Celebrity Life

There’s no doubt Alex Lam inherited his musical talent from his parents, his father being Cantopop legend George Lam Chi-Cheung, and his mother, Sally Yeh. Still, the singer-songwriter and actor hasn’t let privilege get to his head — he’s not afraid to explore other paths, from a stint in Los Angeles to discover yoga and becoming a yoga teacher, to dipping his toes in fashion.

Lam met Hiro Yoshikawa, founder and designer of Washi Jeans, a Japanese denim brand, a couple years back and was intrigued by the designer’s backstory. Now based in Hong Kong, Yoshikawa is the 18^th generation of a revered sake maker in Okayama, Japan, and the first to leave the family business to pursue his own passion in denim-making. By chance, Yoshikawa had found an old document that charted out his family’s history, written on washi paper. Inspired by this, he developed and patented the Washi No. 6 paper yarn, which he utilizes in his first solo collection launching this month.

Lam, who has always had an eye for detail, quickly became an ambassador and muse for Yoshikawa, and took it upon himself to bring the recognition Yoshikawa deserves by helping him stage his upcoming solo debut.

We sit down with Alex Lam and Hiro Yoshikawa at Washi Jean's studio to talk about style and the upcoming debut of Yoshikawa's solo collection Life on Earth.

Can you describe your style? What are your wardrobe essentials?

AL: My style has always been inspired by musicians. I grew up watching some of my favourite bands like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and today, I'm inspired by singers like Drake. For me, my summer essentials include a sleeveless vest, a good multi-functional blazer and a pair of high-quality designer jeans.

Have you always been passionate about fashion and did you want to work in fashion?

AL: I have always cared about how I look and my outfits since I was a kid. I remember there was one time when the collar of my t-shirt wasn't right and I wouldn’t wear it out until my parents fixed it for me. Having friends who are in the fashion industry allows me to execute and experiment my ideas during workshops, like the ‘marshmallow’ colourway of the t-shirt I’m wearing right now. 

How did the both of you meet?

AL: I met Hiro-san thought some of our mutual friends.

HY: have been making jeans for other brands for the past 30 years and it has always been my dream to have my own denim brand. I have always hung out with people from the fashion industry, and meeting Alex from the music and acting world has made my life more fun and exciting.

Can you tell us a bit about your project with Hiro-san?

AL: I was hanging out with a group of producers and we often talk about fashion shows, designer brands’ videos, installation art and music. Once we found out Hiro-san wanted to launch his own denim brand this year, we decided to catch this opportunity and put our ideas together. We are organising a VIP launch event with a fashion show on June 11, 2021.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome with this project?

AL: I think the rules of the game changed after Covid started last year. We looked at online fashion shows last year, without the tradition styles, and we knew our team needed to do it in a cleverer way. The restriction for event gathering is 30 persons at the moment, so we were not able to invite too many friends and make the event as big as before. Plus the campaign and fashion show video shoot all in one day, that’s the biggest challenge in this project.

HY:  We have been staying in our studio almost every day is the past few months, meeting different parties like our PR team, models, videographers and producers.

What else are you up to this year that you can share with us?

AL: I have released a new song and I just finished a music video for another song. I have also been working on my YouTube channel and created a few series, but it’s been slightly slowed down because I was focusing in this project.

Has the pandemic affected the way you work or changed your priorities?

AL: Before Covid, I was busy working with clients, who often prepared everything. With changes and restrictions during this period, I am able to organise and create more content by myself.

What are you currently inspired by?

AL: There are many indie musicians and young kids out there who are doing their music in their unique styles. I admire them a lot as they can release songs as long as they think it sounds good. I used think good music requires the best studio and recording equipment, but turned out a lot of indie musicians are producing high quality songs just by working at home.

You have a YouTube channel, you're into fashion, music as well as classic cars. How did you get into each of those passions and how do you balance it all?

AL: Project by project. I’m now focusing more on quantity over quality and I'll keep learning from the progress and mistakes.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Stay healthy. As I was a yoga teacher, I still practice yoga for two to three hours each day. It’s a good way to reflect on myself and find peace.

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There’s no doubt Alex Lam inherited his musical talent from his parents, his father being Cantopop legend George Lam Chi-Cheung, and his mother, Sally Yeh. Still, the singer-songwriter and actor hasn’t let privilege get to his head — he’s not afraid to explore other paths, from a stint in Los Angeles to discover yoga and becoming a yoga teacher, to dipping his toes in fashion.

Lam met Hiro Yoshikawa, founder and designer of Washi Jeans, a Japanese denim brand, a couple years back and was intrigued by the designer’s backstory. Now based in Hong Kong, Yoshikawa is the 18^th generation of a revered sake maker in Okayama, Japan, and the first to leave the family business to pursue his own passion in denim-making. By chance, Yoshikawa had found an old document that charted out his family’s history, written on washi paper. Inspired by this, he developed and patented the Washi No. 6 paper yarn, which he utilizes in his first solo collection launching this month.

Lam, who has always had an eye for detail, quickly became an ambassador and muse for Yoshikawa, and took it upon himself to bring the recognition Yoshikawa deserves by helping him stage his upcoming solo debut.

We sit down with Alex Lam and Hiro Yoshikawa at Washi Jean's studio to talk about style and the upcoming debut of Yoshikawa's solo collection Life on Earth.

Can you describe your style? What are your wardrobe essentials?

AL: My style has always been inspired by musicians. I grew up watching some of my favourite bands like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and today, I'm inspired by singers like Drake. For me, my summer essentials include a sleeveless vest, a good multi-functional blazer and a pair of high-quality designer jeans.

Have you always been passionate about fashion and did you want to work in fashion?

AL: I have always cared about how I look and my outfits since I was a kid. I remember there was one time when the collar of my t-shirt wasn't right and I wouldn’t wear it out until my parents fixed it for me. Having friends who are in the fashion industry allows me to execute and experiment my ideas during workshops, like the ‘marshmallow’ colourway of the t-shirt I’m wearing right now. 

How did the both of you meet?

AL: I met Hiro-san thought some of our mutual friends.

HY: have been making jeans for other brands for the past 30 years and it has always been my dream to have my own denim brand. I have always hung out with people from the fashion industry, and meeting Alex from the music and acting world has made my life more fun and exciting.

Can you tell us a bit about your project with Hiro-san?

AL: I was hanging out with a group of producers and we often talk about fashion shows, designer brands’ videos, installation art and music. Once we found out Hiro-san wanted to launch his own denim brand this year, we decided to catch this opportunity and put our ideas together. We are organising a VIP launch event with a fashion show on June 11, 2021.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome with this project?

AL: I think the rules of the game changed after Covid started last year. We looked at online fashion shows last year, without the tradition styles, and we knew our team needed to do it in a cleverer way. The restriction for event gathering is 30 persons at the moment, so we were not able to invite too many friends and make the event as big as before. Plus the campaign and fashion show video shoot all in one day, that’s the biggest challenge in this project.

HY:  We have been staying in our studio almost every day is the past few months, meeting different parties like our PR team, models, videographers and producers.

What else are you up to this year that you can share with us?

AL: I have released a new song and I just finished a music video for another song. I have also been working on my YouTube channel and created a few series, but it’s been slightly slowed down because I was focusing in this project.

Has the pandemic affected the way you work or changed your priorities?

AL: Before Covid, I was busy working with clients, who often prepared everything. With changes and restrictions during this period, I am able to organise and create more content by myself.

What are you currently inspired by?

AL: There are many indie musicians and young kids out there who are doing their music in their unique styles. I admire them a lot as they can release songs as long as they think it sounds good. I used think good music requires the best studio and recording equipment, but turned out a lot of indie musicians are producing high quality songs just by working at home.

You have a YouTube channel, you're into fashion, music as well as classic cars. How did you get into each of those passions and how do you balance it all?

AL: Project by project. I’m now focusing more on quantity over quality and I'll keep learning from the progress and mistakes.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Stay healthy. As I was a yoga teacher, I still practice yoga for two to three hours each day. It’s a good way to reflect on myself and find peace.

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The sprawling 10-acre "urban branded residences" will bring Marriott's world-class hospitality to homeowners in Vietnam for the first time.

Even by the ambitious standards of Marriott International -- the world's leading hotel operator with some 750 properties situated across Asia -- the upcoming Grand Marina, Saigon is breaking new ground. Situated at the epicentre of the Vietnamese capital, the eponymous development is poised to set new standards in elevated living: bringing one of the world's most desirable names in branded residences to well-heeled locals and savvy adopters in Vietnam's growing market for luxury real estate.

Overlooking the northern banks of the Saigon River, this grandiose project accounts for a sprawling 10 acres of the most exciting real estate in District 1. To execute construction of its "first branded residence in Vietnam" Marriott turned to Masterise Homes, a renowned developer in Saigon best known to international property buyers for luxury residences like Lumiere Riverside.

Masterise Homes' latest effort consists of 8 glitzy residential towers crisscrossed by a network of private parks and plazas, anchored by an 850m promenade that puts the Saigon River on residents' doorsteps. "We take great pride in creating exquisite real estate developments to impeccable standards," says Jason Turnbull, MD of Masterise Homes. "These first Marriott-branded residences in Vietnam [will be] located at the heritage landmark of Bason -- where water meets land. We're proud to be introducing this one-of-a-kind project to the Hong Kong market."

Here in the +852, adventurous homeowners can get an exclusive peak at Grand Marina, Saigon at an event hosted by the Asia Bankers Club. From 27-28 March, a series of seminars will run at JW Marriott Hong Kong, where prospective purchasers can learn more about the eponymous group's latest residential concept in southeast Asia, and its projected impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. "We're delighted to partner with Masterise Homes to offer Grand Marina, Saigon to Hong Kong and beyond," says Kingston Lai, CEO of Asia Bankers Club. "[These residences] are a rare opportunity that tick all the boxes".

Now established some twenty years ago, the 'residences' arm of Marriott International opened its first global location in Singapore back in 2010. Now with over 100 outposts globally, these Marriott-administered properties come with a host of unique benefits including dedicated concierge, F&B, and fitness teams; plus a host of exclusive offers in the Bonvoy loyalty programme.

Sign up for the exclusive Grand Marina, Saigon seminar (on from 27-28 March at JW Marriott Hong Kong) at Asia Bankers Club online.

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Owing a Penthouse is a must for many real-estate aficionados. These trophy properties represent the best of everything, from world-class design and coveted amenities to far-reaching views that give guests and residents the feeling they’re living on top of the world.

The penthouse lifestyle has an exclusivity all its own, but some of the world’s most impressive spaces also include luxuries that make them even more unique. That’s in addition to the finest finishes, top-of-the-line appliances and integrated technology throughout the home. Whether it’s an irreplaceable piece of architectural history or a new starchitect-designed project complete with a custom Rolls-Royce in the garage, these penthouses have extras that bring them to the highest level.

The Pinnacle Penthouse at The Woolworth Tower Residences, New York

The Woolworth Building was the tallest skyscraper in the world when it opened in downtown Manhattan in 1913. The observation deck at the former headquarters of the five-and- dime-store chain was a tourist destination for visitors from around the world. Now that historic space is part of the Pinnacle Penthouse.

Originally designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the tower has been painstakingly restored, from its famous terra-cotta facade to the gargoyles dotting the roof line. French architect Thierry W Despont created its 32 bespoke residences to celebrate the legacy of the landmark building.
The 9,800-square-foot penthouse, on offer from US$79 million, is fully customisable. Two pre-designed layouts are available — a five-floor configuration by Despont and another by New York-based architect David Hotson that envisions a sixth storey. With 125 windows, the observation deck and 24-foot ceilings in the main reception area, residents will be treated to 360-degree views of the city and the harbour. And those vistas are protected, as the tower is adjacent to City Hall Park in Tribeca.

“This is art,” says Sotheby’s agent Stan Ponte, who shares the listing with Joshua Judge. “You’re buying something that no one else can own anywhere else in the world. It’s not replicable, not replaceable, not rebuildable. It’s the only one. And it will always be the only one.”

The Teahouse at The Kita, Tokyo

The Kita is the first multi-family project in Japan entirely designed by Kengo Kuma, the award-winning architect behind the Japan National Stadium, created for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and the Nezu Museum in Tokyo’s Minato district.

Kuma has worked with Vancouver-based developer Westbank on several projects in Canada and the US. For the Kita, he’s created a “light well” that surrounds the building, with a slatted metal screen as the facade that allows residents to see out, as well as protecting them from the gaze of passers-by. The building has 12 residences.

The penthouse, which is priced from 5 billion yen (HK$367.2 million), features a total of 10,000 square feet of living space spread across three levels, half of which is outside. It features two private terraces and a roof deck with a 25-foot infinity pool and a teahouse, which Kuma will create specifically for the buyer. There are commanding views of the city, the nearby Meiji Forest and the Meiji Jingu Museum, also designed by Kuma.
A private design session with the architect is also part of the package. Buyers will be flown to Tokyo to meet the architect in his studio, and the residence will be designed to their exact specifications. And to make the offering even more distinctive, the Teahouse also comes with a Rolls-Royce Dawn convertible that was custom designed by Kuma.

Triplex Penthouse, Aston Martin Residences, Miami

It won’t come as a huge surprise to hear that the US$50 million, seven-bedroom and eight-bathroom penthouse on the 63rd, 64th and 65th floors of Miami’s 66-storey Aston Martin Residences comes complete with one of the British luxury brand’s automobiles.

The white Aston Martin Vulcan, which is currently on display at the residences’ sales centre, is one of only 24 examples of the brand’s all-carbon-fibre supercar, which is powered by a 7-litre, 820bhp V12 engine. The $3.2 million limited- edition vehicle was inspired by Miami’s tropical surroundings and is engineered for track driving only. As well as receiving this piece of automotive art, the penthouse’s purchaser also enjoys membership of an exclusive owners’ club.

The 27,191-square-foot penthouse, which is accessed by a private elevator, includes almost 20,000 square feet of interiors, which can be customised with bespoke finishes by Aston Martin. Outside is more than 7,000 square feet of space across wrap-around terraces on each of the three floors, which encompass the penthouse’s own private pool. The building, with a total of 391 residences, was designed to a nautical aesthetic by Revuelta Architecture and Bodas-Miani- Anger, and overlooks Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Concourse Skyline, Super Penthouse, Singapore

Priced at S$48 million (HK$281.65 million), the penthouse on the 39th and 40th floors of Singapore’s Concourse Skyline boasts a host of amenities created specifically for its 11,130-square-foot space. Among them are a chandelier installed by the Paris-based glass artist Nathalie Ziegler; a limited-edition custom rocking chair by British-Israeli designer Ron Arad; and an installation by Lasvit, a Czech- based manufacturer of bespoke lighting and glass installations. Music lovers will be intrigued by the free- standing Meisterstuck Soundwave bathtub by the German brand Kaldewei, which pulsates to the beat of music when connected via a Bluetooth device.

The residence has almost 360-degree views of the city skyline, including such attractions as the Singapore Flyer observation wheel, the Marina Bay Sands resort and the Marina Bay Golf Course. There’s also a private rooftop terrace with a plunge pool. Also included in the price is a rare blue diamond from the Russian company World of Diamonds and 40-hours of flying time with Singapore Air Charter.

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The latest ready-to-wear design from The Anthology deepens the brand's burgeoning reputation for sartorial clothing that's elegant yet easy-wearing -- a winning combo even when you're aren't 'working' from home.

Last April, while institutions around the globe were struggling to contain the fear and uncertainty wrought by a now-familiar contagion, huge numbers of clothing brands dealing in what we'd call 'classic menswear' were on the brink of a similarly existential collapse. With offices emptying out at record rates and 'stay home' orders being enforced worldwide (many of them still ongoing today) it seemed that the long-prophesied 'death of the suit', and by association, tailored clothing, had finally arrived.

Multinational menswear outfitters in the mould of J Crew -- known in their heyday for peddling slim, modish suits in malls from Indonesia to Alaska -- disappeared overnight, having failed to recognise (or worse, acknowledge) the sea change that has been taking place in men's fashion these last six years. And that's before we were all locked up, drinking badly-made cocktails over Zoom.

Fortunately, a handful of smaller brands (including an inexplicable number focusing on sartorial clothing, in Hong Kong) have managed to make lemonade out of the current crisis, principally by taking familiar styles of clothing and cranking the comfort factor, both literal and emotional, up high. Those themes were at the forefront of the design process when Hong Kong-based The Anthology released its 'Lazyman' in 2020: a "casual, multifunctional jacket" that's a no-brainer for the 'working from home' brigade, but still smart enough to warrant a place in your wardrobe when the pandemic inevitably ends.

To complement this beloved "blazer alternative", the brand has just released the 'Taskmaster' -- a quasi-outerwear design that rustles many of the same thematic feathers as its predecessor, while expanding The Anthology's casualwear universe. "If the Lazyman is an alternative to the office-appropriate navy sport coat," says co-founder Buzz Tang, "then the Taskmaster is our answer to the classic American work shirt."

It turns out that The Anthology's answer to workwear of the 21st century owes a debt to designers like Ant Franco and Jerry Lorenzo. In an era when fashion's influences are rapidly decamping between art, history, and pop culture, that's certainly no bad thing. Commencing from the reference point of the American workshirt, Tang & co continually tweaked the Taskmaster until they arrived at something suitably "fast-adapting" for a mixture of modern urban situations. It's for working, for loafing, for when you're stuck at home working on your loaves.

Almost by necessity, that makes this different to the scores of workwear designs which have come before: the body is shorter and slimmed for a closer fit, ensuring it wears well even whilst tucked beneath a trouser waistband; whereas the chest pockets have been expanded to handle the tools of modern professionals -- two oversized, postbox-style shapes roomy enough to stash your phone, spectacles, currency or even a palm-sized writing aid.

Intriguing choices in fabric are a signature at The Anthology, and the Taskmaster is no exception in this regard. For the Taskmaster, the brand has chosen to keep its sartorial sensibilities low-key, working closely with its Italian textile partners on a corded glencheck that juxtaposes a sumptuous handle with hardwearing, robust externalities. I say 'low key' since the colour here has enough degrees of separation to isolate it from the exploded plaids we're used to seeing on the high street. According to Tang, this corduroy begins life as a dusty beige cotton that's woven over with cords, shaded in what he likes to call "bleeding fountain pen". Collectively, those colours are redolent of a quill and ink -- an allusion, very nearly imperceptible, to The Anthology's blue feather logo.

The 'Taskmaster' overshirt is now available for HK$3,300. To learn more, visit The Anthology online.

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In a quiet green pocket of a desirable neighbourhood that forms a gateway to Jardine’s Lookout on Hong Kong Island, a newly created high-end property elevates residential standards to new heights.

There are few residences in the Blue Pool Road vicinity that fit into the premium luxury category, and even fewer that offer low-rise living with an unusually spacious floor area. So when 18 semi-detached, large three-storey homes at 23-39 Blue Pool Road, on the eastern flank of the neighbourhood, were created by developer Hang Lung Properties (known for its exclusive residential projects, such as the all-duplex The Summit on Stubbs Road), they were the talk of the town and won a string of local and international architecture and design awards.

Very recently, an imaginative combination of house numbers 31A and 31B was completed, to present an extremely rare urban mansion that spans some 9,000 square feet, including outdoor areas and greenery. This grand undertaking was designed in conjunction with US-based architect and interior design firm Hirsch-Bedner Associates (HBA), a leader in hospitality design whose outstanding recent projects includes the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto and The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou, alongside a host of A-list residential, restaurant and spa properties.

After a series of meetings, the main design request from the developer for making two homes become one was to produce a configuration that enabled an easy flow between two main bedroom suites and several other rooms and areas designed with cosy spaces for social gatherings and relaxation in mind, as well as to create an overall modern and luxurious domestic experience for its resident multigenerational family and visiting guests.

“We started our design process, as always, by analysing different possible moods and design approaches,” explains Paulo Dias, HBA’s associate director for this project. “And after discussions with Hang Lung Properties and taking into consideration the existing architectural characteristics of the house, it was decided to go for a ‘modern timeless’ approach that’s both dramatic and sophisticated, and also reflects the city we live in.

“The main ground-floor area was specifically designed to impress and entertain visiting guests but, very importantly, we also wanted to ensure we embraced an intimate, warm home atmosphere throughout. The upper floors are more private and were designed for daily family uses.” New spatial planning included, on the first floor, creating a sizeable family room of around 650 square feet, while the master chamber on the second floor was furnished with a boutique-style walk-in closet measuring around 600 square feet.

Another design highlight is the clever utilisation of space, which includes nearly 2,670 square feet of floating garden on the roof, multiple balconies and private garage parking, so that there’s now a seamless flow between all these areas. The overall result of reconfigurations in the mansion creates a luxurious yet timeless residence that embodies modern elegance and caters as easily for formal social functions as it does for casual and comfortable daily living.

“The interior architectural language was kept simple, with elegant tailored detailing and beautiful architectural finishes that exude luxury throughout,” explains Dias. “Our furniture collection is a balanced combination of Italian designer pieces – the selection includes a modern Giorgetti dining table with Poliform chairs, and a Minotti sofa and coffee table – along with our own bespoke furniture; together, these help give an overall comfortable, ‘lived-in’ ambiance. And the art collection for this house was something we decided early in the design stages.” HBA’s design for this detached mansion also comes complete with a kitchen that’s fitted with luxury furnishings by Italian brand Boffi.

The real wonder of this finished house, however, is its opulent scale; the fact that it’s detached and with 23-foot-nine-inch-high (around 7.25 metres) ceilings makes it an especially gran residential space. “Being able to build architectural interior features, such as a striking reception hall with a sculptural staircase, an island bar in the living room and a ‘floating’ garden on the roof, make it a truly unique experience,” adds Dias.

The feat of combining what were previously two separate luxury residences was not without its challenges. “There were initial structural issues, as the new overall interior had to be redesigned in order to allow for bigger living- and dining-room spaces, as well as for the 7.25-metre-high ceilings,” says Dias, who’s delighted with the end result. “The high ceilings are quite dramatic and the light is abundant throughout the day, making the ground-floor rooms very bright and welcoming spaces. The way the different spaces flow and open towards the garden is also quite unique and gives an overall sense of tranquillity.

From an aesthetic point of view, HBA is pleased with the way each room tells a story, and all contribute to an overall very sophisticated lifestyle experience. “Other aspects of this house that set it apart from Hong Kong residences are its five generous bathrooms, walk-in closets, a theatre, games room, wellness and spa quarter and various useable gardens interacting with the internal spaces – it’s quite rare here to have such a number of luxurious spaces in one home.”

Adaptability was also seen as key throughout the whole interior – particularly in secondary spaces such as the games and screening rooms, both of which can easily be converted into guestrooms, should the owner wish to do so. Also important is the strong sense of privacy throughout the home, while the roof is a spacious-enough area in which to hold large functions – it has its own bar, barbecue counter, Jacuzzi tub and generous seated dining and lounge areas.

“As for the smaller decorative touches, including building and acquiring an art and home-accessories collection, these elements truly enhance the overall design experience and make it a completely unique environment,” Dias explains. “We needed to acquire the art pieces to enhance the space and to add extra character and personality.”

And the resulting final art curation would certainly impress a well clued-up collector or art-gallery goer. “Curating an art collection was a challenging but very enjoyable and rewarding experience,” says Dias, somewhat modestly. “Our intention was to build a collection of both established and upcoming artists from Eastern and Western cultural backgrounds, which would reflect the taste of a hypothetical owner. We felt privileged to be able to acquire work by some of the most prominent artists of the 20th century – such as Picasso, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst – which we selected from galleries and private dealers from all over the world. Each piece was carefully chosen not only due to its creator’s importance and prestige, but also for its aesthetic appeal, as each one had a vital role to play in our interior design narrative.” Indeed, the artworks really are the icing on the cake on this most stately, sophisticated modern residence.

(Hero Image: Opulent spaces embracing practical flexibility were regarded as key for the entire interior)

Find out more

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Singapore and Portugal-based designer Gabriel Tan sits down with us to talk about the handmade revival, craft and clarity, and how cultural exchange sparks inspiration.

Beautiful interior objects have become more vital pleasures this past year. As we’re at home more often, we want our environments to inspire, soothe and delight. A recent trend towards the handmade is one part design humanism and one part high-tech fatigue. And during a pandemic, it’s all part of the slow-living zeitgeist gaining traction even in the world’s fastest cities.

Currently doing the job are the hand-polished quarry bowls made from three segments of Portuguese marble, textured salt vases in colbalt blue or earthy orange, tall conical jugs or the wonderfully shaped charred clay vases – all items from Origin, a brand of handcrafted, collectable objects by Portuguese artisans and international designers.

Founded by Singaporean Gabriel Tan, who helms an eponymous studio as well as Origin and the Japanese furniture brand Ariake, the project was inspired by a 2014 holiday to Portugal, when he expected little other than sightseeing and some beaches. Inadvertently ending up in the workshops of Portuguese artisans, Tan was amazed by the craft that resided so close to glorious landscapes.

“I saw the potential to tell an honest story, to create a collection of contemporary objects that are proudly made in Portugal, sharing the true origin of these products and the stories of people who made them,” he explains. “As a designer, sometimes I feel a bit like an imposter, because we’re often given too much attention for the products we’ve designed. The names of craftsmen, technicians or makers are always invisible, and I wanted to give them more visibility with Origin; to give credit where it was overdue.”

The seed was planted, the wheels put in motion and Origin debuted at Stockholm Design Week 2019, highlighting the craftspeople making the items and not just the designers conceptualising them. Now the range is global, selling in Oslo, Tokyo, the US – including the Herman Miller store and the Noguchi Museum in New York, and Luminaire in Chicago and Miami – London’s Conran Shop, Grafunkt in Singapore and the Rosewood Hong Kong’s Asaya Living concept.

Artisanship is in resurgence, but Tan says the challenge “is educating customers about what handmade really is. We can’t expect a handmade object to be the same each time, and this imperfection is the beauty of the process.

“I believe in reduction and visual clarity. I also like working with textural, natural materials, but of course it depends on the project … My early designs were very different, more about humour and almost a little Pop during my school days. It’s been a long evolution and I believe I’m still evolving as a designer.”

The last 12 months have been transitory for Tan and full of new beginnings. New work projects are in the making, along with a move of his family base from Singapore to Porto, Portugal’s northern city. There he’s found a new home, store and studio housed in a three-storey traditional building in the heart of the city, currently undergoing vast renovations.

He’ll be in Porto for six months and travelling regularly (or at least when he can) to his main studio in Singapore. It’s “a new adventure” for his family, Tan tells me, plus the move allows his business to expand more into “international projects for clients in Europe and United States” as well as a flurry of leads in the “Douro Valley, Comporta and even Africa”.

"I believe in reduction and visual clarity. I also like to work with textural, natural materials"

Gabriel Tan

Tan’s work spans undulating Saharan sand-dune forms on the cork panel for Swedish brand Abstracta and the fluid shape of the smokey Aer vases made from blown glass, to collaborating with one of Denmark’s oldest lighting companies. From bespoke designer private residences to corporate projects large and small, his studio’s smooth functionality, earthy sensuality and rather Zen-like aesethetic has clearly captured the attentions
of many.

Winning accolades that include the Industrial Designers Society of America’s Idea Award, the Japan Good Design Award and Singapore’s President’s Design Award, Tan also guest-lectured at Lasalle College of the Arts and the National University of Singapore, the University of Oregon and the Pratt Institute in New York. 

Travel has had a profound impact, whether it’s for leisure or work. Tan’s inspiration comes through new cultural experiences, “observations and conversations with people who are deep in their craft”, or workshop and factory visits showcasing a new material or method. “Cultural exposure changes my professional outlook, but also my own personality and life,” he says. “I think of the person that I was five years ago compared to now … and it’s been such an intense transition that it’s hard to put it into words.”

This is manifested in his commercial work at the studio, and the three international brands he’s charged with: Ariake, Origin and Turn (designer door handles). “Working with different cultures, I’ve learned that nothing should be taken for granted, including what is a real yes and what is a real no,” says Tan. But there are plenty of cultural similarities, too. “Strong relationships get things done when times are rough,” he says. “Mutual trust and respect are so important.”

Origin’s respectful story-telling of Portuguese crafts, seen through the eyes of designers from around the world, elevates handmade values while offering transparency on how and by whom the objects are made. The elegant charred black vases “embody what I want to do with the brand. They highlight a heritage that’s in danger of becoming extinct, because there’s only a handful of craftsman who are expert in that technique,” he says.

“I prefer natural materials and sustainably sourced materials over synthetic materials, but of course it depends on the project,” he adds. And a compelling story is always inspiring – Tan became influenced by furniture made by the Shakers, “a self-sustaining Christian commune prevalent in the US from the late-19th to the mid-20th centuries”, after visiting one of their last-remaining villages in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

“Their philosophy of making things that are both useful and beautiful, as a form of worship, moved me deeply,” he says. “And more recently, I’ve been fascinated by the stone sculptures of Isamu Noguchi after visiting
his museum in Queens, New York.”

Despite all the high-profile collaborations, brand clarity and precision, there’s a charming humility to this cerebral and rather successful designer. Perhaps it’s in part down to his very unconventional design journey. On track to become an officer in the Singaporean navy, the 19-year-old Tan eschewed a military career for a newly discovered passion for furniture and industrial design.

Poring over design books and magazines for the first time, “I was hooked,” he says. And after some deep research, “I decided that this was what I really wanted, and that a military career wasn’t for me.”

He earned a degree in indistrial design from the National University of Singapore. Then, he formed a collective called Outofstock Design with fellow designers from Barcelona and Buenos Aires, exhibiting at Milan Design Week and working with clients such as Ligne Roset and Bla Station.

His own practice – Gabriel Tan Studio – came into being in 2016, with projects with Design Within Reach and Ariake, and then the likes of The Conran Shop, Wallpaper, Abstracta and Menu. Tan’s ultimate dream, though, is to redesign an airline or aeroplane. “I feel that air travel hasn’t changed or evolved much in the past 20 years,” he says.

Tan’s approach to creative direction includes the obvious aesthetic and material considerations, but he also likes to shift the organisational and business side. At Ariake, creating a Japanese label with chic, international appeal, “cultural communication through the designs” had to come with “a certain control and restraint so the pieces don’t seem too exotic and can co-exist harmoniously with other furniture in homes around the world.”

Upon visiting the Ariake Sea close to the facilities where the products are manufactured, Tan discovered that ariake meant “daybreak” in Japanese – and thus the new brand name was born. “It was perfect really, because we’re trying to reverse a sunset furniture industry in Japan through this project.”

The lattice forms and geometric details of items such as the Kumiko cabinet, consoles, chairs and sleek sofas bring together unexpected touches with Japanese minimalism and functionalism. The furniture brand has gained worldwide resonance, retailing in Auckland, Melbourne, Singapore, New York, Antwerp, Switzerland and across Japan and Scandinavia.

Tan implemented intensive workshops where Ariake’s designers would “live, eat and work together” for a week, to design most collections. By bringing together a previously isolated work culture, strong friendships and creative networks have been cultivated between designers and owners.

“For me this was the main reason Ariake was able to become known in the design world in such a short time,” says Tan, describing how he changed the company culture from the inside.

“I believe I cannot and should not stand still,” he adds. “Everything is a gradual evolution.”

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Beachfront residential landmark Silversands is only a short walk to MTR station Wu Kai Sha, with trains conveniently taking you to the city on the Tuen Ma Line and the almost completed Shatin-to-Central Link. Shatin Centre, where major shopping facilities are located, can also be easily reached by MTR, bus or by one of the area’s many bike paths.

To add to the charm, imagine living only footsteps from the paradisiac Starfish Bay, a quiet beach with untouched nature. This biodiverse environment is part of a unique ecosystem that stretches all the way to the Hong Kong's UNESCO Global Geopark and its 15,000 hectares of glorious nature and picturesque landscape.

Silversands comprises 160 beautifully presented homes (between 266 and 1654 square feet) spread over four nine-storey buildings, offering a range of floor-plan options to meet the needs of every lifestyle. With only two residences around every lift well, living here also offers a rare feeling of community and exclusivity.

From the glass-fronted balconies to the light-filled interiors, living at Silversands means enjoying the luxury of extra space. The full-width windows in living rooms and bedrooms provide some units with panoramic views of Starfish Bay and the sea beyond. Additionally, some premium residences enjoy extra outdoor space with the inclusion of flat roofs and rooftop terraces.

Designed by the award-winning Studio Via, the French Riviera-inspired clubhouse is intended for families, offering hips of fun and entertainment for the young and the young at heart. There are plenty of activities to keep residents occupied and relaxed — an infinity pool, fitness centre, children’s play area, banquet room, and, of course, the beach is just a short walk away.

“The beachfront location is the prime asset Silversands has. It’s where we’re seeing something with less topography, less sense of discovery, but the simplicity of the sea and the beach. So, there’s a rooftop pool and infinity pool to connect you with Starfish Bay. For me, it reminds me a lot of those beach resorts in southern France,” says Frank Leung, founder and principal of via.

Silversands is for those looking for an exquisite home in a peaceful beachfront location superbly connected to the city. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of urban and country lives in one distinguished new address.

www.silversands.hk

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Nestled in the exclusive Beacon Hill District of Kowloon on one of the most elevated residential locations in the area, Kerry Properties’ Mont Rouge encapsulates luxury living at its best

Immersed in Greenery, located high above the city and offering unobstructed panoramas of the entire Kowloon Peninsula and the mountainous ridge of Hong Kong Island, Mont Rouge blends comfort and elegant design in an exclusive residential complex. The development, which comprises two seven-storey towers housing 26 apartments, as well as 14 two-storey houses and five villas, provides its fortunate residents with the all-too-rare rare experience of low-density living.

The spacious villas, which range in size from 5,128 to 7,171 square feet, are spread across three storeys, with a private roof and gardens at the front and back. Making the most of natural light, the villas boast full-height windows and an impressive eight-metre-tall ceiling in the living room. The master bedroom, a focal point of luxury homes, fills an entire floor and features that most sought-after of amenities: a large walk-in closet.

The two-storey houses, which boast expansive areas of 2,846 to 2,876 square feet, and the luxury apartments, are also designed to make the most of the sizeable space, and allow residents to maximise their potential and unleash their creativity through imaginative interior concepts and personalisation.

Contemporary luxury living is all about powerful and meticulous designs that celebrate and take inspiration from their surroundings. At Mont Rouge, this concept is elevated with precious and innovative materials and building techniques, and a touch of effortless elegance, which give the complex a cosmopolitan and yet comfortable ambience.

Thanks to the expertise of Kerry Properties, a world-class property developer and a leader in the ultra-luxury sector, Mont Rouge represents desirable, sustainable, convenient and easeful community living at its best, while being a tribute to timeless beauty. Blessed with unobstructed sunshine and mountain breezes, this collection of homes is a masterful example of a secluded residential enclave where exterior space blends with beautiful interiors to create a peaceful and serene escape.

With its proximity to bustling Kowloon Tong and Hong Kong’s main transport links, Mont Rouge offers the best of both worlds: tranquillity as well as easy access to the city. For those looking to make an urban oasis their next home, Kerry Properties’ latest development is a dream come true.

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No longer an afterthought, vertical greening is now integrated as an essential part of property-development strategy. According to Edwin Chan, senior project director at New World Development (NWD), it’s a vital component in reducing a project’s carbon footprint and improving the overall wellbeing of not only the occupiers but also the broader community. “Property developers now use vertical greenery as part of their broader green-building strategy to contribute to our environment and community,” says Chan.

Combined with other green features, vertical and rooftop greening can help lower indoor temperature, purify indoor air, facilitate cooling flow-through breezes – particularly with green facades, where there’s a gap between the facade and the building wall – and reduce the need for the use of air-conditioning, which in turn can help reduce energy consumption and thus carbon emissions.

“It’s already evident that vertical greening has a cooling effect on buildings, especially in urban areas,” says Chan. “While the results may vary, depending on the microclimate of the location and the installation, the cooling effects are well proven.”

A case in points is The Forest, a shopping arcade beneath NWD’s Skypark residential redevelopment in Mongkok, which is being undertaken in cooperation with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA). In addition to smart building measures that optimise energy performance and recycle water, the shopping arcade is landscaped with plenty of greenery inside and out.

Planted with carefully chosen evergreens, The Forest provides an aesthetic focal point for the neighbourhood. As well as having an impressive green facade, the development boasts a landscaped rooftop terrace that gives the residents an unhindered view over the city. Unlike typical enclosed shopping malls, it has many openable, expansive windows that not only promote natural light within, but also help establish a visual connection to the neighbourhood outside.

“Not only that, but it’s a shopping arcade that breathes,” says Chan. Employing an innovative passive design, the building “breathes” with a natural ventilation system. A series of sensors open up the building for air and switch off air-conditioning when the outdoor temperature, relative humidity and pollution index fall within acceptable ranges. In between, the facade’s greenery helps purify the air flowing into and out of the shopping arcade. In fact, says Chan, The Forest is the first mall in Hong Kong that’s able to run without active air-conditioning.

The streets of Mongkok are lined with a mixture of old and new buildings, a densely built environment that limits air flow and causes heat-island effects. The building’s podium is therefore deliberately elevated, creating voids that allow air flow to penetrate into the streets nearby. And rather than overshadow the streets below, The Forest seeks to create a strong sense of place by integrating itself into the neighbourhood. The podium breaks down the mass of the facade into a human scale, dividing it into different blocks that provide more punctuation at street level. Chan says that the arcade’s street-front shops, while maintaining a high visibility, are sized in a respectful manner that harmonises with other street shops.

Elsewhere in Hong Kong, Chan highlights K11 Atelier King’s Road, NWD’s
prime office building in Island East that was completed in 2019, and was the first building in the world to achieve all Platinum levels of the WELL Pre-certification (Core & Shell), US LEED Pre-certification (Leadership of Energy & Environmental Design) (Core & Shell) and BEAM Plus Provision certification.

The innovative sustainability measures include energy-efficient ventilation and Asia’s largest solar photovoltaic and thermal hybrid renewable-energy system, which help save more 30 percent or more energy annually compared with other commercial building standards (ASHRAE Standards) on average.

As the most distinctive feature of the building, the podium resembles a “floating green box” and is set back from the street to provide pleasing, inviting shading for pedestrians. The building envelope adopts a cubic recession and projection design to further introduce greenery and visually enrich the views of other buildings from their lower floors.

The rooftop has been transformed into a microclimate-controlled sky garden, including urban-farming planter boxes that enable the building’s occupants to enjoy and contribute to the surroundings. A 170-metre-long biophilic jogging path also encourages physical activity.

Hong Kong’s renewed sustainability plan to achieve net-zero carbon in 2050 has mentioned green building as one of the focus areas – in fact, buildings contribute to more than 90 percent of our city’s electricity consumption, says Ellie Tang, head of sustainability of NWD and K11.

To play its part, NWD established a company-wide Sustainability Vision 2030 (SV2030) three years ago as a bold step to further its commitment to decarbonisation. SV2030 covers all the group’s businesses, including the K11 portfolio, with an ambitious carbon emissions intensity target of a 50 percent reduction by 2030 against the baseline year of 2015.

“Beyond our property development and management strategies, we also extend our sustainability initiatives to our stakeholders, such as tenants, whom we invite as decarbonisation partners to join Hong Kong’s first sustainable tenancy pledge,” Tang explains. “Through this initiative, we make tenants aware of their energy consumption through free smart metering and encourage them to reduce it.

The goal is to achieve 100 percent renewable energy in our rental properties across the Greater Bay Area by 2026 and the Greater China by 2031. “We hope these efforts will add up to support the government’s net-zero carbon ambition. In addition to state-of-the-art sustainable-building hardware, encouraging energy-saving behaviour through incentives and awareness initiatives is very important.”

NWD was also one of the first companies in the region to align its long-term SV2030 to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and map its target achievement progress to SDG targets and indicators. Among these goals, it strives to deliver on SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4
(Quality Education) SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

“We demonstrate these goals through Hong Kong’s first urban biodiversity museum and sustainability-themed Nature Discovery Park, situated at K11 Musea,” says Tang. “We work alongside key partners, such as the Dr Jane Goodall Institute, to provide our customers with sustainability knowledge capital through green tours, education programmes and sustainable lifestyle experiences.”

Among the latter is the creation of urban farms, such as that in NWD’s new Pavilia Farm residential project, located in the Tai Wai district of Shatin. Developed in three phases, it incorporates an organic farming area as well as an aquaponic-plus-hydroponic system. To support the aquaponic system, the on-site hydroponics grow vegetables and treat wastewater, and it’s planned to produce fish pellets from food waste collected from residents and restaurant tenants.

“Urban farms provide an opportunity for all community members to grow food together and they’re also where children learn about how food is grown with their parents and grandparents,” says Chan. “They can make our communities more inclusive.”

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Although the Covid-19 pandemic caused delays, developers around the world have used the time to reallocate space to include more balconies and terraces connected to luxurious residences, redesign floor plans better suited for working and schooling from home, and install the best touchless technology and air-filtration systems.

In fact, more than 75 percent of developers were more likely to add advanced technology and space for home offices to their plans, according to Knight Frank’s Global Development Report. About 54 percent also considered more outdoor space, and are leaning towards virtual tours, 3D photography and video conferencing.

Branded residences, where owners can enjoy the comforts of home with the convenience and amenities of hotels, remain popular with high-net-worth buyers. These luxury homes also offer peace of mind for those who split their time between more than one residence, confident their investment is well cared-for. Such properties can provide income streams when they’re managed as part of the brand’s rental programme.

Here are five projects combining the best in amenities, space and safety with bold designs and luxury living.

Aman New York

Luxury hospitality brand Aman is due to open its first urban hotel with residences in New York this spring. Aman has reimagined the historic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, built in 1921 by Grand Central Terminal architects Warren & Wetmore and once home to the Museum of Modern Art. Belgium-born designer Jean-Michel Gathy was inspired by the idea of creating a sanctuary in Midtown Manhattan.

At the heart of the property is a 25,000-square-foot spa, offering a full menu of treatments, facilities that include a Moroccan hammam and Russian baths, and an indoor swimming pool surrounded by fire pits and daybeds. There’s also a wraparound Garden Terrace overlooking Central Park, a wine room, a subterranean jazz club and fine-dining restaurants such as Arva, serving Italian fare, and the Japanese-inspired ∫.

The project will start on the fourth floor, with existing retail, such as Bulgari, on the ground floors. The 22 residences, which range from one to six bedrooms, feature wood-burning fireplaces and calming design palettes; many have private pools. Prices start at US$13.5 million, with the crown jewel, a five-story penthouse, selling for US$180 million in 2018.

Crown Residences at One Barangaroo

Walls of glass bring Sydney Harbour with its famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge into the living rooms of the 82 units at the Crown Residences at One Barangaroo. Each home has a distinct floorplan, thanks to the 71-floor building’s twisting facade, designed by Chris Wilkinson of the London-based firm WilkinsonEyre. The bespoke interiors, by Meyer Davis of New York, were heavily inspired by the waterside location and surroundings. Residents will have access to all the amenities of the hotel, including its spa, wellness centre and conference rooms, as well as services that include housekeeping, concierge and valet.

The first hotel-branded residence in Australia, it will also feature a members-only Crown Sydney casino, pool and lounge area for residents and tennis courts. The hotel opened in December, with two- to five-bedroom residences and a duplex penthouse set to open from March. Prices start at A$9.5 million (about HK$57.2 million).

Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel & Private Residences

Another historic renovation, the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans will transform the former World Trade Centre into the city’s first luxury high-rise condominium, as well as its first hotel-serviced residential building.

Built in 1968, the 33-storey tower was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, whose work also includes New York’s Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art. The US$460 million makeover will deliver 81 condominiums overlooking the Mississippi River, plus penthouses on the building’s top floors, and 341 hotel rooms on the riverfront in downtown New Orleans. Benefits for residents will include a private lobby with 24-hour doorman and dedicated concierge, and optional services such as in-residence dining and catering, housekeeping, and valet parking.

Building amenities are spread out over 22,500 square feet, and feature high-end dining, a fitness centre, a 75-foot outdoor swimming pool, and a Four Seasons Spa. Prices start at US$3.5 million and the project is slated to open in the first quarter.

Rosewood Mayakoba Private Residences

The Rosewood Mayakoba resort, located on a 263-hectare nature preserve in the heart of Riviera Maya, Mexico, is launching its beachfront villa collection this year. The beach-front villas range from two to five bedrooms, measuring from 3,500 to more than 7,000 square feet. Homes offer large outdoor terraces connected to the home with oversized bedrooms and separate dining and living areas. The first home, dubbed Founders Villa, is set to open in July.

Javier Sordo Madaleno, of Mexico City-based Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, designed the six-bedroom, 16,300-square-foot home, using locally sourced timber, tiles and natural stone showcasing Mexican craftsmanship. Residents can arrange butler services, private eco-tours on the water and 24-hour room service. They also have access to the on-property Sense spa, several restaurants and the Greg Norman championship golf course.

An additional four villas are under development, with an asking price of US$9.75 million. Undeveloped land is also available.

The Royal Atlantis Residences, Dubai

Located on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s man-made island shaped like a palm tree, the Royal Atlantis Residences features 230 units at Atlantis, The Palm resort. It will also bring true luxury living to this city of bling when it opens in the third quarter of 2021. Homes, ranging from two to five bedrooms, offer views of The Gulf and Dubai skyline, and private outdoor areas, some with private pools.

Penthouses are also available, boasting even more expansive outdoor space with pools, and a number of garden suites that also have private pools and outdoor entertaining. The building’s stacked architecture, designed by KPF Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates of New York, adds a distinctive silhouette to the Dubai skyline. Residents-only amenities include private beach access, a sky pool perched 90 metres above the ground, outdoor pools and lounge areas, and a private fitness centre.

Residents will have access to the resort offerings as well, from concierge services to some of the world’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés’ tapas bar, Jaleo. Prices start at 6.995 million dirhams (HK$14.76 million).

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The famous River Thames in London isn’t just a waterway – it’s also a place that a small and highly exclusive number of people call home. We survey some of the alternatives that offer luxury living afloat in the British capital.

Stroll along London's historic towpaths or around its rejuvenated old docklands and you'll surely cast a covetous eye over the quirky houseboats moored on the River Thames and its marinas, wondering how you too might enjoy lazy days on the water.

You’ll daydream of throwing elegant, breezy summer soirées on deck, perhaps with Tower Bridge and the City skyscrapers silhouetted against the perfect Waterloo sunset; of the next morning sharing your outdoor breakfast toast and marmalade with a bevy of the Queen’s swans.

And all within the easy striking distance of the metropolitan hubbub – the shopping and galleries, the theatres and lights – of the West End. How can I, you’ll ask, dip my toes into London’s life aquatic? Very few people take the plunge, of course. According to the Canal & River Trust, which oversees more than 3,000km of canals and rivers across England and Wales, boat numbers in London are up by 84 percent since 2012, to 4,274 vessels. But only about 350 are houseboats on the Thames, or just 0.01 percent of the British capital’s 3.5 million residences.

And for good reason: the trust compares living on a boat to a physical job. “It might seem romantic, but people should go in with their eyes open,” it warns. Adventurous international investors with the will, a rebellious streak and the waterproof galoshes will surely find a way, however. And they'll also need to dip into the savings.

Houseboats vary dramatically in price, with the most luxurious
requiring initial outlays in the millions of pounds. Borrowing to buy such homes is tricky, because they aren’t on a fixed plot of land, and you’ll need to splash out on mooring costs, too, with prices rising to tens of thousands of pounds a year for the most prime locations, though sometimes with five-star facilities on land, including private clubs, health centres and spas, to ameliorate the deal.

One of the best spots to throw down an anchor is St Katharine Docks in Wapping, in east London – London’s premier luxury-yacht marina, which is also close to the City. The plushest London houseboat currently on the market is moored here.

Matrix Island is a 1930s steel barge converted into a magnificent contemporary home that blows away the biggest misconception about houseboats – that they lack light and space – thanks to its expansive proportions, high ceilings and generous use of glass.

The recently repainted vessel’s more than 5,000 square feet of internal space features an open-plan upper deck with huge and bright reception, kitchen and dining areas. A central atrium stairway leads to the lower deck with five large double bedrooms, each with direct or shared en suite facilities, as well as that all-important jet-ski platform.

The vessel is newly kitted out with wool carpeting and eco-friendly LED lighting, and the 15-metre-long foredeck provides ample space for entertaining under the stars.

Matrix Island is up for grabs from specialist London property agent River Homes for £3.5 million, with the agent estimating mooring costs at St Katherine Docks and maintenance charges adding up to a further £32,000 per annum.

On the other side of town, another luxe-grade houseboat is a five-bedroom charmer moored at popular Prospect Quay, next to Wandsworth Park in southwest London and just across from the exclusive Hurlingham Club. The refashioned Thames lighter is on the market for £1.8 million courtesy of Kensington-based property agent Malverns.

Owned by auctioneer Nick Bonham, of the famous auction house, the summery, white-and-blue houseboat has – according to the Daily Mail newspaper – “hosted British and European royalty, as well as actors and musicians. It’s believed Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who are known good friends of the Bonhams, are among those who have enjoyed spending time on the luxury water-pad.”

The spacious floating residence boasts 2,885 square feet of living space with another 1,655 square feet of outdoor areas and, once again, its interiors benefit from being flooded with light. There are five double bedrooms on the lower level, two with en suite bathrooms, as well as a utility room, study, lounge and another bathroom.

The upper deck benefits from an open-plan living area with a fully fitted kitchen-cum-breakfast room, front and rear decks and a sunny roof terrace. Mod cons include double-glazing, broadband and satellite TV.

The mooring costs are £6,000 a year, with the owners enjoying access to parking facilities, a porter, and a swimming pool and gym in the quay’s adjoining residential development. “I’ve been here over 20 years, which is the longest I’ve lived in a place,” Bonham told the Mail. “I love boating and water, I’m a third-generation sailor. It’s a way of life and style of life, but you don’t have to be a sailor to live here. This houseboat has an enormous amount of space – it’s bigger than most people’s houses in central London.”

For the river rat with a more bohemian bent, Light Vessel 93 is a former North Sea lighthouse ship built in 1938 and refitted by her photographer owner to become a decadent home and a unique location for fashion and movie shoots. On the market for £700,000 courtesy of River Homes (which appears to have cornered the smart end of bobbing-about-on-the-Thames market of late), the ship is berthed at Royal Victoria Dock in east London at a cost of £850 a month, which includes electricity.

Houseboats vary dramatically in price, with the most luxurious initially requiring outlays in the millions of pounds

Light Vessel 93’s interior spaces add up to an impressive 3,369.2 squre feet and are decorated with a dramatic steampunk aesthetic. Four of the six bedrooms – one en suite – are former crew cabins, complete with the original 1930s mahogany furniture. All replacement lighting, doors, timbers, portholes and fittings have been sourced from marine- and architectural-salvage firms or from shipyards.

The stern houses the large skipper’s cabin, and a master cabin and bathroom occupies the top level of the wheelhouse, while the ship’s 800-square-foot former engine room has proven a versatile space as a studio and for entertaining. A 19th-century French copper bath instantly grabs the eye in the master bathroom, and the open galley and mess are fitted out with English Rose cabinets.

As well as having starred in World of Interiors and Elle Décor, Light Vessel 93 has been the backdrop for two Vogue magazine cover stories and many movie, advertising and music-video productions, bringing on board such talent as the Arctic Monkeys, Olga Kurylenko, Andrew Garfield and Jessie J.

More affordable still at £500,000 is cute Anny, a 1924 Dutch barge that’s moored at Imperial Wharf at Fulham, in west London. Significantly smaller, with just 930 square feet of interior space, Anny has nonetheless been converted into a stylish living space with one double bedroom with dressing room and a further single bedroom- cum-study, a fully fitted kitchen with induction hob and oven, and sundeck. The single bathroom is fitted with shower and roll-top bath, and all is kept cosy through the year with underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove.

Anny has a fully functional engine and can navigate canals as well as rivers, and so could be shifted around the country easily. Mooring charges in its current location are around £13,500 a year.

Finally, the 19th-century Grain Tower Battery is a disused fort on its own island in the Thames estuary originally built to protect against French invasion and designated a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. Although it’s clearly not a houseboat in itself, agent Chrome Residential (chromeresidential.com) advises that the dilapidated fort could, with extensive redevelopment, become the focal point for an exclusive houseboat community – or a hotel, or a casino, or even a private residence. It can be snapped up for just £2 million.

Completely surrounded by water at high tide, this is the ultimate fixer-upper for any would-be Bond villain out there, and with an address that nobody could forget: No 1, The Thames

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