Robbie Antonio , founder and president of New York-based Antonio Development and managing director of Philippine-based Century Properties is offering anyone this possibility, through Revolution: a range of pre-crafted limited-edition homes and pavilions, exclusively designed in partnership with an impressive list of over 30 architects, designers and artists that include Pritzker Prize-winner Zaha Hadid, Kengo Kuma, Gluckman Tang, and David Salle.
What do you do when living in a condominium designed by a starchitect no longer cuts it? You get a pavilion designed by said starchitect built for you and only you. Or if you wish, even a house. You just need the space, permit and a local contractor to make that happen.
Each pavilion and home is individually branded by its designer’s personal concept of spatial form and social function. The result is a diverse and global collection of architecturally innovative, pre-crafted properties, ranging from functional pavilions to modular homes.
“As an art collector, I had the idea to make high-design architecture collectible and available to the public,” says Mr Antonio, on the idea behind Revolution.
Revolution was launched at Design Miami 2015 with two pre-crafted pavilions by Zaha Hadid and Gluckman Tang. It will continue to debut new designs – both homes and pavilions – at Salone del Mobile in Milan this April. Mr Antonio says that there has been interest throughout the world. He recently closed a deal with a developer for 27 homes, but declined to give further details.
Prices start at US$35,000 (S$48,000) for pavilions and the wait time is a minimum six weeks for certain models. The average price of a pavilion is over US$100,000, while the average price of a home is US$300,000.
Mr Antonio says that Revolution targets a variety of markets. “It could be the individual collector who is looking to have his very own Zaha Hadid-designed pavilion to serve as ‘architectural jewellery’,” he says. “Additionally, Revolution targets businesses, such as real estate and hospitality developments, that have chosen to invest in the value of design and the experience of branded architecture.”
The homes and pavilions are crafted around the world and then shipped to the buyers’ doorsteps. On the design brief, Mr Antonio says he told his collaborators that the designs had to be fully transportable and cost-efficient and gave size limits for pavilions and homes, but allowed the creatives to run free with design concept.
Pavilions are designed as dynamic one-room spaces, adaptable for a variety of functions and existing environments. As each pavilion is individually branded by its designer’s personal concept of spatial form and social function, collectors can choose from a range of designs specifically tailored to their lifestyles and tastes.
Zaha Hadid’s Volu Dining Pavilion has her signature organic form and curves, with cells on the ceiling and the floor. Bespoke designed furniture complement the pavilion. Meanwhile Gluckman Tang’s Model Art Pavilion is a light structure that mediates the relationship between its site, the participant and the art object.
Besides, homebuyers keen on high-design living can purchase multi-bedroom homes, complete with spatial functions and fully equipped with premier amenities and finishings. One such house is Eden by Marcel Wanders. Open and unfenced, the generous use of glass and a roof that extends over the exterior connect the inside and outside spaces to create twice the living area for special private and social gatherings. A row of signature Marcel Wanders columns clad in synthetic textile, woven according to local craftsmanship, lines the periphery, casting shadows during the day and lighting up dramatically at night.
Mr Antonio says Revolution is more than just picking a home or pavilion from a catalogue. “Revolution is somewhat customisable – clients can select different models, sizes and materials depending on their needs, their budget, and their lifestyle.”
Adapted from The Business Times.
by Tay Suan Chiang
Related Links: About Robbie Antonio . Contact
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