Unique Homes sat down with the owner of Firefeatures, Elena Colombo, a sculptor whose biggest inspiration is nature, to discuss how this inspiration shines through in her one-of-a-kind designs.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to be an artist?
I believe I always knew I was an artist and designer — from the time I was a toddler, I was always making something. Making flower necklaces, building dollhouse furniture, making a background painting for my fish tank, making mobiles, etc. I studied architectural drafting in grade school and high school and went on to study art history and fine arts in college. Art has been with me since I was born.
I want to be clear; I’m not a fine artist in the true sense of the word. My art is not solely for art’s sake. I do not make things that are purely for looking at and pleasing the viewer, though that is integral to their success. I design sculptural yet functional gas appliances. I call it “art that works.” Everything I have done in my life for work and pleasure has been to put an idea or feeling into visual form.
My father was a builder and contractor while my mother was a naturalist and placemaker. They both built/created places where people and families could thrive, whether it was building a library, planting a garden, or choosing a comfortable yet beautiful chair to sit and read in. I grew up in a nurturing environment where we were encouraged to create and solve problems. I want my work to create a beautiful place where people gather to commune with each other and fire is the medium — and it’s second to none in that regard.
How would you describe your style?
I hope, at its best, it is a clear abstraction of nature. Because I make a product that is specifically a gas appliance, I am bound by requirements and restrictions that pure fine art is not. The form follows function in my case, so the style has to be clear, pure, and functional.
How has your style changed over the years?
It’s gotten more focused, so I imagine it’s become more minimalist.
If you had to describe your works in three words, what would they be?
Clear, pure, and functional.
How does fire influence your projects?
It is the thing for which I create. My work is essentially a vessel to contain the fire and allow it to burn safely. The shape of the vessel can dictate how the fire moves, or the movement of the fire can dictate the shape of the vessel. The bowl was my first choice to hold fire as it is the simplest shape, and allows the fire to be the star.
How do you begin a project?
With a small quick sketch on paper, then translate it into 3 dimensions with Nic Spitler, our Head of Design. We work in Rhino which is a 3D modeling program and a very lithe program. It allows you to create, change and morph easily as you work out the ideas. I couldn’t do it without Nic — he’s extremely fluid with Rhino and our instincts are similar.
What is your favorite project and why?
The Bethlehem Bridge Project. It was a commission awarded by ArtsQuest and the National Endowment for the Arts in response to an RFQ for the Bethlehem placemaking initiative. And I just feel like I got it right. I am proud of it and it functions for the people of Bethlehem and for visitors from around the world.
What is your dream project?
A large-scale civic project in Manhattan perhaps, and to get further into design for end of life memorials and reliquaries.
Can you tell us what you’re working on right now?
Right now are two big jobs with multiple fireplaces, both interior and exterior, for 2 residences, one in Southampton and one in Greenwich, CT. The Southampton house will have a series of cast bronze pieces I’m really excited about — one has a log cradle made from a singular piece of tree bark we cast in bronze, with an entire driftwood looking surround cast in concrete. It’s an intricate mold process we will be beginning in the new year.
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to sculpting?
Coming up with a good idea and then executing it!
Actually, sometimes it’s just moving these heavy objects around — you tend to forget about that when you’re in the creative process — moving big metal things encompasses a lot of shipping and installation details you have to consider when designing the piece.
Photos courtesy of c/o Firefeatures
Brandywine Homes has acquired 1.52 acres in Baldwin Park, California and plans to build Palmera, a community offering 23 three-story townhomes. Brandywine plans to open the property for sale in November 2018. Brandywine Homes is a residential home-builder based in Irvine, California that is family-owned and operated since 1994. The company has built or developed almost 60 small- and mid-sized infill communities totaling $1.1 billion in revenues. “Families in the San Gabriel Valley are hungry for new homes, and these open, naturally lit townhouses will not disappoint,” says Dave Barisic, principal in charge of sales and marketing for Brandywine Homes, a pioneer of infill development in Southern California. “Whether they’re enjoying the fresh breezes from their private balcony or relaxing in their tranquil den, they’ll immediately feel at home in this inviting community.” The spacious, contemporary two- and three-bedroom, two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half bath townhomes will range from approximately 1,242 to 1,737 square feet. These townhomes will include large kitchens with islands and stainless steel appliances, private balconies and decks, dens and inspired master suites with generous walk-in closets, hand-selected upscale finishes, dual sinks and separate enclosed showers (in select plans). Palmera will also include two barbecue areas with seating. Located at 14799 W. Badillo Street in Baldwin Park, Palmera will offer convenient access to the I-605 and the I-10 as well as the MetroLink. The community is close to Baldwin Park Aquatics Center, Azusa Pacific University and California State University, Los Angeles. The area offers many opportunities for youth athletes, and also offers excellent hiking trails in nearby Whittier.
Photo courtesy of Brandywine Homes
Whether it’s reducing stress or improving concentration, eating outdoors has proven to have many health-related benefits.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Private terraces with al fresco eating spaces not only offer a unique setting for entertaining and barbecuing, but also a relaxing, peaceful environment. Dilip Barot, founder and CEO of Creative Choice Group — the developers behind Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences, understands the importance of designing a development with outdoor space in mind.
“Some of the benefits (of spending time outdoors) are improvement in the ability to focus, mood elevation and you get to exercise more,” he explains. “Being out of doors can help one return to a natural state of balance with a simple deep breath of fresh air to feel a sense of renewal.”
While enjoying a meal outdoors can provide a natural mood boost, it can also fight chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Barot also notes that spending time outdoors can lower the risk for seasonal affective disorder, which is attributed to a lack of sunlight creating feelings of sadness and depression.
“Amrit’s location and year-round warm, sunny climate contribute to a natural stress reducing mood enhancing experience,” he says. “With our South Florida sunshine producing melatonin, serotonin and Vitamin D in the body, stress is reduced and happiness naturally shines through.”
Keeping this information in mind, many developments are beginning to embrace outdoor dining. Here are just a few from the Sunshine State:
Photo courtesy of Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Located on the exclusive shores of Surprise Lake, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach offers a unique outdoor space with vast terraces and balconies to enjoy the outdoors at home. This waterfront property has a rooftop pool deck with spacious cabanas and poolside grille, lush meditation garden and deeded boat slips on a private waterway. This peaceful oasis also has a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center to enhance day-to-day living.
Photo courtesy of Prive at Island Estates
In Oceana Bal Harbour’s penthouse, the wrap-around terrace and rooftop deck boasts 9,950-square-feet of outdoor living space, including an elevated pool and sunset deck, a heated infinity pool, a summer kitchen and an elaborate dining area. The entire pool area is adorned with lush vertical gardens designed by famed landscape architect, Enzo Enea. Every one of Oceana Bal Harbour’s spacious homes and terraces are designed to offer al fresco dining experiences and breathtaking views; whether it’s the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Biscayne Bay and the Bal Harbour marina to the west, or Miami’s intoxicating city skyline to the south.
Photo courtesy of Brickell City Centre
Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences will introduce a new way of mindful living in Palm Beach, Florida with its enhanced lifestyle experiences and customized programs that will be focused around the “Five Pillars of Wellness,” which are nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, sleep and relaxation.
Upon entering the grounds through a private ramp, guests and residents will be brought to an elevated level where they will find a captivating water wall and seven acres of beautiful terrain.
With countless features, the property will be comprised of two towers, each offering indoor and outdoor living with modern cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, designer fixtures and large sliding glass doors that open to covered terraces with spectacular water views.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Prive at Island Estates feature expansive terraces ranging from 760 square-feet to 1,800 square-feet in size with outdoor summer kitchens and elaborate views of the azure intracoastal, Sunny Isles’ dotted skyline and beyond. Its penthouse terraces also include rooftop infinity pools, dining greenery spaces and full outdoor summer kitchens.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Bal Harbour
RISE, one of the two sleek, 43-story premier luxury condominium tower that sits atop of Brickell City Centre, allows residents to enjoy the fresh outdoors and tropical Miami weather with an expansive half-acre amenity deck including tropical gardens, barbecue grills, heated lap and social pools, outdoor fitness areas and children’s play area.
Many designer brands and luxury watch companies are straying away from the large cases and plain straps to add femininity and fun to luxury women’s watches!
By Brielle Bryan
Photo courtesy of Longines
We’re seeing lots of diversity in each watches’ strap, from fabric and leather to metallic materials, that can be multi-colored or two-toned. Companies are changing up the size and appearance of watch bands, making them skinnier or into a multi-wrap strap.
Multiple brands are downsizing to smaller cases for women’s watches, as well as testing out different shapes to see what women desire in the luxury market. From squares to rectangles, these watch companies are shaking up the industry and diversifying their product lines.
Whether you decide to opt for a more fun strap or play with the case size and shape of your watch, definitely be BOLD about what color you go for! While some watch bracelets remain a classic gold or silver, we’re also seeing lots of colored-bands.
Here are a few watches that showcase the current trends in the luxury women’s watches market:
Photo courtesy of Longines
Longines DolceVita $4,300
You can be as fabulous as Kate Winslet in this marvelous stainless steel watch with an 18-karat pink gold crown and 46 Wesselton VVS diamonds outlining two sides of its rectangular face. This watch is not only the epitome of elegance and prestige, but is also very reliant with its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass shielding its face.
Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Hermes Cape Cod GM $3,125
While the face of this watch may seem simple, with its white dial and Arabic numeral time markers, its square stainless steel case and azalea pink calf leather wrap strap add pizzazz and spontaneity to its overall aesthetic.
Photo courtesy of Tudor
This stunning piece of art has a steel case with a polished finish that offers a smaller size of 26mm. It also has a self-winding mechanical movement and is waterproof up to 330 feet. The navy blue fabric strap that attaches the bright silver case to its owner’s wrist is bound to leave an impression on anyone who lays eyes on it.
Photo courtesy of Shinola
The Cass with diamonds 28mm $1,900
Cutting corners with this spectacular watch may be tricky with its squared stainless steel case with PVD gold plating that is lined with brilliant-cut diamonds. The 14mm strap of this petite watch is hand-sewn in the U.S. from genuine alligator.
Photo courtesy of Longines
Longines Mini $1,245.40
According to this Swiss watchmaker, “small is beautiful.” The miniature case on this stunning watch is adorned with diamonds and set on bright purple straps. It’s the perfect accessory for any summer occasion.
Handcrafted using ancient techniques, Noble Souls is the first sofa range ever made using 100 percent natural vegetable dyes, feathers and natural linens.
The Noble Souls sofa collection is based on a simple idea that today’s real luxuries are those moments of blissful reconnection, when we feel ourselves truly alive and can deeply reconnect with one another.
In today’s globalized, virtualized world, those moments are too rare. We live in our heads, on our phones and in our screens, and we risk becoming more disconnected than ever from real life.
British furniture and interior designer Timothy Oulton wanted to figure out how to create more of these joyful moments where we feel closely connected to our surroundings and the world around us.
With a passion for materials and craft, Oulton unearthed answers on a journey that crisscrossed the globe, rediscovering ancient craftsmen, their techniques and the pure, natural materials they have used for thousands of years.
Timothy Oulton designs the Noble Souls collection to help people reconnect.
“We wanted to go beyond the sofa, to think about the space in someone’s home, and the context of their life,” Oulton says. “It’s not just furniture. Noble Souls gives you permission to relax and truly let go. In a home, these sofas become a hearth, a place where you can reconnect with each other more deeply, or even just with yourself.”
The collection features three sofas: Realm, Nest and Oasis. Each one offers a different seating contour, from extremely laid-back to more supportive profiles, ensuring there is a sofa perfectly suited to complement any lifestyle. The modular design ensures each sofa is endlessly configurable, to suit any space.
The Noble Souls collection is of disarming softness and epic comfort, made using natural materials and ancient craft. Each sofa is filled with goose down feathers, the simplest form of all feathers, creating thousands of tiny pockets of air within the sofa. Seat covers are all natural linen, using only 100 percent natural vegetable dyes.
Noble Souls linens are colored using only 100 percent natural vegetable dyes, applied the same way it has been done for thousands of years, which is using only dye stuffs and water. Blue hues are achieved using indigo, and grays using gallnut. Color fastness is achieved with a gentle stone washing treatment.
Accompanying the sofa collection, a select range of furniture and lighting is available. The collection also supports the three key “realms of reconnection” in any home — the sofa living area, the dining space and the bedroom.
AGORA LIVE EGDE DINING TABLE
ANCHOR PENDANT
FAMILY RUG — BLUE
ENGLISH BEAM COFFEE TABLE
OASIS SOFA IN LINEN WHITE
SAHARA CARAVAN RUG — BAMBOO
SALVE CUSHION — OLD WOVEN STRIPE
SANCTUM DINING CHAIR
Photos courtesy of www.timothyoulton.com
High-end restaurants collaborate with residential buildings in major cities such as New York and Boston to create the ultimate experience for residents.
Waterline Square and Cipriani
Waterline Square has been designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, Richard Meier & Partners Architects and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates to create an iconic collection of luxury residential buildings on one of the last remaining waterfront development sites on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The masterplan encompasses nearly five acres and will be located in Manhattan along the Hudson River from West 59th Street to West 61st Street where Midtown meets the Upper West Side.
Located within Two Waterline Square, designed by KPF, the groundbreaking development will be home to the first-ever experiential food market by the Cipriani family.
The Cipriani family will develop 28,000 square feet of space for a large-format culinary experience with multiple food and beverage establishments, including a market, restaurants and fast casual outlets. Martin Brudnizki, the internationally-acclaimed, London-based interior designer, will design the new Cipriani food hall.
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences One Dalton
Created and co-founded by acclaimed chef Rainer Becker, Zuma takes its inspiration from the informal and popular Japanese izakaya, where guests enjoy a relaxed dining and drinking style that uniquely embraces every element of Japanese cooking under one roof. Zuma takes this ideology, and in an elegant and contemporary environment, offers a modern Japanese dining experience that is authentic, but not traditional.
Developed by Carpenter & Company, the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences One Dalton Street, Boston, is slated to become New England’s tallest residential tower upon its completion. Designed by legendary architect Henry N. Cobb, in collaboration with Cambridge Seven Associates, the 742-foot tower will feature 160 luxury condominiums and the second Four Seasons hotel in Boston. Celebrated designer Thierry Despont has crafted custom interiors for the residential lobby and 50th floor Club Lounge.
30 Park Place and CUT by Wolfgang Puck
Located in Tribeca at the corner of Church Street and Park Place, 30 Park Place is the tallest condominium tower to grace the Downtown skyline at 926 feet, with panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers, the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty.
30 Park Place is designed by celebrated architect, Robert A.M. Stern, developed by Silverstein Properties and offers 157 residences in a mix of one- to six-bedrooms. 30 Park Place also features nearly 40,000 square feet of amenities, as well as a full suite of hotel services, all managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown sits below the private residences at 30 Park Place. Occupying the first 24 floors of the tower and known for its five-star services, experiences and amenities, The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is home to CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the celebrity chef and restaurateur’s first and only New York restaurant. Accessible through a secret door on the residents’ side of the building, 30 Park Place owners never have to leave the building to dine at Puck’s restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Moso Studio
Photo courtesy of Joël Robuchon
Photos courtesy of Noe & Associates with The Boundary
Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences and Zuma
Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, One Dalton Street, Boston has announced its partnership with internationally acclaimed celebrity-studded restaurant group, Zuma, which will offer world-class cuisine to One Dalton residents, hotel guests and locals alike in early 2019. The Boston location marks the company’s first collaboration with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and its fourth location in the United States — part of a successful expansion into the American market.
The restaurant will showcase bold flavors and simple presentation combined with an environment of sophisticated and stellar service. Zuma will bring its signature culinary approach with a touch of local flavor to Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts’ upcoming Boston location, which will be located on the third floor of One Dalton and designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo-based Studio Glitt.
Photos courtesy of 30 Park Place
242 Broome and Make It Nice
242 Broome is the first condominium within Essex Crossing, a planned mixed-use development comprising residential, office, retail, cultural and community space on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The 14-story, 55-unit luxury building designed by SHoP Architects will also be the new home of the International Center of Photography, which will feature an event space run by Make It Nice — the hospitality group from Eleven Madison Park.
The co-owners of Make It Nice, Will Guidara and Daniel Humm, continue to transform the world of dining with their critically acclaimed restaurant Eleven Madison Park, which is currently rated the best restaurant in the world on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, possesses three Michelin stars and received a four star review from The New York Times in 2015. The pair’s Make It Nice hospitality group also oversees the food and beverage spaces at The NoMad hotels in New York and Los Angeles in addition to Made Nice in The NoMad where seasonal dishes are served in an elevated counter service environment.
Make It Nice’s collaboration with ICP marks its first off-site partnership. Guests attending events in the dramatic bi-level space on the top floors of ICP can expect the same outstanding hospitality and exquisite food intrinsic to these distinguished restaurants.
One Hundred East Fifty Third Street and Joël Robuchon
Soaring 63 stories with a collection of 94 contemporary homes, One Hundred East Fifty Third Street is a striking new modernist architectural landmark from Foster + Partners, which offers the highest level of lifestyle services and comfort. Residents at One Hundred East Fifty Third Street will enjoy the distinct privilege of sharing their address with a restaurant by Joël Robuchon, the world’s most decorated Michelin-starred chef. The tower is anchored by a soaring bi-level space designed by Joseph Dirand that will feature two highly anticipated dining concepts slated to open this year. Residents will receive preferred access to these restaurants as well as in-home dining options.
“We are thrilled to partner with Joël Robuchon and Aby Rosen on this exceptional project,” said Alex Gaudelet, CEO of Invest Hospitality. “The combination of the chef with the most Michelin Stars in the world and one of New York’s most audacious visionaries is going to make for an iconic venue.”
In addition, the building offers super luxe, spa-inspired amenities designed by AD-100 designer William T. Georgis. They include a 60-foot sunlit swimming pool, a cardio room, weight room, pilates/ballet room, yoga room, sauna, steam room, spa treatment rooms and his-and-her changing rooms and showers.
Residences at One Hundred East Fifty Third Street are a mix of tower-style units with skyline views and a specialized collection of loft residences on the bottom floors, which feature concrete walls and floors and are specifically designed to accommodate large art collections. Pricing for available units in the building begins at $2.3 million for a studio, and go up to $65 million for the 6,760-square-foot penthouse.
Pernod Ricard will offer an elite experience as the official spirits provider for JetSmarter.
Known as the worldwide leader in luxury private air travel, JetSmarter provides its members with a one-of-a-kind experiences both in the sky and on the ground. As the brand’s official spirits partner, Pernod Ricard will create monthly in-flight activations and events for members, influencers and other VIPs surrounding hot, cultural current events.
“One of our goals for 2018 is to continue to enhance our membership experience by aligning with new strategic partners, such as Pernod Ricard,” said Sergey Petrossov, JetSmarter’s founder and CEO. “We pride ourselves on providing our members with the utmost premium experiences, and Pernod Ricard’s portfolio of products caters to the exquisite tastes of JetSmarter members.”
Pernod Ricard, the leading luxury global wine and spirits company, and JetSmarter, the world’s largest private aviation community, have announced that Pernod Ricard will become JetSmarter’s official spirits partner. The partnership will provide JetSmarter members with unique experiences in collaboration with Pernod Ricard, elevating each moment of their luxury travel itinerary.
“Cultivating unique consumer experiences has always been a top priority for Pernod Ricard,” said Jonas Tåhlin, the chief marketing officer of Pernod Ricard. “We know that travel is more than just about getting passengers from point A to point B — every touchpoint can be elevated and we’re excited for this synergistic opportunity to do just that for the JetSmarter audience.”
Pernod Ricard’s Prestige spirits, wines and champagne brands will be featured on JetSmarter in-flight menus, in member lounges at its private jet airports and throughout various custom experiences. The JetSmarter member journey will begin with a champagne greeting in their lounges and continue with fully curated, in-flight educational tastings that will take place in-flight.
As a Pernod Ricard partner, JetSmarter members will have direct access to custom gifting capabilities of Pernod Ricard brands through ReserveBar.com/JetSmarter. Pernod Ricard will design private tours that won’t be available to the public at their renowned wineries and distilleries. These exclusive experiences will be tailored specifically for JetSmarter members to gain a deep knowledge of the brand’s library of high-end wine and spirits by exploring the origin and unique distillation process, firsthand.
JetSmarter’s mobile app, which is integral to the member experience, will provide notifications alerting clients of convivial Pernod Ricard activation moments, prestige product offerings and more.
Top and middle photos courtesy of JetSmarter. Bottom photo courtesy of Robert Carlo New York for Pernod Ricard.
Architect SOO K. CHAN’S LATEST RESIDENTIAL BUILDING provides expansive panoramic views of Manhattan’s High Line.
Sales have launched at Five One Five, a new luxury residential building in Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighborhood. Located at 515 West 29th Street, the building is the only property in Manhattan to be framed by the renowned High Line park on two sides.
The 15-unit development was designed by acclaimed Singaporean architect Soo K. Chan, founding principal of SCDA — a multi-disciplinary firm engaging in architecture, interior, landscape and product design. The building’s distinctive design and construction features, including an intricate exterior made of curvy glass fins that give the façade a rippling appearance, reflects Chan’s signature fluid style that seamlessly coalesces with its surroundings. Chan and SCDA have designed and built residences, hotels and museums around the world, with Five One Five being their second project in New York.
Forum Absolute Capital Partners, a New York-based, privately-owned real estate investment platform with approximately $400 million in equity under management, is the owner and developer of the project. FACP and CORE, New York City’s leading boutique real estate brokerage firm, are leading sales and marketing for the development.
“Five One Five is a truly remarkable residential development because it is one of the few buildings that overlooks the High Line with unobstructed views over the Hudson Yards plaza,” said Shaun Osher, founder and CEO of CORE. “The unique building design and generous layouts are sure to generate strong interest in this boutique project.”
Five One Five has world-class amenities that come with it, including a gym, 24-hour attended lobby, direct keyed elevator access to each residence, roof deck with a kitchen and ample storage. The development is located just steps from multiple transportation options, including the West Side Highway, the 7, A, C and E subway lines and access to interstate rail-transit via Penn Station.
Five One Five also includes a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, including a five-unit penthouse collection with expansive panoramic views of the High Line. All units feature bright, spacious Bulthaup kitchens with Gaggenau appliance packages and built-in multipurpose islands that are great for entertaining. Additionally, each unit features light oak floors, Molteni millwork and closet build-outs, door hardware by Franz Schneider Brakel, as well as Delta LED light fixtures and mobile-controlled Lutron Homeworks QS System for electronics, temperature control, shades and lighting. Prices at the 11-story building range from $4.3 million to $8.5 million.
Photos courtesy of CORE