worried about its success. “It’s distinct in an area where a swath of people want doormen and amenities. I see it as a positive since there’s very little supply.”

Overall, there is much to love about the space, from the striking views to the fourth bedroom, which Leibowitz remarks as another asset. “We currently have it styled for an ‘escape’ media room option — a place to detach and relax.”
The architect of the building is Herzog and de Meuron, while Cheryl Eisen worked on the designing the interior of the apartment. She too was impressed with the stunning views and intentionally made decisions based on the views when designing. “Our first priority was to ensure nothing obstructed the line of sight to the city’s iconic buildings. We were able to accomplish that with low, neutral furnishings. We were also inspired by the structural design of the building so we implemented modular sofas that allow potential buyers to build and customize the space.”
Eisen’s goal to accentuate the features of the building is a method of hers when it comes to staging, which helps buyers look past potential shortcomings. “We help people visualize themselves and their lives in a space in a way they might not have been able to with an empty property,” says Eisen. Another important idea she likes to keep in mind is to mainly focus on the home, not the furniture. “Too many stagers and interior designers get hyper-focused on trendy decor and highlighting specific furniture pieces they may have created. We do the opposite… Our goal is to always demonstrate functionality and maximize space with neutral pieces.”

While Eisen says she does not have one specific project that has come to be her favorite, she did enjoy the obstacles that rose while working on 56 Leonard. “The geometric shape of the building created some tricky corners that were a challenge to utilize, but we were up for the challenge.”
Whether or not selling this $12.995 million apartment, and others soon to be finished in the building, will turn out to be an additional challenge, what can be determined is that the apartment has its own set of perks that are sure to attract potential buyers.
“It’s one of a kind,” says Leibowitz, “A high-rise with views like this, of this quality and size, in a building and location like this, is basically nonexistent. If someone wants to live in a prime location in this aspirational style of living, this is the apartment for them.”

Leave a comment

Quincy’s Newest Oceanfront Development Launches Leasing

with:

Photo courtesy Nickerson. 

Leasing has launched for Meriel Marina Bay, the newest and most dynamic luxury residential building in Quincy, according to Hines, a global real estate investment firm. Located on a scenic seaside peninsula just a few miles south of Boston, Meriel Marina Bay delivers luxury waterfront living and diverse amenities, paired with the convenience of easy access to I-93 via car, a complimentary shuttle to the Red Line North Quincy MBTA station and a water ferry to downtown Boston.
Meriel Marina Bay is a mixed-use development comprised of two, five-story buildings featuring 352 luxury apartments with ample garage parking and approximately 20,000 square feet of premier ground-level retail space ideal for dining establishments and specialty boutiques. Featuring a wide variety of thoughtfully designed layouts including studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, the apartments at Meriel Marina Bay offer breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, Boston Harbor and the vibrant Marina Bay boardwalk. The Meriel Marina Bay development will nearly double the size of the existing public boardwalk and further enhance Quincy’s vibrant Marina Bay neighborhood that features condominiums, retail and restaurants, as well as a 686-slip marina.
“Meriel Marina Bay is extremely unique in that it offers residents the best of both worlds – a pristine oceanfront home with easy access to Boston in under 30 minutes,” said David Perry, senior managing director at Hines. “As the last major development planned for Marina Bay, we aimed to exceed market expectations in both the design of this property and the range of amenities. It is an extraordinary waterfront location deserving of a best-in-class residential community.”
Each apartment home includes spacious open layouts with oversized windows and wide plank flooring throughout the main living areas. Bright kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, center islands with breakfast bar, quartz countertops and European-style soft close cabinets. Apartments also include large walk-in closets, soaking tubs, walk-in showers and a full-size washer and dryer. Many apartments feature dual-sink vanities and a majority of the apartment homes have either oversized balconies or private patios.
Built with serenity and lifestyle in mind, Meriel Marina Bay offers a multitude of high-end amenities. Residents are able to exercise in one of two state-of-the-art fitness centers with separate cardio and yoga studios, bask in the sun on the stylish sundeck or relax in the heated swimming pool.

Featuring an extensive array of outdoor areas for residents to entertain and unwind, Meriel Marina Bay includes three courtyards overlooking the marina that include areas equipped with an outdoor kitchen, BBQ grills, wet bar and fire pits. Indoor amenities include two club rooms with a flat screen TV, catering kitchens and lounge seating, a cyber café with Wi-Fi, two conference rooms, a separate games and entertainment lounge, and storage areas for bikes and kayaks. Pets are also pampered at Meriel Marina Bay with the Bark ‘n’ Bubbles pet spa and grooming station.
“We are elated to be a part of this very extraordinary project. Meriel Marina Bay will offer a distinct way of life that can’t be found in the surrounding cities near downtown Boston,” said Allie Sullivan, regional portfolio manager at Bozzuto Management Company which manages the building. “Meriel Marina Bay will be a one-of-a-kind living experience offering a resort-like lifestyle with exclusive tranquil ocean front views, for those who demand a special place to call home.”
Boasting breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, Marina Bay, and Dorchester Bay, Meriel Marina Bay is move-in ready and features an assortment of apartment homes ranging from approximately $2,100 to $4,600/per month.
For more information about Meriel Marina Bay, visit their website or contact the on-site leasing team at 617-459-4040.

Leave a comment

Luxury in The White Desert

with:

White Desert itineraries are designed as a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience. Each day, field guides suggest excursions and activities for guests to choose from — whether relaxing, such as a gentle trek to view ice wave formations, or challenging, such as technical rock climbing. All photos courtesy White Desert. 

For those wanting to explore Antarctica — and not just from a cruise ship — there is a way to do it without giving up creature comforts. 

By Sarah Binder

Adventure and luxury do not always go hand in hand. In the farthest reaches of the Earth, you might expect to find only one or the other. However, a few times a year, a dozen in-the-know travelers find both — in the interior of Antarctica.
Founded and led by CEO Patrick Woodhead, who helmed the first ever east-to-west traverse of Antarctica in a total of 75 days, White Desert is the first and only luxury camp in the interior of Antarctica. While most travelers to the seventh continent arrive, eat, sleep, and depart on a cruise ship, White Desert flies its guests to a fully functional, eco-friendly luxury camp in the virtually untouched interior, where they experience awe-inspiring and adrenaline-pumping activities.

The idea for White Desert came to Woodhead organically, as he and three teammates waited out a multi-day storm in a small tent during a traverse of the continent. Realizing that travelers may be interested in the “real” Antarctica, Woodhead and his teammates envisioned an old world-style camp that would provide a high level of comfort to intimate groups.
Whichaway camp, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a complete overhaul, boasts six heated fiberglass sleeping pods that house two people each.

Whichaway Camp celebrated its 10th anniversary this year with a compete makeover, including in the old-world, Game of Thrones-style dining room, where guests savor homemade three-course meals.

“There are only 12 guests at one time, and there is a member of staff per client,” explains Richard Godden, White Desert’s client and media relations manager.
“The camp recently has been refurbished with luxury fabric headboards, Saarinen chairs, fur throws, and extended en suite bathrooms stocked with sustainable toiletries, created by our friend and fellow polar explorer David de Rothschild’s Lost Explorer brand,” says Godden. “It might be surprising to guests to have solar-powered hot water!”
In the cozy communal dining room, guests refuel by savoring three-course meals every night, prepared with ingredients from Cape Town by Chef Justine Lindsay, who studied at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch, South Africa. A library and lounge offer the opportunity to recharge electronic devices and relax with a book after a physically demanding ice climb.

“People often have a fascination and curiosity about Antarctica from their school days. It is such a wondrous ‘white desert’ landscape that is in total contrast to what we are familiar with,” explains Marcel Knobil, founder of VeryFirstTo, a website that enables its members to be the first to learn of and indulge in newly launching luxury products and experiences.
“While Antarctica traditionally has been associated with harsh conditions and uncomfortable travel, White Desert’s Emperors & South Pole oozes with indulgent comforts and smooth, luxurious travel,” he says. VeryFirstTo, which also creates its own bespoke travel experiences, connects its interested members to White Desert, as well as offers advice on how to maximize enjoyment of their experience.
White Desert’s expeditions begin in Cape Town, South Africa, arriving at Whichaway Camp via a five-and-a-half-hour direct flight. The Emperors & South Pole itinerary lasts eight nights, at 64,000 euros, all-inclusive, per person. This year, White Desert was offering four of the excursions, all during November and December, the brief window of time suitable for travel to Antarctica’s interior. As of October, two of the four journeys were sold out.
“Clients staying at our camp are the only people who can visit the 6,000-strong emperor penguin colony and their young chicks at Atka Bay, ” explains Godden.
Viewing remote wildlife is just the tip of the iceberg. Each day, clients can select from a number of excursions and activities guided by genuine polar explorers, from exploring iridescent blue ice caves and tunnels to ice and rock climbing, kite-skiing, traversing lakes, and more. The most ambitious guests can take a trip to the South Pole, which entails a six-hour flight from camp, including a fuel stop, in order to reach the lowest place on Earth. There they are treated to a tour of the Amundsen-Scott America research station.
White Desert’s itineraries have sold out for the past five seasons, says Godden, and the company has guided hundreds of travelers, including household names Prince Harry and Bear Grylls, to Antarctica’s interior. The team ensures all of its clients are well-equipped, assisting with last-minute preparations in Cape Town.
“We provide each client with a recommended kit list for their journey; they can either bring existing gear or order our recommendations via our clothing supplier in Cape Town,” says Godden. The team also meets clients and hosts a safety briefing the day before departure.
White Desert not only is cognizant of its guests’ comfort and safety; it also goes to great lengths to protect the continent itself. Going beyond the environmental tourism guidelines outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, White Desert operates under a self-imposed zero-impact policy.
“All human waste is transported out on regular flights and disposed of responsibly in South Africa. A significant portion of the camps is powered by renewable energy, using photovoltaic solar panels for electrical supply and solar water heaters for the shower system,” Godden says. “In addition, White Desert is an accredited CarbonNeutral® company. We offset all emissions through a portfolio of carbon projects for our flights to Antarctica and the associated logisitics once there.”
Providing a high-end experience that leaves a sensistive wilderness intact is no small feat. “The main challenge for providing a luxurious experience and also with the completion of the renovation was the coordination of logistics — to get all of the items to the flight and then bring them in specialized vehicles to the camp,” Godden explains. “The cost per kilogram for cargo is around 14 euros, which means that is very expensive to make it all happen.”

With just six brand-new state-of-the-art sleeping pods at Whichaway Camp, each White Desert adventure is comprised of a small group of 12 travelers. At 20-plus feet in diameter, the sleeping pods also offer a private wash area and toilet.

Leave a comment