Two new awards confirm: The insulating glass producer OKALUX is a much sought after and competent partner when it comes to developing modern and complex insulating glass and integrating it in exciting projects.

In the ‘Cité de l'Océan et du Surf’ designed by Steven Holl Architects, functional glass from OKALUX supports the extraordinary atmosphere. The museum with its unconventional and dynamic configuration was nominated as the winner by more than 65,000 readers of the online platform ArchDaily in the BUILDING OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011. The translucent shell of the museum consists for the most part of glass with the capillary insert KAPILUX from OKALUX. The glass diffuses the daylight deeply and evenly into the underground rooms while affording very good sun and glare protection.

The insulating glass producer from Marktheidenfeld is also a convincing partner in the development of new product ideas. The Lightpanel iso from the designpanel company was distinguished with the iF material design award gold 2012. OKALUX was responsible for the embedment of innovative LED light technology in the glass. The element impressed the jury with its successful symbiosis of function and design. Lightpanel iso was given a high score for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Patrick Coppée and Dr. Frank Schneider from OKALUX as well as Rüdiger Szak and Frank H. Weimer from designpanel (left to right) accepting the prize in the BMW Welt on 10. February 2012.

Cité de l'Océan et du Surf by Steven Holl Architects with KAPILUX functional glass from OKALUX / Photo: Fernando Guerra

Fascinating light effects are created with the award winning iso light panel. Bus stop Hochzoll in Augsburg designed by Rita Kriege / Photo: Christian Schwab

Bus stop Hochzoll in Augsburg designed by Rita Kriege / Photo: Christian Schwab

Model Residence for Treasure Hill Developments, image courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann

Model Residence for Treasure Hill Developments, image courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann

Cecconi Simone has designed the model for a community of thirty-seven contemporary townhouses – ranging from 2,654 s. f. to 3,705 s. f. – by Treasure Hill Developments in Downtown Toronto.

Showcasing a portion of a typical residence, the 662 s.f. model is a careful study in urban living, its manifest simplicity belying its essential complexity. It embodies the modern impulse for openness, unity, and fluidity, within which functional parts are accommodated effortlessly. The character of the different zones is easy to read though their interrelationship is dense and multi-faceted.

Model Residence for Treasure Hill Developments, image courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann

Three distinct yet continuous areas – dine-cook-live – are defined clearly within the spatial totality, linked by an interplay of surface planes in cadence; horizontal and vertical, matte and reflective, transparent and opaque, dark and light. Deep espresso, custom millwork contracts the space, creating intimacy and warmth, while the white lacquer, custom kitchen island provides visual expansion and release. The oak stair on a single stringer behind floor-to-ceiling plate glass is highlighted with LEDs, imbuing it with complexity and dimensional depth.

Model Residence for Treasure Hill Developments, image courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann

As part of the overall design discourse, there are few freestanding or decorative furnishings within the show home. The integrity of its interior architecture stands on its own, enlivened with carefully-calibrated artificial and natural light. Sliding veneer panels – for concealed storage, media, and food preparation – maintain the model's architectonic focus, ensuring clear and extended sight lines. The eye is led through the space where its discrete elements are introduced then fused into a seamless whole.

Model Residence for Treasure Hill Developments, image courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann

Model Residence for Treasure Hill Developments, image courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann

+ Project facts

Model Residence by Cecconi Simone
Toronto, Canada

Interior Design: Cecconi Simone Inc. | www.cecconisimone.com
Developer: Treasure Hill Developments
Photography: Joy von Tiedemann

+ About Cecconi Simone Bio

Cecconi Simone Inc. is a multi-disciplinary interior-design practice based in Toronto, Canada. Under the direction of Elaine Cecconi and Anna Simone, the firm has distinguished itself with an ability to generate creative solutions to the design challenges facing the contemporary client.

Cecconi Simone has met with continued success since its founding in 1982, producing award-wining designs for the retail, corporate, government, hospitality and residential sectors. Recent projects have encompassed multi-unit condominium and townhome developments, hotels and private residences in Canada, the United States, the British West Indies, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India and China.

Cecconi Simone's wide-ranging work is central to its "whole design" philosophy; the belief that a cross-pollination of design experience leads to a deeper understanding of how people live their lives and the design needs that arise from those lifestyles.

+ All images courtesy Cecconi Simone | Photo by Joy von Tiedemann