Editor’s Note

The architectural elements of a house may come with many practical considerations but that doesn’t stop design experts from wanting to work around them in order to create a unique space. A case in point is a couple who wanted to build a home in Niseko, Hokkaido, that eschewed all the typical boxy abodes in the area that were deemed more practical for a ski destination. The couple worked with a team of professionals to create a light-filled luxury residence complete with floorto-ceiling windows, skylights, terraces and an indoor pool (p.58). Another home in Double Bay, Sydney, features a lower level that is completely transparent, blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor areas and allowing the occupants to soak in the stunning views of the harbour (p.48).

Designer André Fu, who was behind the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Bangkok with his studio AFSO, tells readers how he relished the idea of working on such an iconic, classic hotel brand on the top floors of Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard (p.40), a curvy, contemporary glass tower designed to resemble a flower. And our High Roller Home for this issue is a mansion in Los Angeles that adheres to the Palladian style of architecture from 16th century Venice throughout its vast 31,000sqft space (p.84).

When a designer or architect pushes the creative boundaries of a project, it sets a new bar for the field and encourages people to rethink what can and cannot be done in a space.