London, 7th January 2013

Yoo studio announces first project in Japan New residential project located in Japan’s prime ski resort of Niseko yoo, the global design brand founded by Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox, today announces its appointment by Apex Property, to design the interiors of LOFT, a luxury residential property in Niseko, a famous ski resort town on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. The development consists of four, luxury, loft style apartments, each featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms by architects Riccardo Tossani Architecture with interiors by yoo. The development sits on a cliff face with panoramic and protected views of Mount Yotei and is the first development in Niseko by internationally renowned designers and architects.

LOFT is yoo design studio’s latest project and is scheduled for completion in early 2014. It is about 100km from New Chitose International Airport and approximately 10 minutes from Kutchan train station. With an average of 16m of fresh snow per

year and 47km of groomed runs, Niseko is famed for its ‘Champagne powder’ snow, making it the best snow outside of Europe and a popular holiday destination.

John Hitchcox, founder of yoo, comments: “We are thrilled to announce our first project in Japan under our yoo design studio brand and look forward to working with our partners on the ground, Apex Property and Japan-based architect Riccardo Tossani.” Hitchcox adds: “This project marks a significant step into a new market for us and I hope we will have the chance to work on further successful collaborations in Japan in the future. I’ve seen the plans for LOFT and firmly believe that, once completed it will be a stunning development which will add a new dimension not only to our global property portfolio, but also to Niseko’s prime real estate landscape.”

LOFT features large balconies, terraces and outdoor entertaining spaces as well as a fireplace in each residence. The apartments have ultra-high ceilings with floor-toceiling windows, allowing residents to enjoy the spectacular mountain views. The interior design will reflect the stunning views of the nearby landscape with a soft palette of subdued greens and blues, mixed with reclaimed wood and natural stone. The apartments aim to deliver a sense of freshness and light whilst maintaining a cosy ambience, with an emphasis on chic and luxurious comfort. The development is just moments from the ski lifts and village buzz and the on-site concierge can assist with services including ski valet and lift passes, ski equipment rentals, airport transfers and restaurant bookings. Ski season in Niseko starts from November and has an expected 90 per cent occupancy by Christmas and Chinese New Year.

LOFT has a Gross Development Value (GDV) of JPY580 million. Apartment prices range from JPY125 million to JPY170 million.

ENDS Note to Editors: Apex Property Apex Property Limited focuses on developing luxurious unique architecturally designed properties delivering high quality finish use of technological and ecological features in the design process and construction materials used. Co-founded by Vicky Lam & Sylvia Tang with over 15 years in the business within countries such as Hong Kong, China, UK, Australia and the USA.

Yoo yoo is a world leading design company founded by the world's most celebrated designer, Philippe Starck, and international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox. yoo exists to help developer clients compete successfully in the property marketplace, by providing the very best in design, branding and marketing. yoo's experience spans 50 different projects in 40 cities and 27 countries, throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa North and South America and the Middle East. www.yoo.com. Contact details: For further information or to arrange an interview John Hitchcox please contact: Hannah Cox/ Paisley walsh [email protected] [email protected] Camron PR 7 Floral Street London WC2E 9DH Tel: (+44) 0207 420 1700