When the international property mogul John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck, creative director of yoo, joined forcesin 1999 to create the firm ‘yoo inspiredby Starck', design enthusiasts and investors all over the world knew the collaboration would be an immediate success. Since then yoo has worked on 38 projects worldwide and has left its signature mark on eachof its high-class developments.
Yoo's most recent residential development in Moscow and its first in the Russian market was specifically designed for 21st-century globetrotters who have an appreciation for the yoo inspired by Starck lifestyle.
"The residents of Barkli Park are well-travelled and design-focused individuals so they have an appreciation of the yoo inspired by Starck atmosphere. We specified furniture and soft furnishings specifically for this market as well as looking at details such as sanitaryware and ironmongery to create interest and a sense of the unique," says Hitchcox.
This ethos is reflected in the custom-made pieces designed by Starck. In particular, the lobby areas incorporate several custom-made items, like the stretched banquette seating, the long linear chandelier and a giant pyramid chandelier. "Occasionally some of the furniture will incorporate custom finishes and colours not available in the general market but otherwise most things can be found if you know where to look," says Hitchcox.
Each of the 130 apartments set within two high-rise luxury towers is equipped with an eclectic treasure chest full of designer interiors and accessories influenced by Starck's four inspirational design palettes: Classic, Culture, Minimal and Nature. This allows buyers the freedom to choose the type of finishes they want for their homes.
Starck's clean, modern-edge style is seen throughout the apartment layouts, although the entire project from conceptual design to finishing touches is a collaboration between yoo design studio and Philippe Starck. Hitchcox says, "We work in the realisation of Philippe's vision forthe project, but it's a very democratic process. Philippe always says to leave our egos under the table, and let the best idea win!"
In terms of colour and texture, each of the four styles is impressive in its own right. "Minimal is ideal for those who want to add their own layers and ideas. Classic is most appealing to the connoisseur with an understanding and enjoyment of the finer things in life. It's deeply tactile and sensual, appealing to all the senses with soft leathers, dark woods and rich fabrics," says Hitchcox. "The nature palette is for those who love to live with fresh air, blue sky, the smell of fresh cut grass, purity and simplicity. Culture encapsulates Starck's passion for appropriating the most beautiful and exquisitely produced objects and ideas from the local environment, and placing them alongside the best of today's international design."
Considering the fact that some of the furniture has been modified to complement the yoo inspired by Starck philosophy, translating the same stylish and eclectic mix of styles into our own homes can still be achieved thanks to the decor selected by the yoo design studio. The apartments come with accessories and soft furnishings from renowned home interiors stores such as The White Company, John Lewis and popular designer brands like Designers Guild, Moooi, Fritz Hansen, The New English, Flos, Cappellini, Fratelli Boffi, and with Starck's bathroom range he designed for Duravit and Axor.
For yoo, lighting plays a vital role when it comes to creating a dramatic atmosphere — especially in and around theBarkli Park premises. "We have perimeter lighting around the edge of all spaces," explains Hitchcox. "We sometimes use over-scaled, large pendant fittings in smaller rooms, like studies. Otherwise we keep it simple and clean with recessed spotlights."
The main inspiration for Barkli Park's design scheme was to incorporate natural elements with references to the four changing seasons while the overall design concept is very eco-friendly. "Barkli Park is designed as an innovative building," says Hitchcox. "The construction of which uses environmentally friendly materials wherever possible."
When asked about how people worldwide can introducethe same themes into their own houses, Hitchcox advises:"Interior design in your own home is always a very personal thing. Take inspiration from everything you see around you and start to incorporate ideas in a small way and live with them for a while to see how they make you feel."
