Surface Design Awards 2018 finalists are announced
From the Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch to an elegant restaurant in Delhi: The best in hospitality surface design is celebrated as the Surface Design Awards 2018 finalists are announced…
The finalists of this year’s Surface Design Awards have been announced, unveiling some of the best projects from across the globe which feature innovative and exciting materials and surfaces. There were a number of inspiring hospitality projects with incredible surface design which were shortlisted by the judges.
The Surface Design Awards are part of Surface Design Show (6-8 February 2018), the only event in the UK focusing solely on interior and exterior surface design, facilitating thousands of innovative and thrilling materials to connect with an audience of architects and designers.
Launched in 2013, Surface Design Awards has grown exponentially in both stature and quality. International growth has been staggering this year with project entries from 16 different countries. There were 39 entries from the UK, 69% of these being from London.
The judging panel was co-chaired by Tina Norden, of Conran and Partners, and Ab Rogers of Ab Rogers Design. The judges included Jenny Jones of Studio Jenny Jones, Sacha Leong of Studioilse, Constantina Tsoutsikou of HBA London, Jo Littlefair of Goddard Littlefair, Howard Sullivan of Your Studio and Nir Gilad of Nous Design, all of whom are experts in their fields.
30 projects have been named finalists, with awards to be given out across 11 categories. Each project was judged on a range of criteria including the type of surface, the use of materials and the aesthetic design. 13 of the shortlisted projects are from the UK, 8 of those from London. International finalists include 5 projects from China, 4 from Portugal as well as entries from India, Belgium, Lithuania, Taiwan, Hungary, Canada and Italy.
There were a number of returning entrants. 2017 winner Maria Ana Vasco Costa has been shortlisted 3 times with 2 different projects, Vicente Borga Hostel and President Arriga Building. Last year’s double winner Giles Miller is again shortlisted with The Bolt, as is Kris Lin Interior Design with Twisting.
A finalist in the Commercial Exterior Surface category, The Nobu Hotel designed by Ben Adam Architects marries the creative energy of Shoreditch with Nobu’s values of simple luxury. The palette of concrete, bronze, timber and glass, overlaid with creative textiles and warm fabrics create a simple, considered and raw aesthetic. Judge Jenny Jones described the project as “As beautifully done, reflecting Nobu’s value of understated luxury”.
Maria Ana Vasco Costa created the beautiful façade for the Vicente Borga Hostel in Lisbon Portugal. She was challenged by the architect to create a unique surface pattern for the renovated hostel. Inspired by the famous ‘Casa dos Bicos’, a historical building from the 16th century located in old Lisbon the diamond shaped tile alternated with a simple flat square. The stunning design has meant that Vicente Borga Hostel is a finalist in two categories Commercial Exterior Surface and Sustainable Exterior Surface. Judge Howard Sullivan described the project as “Playful and brimming with character, working brilliantly with light and shadow”.
Kheer Restaurant in Delhi, India designed Nariyoshi Muramatsu is a finalist in the Commercial Interior category. The repeated geometrical & floral patterns are employed architecturally at the entrance reception and the imposing pillars of the restaurant. The stone carving inspired by traditional Islamic patterns, engraved in autumn brown quartzite comes alive when light falls across it, accentuating the shadows and intricacy of the carvings.
Winners of the categories will be announced at an awards ceremony at Surface Design Show on Thursday 8 February, with a supreme winner also being unveiled.
Sponsors for the 2018 Awards are Business Design Centre, James Latham and Eden Anglo Veneers.