LAS VEGAS, Jan. 24, 2013 (ANTARA/PRNewswire) -- Bassenian Lagoni Architects (BLA) and developer Longfor Properties Ltd. received the award for Best International Architectural Design for Summer Palace Splendor, a community of 91 luxury villas in Beijing, China. Cited by the National Association of Home Builders in a category crowded with entries, Summer Palace Splendor was recognized for its exquisite design detail, as well as the overall care and finesse that marks this extraordinary community.
Longfor challenged BLA President Jeff LaFetra and Vice Chairman Carl Lagoni to develop architecture that fuses elements of the past with the modern day, while staying true to the heritage of the Chinese culture. "The client encouraged us to respond to this one-of-a-kind site with architecture as richly detailed as its neighboring cultural landmarks," explains Mr. LaFetra, describing the project location near the centuries-old Summer Palace. "After much research, Carl Lagoni began the thoughtful process of crafting homes that bridge the old and the new and deliver an unparalleled standard of luxury."
Designed for Living
Covering an area of approximately 97,809 square meters (m2), the villas at Summer Palace Splendor range in size from 900 m2 to 2,500 m2. The community echoes the surrounding area, with each residence incorporating lush gardens and beautiful landscape. The architecture features a harmonious ensemble of outstanding details and rich materials that combine to create a one-of-a-kind look for this unique project and location.
"Our assignment as architects is to design homes that link to the past, yet look forward in terms of lifestyle and technology," says Mr. Lagoni. "That vision is brought to life by skilled hands to create a home of character that also appeals to the senses."
BLA designed the four-story villas with two levels above ground and two below. At each level, residents enjoy garden views and outdoor spaces that embody traditional Chinese landscape design. Sunken courtyards create private outdoor retreats, while large windows in the above-ground rooms afford views to nearby Kunming Lake.
"We pride ourselves on being on the leading edge of design," explains President Jeff LaFetra. "We try to help define the trends, rather than just replicating them, and we thrive on architectural challenges like those presented by Beijing Longfor Properties at Summer Palace Splendor. We're delighted by this award and grateful for the partnership with Beijing Longfor."
BLA's reputation for best-in-class design solutions has earned the firm hundreds of design awards and clients around the globe. Currently, the company designs new communities throughout North America, China, North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and India. In each locale and every culture, the firm's talented team of designers works to bridge geographical and cultural divides through good architecture.
ABOUT BASSENIAN LAGONI ARCHITECTS
Innovation in design is a BLA trademark. With a staff of more than 100 people in offices in Newport Beach, Calif., and Shanghai, China, the firm creates fresh and marketable solutions to complex design challenges. Please visit www.bassenianlagoni.com to learn more.
Editor: PR Wire
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
