Project Overview

Living with cats, making a home with them—the project is designed based on being pet-friendly. The homeowner yearns for the simplicity and nature of Japanese aesthetics, while also regarding their three beloved cats as important members of the family. The designers captured the essence of Japanese style to create a "dual living circulatory space," ensuring comfort for each member. On one hand, the homeowner can enjoy the daylight and life in an open layout; on the other, a vertical space suited to the cats' habit has been created, maintaining ease and interest between humans and cats.

Organisation

The Renaissance Design

Team

Tien-Bao Wang, Elvin Lee

Project Brief

The homeowner is very satisfied with the final look and has shared adorable photos and videos of the cats enjoying the home. The cats particularly love the design of the catwalk integrated with the bookshelves. Beyond serving as storage and a place to display personal items, the bookshelf also doubles as a "parkour playground" for the cats.

Additionally, the secluded area in the master bedroom provides a comforting rest space for the more timid cats. The overall space combines aesthetic appeal with practicality, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere that allows both the homeowner and their beloved cats to enjoy a quality of life.

Project Need

● Pet-Friendly Space
The project merges the simplicity of Japanese style with pet-friendly design to create a residence brimming with interactivity. A comprehensive catwalk system extends from the living room to the bedroom, passing through bookshelves and relaxation areas, allowing cats to freely explore upper and lower levels. The master bedroom’s bookcase features an embedded circular cat door, offering a hidden and comfortable refuge that also maintains aesthetic and practical appeal. Moreover, the design incorporates details with rounded corners. The edges of the cat doors are softened to avoid sharp angles that could discomfort pets, reflecting the designers' thoughtful consideration.

● Japanese Living Wisdom
The bathroom also incorporates Japanese living concepts with a clear separation between dry and wet areas. A small bathtub and shower area follows the typical layout of a Japanese household. Additionally, an open cat litter area is strategically placed under the washbasin, perfectly utilizing the corner space. The bathroom walls are clad in blue fish-scale tiles, creating a comforting atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese bath, adding a tranquil rhythm to the space.

Design Challenge

The selection of materials is based on a principle that balances practicality with aesthetics. Wood-grain laminate is scratch-resistant and stain-resistant, meeting the homeowner's needs for easy cleaning. The walls are a warm, off-white colour paired with light wood grain to create a simple and elegant atmosphere. In the bathroom, the fish-scale tiles are in a gradient blue, offering a visually rich effect.

The pattern of these tiles constructs a traditional Japanese fan motif, resonating with the Japanese theme. The curtains are made from scratch-resistant fabric, reducing damage from cat scratches. The project demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the design's care for both humans and pets in achieving harmony.

Sustainability

In the compact space, sustainable practice extends beyond material selection and layout design—it is also reflected in a deeper understanding of shared living between humans and animals. The residence has abundant windows. Natural daylight and ventilation reach the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, significantly reducing dependence on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation during the day and thereby lowering energy consumption.

The washbasin area serves both humans and pets. Here, the designer installed a commercial-grade soft light panel, producing even, glare-free illumination that enhances comfort while improving energy efficiency.
Material choices were made with pets, particularly cats, in mind. Given their sensitive sense of smell and specific habits, the designer selected easy-to-clean laminate surfaces to reduce strong odours and extend furniture durability.

Scratch-resistant curtain fabrics were also used to create a pet-friendly environment. Integrated catwalks and arched cat doorways reflect not only thoughtful circulation and safety but also echo the space’s overall curvilinear aesthetic. Rounded edges reduce sharp corners and potential collisions, demonstrating a detailed consideration for users.