Attention to Detail

As a multidisciplinary studio, 212box’s methodology is holistic and in-depth, and rigorously detail-oriented - an approach that lends a refined luxury and experiential quality to each of their projects. This way-of-working is also demonstrated in their highly collaborative nature, both with their clients, and the designers and makers they work with.

This is strongly reflected in the exceptional layering of collaborations in the firm’s work on the Arabella Building in Houston, Texas. 212box’s initial work on the building’s lobby set the tone for the collaborative attention to detail that was to permeate all aspects of the project - ultimately to include the amenities floor and glorious Penthouse apartment. Tapping into their global network of luxury makers and talented artisans, 212box worked closely with Arabella’s developer, Roberto Contreras and Randall Davis, during the design phase to establish an identity and brand for the space.

The striking monochrome flooring (a ‘must have’ from the developers) was tweaked to create a dynamic flow from the front doors to the concierge desk. Four distinct areas in the space are designed to evoke different moods, but which are pulled together by a coherent design aesthetic.

The entryway makes a grand impression, with two eight-foot, custom-made chandeliers hanging from its twenty-two-foot ceiling. On the walls, a book-matched Delmata marble relief softens the geometry of the flooring in the same tone, while leather panels stitched with brass staples bring warmth. Meanwhile, in the waiting area, designed to evoke a feeling of luxurious escape and tranquility, dreamlike blues glow in the sunshine to create a feeling of serenity and calm. A carefully designed undulating metal screen with varying transparency and opacity allows visitors to see approaching guests, while also providing a processional to the elevator bank. The sumptuous elevator space mixes leather panels, rich woods and Italian brass furniture, while the mailroom is elevated from utilitarian status to gleam in gold. Finally, an intimate feel and timeless elegance is created in the sitting area just off the lobby, with a generous curved sofa and six-foot long fireplace, accompanied by an apt mural by Toronto-based artist Karen Darling and manufactured by Area Environments, titled ‘Smoke on the Water’ - chosen to emulate billowing embers.

Find out more about 212box’s latest project with their celebrated collaborators in their newly launched book written by Saxon Henry and published by The Images Publishing Group; 212box Collaborations: A Houston Penthouse, available to purchase from online bookstores.

https://212box.com