Retail Observer

MAY 2022 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 11 Sunny Penthouse Gazing from our clients' penthouse windows, we immediately recognized the challenges we would face – including darkness throughout, despite sweeping ocean views and intricate partitions that compartmentalized an otherwise generous square footage that opposed our clients' wishes to have a spa experience every day. Indeed, the unusual curvature of the building's structure wasn't read into the interior space's layout. Our first step toward a design solution was to combine the original closet and bathroom into a single large space. By removing the original closet wall, a window now floods the area with natural light. To continue an experience of the building's curved floor plan, we decided to create a vaulted ceiling space, given that we had the available height. With the new open space we created a vanity island in the middle that organizes the circulation around it. However, a new challenge arose. Even though we now had more space to work with, the newly open rectangular area only allowed entry from the shorter side. Consequently, after our long quest for the perfect form-and- function piece with a 360-degree front face that would solve our "welcome to the space" problem, we decided to design an "Infinite Hat" mirror/ chandelier piece that floats apparently weightlessly over the island in the middle, acting as a sculptural but also functional piece. The vanity below serves a dual purpose as a sink cabinet and dresser. The cabinets throughout feature recycled wood, and the plumbing fixtures have a sophisticated matte-gold finish. We separated the suite's wet area with a subtle LED floor strip light that organizes flow and function. The spa theme continues with a custom blue wall panel around the window that enlarges the ocean and sky view outside. The egg-shaped tub anchors the wet area space with a moon-inspired light above. The adjacent shower area, which includes a light, sound and aromatherapy steam system features anti-slip marble tiles. The suite's private water closet encloses a wall-hung automated toilet. Flooring throughout is marble. The entire space is integrated to the home automation system including window blackout and lighting activated by motion sensors, so the space is only illuminated when in use. Our custom- designed metal screen acts as a privacy layer, transitioning the spa to the new master bedroom. Sandra Velasco-Diaz, Principal Eolo A&I Design, Inc. Photo: Eugenio Wilman and Kris Tamburello

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