Charm House | Reflexion Interior Design | World Design Awards 2024

Reflexion Interior Design: Runner-Up of World Design Awards 2024. The site is long. The project is for a couple and a child. The layout results in many sharp corners. To address functionality and spatial continuity, the designer first divided the spaces into areas using block forms and used rounded corners to resolve the sharp angles. The style focuses on gray and white tones, with light shades as the main elements, creating a bright and fresh ambiance. Emphasis was also placed on storage functionality, with a mix of closed and open cabinets creating ample and practical storage space while maintaining a tidy and aesthetic appearance.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION／DIFFERENTIATION	● Multi-functional Entryway Cabinet: An L-shaped, double-sided cabinet at the entrance replaces partitions, delineating the entryway, reading area, and bathroom while providing storage for books and display items, becoming a part of the vista. To avoid creating a sense of pressure at the entrance and considering Feng-Shui, the designer used frosted glass to create a semi-transparent partition, enhancing natural light and addressing Feng-Shui concerns. ● Mitigating the Short Side Issue: The space is elongated, making it difficult to avoid the narrow issue on the shorter sides. A mix of semi-suspended and floor-standing reflective cabinets show a light look. The corridor was also deliberately widened to 160 cm. Even with the dining table and bar stools fully pulled out, the space behind remains spacious for movement. The designer also enhanced the functionality of the corridor, maximizing space utilization.
PRODUCTION OR REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY (AND MATERIALS)	Materials: laminate flooring, rounded wood cabinets, system cabinets, iron parts, transparent glass, frosted glass, baking paint, wood grain, titanium plated metal, environmentally friendly latex paint, etc…. The entryway features a screen made of frosted glass and a thin titanium-coated metal frame. The glass reduces the visual depth of the cabinet, lessening the sense of visual pressure upon entering. In the reading area, the traditional shelves were replaced with folded metal plates. The unique reflective sheen of the brushed titanium-coated metal adds a touch of brightness to the gray and white-toned space.
SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS / PACKAGE / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES	There are two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining room. The project covers a total area of 82.6 square meters, including living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, children’s room, reading area. In the original layout, there was a storage room at the entryway. Considering the limited space and the owner’s preference for maximizing storage functionality, the designer removed the storage room’s partition and reconfigured the layout and cabinets to better suit the residents’ lifestyle. For example, a small corner by the entryway was designed to incorporate a shoe cabinet and a seating area for putting on shoes. The large adjacent cabinet was designed to be wall-mounted, reducing visual clutter while providing ample shoe storage.
CHALLENGE	The previous owner had renovated the apartment 10 years ago, covering the walls with yellow wood veneer and installing layered ceiling lights without primary overhead lighting. Both the color scheme and functionality differed significantly from the current owner’s needs. To address this, the designer aimed to preserve the existing layout as much as possible, retaining the kitchen and bathroom fixtures while creating a refreshed space that aligns with the owner’s preferred style. The original flooring and ceiling were removed and replaced with materials that matched the owner’s taste. The entrance to the guest bathroom was also repositioned to avoid conflict with the dining area. Although the changes were minimal, thoughtful design was employed to seamlessly integrate the owner’s habits and preferences, ensuring a smooth flow within the small space.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION／FUNCTION	The project emphasizes a “people-centered” approach, with the designer focusing on the residents’ behaviors as the core. In the 4.29 square meter entrance, a series of actions such as turning on the lights, placing keys, changing shoes, and storing helmets can all be accomplished in a single, linear flow. The social area, including the kitchen, dining room, and reading area, are connected by a hallway. The newly added bar and the L-shaped bookshelf behind it combine to enhance the functionality of the reading area. The open area in front of the master bedroom, which houses a piano, serves as a music room and can also be transformed into a yoga space with the addition of cushions, defining it as a multifunctional room. The open multifunctional area allows for the creation of different experiences.
FORM	In this project, the designer explores the essence of life and captures the unique characteristics of the homeowner. He skillfully crafts a natural sense of belonging, delineating the starting point of home with carefully considered details. The space begins with a bright light gray base, creating a visual connection between areas through recessed walls and rounded corners, which ensures a smooth flow and harmonious atmosphere. The design of storage cabinets is also tailored to the residents’ daily habits, while the bright lighting balances natural and artificial light within the low-saturation space. The designer emphasizes the importance of a sense of belonging. The layout draws the family together, fostering a sense of unity. For example, the bar area extending from the kitchen wider the space, allowing a view from the dining room where every family member can be seen in the social areas, encouraging moments of togetherness and interaction.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT	The site is an old apartment. The name, ‘Charm House’, comes from the fact that it provides a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for the occupants. The designer analyzed the characteristics of the space, then rearranged the area in the form of squares and weakened the raised corners. Based on the owner’s storage needs, the designer removed the storage room and created a categorized storage system. The light and warm color of the space becomes a container of daylight. Titanium-plated metal and laminated glass add to the light and shadow effect. The designer installed an L-shaped two-way cabinet in the center of the layout to serve as an entryway storage, vista, and collection display. Its composite function enhances the utilization of space. The R-corner design on the side makes the dining room not to be cut into pieces by the cabinets. No matter where the residents look, they can feel the charm of the space. In this perfectly balanced space, residents can enjoy their lives in the soft light of day.

IMPACT /SUSTAINABILITY

The site benefits from excellent natural lighting and ventilation, with every space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. The design of the top and bottom opening windows promotes natural air circulation within the interior. During the day, ample natural light creates a bright and comfortable atmosphere. At night, artificial lighting combined with adjustable curtains meets various needs while reducing the frequency of electrical appliance usage. Additionally, this project places significant emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. The interior renovation utilizes eco-friendly building materials, including the ceiling and built-in cabinets, all made from materials that meet environmental standards. Large woodgrain finishes are created using technologically printed wood veneers instead of solid wood, reducing the use of timber. The flexible system boards are made from low-formaldehyde recycled wood, minimizing environmental impact. Mineral paints are applied by hand to avoid dust pollution during construction, and water-based eco-friendly paints are used to lower formaldehyde.