Image Credit : Fu Qingyuan
Project Overview
Located in Shanghai's Huangpu District, this building seamlessly integrates the dual characteristics of historical heritage architecture and contemporary lane houses. Covering over 300 square meters, the residence features a well-organized layout featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, and 3 bathrooms. The four-story structure, complemented by a loft, stands as a testament to the passage of time.
As the owner's second residence, the design emphasizes simplicity and purity. The furniture, crafted from simple materials and paired with low-saturation colors, creates a robust yet unpretentious atmosphere. This design establishes a new serene and secluded lane residence amidst the bustling city center. The interior space is relaxing and cozy, imbued with a warm and harmonious ambiance. Different functional areas transition fluidly, connected by a smooth circulation. Though compact and low in height, the loft exudes a peaceful aura, serving as a tranquil retreat exclusively for the owner.
This home is more than just a living space; it is a sanctuary for the soul. It reflects the owner's profound insights into life and art, alongside a sensitive appreciation and unique understanding of the world's omnipresent beauty.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Zhou Wenqing
Project Brief
Imbued with allure and wisdom, this residence resembles an art palace. The design adheres to a concept emphasizing purity and nature, with soft furnishings crafted from simple materials and low-saturation hues, creating an extremely serene spatial texture. The meticulously crafted cross shutters transform incoming sunlight into a sacred cross of light and shadow, imparting a striking aesthetic element to the space.
The family lounge exudes warmth, with a fireplace and large sofa creating a cozy atmosphere. This space forms a delightful visual connection with the children's room on the mezzanine across the stairs, radiating the warmth of home. The elegantly curved staircase connects all floors, with functional spaces organized rationally. The transition between public and private areas is smooth and natural. Though compact and low in height, the top-floor loft encapsulates a unique atmosphere, becoming the owner's exclusive haven for introspection and deep soul-searching.
Moreover, the owner's new perceptions of life and art are deeply embedded in the design, actively practicing the concept of "decluttering life" and breaking free from material constraints. Shifting from the pursuit of material collections to an appreciation of the world's inherent beauty, every piece of art that resonates with the mind transforms this home into a sanctuary of spirit, embodying a profound insight into and relentless pursuit of life and art.
Project Need
The design concept abandons traditional intricate decorations, pursuing simplicity and purity, and returning to the true needs of users. It aims to make the home a sanctuary for the soul rather than just a collection of material possessions.
The integration of art and life is approached with ingenuity, moving beyond the mere collection of objects to an "abstract" collection realized through perception. This expands the boundaries of understanding beauty, conveying that beauty is omnipresent and does not need to be acquired through purchase.
Innovations in the space layout focus on dissolving spatial boundaries and enhancing fluidity. Especially for this family with four children, the design enlarges shared spaces to meet the need for close interaction among family members.
Additionally, the use of cross shutters, inspired by famous architects, brings unique light and shadow effects and a spiritual experience to the interior. These innovative achievements offer new ideas to the industry, encouraging people to re-examine the essence of home design and the true meaning of life.
Design Challenge
Selecting materials was a significant challenge. Finding materials that evoke authentic simplicity while matching the overall low-saturation color palette and minimalist style was not easy. Careful selection from a variety of materials was necessary to ensure the desired visual and tactile effects.
Effective communication was vital as well. Fully understanding the needs of each member of this four-child family and incorporating these needs into the design ensured the space meets both individual and family needs. This required extensive and effective communication.
The timing was also critical. For instance, when deciding to "let go" of the owner’s passion for collecting and focus on home furnishings design, accurate judgment was necessary to avoid missing the optimal timing or incurring unnecessary losses. Moreover, translating the owner’s deep understanding of art and life into specific design elements required considering and weighing various factors comprehensively.
Sustainability
This project showcases the principles of sustainable design in various ways. Locally sourced materials and traditional construction techniques are actively employed. For instance, old wooden boards discovered during the owner’s trip to Yunnan are repurposed as the headboard for the master bedroom, adding new value to the materials and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, by reusing items like European medieval floor lamps and custom-made benches from old wood, resource waste is minimized, promoting resource conservation.
The design emphasizes simplicity and functionality. A minimalist style, combined with a limited number of furniture pieces, reduces energy consumption during production and use. The choice of low-saturation colors further decreases reliance on high-energy dyeing processes. Moreover, thoughtful space organization, the use of simple materials, and the practice of the concept of "decluttering life" helped control costs, reduce unnecessary consumption, and save on long-term expenses. This sustainable approach not only makes the home uniquely charming but also contributes to environmental protection and resource conservation, exemplifying a low-carbon, economical, and high-quality lifestyle.
Interior Design - International Residential - Eclectic
Open to all international projects this award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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