Space invests S$50 million into its first Asia flagship showroom in Singapore
Singapore, August 24, 2010 – High-end furniture retailer Space, headquartered in Australia, will invest S$50 million into the launch of its new Group flagship complex in Singapore, the Space Asia Hub, due to be completed by mid/3rd quarter 2011.
The revolutionary multiplex showcase will occupy an area of 4,000 sqm at Bencoolen Street. The new complex, which is being redesigned by WOHA Architects, will spread across three blocks where two conservation buildings will be retrofitted, with the middle block given a minimalistic and contemporary look and feel. The new Space Asia Hub will feature premium European modern contemporary furniture brands including the likes of B&B Italia, Giorgetti, Cassina, Carl Hansen & Son, Flexform, Fritz Hansen, Kartell, Poliform, Moooi, Vitra, Varenna by Polifom and more.
Mr Syddal Wee, General Manager of Space Furniture, Asia Operations, said, “Propelled by the increase in upmarket properties in the region, as well as the rise in demand for luxury furniture, Singapore – with its strong economic fundamentals - was simply the ideal place to set up the Space Group’s first Asia hub.”
“Space represents the most number of top-tier European furniture companies in Asia – 14, at last count – and our brand partners also see Singapore as the springboard to launch their products into the rest of Asia. When opened, the Space Asia Hub will be the platform as the launch pad for ultra-luxe furniture pieces specially designed by the Europeans for the Asian region,” he added.
The new hub will be uniquely divided into three distinct yet conjoined blocks:
Conservation Bungalow at Unit 81 – This 800 sqm, conservation two-level standalone bungalow will be fitted out as a high-end residential showcase, fully furnished with Giorgetti and Poliform furniture collection, Poliform wardrobe systems and Varenna by Poliform kitchen systems.
This bungalow will be identified as a signature site where it will be the venue for ultra-luxe events and functions catering to lifestyle and tastes of the high net-worth individuals and successful personalities.
Contemporary Design Block at Unit 77 – This 2,100 sqm, middle block is built to four levels and designated to house multiple brands with internal connections to Conservation Bungalow at Unit 81 and Conservation Shophouse at Unit 71.
It will be the main activity block which will be visually attractive particularly at night as multiple level displays can be seen from street level. The 4th level leads out to an outdoor landscape area.
The brands housed within are: Acerbis, Cassina, Flos, Flexform, Fritz Hansen, Kartell, Louis Poulsen, Moooi, Vitra and many more.
This high-level activity block will be an inspirational place for all who love design and customers can sit on chairs and tables from the various brands enjoying gourmet coffee at the in-house café.
Conservation Shophouse at Unit 71 – Spanning 1,100 sqm, this 2 1/2 storey conservation shophouse unit will be converted to one with distinctive architecture style which provides standalone character for flagship-type store, yet connected to the adjacent block. The brands presented within this block will include B&B Italia, Maxalto, Carl Hansen & Son and Driade.
Mr Chan Ee Mun, Senior Associate of WOHA and architect of the Space Asia Hub, said: “This was a unique opportunity to collaborate on the creation of a significant contemporary addition to our city’s collection of heritage sites and revisit some of the common themes of how best to enhance the use and spatial appreciation of our conserved buildings. With Space, we have like-minded clients whose business is to enhance spatial qualities with the best contemporary furniture available. We look forward to the finished product which will be a showcase in every sense”.
Mr Syddal Wee added: “The Space Asia Hub will not only serve as a showcase of some of the finest modern contemporary furniture pieces that top-tier European brands have to show, but it will also provide a modern lifestyle experience to everyone who is passionate about the quality of design and the quality of life.”
The Space Asia Hub is expected to be completed by mid/3rd quarter of 2011 and officially launched in 4th quarter of 2011.
