Interview: Hans Brouwer, leading architect
“Architecture is a tough profession. The economics are getting tougher and the markets that are currently really active, the BRICS [the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa], are extremely competitive.”
That’s the opening gambit from one of Asia’s leading architects, 52-year-old Hans Brouwer. However, despite the fairly jaundiced outlook, and the fact that this is a man who has experienced the hell of bankruptcy, he appears happy and relaxed when we meet.
Last year, one of his designs, The River, a 265-metre-high masterpiece, won Best Luxury Condo development at the Thailand Property Awards, and in the last 10 years Hans has been steadily racking up the plaudits. His work has graced the front cover of Wallpaper magazine, and his company, HB Design, now has three offices in Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket. They have 20 skyscrapers under construction or due to begin imminently in India, totalling over 13 million square feet of saleable area.
No wonder he’s happy and relaxed, then; despite a hectic schedule, Hans’s company is going from strength to strength.
Fruitful beginnings
Born to a Thai mother and a Dutch father living in Hong Kong, Hans was schooled in Switzerland and opted to begin his university years there. He then transferred to the University of Southern California for the remainder of his degree
“Architecture just seemed the most interesting thing to do. I was really good at geometry, maths and physics, especially 3D geometry,” he tells me.
“After almost dropping out in my first year, I needed to catch up. I learnt that …
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Whizdom Connect Launched!
Cubes
Amongst a modest collection of ageing, nondescript, reinforced concrete structures and mix of neo-classical and Romanesque traces of French colonial rule, a bifurcated aluminium cuboid stands out distinctly from amongst its surroundings. The building’s ambition to be recognised as a modern development in Ho Chi Minh’s District 1 is clear – its reddish-brown aluminium panels contrast starkly with patinated white concrete, while its horizontally-striated facade of profiled louvres differentiate themselves from solid masonry.
Considered by architect Hans Brouwer to be a “boutique development”, President Place is a project of client David Clarkin of Sapphire Vietnam, an expanding property development company. The building comprises mainly of offices, but also includes a restaurant and sky garden. “The [client’s] brief was quite simple – maximise leasable area. There was little by way of form, material or style directives,” Brouwer explains. “Our goal was to create a building that would …
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Gurgaon Gateway Launched!
CNN
(CNN) — When Thai monarch, King Rama, founded Bangkok in the late 18th century, he bestowed upon the bustling waterway that ran through his new capital a title fit for royalty — “Chao Phraya” (the River of Kings). Settlers to the city built their homes along the river’s banks, its waters providing the maritime access essential for commerce as well as the fish to feed a growing population. Today, Chao Phraya remains a busy thoroughfare. The living space that has built up aside its shores however is vastly different.
This transformation is no more apparent than at the edges of Khlong Ton Sai, a formerly barren neighborhood on the river’s western banks. It is here that “The River” — an aptly named tower of condominiums and luxury living space — soars above the bustling waters and streets below. At 256 meters (840 feet) tall, the giant structure is 6 meters (19 feet) taller than Chao Phraya is wide, making it the tallest residential building in Thailand. For Hans Brouwer, the Thai-Dutch design consultant behind the project, The River is a potent symbol of modern Bangkok — a vibrant metropolis that can offer spectacular accommodation at cheaper rate than other big Asian cities. Lush gardens and quiet pools in the facility grounds maintain the feel of an urban oasis amidst the surrounding concrete jungle. “Living on the river affords you the ability to have a space like this which could be a resort if you did not have this poster which is the city of Bangkok,” Brouwer explained. “It has that 5 star feel.”
A new track
A key component of Bangkok’s riverside regeneration and the rise of facilities like The River has been improved transport links, Brouwer explained.
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nbmcw.com
Marvel EDGE, Pune An Eco-friendly Architecture
Marvel Realtors, one of India,s most widely recognized names in real estate circles for creating premium lifestyle apartments, in its endeavors to make superior offering to its customers, collaborated with Singapore based architectural firm H.B Design Pvt Ltd to create world-class project in the country. Recently, the group has won the best energy conservation project for its ‘Marvel Edge, in Pune by MEDA (Maharashtra Energy Development Agency) in the architects and builders category. Designed by Architect Hans Brouwer, the project scored 84.5 points out of 100 on an assessment based on energy efficient design, design procedure, scientific methods adopted in construction and design.
The Mega-structure
Located at Viman Nagar, Pune, Marvel Edge is a 40m high mixed used office building, being created with a combination of graceful lines, dramatic spaces, exceptional architecture with intelligent planning and maximum flexibility. The project features some of the most unique and innovative design and construction procedures that result in higher energy efficiency. From state-of-the-art infrastructure to environmentally sustainable designs, management systems that controls advanced automation and security systems, natural lighting, breakout spaces, exceptional architecture and maximum flexibility, Marvel Edge truly is the workplace of the future.
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Yearbook
The goal of the architect is not to give what the client wants but to show the client what he never dreamed he could have,” decrees Hans Brouwer, founder of HB Design as he extols on the virtues of the profession. This mantra has been his driving force for nearly 25 years in the design industry as an architect and progressively leading his team.
Brouwer is still as passionate about what he does. “I’m constantly seeking renewal, innovation, exploration of space, materiality and longevity of structures:’ says Brouwer, who sets exacting standards when it comes to a project. “Architecture is a profession that doesn’t end with the shell of the building but includes the interiqrs too:’ Brouwer says that growing up in boarding schools in Switzerland followed by periods in Italy as a student surrounded by architecture of monumental proportions has had a major impact on his mind-set. “In Europe, people take their time to design and build a building but the structure remains relevant and enjoyed for decades;’ says Brouwer, who worked with Britain’s most lauded architect, Sir Norman Foster for eight years before starting HB design in 1995. Some of his notable works under the wings of Foster and Partners includes the Century Towers in Tokyo and the Commerzbank in Frankfurt both of which introduces innovative high-rise technology on many levels. Consequently, his restrained yet warm brand of modernity projects age-old ideals: authority, functionality, and a Modernist appreciation of how natural light enriches such honest, straightforward materials as polished wood, brick, glass and steel.
Having made Singapore his home, he finds the Asian mindset fickle but also”fertile and keen to evolve” which leaves a lot of room for improvement in areas of implementing sustainable design. “In Asia, buildings are like disposable items, when each get an overhaul every 10 years;’laments the father of two young children. These days, a majority of Brouwer’s work are largely centered in Asia. Whether the commission is a luxury…
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MGS Architecture India
Ar. Hans Brouwer- India is a Long-term Growth Market
Ar. Hans Brouwer has started HB Design Pte Ltd in 2004 as a single-man practice, has today, grown to a 40 man practice with projects in 9 countries. The firm, strongly feels that the real foundations of design lie in the combination of vision, sound problem-solving structure and the ability to create exceptional spatial experiences. The key thing, it believes, is to have the right intention – that is to try to be as responsible and efficient with its resources and the way its structures are used. “We entered into the Indian periphery in 2008 and since then worked on number of projects here. We see this country as a long-term growth market and are keen to be involved with visionary clients with intentions of creating exceptional architecture,” saysAr. Hans Brouwer, Founder, HB Design Pte Ltd in an interview with Maria R.
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thepropertytimes.in
Mumbai October 28,2013: Sheth-Transcon launching its ultra luxury residential project ‘Auris Serenity’ in Oct’13. Project is located on Malad Link Road & spread over 8 acres with 4 ultra luxury towers of 54 storey. Project is offering all modern amenities with 2 BHK, 3 BHK & 4 BHK apartments’ opening from three sides.
Auris Serenity spread over a sprawling landscaped area of more than 4 acres. This project is designed by HB Design Pte Ltd, Singapore & DSP Design Associates Pvt Ltd, Pune. Distinctively designed the project re-establishes an ambience to match a world class resort. Auris Serenity stands tall above street retails & eight podium levels with an Eco-Deck level offering grand clubhouses, swimming pools & multi-purpose gymnasium that host international technologies and a splendid podium recreational area.
Sheth Creators embarks a Landmark project by scintillating view of the Malad Marve coastline and the shimmering sea beyond.
According to Mr. Mayank Jain, Deputy General Manager, Sheth Creators is gratified to announce Auris Serenity, a super luxurious project which is one of the most serene & strategically located on link road in the vicinity of schools, hospitals, shopping malls & lifestyle centers. He further adds, “With the commencement of this project, we believe Malad would get its first-of-its-kind residential development which will spell true luxury. It is a perfectly crafted blend of tranquil, opulence and comfort for connoisseurs of fine living.”CCI Newswire
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expatliving.sg
Interview: Hans Brouwer, leading architect
“Architecture is a tough profession. The economics are getting tougher and the markets that are currently really active, the BRICS [the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa], are extremely competitive.”
That’s the opening gambit from one of Asia’s leading architects, 52-year-old Hans Brouwer. However, despite the fairly jaundiced outlook, and the fact that this is a man who has experienced the hell of bankruptcy, he appears happy and relaxed when we meet.
Last year, one of his designs, The River, a 265-metre-high masterpiece, won Best Luxury Condo development at the Thailand Property Awards, and in the last 10 years Hans has been steadily racking up the plaudits. His work has graced the front cover of Wallpaper magazine, and his company, HB Design, now has three offices in Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket. They have 20 skyscrapers under construction or due to begin imminently in India, totalling over 13 million square feet of saleable area.
No wonder he’s happy and relaxed, then; despite a hectic schedule, Hans’s company is going from strength to strength.
Fruitful beginnings
Born to a Thai mother and a Dutch father living in Hong Kong, Hans was schooled in Switzerland and opted to begin his university years there. He then transferred to the University of Southern California for the remainder of his degree
“Architecture just seemed the most interesting thing to do. I was really good at geometry, maths and physics, especially 3D geometry,” he tells me.
“After almost dropping out in my first year, I needed to catch up. I learnt that …
Read more
AECcafe.com
From the initial concept, President Place has been designed to create an exceptional balance between work, life and the environment. Pursuing LEED Certification, this eco-friendly, boutique and modern work space has been designed to the highest specification and with uninterrupted views of inner city parklands and a wide range of amenities on your doorstep; this development truly has a Grade A location. President Place is now Ho Chi Minh City’s must-have address.
This project has been awarded a LEED Gold Certification. It’s the only project in Ho Chi Minh City to have garnered this prestigious green award.
Materials used during the construction phase have been chosen for their sustainable qualities, minimizing the impact they have on the environment. These materials consist of a high ratio of recycled content, reducing negative environmental impacts arising from the extraction and processing of virgin materials. We have also consciously sourced building materials and products that have been extracted or manufactured within 805 km of the project site. As well as helping to support indigenous resources this significantly decreases environmental impacts resulting from transportation. President Place is proud to pioneer this new way of developing and we hope to set …
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