Camilla Staerk and Helena Christensen Join Forces With Robbie Antonio On Prefab Houses

by Rosemary Feitelberg, Women’s Wear Daily

 

With the help of fast-moving developer Robbie Antonio, Camilla Staerk and Helena Christensen are redefining the meaning of a designer house.

The creative duo behind the New York-based design studio Staerk Christensen are the newest boldface names to align with Antonio’s Revolution Precrafted Properties. Recruiting fashion-minded talent to reimagine a prefab house was new territory for the ardent art collector and enterprising developer. Antonio runs Antonio Development in New York and is managing director of Century Properties in Asia. He has collaborated with Giorgio Armani for Armani Casa, Versace and Missoni among many others.

Staerk and Christensen impressed him with their well-defined intent and clear-eyed directives.

Staerk and Christensen join the ranks of other Revolution collaborators including Jean Nouvel, Marcel Wanders, Tom Dixon, I.M. Pei, Zaha Hadid and Philip Johnson.

Originally hired to handle the interiors, the pair were so assured in their vision that they were asked to take on every last post and beam. “They said, ‘You know, you guys have so many opinions about how you want the structure to be for the furniture you’re designing. So why don’t you just do the whole house?’’ Staerk said. “We could not believe they gave us that whole responsibility. We couldn’t believe it but we definitely thought they should.”

Traces of Staerk’s and Christensen’s Danish roots are evident in the dual-level, two-bedroom, two-bathroom prefab home. Inspired by a traditional Scandinavian cabin, their design is a glass and stained black wood house. The curved structure is meant to be reminiscent of a swallow in flight. However unlikely it might sound, they enhanced their design with inspiration from the craftsmanship of a viking ship. The silhouette of the swallow-inspired home resembles the hull of viking ship turned upside-down, they explained.

“Ships hulls have the wingspan of a bird. To us, that means a lot. Both of us grew up in Denmark. The sound and the visuals of swallows flying low on summer nights is just something that stayed within us. It’s a very peaceful place for both of us to go back into in our memories,” Staerk said.

Designed to be built anywhere in the world, the first prototype for each structure may be set up in Malibu or Montauk so that potential clients can walk through and experience the house firsthand. As with any prefabricated home, the structure requires a good amount of land and then is built for you. With shipping and building, the $228,000 unit can be somewhat altered to accommodate the climate that the buyer lives in.

Staying true to their healthy Scandinavian upbringing, the duo is also creating a spa pavilion for $27,300 and a gym for $153,000. Through the years, rugs, lamps, glassware, interiors, furniture, pillows, throws and bedspreads and even glamping-quality safari tents are categories they have delved into. With the help of the Brooklyn-based Bower, the duo is creating a mirror collection which will include a wardrobe-screen divider that also can double as a martini bar. And glassware is on deck with Danish company Mater, with furniture to follow. These new endeavors are expected to debut around the same time as the Revolution prototype.

While Staerk earned a degree in fashion and textiles at Ravensbourne College in London, the “absolutely self-taught” Christensen has designed lamps for Habitat and gleaned knowledge from the legendary photographers as a model. “I really can’t think of a career that gives you more versatile options of branching out, learning and absorbing everything you possibly can if that’s what you want. I guess that’s what I did. With our combined background and knowledge, we get by,” Christensen said.

That need to always be learning and searching means they often can’t write down, sketch or photograph their ideas fast enough — a habit that other friends might not be so accepting of. And even though they each approach creativity with a different lens, somehow it all comes into focus. “When we met, we were so different and in that difference we found a common ground. Camilla’s form of expression, the way she looks visually, the pieces she designs, the homes she lives in is completely opposite of mine — in all ways. Somehow over the years we have approached each other in all ways — first and foremost as friends, but also learning from each other and opening up to each other’s differences,” Christensen said.

“We spur each other on,” Staerk added. “We clicked creatively from the first time we met. It was from immense respect for each other’s work. Then we found this way of expression together and we just felt so lucky.”

CENTURY PROPERTIES BRINGS DANIEL LIBESKIND AND ARMANI/CASA TO THE PHILIPPINES

by Lucas Gray, Talkitect

Daniel Libeskind is a master architect. His works are visually arresting, full of life and interesting geometrical dynamics. From the amazing Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany to the elegant and bendy Reflections at Keppel Bay in Singapore, Libeskind has crafted striking, unforgettable buildings that define an age.

Giorgio Armani is a master designer whose specialty is distinctive fashion and home interiors. Armani/Casa, the interior design branch of Armani, has created numerous memorable interiors all over the world, from the Maçka Residences in Istanbul to the World Towers in Mumbai.

Both designers come together on one of South East Asia’s newest luxury residential towers: Century Spire in Makati, Philippines. And behind this branding masterstroke is Robbie Antonio, managing director of Century Properties.

“Daniel (Libeskind) and Giorgio (Armani) are legends,” Antonio says. “They interpret space with a distinct and precise vision.”

With Libeskind, Antonio was excited for an architectural statement – something iconic that would put the city firmly on the map. He got it in Libeskind’s unique interpretation of a spire.

“When most people think of a spire, they think of a needle-shaped roof,” says Antonio. “Daniel Libeskind is the opposite. He comes up with his own interpretation. That’s why Century Spire is what it is. It’s something different.”

True enough, rather than taper off into a thin pinnacle Century Spire does the opposite and blossoms out like a flower.

“The design is so bold and sleek we wanted to partner with an interior design firm that would do justice to the amazing external design. Armani/Casa perfectly fit the bill.”

Spire’s interior designs look right at home in the building. The pool, juice bar and other amenities exhibit warm, smooth colors that exude a streamlined and classy vibe.

“It’s a wonderful marriage of form, features, and function,” says Antonio. “We’re really excited to bring the Libeskind and Armani/Casa experience to Metro Manila for people – both local and foreign – to behold and enjoy.”

Armani partners with Century Properties

By: Marge C. Enriquez, Philippine Daily Inquirer

GIORGIO Armani envisions a highly comfortable, warm, harmonious and sophisticated haven.

This November, intrepid developer Jose E.B. Antonio will try to outdo himself—yet again.

In 1996, he took a major gamble by building his first luxury condominium, Essensa East Forbes, at the then-undeveloped Bonifacio Global City. It was designed by the firm of architecture icon I.M. Pei.

The Asian Crisis had left the property market anxious and cautious, but Antonio’s company, Century Properties, weathered that storm and thrived.

In the past few years, it has collaborated with Versace Home, Donald Trump and Philippe Starck in building residential towers in Manila, and with Forbes Media for its commercial tower. The Antonios even invited celebrity Paris Hilton to design the clubhouse of Azure residences.

For the first half of 2013 (January to June), Century Properties earned P12.1 billion in pre-sales. Its presales target for 2014 is projected at P24 billion.

Where Acqua Iguazu by yoo has the fun and effusive Starck as design guru; Milano Residences has the bold iconography of Versace; and Trump Tower is imbued with the urban aesthetics of the Trump scions, the new tower will acquire the streamlined modernity and earth-tone sensibility of Giorgio Armani.

Flower in bloom

GRAND lobby. The Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio will oversee the selection of allmaterials, colors and finishes involved in the fit-out and design of the built-in or custom-made furnishings, to ensure the uniqueness of the designs. PHOTO BY ANDREW TADALAN

The Italian fashion designer is joining the latest Antonio project called Century Spire through his interior design firm Armani/Casa.

The 60-story Century Spire will be the eighth tower to rise in Century City, an upscale mixed-use development on Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. Century Spire will have office spaces, Armani/Casa-designed amenities and residential units.

Architect Daniel Libeskind, the creator of Ground Zero, the redevelopment project of the former World Trade Center in New York, has designed a building with a crown composed of three interlocking blocks that open to the sky, resembling a flower in bloom.

The design is said to be evocative of the country’s progress. The local architectural counterpart is Gabriel Formoso and Partners.

At the launch, Century Spire’s average unit price was pegged at P227,000 per square meter. The average unit size is 57.4 sq m. The higher floors will have 200- to 400-sq m penthouses and 200- to 350-sq m duplexes.

CENTURY Spire’s poolside, designed by Armani/Casa, reflects Armani’s signature understated elegance. PHOTO BY ANDREW TADALAN

Armani/Casa will work on the Grand Lobby, Library, Pool area, Juice Bar and relaxation areas.

Signature fixtures

“It will feel like a building in Milan,” said Antonio, who also revealed that when Century Spire is completed in 2018, Century Properties will move its headquarters there.

Prospective buyers can get ideas on how to decorate their condo when they visit the model units in February 2014. Armani/Casa will furnish these mock-ups with its signature fixtures such as the bathroom line, Armani/Roca, and the kitchen line, Armani Dada.

The Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio is reputed for its comprehensive interior design services that include adapting to the culture, the geography and the architectural milieu of its projects.

CENTURY Spire’s crown has three interlocking segments designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. PHOTO BY ANDREW TADALAN

Antonio says the deal with Armani was brokered by his son Jose Roberto—Robbie to friends—who handles the company’s branding. A dedicated collector, Robbie met Armani in the international art circles.

Giorgio Armani, president and chief executive officer of the Armani Group, said in a statement: “If the architect’s aim is to create remarkable spaces, then it is my aim to bring these to life through my interior-design aesthetic. I am very pleased to be partnering Armani/Casa with Century Properties, and I believe that the combination of Daniel Libeskind’s vision and my own will result in a truly remarkable place to live, full of elegance and wonder.”

Antonio has received accolades for his achievements, the latest of which is Personality of the Year by the Southeast Asia Property Awards. A self-made billionaire, he started out by marketing building projects. His first development was the 12-story Le Grand Condominium in Salcedo Village.

“It was 28 years of hard work,” he said.

Leveling up

Century Properties leveled up its strategy by venturing into international projects, starting with the I.M. Pei-designed Essensa East Forbes. The 13-year-old building looks better through time because of the travertine finishes.

“It’s the same marble that built the Colosseum in Rome,” said Antonio proudly.

ANTONIO against the silhouette of Century City. Century Properties has transformed 744,576 sqm of space into premier residential and office developments in and outside Metro Manila. PHOTO BY ANDREW TADALAN

Essensa is the only residential tower in the country that hosts 17 units occupied by a foreign embassy. Known for its generous cuts, Essensa’s average unit size is 290 sq m, which costs P50 million.

“The price has more than doubled because of its quality,” noted Antonio.

“We want to convey the message that Century Properties is about quality. Behind those brands is a specification of what a building should be. You can’t build a Trump Tower and have a glass of 1 mm. We have to follow their specifications manual. So when you buy a unit from our branded building, you are assured that what you are getting is of world-class standards,” he added.

While the government seeks foreign direct investments (FDI) through corporate investments or sovereign funds, Antonio said retail offers the biggest potential. “People buy units that cost $200,000 to $1 million. If you compile those, the sum is big. But it is not recorded as FDI.”

Last year, Century Properties raked in P21.4 billion in pre-sales. Only 26 percent of its buyers are based in the Philippines, while 74 percent are based overseas—foreigners, OFWs and Filipino expats.

Late participant

Antonio said the Philippines is a late participant in the luxury condominium industry. However, local developers are having a field day with brisk sales. High-end condos in Metro Manila are still 85-percent cheaper than luxury condos in other Asian countries.

Century Properties’ luxury projects comprise 24 percent of its pre-sales revenues. The buyers consist of entrepreneurs and empty nesters who either invest in quality or for status.

“The fact that the property is branded enhances its asset value after five to 10 years. If you’ve got a brand, you can sell it and people will buy,” said Antonio.

For instance, Milano’s unit price has appreciated by 33 percent since its launch in 2010, while 97 percent of the units have been sold. Trump Tower’s unit price grew 63 percent in two years, and 92 percent of its units have been taken. Acqua Iguazu by yoo (inspired by Starck) is 71 percent sold, and its unit price grew by 16 percent in a year.

Antonio, whose net worth is $255 million as of July 2013, is No. 35 in the Forbes List of wealthiest men in the Philippines.

Asked why he’s still spearheading Century Spire when he can just relax instead, the businessman replied: “I’m not handling this. There is a team. I’m just your friend.”