A steadfast pillar in the interior design industry for half of a century, Steven Leach Group celebrates another significant milestone producing UNDENIABLE design and innovation. We continue to nurture creative talent and deliver impressive projects with international distinction – many of our SL+A collaborative efforts have received awards recognizing their excellence in design.
It is our pleasure to announce that both SL+A HOTELS of the Steven Leach Group in Shanghai and SL+A Kuala Lumpur are proud winners in the 2022 International Property Awards. The winning categories for Leisure Interior and Office Interior were cinched by the respective teams and we are very excited to share more about these projects with our SL+A community.
“The awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sections of the property and real estate industry. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence. The awards are split into regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and USA..….” – International Property Awards.
Best Leisure Interior a 5-star award for Angus Dundee Distillers Maltluxe Whisky House Shanghai and Award Winner in the Office Interior category for Microsoft Singapore.
Maltluxe Whisky House
The Angus Dundee Distillery held a visionary plan to introduce their fine products into the Chinese market. We established the Maltluxe Whisky House in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, a recently restored prestigious development that also houses the Capella Hotel and other luxury brands. The entire development exudes a classic exterior style reminiscent of 1930’s Shanghai Shikumen Townhouses: with narrow alleyways, brick exterior, and handmade doors and windows. Exclusive access to the facility is by invitation only, and membership comes along with the purchase of a barrel of Single Cast Malt Whisky.
Materials used include the iconic copper stills and casks of previously used bourbon barrels, crafted from white oak. The ground floor houses the showroom with display walls, accented with copper details; each bottle of labelled rare whisky is presented like individual jewels, not typically available in the retail market. A central diamond shaped case, designed in the tradition of the ‘Spirit & Sample Safe’ found at all distilleries, displays samples of single cast malts, available only at the Maltluxe Whisky House.
On the lower floor, members can lounge in a clubroom atmosphere while sipping their private stock, trade tastings with fellow members, or simply enjoying other rare single cast malts available by the bottle. The fully equipped clubhouse facility allows members to host private tasting parties with up to a dozen guests. The upper floors provide more private lounge areas with balconies for cigar lovers. Maltluxe Whisky House is a unique and exclusive private retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busy Shanghai.
Microsoft Singapore
Microsoft had a vision to create an experience that enables individual purpose and empowers a collective culture for their new office space. By enlisting the help of SL+A KL and FITCH, it was possible to turn that vision into reality. The result of our collaborative efforts brought forth the newly established regional Microsoft headquarters at Frasers Tower, Singapore that truly stretches the boundaries of imagination and possibility.
SL+A & FITCH created a manifesto specifically for this project that encompassed four vital components: People Purpose & Potential, Concentration & Collaboration, Future Forward, and No Barriers. These areas of focus translated into heartfelt promises that pushed the designers to create an activity-based workplace that was modular and multi-configurable. The end result was the establishment of a flexible workspace and helped employees focus, evolve, connect, socialise, collaborate and ultimately fulfil their sense of purpose.
The team of designers ensured that the space could still remain experiential and timeless and included many details into the tailored made office. The invaluable insight given directly by Microsoft employees meant the design elements implemented could withstand the test of time and grow with the parameters of a strong company culture. The process of experimentation, collaboration and open inquisitive approach lead to the Peranakan-inspired and Kopitiam-like interior.
All in all, Microsoft Singapore is a representation of how workspaces can achieve the highest standards of design to deliver on a high-end, immersive and interactive environment that optimizes flexibility, engagement and teamwork.
