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Wednesday, October 20, 2021
the Phuong Nam Villa (Saigon)

Sunday, October 10, 2021
Dong Hoi house

Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Bates Smart raises the creative bar at Teahouse Crown Sydney
Step into the opulent Teahouse Crown Sydney, and you feel as if you’re worlds away from Barangaroo.
The venue’s interior design refers to the Chinese Imperial style of the 19th century, and features embroidered silk fabrics, gilded and embossed wallpapers, bespoke carpets, and plush velvets on soft furnishings, as well as custom-designed lighting.
“It shows an absolute attention to detail resolution and meticulous crafting to understand the materiality and, in this instance, a theatrical interior. It transports you to another place, it’s an escapist experience,” said Bates Smart Director, Jeff Copolov.
Bates Smart is an architectural firm based in Australia that has been involved in a number of high-profile projects, including the Teahouse at Crown Sydney. The Teahouse is a key component of the Crown Sydney development, which is a mixed-use project that includes a casino, luxury hotel, and residential apartments.
The Teahouse was designed to be a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese teahouses, with a focus on creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Bates Smart's design for the Teahouse incorporates a number of unique features, including a sculptural timber ceiling that was inspired by the shape of a Chinese lantern.
In addition to its unique design, the Teahouse also features a range of high-quality materials and finishes, including custom-made timber furniture and elegant lighting fixtures. The overall effect is a space that feels both luxurious and peaceful, with a strong connection to Chinese culture and tradition.
Bates Smart's work on the Teahouse at Crown Sydney demonstrates the firm's commitment to raising the creative bar and pushing the boundaries of architectural design. Their attention to detail and ability to blend traditional and modern elements make their work stand out in the industry.

Monday, October 4, 2021
The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa
The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa is an iconic and luxurious boutique hotel located in the vibrant Silo District. The hotel is situated in a historic grain silo complex, which has been beautifully repurposed and transformed into a modern architectural gem.
The exterior of The Silo Hotel is characterized by a striking glass paneling system, offering panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the city skyline. The design seamlessly combines the industrial heritage of the silo with contemporary elements, creating a visually stunning and unique structure.
Inside, The Silo Hotel boasts an exquisite interior design that showcases a blend of eclectic and contemporary aesthetics. Each of the individually curated rooms and suites features luxurious furnishings, carefully selected artwork, and opulent details. The hotel offers diverse accommodation options, including spacious suites with private balconies and grand penthouses with breathtaking views.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities and facilities, including a rooftop bar and restaurant, a spa and wellness center, a rooftop pool, and a private cinema. The Silo Hotel also provides exceptional service with a dedicated team of staff ensuring a memorable and personalized experience.
Overall, The Silo Hotel in Cape Town is renowned for its design, luxury, and its exceptional location in the heart of one of South Africa's most vibrant cities. It offers a truly unique and unforgettable stay for discerning travelers.
The architecture of The Silo Hotel in Cape Town is truly remarkable and has become an iconic landmark in the city. The hotel is situated in a historic grain silo complex that dates back to the 1920s and was originally used for storing grain for export. The transformation of the silo into a luxury hotel was undertaken by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick and his team at Heatherwick Studio.
The most striking feature of The Silo Hotel's architecture is its unique exterior design. Heatherwick Studio utilized cutting-edge design techniques to create a breathtaking glass-paneling system that wraps around the original grain silo structure. The shape of the panels was inspired by the geometric patterns of traditional African textiles. The combination of the geometric panels and the original concrete structure gives the building a distinct and eye-catching appearance.
The interior of the hotel is equally impressive. The hotel boasts a double-height reception area with a dramatic spiral staircase as its centerpiece, showcasing the fusion of industrial and contemporary design. Inside the rooms and suites, guests will find stylish and luxurious interiors with modern furnishings, rich textures, and vibrant color palettes. The attention to detail is evident throughout, with unique elements such as custom-designed furniture and curated artwork adding to the overall ambiance.
The Silo Hotel also features a panoramic rooftop bar and restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of Cape Town's landmarks, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.
Overall, the architecture of The Silo Hotel is a testament to innovative design and the synergy between the historic and the contemporary. Its unique exterior and luxurious interior combine to create a truly extraordinary hotel experience in Cape Town.
The interior design of The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa was created by the highly acclaimed designer Liz Biden, the owner and founder of the renowned luxury hotel collection, The Royal Portfolio. Liz Biden personally oversaw the interior design of The Silo Hotel, ensuring that every detail was meticulously curated and thoughtfully executed.
The interior design of The Silo Hotel is a stunning blend of elegance, modernity, and African influences. Each room and suite reflects a unique style, with attention paid to creating a sense of luxury and comfort. The spaces feature a mix of contemporary and eclectic furnishings, vibrant color palettes, and striking artwork.
Throughout the hotel, guests will find a collection of contemporary African art, including pieces by local artists such as William Kentridge and Deborah Bell. These artworks add an extra layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the interior design.
The public areas of the hotel, including the reception area, lobby lounge, and the rooftop bar and restaurant, are designed to create a sense of grandeur and sophistication. The use of high-quality materials, such as marble and polished metals, adds a touch of opulence to these spaces.
The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the interior design, from the luxurious fabrics and textures to the carefully selected decorative accessories. The result is a harmonious and visually stunning environment that perfectly complements the hotel's unique architecture and panoramic views.
Overall, the interior design of The Silo Hotel in Cape Town reflects a combination of contemporary luxury and African-inspired elements, providing guests with a truly immersive and unforgettable hotel experience.
