Goh (middle), Cheung (right) and Chang (left) introduce the Jim Olson Houses located in Great Taipei New Town district.

Phoenix Property Investors (Phoenix) and National Properties announced the completion of residential properties designed by Jim Olson, the celebrated Seattle-based architect included in Architectural Digest’s 2016 list of the world’s Top 100 design influencers. The exclusive residential development marks Jim Olson’s first Taipei project and coincides with the launch of the show gallery at House of Reflection, one of the exclusive villas in the series.

Jim Olson Houses represent the shared vision of Phoenix, National Properties and Jim Olson to create an architectural masterpiece in Taipei. “We are honoured and thrilled to bring Jim Olson’s designs to Taiwan. Jim Olson Houses are located in the prestigious Great Taipei New Town district, renowned for its low-density zoning and multifaceted community management services. The exclusive location, coupled with the creativity of a master architect, make the freehold houses coveted property and set a new benchmark for other residential projects in Taiwan,” said Phoenix Property Investors asset management regional director Khim Goh.

View of the Xueshan mountain ranges from Jim Olson Houses.

Yangmingshan in the North, and Great Taipei New Town in the South, are two traditional low-density luxury residential neighbourhoods in Taipei. Located in Great Taipei New Town, Jim Olson Houses boast panoramic views of the Xueshan mountain ranges and is within close proximity to a renowned hot spring and Kang Chiao Bilingual School. With Taipei 101 and Xinyi district around a 30 minute drive away, the area will appeal to buyers who appreciate superior levels of luxury and privacy.

Ideally positioned in Hefeng District, Jim Olson Houses comprise five individual villas, namely Taiwan Villa, Lantern House, Sky House, House of Reflection, and Mountain House. The three or four-storey houses range from 7,484 sq ft to an expansive 13,718 sq ft. Each villa includes a swimming pool and a private garden ranging from 4,077 sq ft to 23,961 sq ft.

“I met Sam, Phoenix’s Founding Partner, through a previous client who appointed us to design the Hong Kong Villa on Shek O Road. After reviewing Phoenix’s residential portfolio, I was excited to collaborate with a property developer who values – and is committed to producing – good quality design. The first time we visited the site I was inspired by the topography. The villas were designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, making every one of them unique,” explained Olson himself.

Lantern House.

“In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growth in overseas buyers investing in Taiwan properties due to its low tax rate and stable currency. Last year, the average price per square foot in Taipei was HKD6,463, a 1.2 times increase from 2005, indicating the appreciation potential of Taiwan properties. Given the exclusivity of the houses and the prime location, we are extremely confident in the project’s investment value,” enthused Savills Realty Limited residential sales managing director Keith Chang.

Jim Olson Houses Show Gallery Now Open

“We are excited to unveil the gallery for Jim Olson Houses inside the House of Reflection, one of the villas in the development. Following our exhibition at TOWER 535 in Hong Kong, we have received interest from previous clients and industry professionals who are looking to invest in a holiday or retirement home. Other enquiries have come from seasoned investors including art collectors interested in adding the masterpiece to their personal portfolio. We are now offering priority access to VIP guests to visit the gallery in Taipei.” Ms. Jenny Cheung, Assistant Vice President, Asset Management, Phoenix Property Investors adds,

Led by Jim Olson in partnership with Phoenix, the gallery’s 82-person creative team includes representatives from a London-based brand consultant, a Hong Kong interior design firm, an exhibition curator, as well as Taiwanese craftsmen, art exhibition consultants and florists. Planning for the sales gallery took over two years with production costs totalling almost HK$8 million.

Architectural Masterpiece Combining Design, Nature and Art

House of Reflection.

Jim Olson’s designs reflect the architect’s innate understanding of nature, art and culture. Through the design’s structural lines, the picturesque views of Xueshan are framed like an art collector’s painting. The Jim Olson Houses reveal the designer’s approach to architecture as an expression of art, and his passion for premium craftsmanship and natural aesthetics. The layout of the villas offers an ideal showcase for art works while showcasing a range of energy-efficient design details.

Divided into six sections, Jim Olson and the creative teams developed the concept for the exhibition around the relationship between the architecture and the natural scenery. This relationship is further reinforced through the gallery layout and carefully curated works of art.

Section 1 - Architecture and Nature

Passing a beautiful front garden lined with seasonal plants and lush greenery, visitors enter the gallery through an elegantly-designed main entrance featuring separate guest and car passages.

Section 2 – Art Gallery

In the foyer, a striking sculptural art piece greets visitors to replicate the experience of stepping into a gallery. This space is filled with an abundance of natural light, creating a warm and inviting welcome into the House of Reflection.

Section 3 – A Joint Vision

Demonstrating a shared vision and commitment to excellence, this section highlights the luxury residential projects by the two joint venture partners, Phoenix and National Properties.

Section 4 – Art in Architecture

This section serves to introduce Jim Olson’s team of designers and the studio’s key projects, each one echoing the relationship between architecture, nature and art.

Section 5 – An Interview with Jim Olson

The gallery’s double-height void living room features a 4.5 metre tall sculptural chandelier. The space also showcases a curated selection of artwork and timber furniture, including custom-made pieces from local Taiwanese artisans. Guests are invited to enjoy the space while enjoying a video interview with the master architect.

Section 6 - Jim Olson Houses

The final section presents Jim Olson’s design approach through a series of personal hand sketches, architectural models and materials used for the five exclusive villas.

About Phoenix Property Investors

Taiwan Villa.

Phoenix Property Investors (Phoenix) is an independently owned and managed private equity real estate firm that strives to create value and deliver effective results for our investors and stakeholders. Founded in 2002, Phoenix have raised over US$2.5 billion to invest across Pan-Asian cities including Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Seoul, Jakarta and Manila. Phoenix ensures a consistent level of quality by keeping all of the vital investment, project and asset management functions under one roof.

Through their network of local and affiliated offices in Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, Seoul and Beijing, our real estate assets managed and/or under management have surpassed US$6.7 billion with proven track record of award-winning projects in luxury residential, retail and office spaces.

About National Properties

National Properties Holdings Limited has distinguished itself as a leader and innovator in creating exclusive high-end residences, unique commercial buildings and boutique hotel apartments. From its inception in 1992, National Properties strove to fill a niche in Hong Kong’s property market, creating the most luxurious and unique developments, including the iconic office building 50 Connaught Road Central, as well as the luxurious residential development 110 Repulse Bay Road. The Company works with some of the world’s top architects and designers, such as Andrée Putman, Robert A.M. Stern, Christian Liaigre, Antonio Citterio, Remo Riva and Joseph Fung.

Every National Properties building is characterised by certain hallmarks – spectacular views, a superior level of refinement and an elegant living environment. Great care is taken in looking at the smallest details of each property. Materials are sourced globally and selected as much for their aesthetics as for their durability.

Jim Olson Houses - Architectural masterpiece showcasing design, nature and art.

About Olson Kundig Architects

The Seattle-based architect and founding partner of Olson Kundig Architects has created iconic designs that reflect an innate understanding and integration of nature, art and culture. Together with Tom Kundig, who became a partner of the firm in 1986, the duo has received numerous design recognitions including the AIA Seattle Medal of Honor in 2007. Olson Kundig was also named in the Interior Design Hall of Fame, and was included in Architectural Digest’s AD100 2016.

With projects dotted around the globe, the practice’s diverse portfolio includes academic, cultural and civic projects, as well as museums and exhibition spaces.

About Jim Olson Houses

Imported Natural Stones and Building Materials

House of Reflection features a double-height ceiling measuring 7.5 metres tall.

Reflecting Jim Olson’s signature style and the finest craftsmanship, the façade of the houses are constructed from a range of premium natural stones imported from Egypt and Israel, together with high quality Japanese exterior coating.

The houses include an aluminium window system by renowned Belgium manufacturer Reynaers. Matched with double glazed LOW-E glass, this system ensures optimal noise reduction, as well as heat and condensation-resistant qualities using Reynaers’ patented insulation technology.

Sustainable Design, Water Features and Private Gardens

The Jim Olson Houses are built with a range of energy-efficient features, including insulated glass windows for optimal temperature control, metal grating and extended roofs as sun shades. Jim Olson has also incorporated a number of water features around the villas to enhance the micro-climate of these homes. The expansive garden and green areas also help minimize glare and heat reflected from the ground.

Premium European Appliances and Amenities

Each of the Jim Olson Houses are equipped with an elevator, with the exception of Taiwan Villa, which contains two elevators, a Hyundai Security System operable by a Smartphone application, Daikin Air Conditioning system, as well as kitchen and bathroom appliances by premium brands such as Miele, LEICHT, Liebherr, Electrolux, Kohler, Teuco and more. All appliances and fittings are provided in vouchers to allow buyers more flexibility when designing their homes.

Property Management by Colliers International

After recently collaborating on the Beaumont project, Phoenix has again appointed Colliers International to manage the Jim Olson Houses. The five properties in this development will be protected by a professional team of security guards. Homeowners will also enjoy exclusive privileges including a 24-hour service hotline, exclusive airport pick-up and chauffeur service, as well as home cleaning and landscape maintenance services. The gated community features other recreational and leisure facilities, including a tennis court, basketball court, restaurant and convenient store.