Berlin starts the New Year with one of the most successful fashion events not only of Germany – the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Fashion victims, designer, models, starlets, actors and all people with a passion for fine clothing will hit the city and spread across shows, stores, galleries, restaurants and clubs. Main events taking place from January 19th till January 22nd at Bebelplatz, right in the historic centre of Berlin. The fashion epic centre is located near the pulsing hip district Mitte whit all its fancy shops and galleries. The historic part of Berlin along the street “Unter den Linden” stretches from the well known “Brandenburger Tor” all the way to the Alexanderplatz. The main tent of Fashion Week stands right in front of Rocco Forte’s glitzy 5* Hotel de Rome. The “Gendarmenmarkt” and Berlins shopping street “Friedrichstrasse”, Berlins world famous Museum Island are also right around the corner. Fashion and design are inevitable interconnected and so is architecture and design. When strolling through the streets of Berlin there are great examples of good architecture around. My favourites around these neighbourhoods are the “Neue Nationalgalerie” built by architecture icon Mies van der Rohe, the “Deutsches Historisches Museum” by I.M. Pei and Frank O Gehry’s designed headquarter of DZ Bank with its awesome interior space.

Only a stone’s throw away is Berlin’s newest and most sophisticated luxury residential development Yoo Berlin. At Yoo Berlin, fashion meets design and architecture in a very sexy way. Interiors are designed by noted designer Philippe Starck who set footprints all over the world already. I am pretty sure there will be some fantastic events held in Berlin, and clubs will be filled up by all the fashion victims from around the globe.  So get your dancing shoes ready to celebrate Germanys hottest fashion nights.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Daniel Libeskind, known for his deconstructive architecture, as seen in examples such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and on the expansion of the Denver Art Museum, to name just a few examples of his work, has finally completed  his first  private home. The German edition of Architectural Digest published the building in its recent January issue and offered interesting insights on it. Daniel Libeskind designed for some of his art scene friends, a very spectacular weekend house in Connecticut, United States - which is called 18.36.54.This eccentric name comes from a spiraling ribbon of 18 planes, defined by 36 points connected by 54 lines. The shape of the Libeskind building is typical, with tips, edges, dislocations, fractures and folds and interesting insights. Similarly is the Libeskind’s metal cladding that was used on of the facade which gives the 190sq.m large house a special, reflective note. An architectural critic describes Libeskind’s newest building as „a sea snail, standing under high voltage ….” However, the comparison with a distorted crystal or a “hyperactive Origami in polished brass” is rather close. The draft for this home is based on the design of a Libeskind designed garden pavilion for London’s Serpentine Gallery. The interior reminds me in a way of some of the interiors of the Goldstein Residence designed by John Lautner in Hollywood Hills. 

Equally interesting is that the architectural features shown in this structure are an essential part of the “The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series” design.  The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series is a residential project in which only 30 copies are planned to be built exclusively by him worldwide in a “prefab“ designed house. A prototype of this villa was already installed in Germany and is used as a reception and representation building for one of its partners for many large projects he is working with. The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series is far less spectacular than the building that was built in Connecticut, but this is due also to the idea of the relative economic production in the planned quantities. Compared to “normal” single-family homes and villas this structure simply stands out and delights with the typical Libeskind design. The fans of Libeskind’s architecture that would like to buy the world’s first example, have the opportunity to fulfill their dream with a beautifully situated property in Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore. Here, the architecture interconnects with the typical Ticino landscape, flora and fauna. Looking at the exterior of the villa 18:36:54 one can only guess how the interior design of The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series looks like, as Daniel Libeskind will show us how he designed the distinctive central kitchen area. All we can say to the ones who are passionately interested in the house built in Connecticut, is that they should take into account the possibility of The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series. The project in Ticino, which is the world’s first complete offer of this kind, inclusive beautiful located plot, is probably the best option. If interested, I will gladly provide more information about this unique residential project.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Seems that Berlins tough times are going to be history in near future, at least signs of recovery are obvious everywhere. Outlook for the once divided city is bright and the German capital gains more and more attention and recognition world wide. Celebrating 20 years of reunification, Berlin uses its not so glamorous past to show off its free and affluent future.

For me, Berlin has been and still is Germany’s SOHO, Greenwich, Wapping, Notting Hill or what ever other trendy city quarter you like to name. Soon after the wall came down, creative’s, artists and musicians moved to Berlin and enjoyed the open minded and free spirit you could and still can experience everywhere. The city is undergoing a transformation into a very much hot spot in Germany. Berlin’s trendsetter potential is well known and a recently published article in the Telegraph headlines their story the following “Berlin joins the cool crowd” what perfectly describes the city’s current status.
 

Sometimes, I believe all these positive news about Berlin’s growth and bright future outlook is so new to the city that it’s hard for Berliners to handle them and so it’s still very common to question everything rather than believe in the good. Of course, there is still a long way to go considering where the city is coming from and what difficulties it had to deal with – financial, economical and social wise. Therefore, it’s even more welcome when positive news makes a circuit.

Just today, Financial Times Germany published an article called “The capital on a roll” where they look at Berlin under the attention of the new international airport BBI who is scheduled to open for business in June 2012. The newly constructed Willy-Brandt-Airport, named after the former politician, is located in the very south of Berlin and will replace all three existing airports (airport Tempelhof already closed for business). The new and approx 2 Billion Euro expensive airport is planed to handle up to 27 million travellers with an additional extension planed to handle up to 45 million passengers in the end. Right now, the airport will rank Germanys 3rd largest after Frankfurt and Munich. Politics and economy link great hope with the airport. The region Berlin-Brandenburg is booming for quite some time, but which is barely perceived. A recent city ranking by the “Hamburgerisches Weltwirtschaftsinstitute” (HWWI) did take a look at 30 German cities where Berlin made a jump from the 24th to the 8th rank. HWWI boss Thomas Straubhaar states: “The growth engine started and locational advantages such as education, accessibility improved by far and continue to have an effect.
 

Berlin’s senator for economics states: “Already this year, the real national output will be higher than before the crises.” The long time not recognized industry is going to become more important again and the new BBI airport is a very important prerequisite for even more growth.

We experience Berlins increasing appeal by a broad range of interested parties from all over the globe looking for real estate opportunities in Berlin. We are proud to be able to offer them one of the most sparkling luxury residential developments currently available – Yoo Berlin. With celebrating the ground breaking ceremony few weeks ago and construction on its way, the development will be scheduled to open in 2013. Just last week, I was happy to attend the official launch party of the Yoo Berlin by Philippe Starck development which took place at the projects beautiful showroom, located on site. Philippe Starck - the iconic star designer, Eike Becker – the architect of the buildings exterior, Dr. Thomas Wolfelsberger – CEO of Peach Property Group (the developer), Jon Hitchcox – co-founder of Yoo and many other guests form showbiz, culture and economic gathered at the successful launch party. Yoo Berlin is going to be Berlin’s most successful luxury residential development with already 30% of all planed 87 apartments sold off plan. Yoo Berlin, the city’s most luxurious new scheme will be home to apartments, townhouses and penthouses as well as a boutique hotel and some small commercial units. The glamorous 10-storey block is located right on the river Spree and in close proximity to the governmental district, the famous shopping street Friedrichstrasse and all the fancy restaurants, bars and galleries of Berlin Mitte.

I am looking forward to go back to Berlin for another trip and would be happy to provide all interested people with more detailed information on Yoo Berlin or any other possible real estate opportunities. Please contact me me for more information.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

There are not many places on earth famous for their rich culture and feel of the “Arabian Nights” like Marrakech, Morocco. The city attracts a number of celebrities from all over the world and is well known for the spiritual experience its magical Medina offers. A-listers like Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Brad Pit, the Beckhams and many more already visited Marrakech where they enjoyed the bustling life of its ancient streets. Some of them loved it so much that they chose Marrakech for a vacation pied-à-terre where they bought either a beautiful riad within the Medina of Marrakech or a traditional Moroccan property in the outskirts of the city.

The latest coup is a luxurious development in the suburbs of Marrakech, where 15 villas are being built at the luxury five star Baglioni Marrakech Resort. Fashionista hottie Jade Jagger teamed up with design firm Yoo on the interior design of 15 villas. Jagger already worked with Yoo on their projects in New York, Dubai and Manchester. Yoo is well known for eccentric designed real estate where designer luminaries such as Philippe Starck styled the interior of apartments and penthouses, which soon became almost collector’s sough-after properties. The current most recognized development by Yoo is its development in Berlin where Philippe Starck designed the interior of all apartments, penthouses and townhouses.
 

It is very interesting to see how the Yoo style blends in with the typical Moroccan architecture. Jade Jagger planned a mixture of typical Yoo design elements in a combination with traditional Moroccan décor and ornaments implemented in the overall design. The architecture is very sleek and almost contemporary. For those who are more into the typical Moroccan architecture and design, and who are fans of the lifestyle within the walls of Marrakech’s Medina, Wetag Consulting is offering two very sophisticated luxury riads, located in the Dar El Bacha district, the most prestigious ZIP code in Marrakech’s Medina. The two riads offer a very luxurious lifestyle with all amenities you don’t want to miss, including home theatre, indoor pool, sauna/hamam, wine cellar, gym and much more. In close proximity to the guest house of the Moroccan King and not far from the airport, these riads offer Moroccan lifestyle at its best.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

There are dozens of great architects these days, but only a handful can be considered iconic, given by their controversial design or ingenuity of their works. Most of them such as luminaries like Frank Gehry, Shigaru Ban, Richard Meier, Tadao Ando, Santiago Calatrava and Rem Koolhaas just to name a few, are also ever-present in medias across the globe. Definitely not to be missed in that list is Daniel Libeskind. Not many architects split their audience that drastic into two opposite camps just by the look of their architecture and Mr. Libeskind is definitely one of them. People either hate or love what he is doing, but it doesn’t go without notice that he is quite successful. Maybe one of his biggest successes has been winning of the Ground Zero design competition where he was chosen to become the lead architect. Unfortunately, his involvement soon was disregarded and narrowed when he got some colleagues on his site who soon took over the overall design process creating a less spectacular architecture for Ground Zero.

Some of Daniel Libeskinds current most recognized works include the Las Vegas MGM Mirage City Center, the Extension to the Denver Art Museum, the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Military History Museum in Dresden and the Fiera Milano project only to name a few. All its past, current and future works make him one of the big players in commercial architecture leaving some people dreaming of a Daniel Libeskind designed single-family-residence to call it their own Libeskind. Up to that point a few months ago where he announced his latest coup – the design of “The Villa-Libeskind Signature Series.”

The New York-based architect has teamed up with the German builder Proportion to produce a limited-edition series of 5,500-square-foot dwellings dubbed “Villa Libeskind.”

“This is the first small intimate house that I have designed for an individual or a family, which really reaches into the depths of a new experience of living and architecture,” says Libeskind, who calls the residence a “walk-in sculpture.” A prototype was unveiled in October 2009 in Datteln, Germany, on the campus of Rheinzink, the zinc panel manufacturer, where the villa serves as their welcome center what led into a slightly different use than the villa was originally planned.

This first week in September, I was able to finally make a trip to visit the prototype. We at Wetag Consulting market the projects first to be built villa on a beautiful lot in a sloping hillside position in Locarno/Orselina, Switzerland, overlooking gorgeous Lake Maggiore. It is a very prominent but still hidden location what totally reflects the building’s story. Daniel Libeskind designed the building like a crystal growing from rock, where a dramatic structure emerges from the ground.

Turning into the parking lot of Rheinzink, your eyes will immediately focus on the villas imposing appearance. Without a doubt, the building is right away recognized as a work of Daniel Libeskind. A trio of interlocking architectural bands envelops the Villa in striking angles, creating a dramatic, asymmetrical interior of spiraling, two-story peaks and smooth transitions to secluded terraces. Mimicking the Jewish Museum in Berlin and other architectural masterpieces by Daniel Libeskind, the Villa’s exterior is enveloped by an elegant standing-seam zinc façade, which enables the use of 21st Century technologies such as a solar thermal system and a rain water harvesting system.

Entering the entrance area, the dramatic lines and the allegedly wild use of angles continues in the interior as well, shaping a dramatic and eye catching living space. The ground floor consists of 2 rooms which could work as bedroom, library, home office, guest quarters or whatever else you would like them to be. The entrance area with the staircase, leading to the upper floor with all the private areas, is divided by a wall from the loft like open living room, featuring an open kitchen (optionally also designed by Libeskind) as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides flood the living area with natural light. Incline planes, Libeskind like ribbon windows, light wells and strange angles in the villas overall construction proof the building to be an original Libeskind throughout and give it an even surreal guise. It’s not a secret, but “The Villa-Libeskind Signature Series” is not for everyone. The future owner should be an architectural enthusiast, should love design and most of all should appreciate and understand Daniel Libeskind’s design language. In my opinion, gallery owners, artists, creative’s or similar will have their joy on this villa and will most likely impress not only their friends and acquaintances, but also their neighbors.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz

On February 4th 2009, T.C. Boyle published is new book “The Woman”. Once again, he is talking about another famous American and this time its Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), one of the most visionary architects of all time. However, if you think that this will be a book about Mr. Wright itself and its architecture, you will be surprised. The book focuses on the woman alongside Frank Lloyd Wright’s. Did you know that Mr. Wright’s first employee was a woman? Marion Mahony is her name and she wasn’t only his secretary or housekeeper. Mahony became the world’s first licensed architect and joined Wright in its newly founded company after FLW got fired by Louis Sullivan for taking on outside commissions on the sly.

“The Woman” is the 13th book by T.C. Boyle what he wrote in its house, the famous Stewart House by Frank Lloyd Wright, built in 1910. Boyle is living here with its family since almost 10 years and appreciates the architecture of FLW since he saw it the first time. There are only a few fine and rare examples of great architecture left these days and one of these architectural gems can be found in Vienna. Now, you may think of Richard Neutra who was born in Vienna in1892, but I am referring to another great architect of those days, Adolf Loos. Loos and Wright had a few things in common – Wright built his first house when he was 25 and Loos when he was 27, but both architects garnered acclaim for free-standing dwellings, although both designed many other kinds of well-known buildings. Loos made contact with FLW and Wright was asking him to contribute in one of its exhibitions about modern interior. If you like the architecture than you should check out this great and rare example of Adolf Loos in Vienna. Nestled on park-like grounds, the villa houses a lot of Loos’s interior design, kept in great conditions. It’s a remarkable and museum quality piece of architecture and rare to find throughout Europe.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz

Are buildings by those famous architects the new ‘Case Study Houses’ of the 21st century, but just on another scale?

For me, architecture can be very fascinating, but also very odious and unfortunately, that’s to often the case. However, New York is a pulsing metropolis with lots of good architecture, but more likely in a much more urban environment than other places. The challenges are more complex because of the spacing and many other building codes and restrictions. Nevertheless, very cool projects are on its way and a few of them just got noted by the New York Magazine’s list of top building designs for 2008. Beside my favorite, the “Bird’s Nest” by “Herzog & De Meuron”, what is looking like a rotating camshaft creating new looks from each angle you are looking at, there got also featured a dangerous looking and almost appearing toppling apartment building designed by OMA. Another noted one is a great development in Chelsea called HL23 by Neil Denari, situated right next to the “high line” – New York’s most innovative park project.

What I like the most is that more and more architects start to re-think their designs to meet energy saving standards and environmental friendly requirements. There is also an endeavor to smoothly integrate such new buildings in existing urban environments and neighborhoods, but with a context to the 21st century and that’s what it is referring them to be the “Case Study Houses” of the 21st century – at least in my opinion.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz