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Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku’s Exceptional Charm Drives Record Number of Design Awards in GARDE’s History

Candeo Hotels Karasuma Rokkaku has received an Honorable Mention in the Renovation category of the prestigious DNA Paris Design Awards, an international design accolade held annually in the vibrant city of Paris, France. This recognition marks the sixth award garnered by Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku.

The hallmark of Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku lies in the redesign of a valuable machiya (townhouse), the former Banke Residence, which is registered as a tangible cultural property of Kyoto City. Our mission has been to honor the vision of its client by preserving and restoring this invaluable traditional architectural gem, breathing new life into it as a splendid and distinctive hotel.

The Banke Residence stands as an exquisite example of machiya architecture, renowned for its opulent layout and interior spaces meticulously crafted by a prosperous merchant. This architectural gem was primarily designed to embody spiritual richness and offer unparalleled comfort, featuring a charming courtyard that allows residents to savor the ever-changing beauty of the seasons.

In the realm of design, the concept embraced for this project seeks to harness and elevate the inherent virtues of the Banke Residence. Here, the preciousness of this historical treasure is likened to the brilliance of a jewel, and the interiors are adorned with glittering decorations reminiscent of bijoux (jewelry). This approach seamlessly marries the splendor of Kyoto’s traditional crafts and ornaments with a modern sensibility, resulting in a harmonious fusion of the past and the present.

The endeavor to achieve a design that seamlessly integrates with the rich historical surroundings, brimming with iconic buildings and heritage, led to the thoughtful incorporation of elements reminiscent of Japanese-style architecture. The hallmark straight lines of Japanese design were skillfully employed, complemented by a palette inspired by travertine hues, warm pink and intricate bronze detailing. The outcome is a space that presents an unexpected fusion of Western aesthetics within a traditional context. The inclusion of walnut further enhances the overall sense of opulence.

In addition to the meticulous design, new spaces like a library and a bar have been thoughtfully introduced to offer guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in and appreciate every facet of Kyoto’s historical machiya and its deep-rooted traditional culture. In essence, this establishment operates as a cultural facility where visitors can both stay and partake in a rich cultural experience.

◆DNA Paris Design Awards 2023
The DNA Paris Design Awards, held in the vibrant city of Paris, France, serves as a prestigious platform for recognizing exceptional designers across various domains, encompassing architecture, interior design, landscape design, graphic design, and product design. This distinguished accolade was established through the collaborative efforts of the Farmani Group and In Between, a dynamic creative collective dedicated to nurturing and celebrating exceptional design talent on a global scale.

◆Awarded Project Overview:
Property：Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
Category：INTERIOR DESIGN – Renovation

GARDE actively participates in numerous national and international awards annually, with a steadfast commitment to showcasing the excellence of its spaces and designs, even after the completion of property projects. This dedication underscores GARDE’s unwavering pursuit of design excellence and innovation.

GARDE plans and produces the “Regional Revitalization Design Award,” a project commemorating the 140th anniversary of Tobishima’s establishment.

Event

GARDE is committed to sharing the client’s vision and providing support in brand building and value enhancement through the three pillars of “consulting,” “design,” and “coordination.”

We are excited to announce the “Regional Revitalization Design Award,” a project planned and produced by GARDE to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Tobishima Corporation’s establishment.

As part of Tobishima’s 140th-anniversary commemorative project, known as the “Project to Energize Local Regions,” we are calling for innovative ideas to promote the transformation of local regions through LX (Local Transformation). Our aim is to turn these regions into stages for new challenges, including local revitalization, problem-solving, efficiency improvement, and convenience enhancement.

■Award Concept Movie

■Award Overview
Title: Regional Revitalization Design Award
– Tobishima’s 140th Anniversary –

Theme: Design for Regional Revitalization
*Any idea that addresses this social issue is welcome, regardless of its form of expression.

Application period: August 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024

Application Method: Please submit your ideas using the entry form at https://tobishima-award.com/

Eligibility: Applicants must be individuals or groups aged 18-35 as of April 1, 2023, and residing in Japan. In the case of a group application, all members must meet the eligibility requirements, and the consent of all members is required.

Number of Entries: Each applicant is allowed to submit one entry as an individual or as part of a group. Individual applicants cannot submit duplicate entries as group members.

Application Requirements: Entrants must agree to and abide by the “Regional Revitalization Design Award Application Guidelines” when applying for the award.

Composition of Awards:
– Grand Prize (1 winner): 3 million yen
– Outstanding Performance (3 winners): 1,000,000 yen each
– Honorable Mention (3 winners): 300,000 yen each
– Encouragement Prize (5 winners): 100,000 yen each
In addition to these prizes, there will be special awards to further recognize outstanding contributions.

For more details, terms, and conditions, please visit the following link: https://tobishima-award.com/

■Press Release
For additional information, please refer to the press release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000123109.html

GARDE is taking part in the creation of Polène’s inaugural flagship store in Asia, rene of the most sought-after brands from Paris. The store is poised to open its doors on September 1st.

Project, Trend

Polène, a distinguished brand hailing from Paris, specializes in crafting leather goods. Since its establishment in 2016, Polène has been retailing its products through both a flagship store and an online platform. After making its way into the Japanese market in 2020 through online sales, the brand is now gearing up to launch its very first flagship store in Asia this year.

In this project, GARDE has held a pivotal role, overseeing the local architectural aspects, including the fundamental and execution designs, project management, and the construction itself.

The design of the new Polène store, like its counterparts in Paris and New York, has been envisioned by the French designer Valériane Lazard. While the core essence of Polène’s identity remains intact, this Tokyo store will also incorporate unique elements inspired by the city, such as fixtures with urushi lacquer touches, infusing a Japanese aesthetic.
The interior ambiance of the store has been meticulously curated, featuring highlights like large-scale midnight blue art glass, a creation of the French glass artist Emmanuel Barrois. Leather-crafted ceiling light fixtures and staircase railings, along with walls finished in sand plaster with subdued tones, collectively contribute to an environment that truly encapsulates the Polène experience.

♦About Polène
Founded in 2016 by a trio of siblings, the French House of Polène has gained recognition for its collection of fine leather goods and jewelry. These creations boast original forms that beautifully marry the minimalist approach with creative expression, all masterfully crafted by skilled artisans. The meticulous handcrafting process takes place in Ubrique, a Spanish city renowned for its rich heritage in leather craftsmanship.

For further details, you can explore Polène’s official platforms:
Polène EC Store：https://jp.polene-paris.com/
Tokyo Store：https://jp.polene-paris.com/blogs/stores/tokyo
Press Release：https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000122219.html

Photographs courtesy of Polène.

For other projects that GARDE has been involved in, please visit the following link:
https://garde-intl.com/top.php?lang=en

GARDE was honored to be involved in the production of CASETiFY STUDiO AMU PLAZA HAKATA and CASETiFY OSAKA.

Project, Trend

CASETiFY is a smartphone case and tech accessory brand that gained popularity on social networking sites after its customizable smartphone cases and Apple watch bands became a hot topic among celebrities and influencers in Japan and abroad.

GARDE was responsible for the design, local architecture, and construction of two projects: Amu Plaza Hakata, the first store to open in the Kyushu area, and Osaka, the first flagship store in the brand’s history.

■CASETiFY STUDiO AMU PLAZA HAKATA

Amu Plaza Hakata is an eye-catching space with CASETiFY monogram and logo sign.

To promote a global environmentally friendly approach, “RECASETiFY” boxes are set up to collect used phone cases, not only the company’s own products, which can be recycled.

Open Date：March 3, 2023
Address：1F 1-1 Hakata station chuogai, Hakata, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka.
TEL：092-260-3953
Business Hours：10：00～20:00 (Business hours may vary.)
https://www.casetify.com/visit-us/jp/amu-plaza-hakata

■CASETiFY OSAKA

CASETiFY’s world’s first flagship store opens in Shinsaibashi.

The store, with a total sales floor space of 103.7㎡, was designed by world-renowned architect André Fu. The design pays homage to Japanese tradition and craftsmanship, harmonizing with CASETiFY’s stylish and creative impression to create a space that is finished to perfection.

Open Date：June 23, 2023
住所：2-8-2, Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
TEL：06-4256-2958
Business Hours：10：00～21:00 (Business hours may vary.)
https://www.casetify.com/visit-us/jp/osaka-shinsaibashi

■CASETiFY
https://www.casetify.com/

Image Source:CASETiFY

GARDE Project Awarded at Worldwide Design Awards

Trend

The International Property Awards, established in 1993, have rapidly gained renown as one of the most prestigious awards based in the U.K. Meanwhile, the Muse Design Award, introduced by the New York-based IAA, aims to honor creative and design professionals and enjoys widespread recognition worldwide.

GARDE’s outstanding projects have been recognized and awarded at these esteemed international competitions. Further details are provided below.

International Property awards 2023-2024
– Award Overview
The International Property Awards were created to celebrate excellence in the property and real estate industry across all sectors. The competition is divided into nine regions, including the UK, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe, and is evaluated by a team of experienced professionals representing various real estate domains.

– Project Overview
Winning entry：Candeo hotels Kyoto karasuma rokkaku
Category：Hotel Interior in the Asia Pacific region
For more information about the project, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardedesignmagazine.com/%E3%80%8Epeople-design-space%E3%80%8F2/

Muse Design Award 2023
– Award Overview
Established in 2015, the MUSE Design Awards pay tribute to creative and design professionals, with judging conducted by a panel of approximately 40 international experts. The organizers, International Awards Associate (IAA), are deeply committed to advancing the industry by discovering and recognizing both new and established talent.

– Project Overview
Winning entry：Prince smart inn Kyoto sanjo
Category：Hotels & Resorts
To explore more details about the project, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardedesignmagazine.com/prince-smart-inn-kyoto-sanjo/

GARDE actively participates in various national and international awards each year, aiming to promote the excellence of its spaces and designs even after the completion of property projects.