Liquid | Qiang Design | International Residential Architecture Awards 2024
Qiang Design: Winner of International Residential Architecture Awards 2024. Liquid is a state of matter defined by its free-flowing nature—unrestricted and expansive. Yet, when subjected to varying conditions, it transforms, solidifying or rising as steam. This natural fluidity embodies the design philosophy of the project, where creativity flows without limits, yet adapts and takes shape within the boundaries set by its context.

This interior renovation was designed for a client who desired a home that was cool, intriguing, and deeply personal—one that expressed individuality without following mainstream trends. The challenge was to preserve the essence of the existing structure while introducing innovative ideas that would set the space apart from conventional interiors. The final result is a reflection of the client’s personality, marked by creative, thoughtful details that break free from the ordinary.
A key request from the client was the addition of a semi-independent tea room within the expansive living area. To preserve the openness of the space while defining this new area, we raised the floor and framed the ceiling with a veneer finish, creating a box-like concept. The open sides of the tea room maintain the spatial depth, while a striking metal structure extends through the tea room’s backdrop and reaches the ceiling, forming a support column. At the top of this column, an acrylic light adds a warm glow in the evening, creating a guiding light that enhances the ambiance of the space.
The dining area continues the theme, where walnut paneling from the tea room seamlessly extends into a large, layered storage unit. This structure was designed with both aesthetic appeal and practicality in mind, ensuring it meets the client’s daily living needs. Adjacent to the dining area, a sharp corner wall was softened with natural rock-like textures, creating visual depth and diffusing the harshness of the angles. The kitchen continues this design language with a walnut ceiling that reinforces the connection between the functional areas, adding warmth and character to the minimalist design.
The master bedroom embodies the same philosophy of simplicity and balance, featuring a black-and-white color scheme with walnut finishes. Rather than using traditional wood floors, dark flooring was chosen to unify the space and create a calming, grounded atmosphere. The walls are largely left blank, offering a sense of openness. The deconstructed rock elements from the living area return, with carefully placed lighting that adds a sense of surprise and depth to the room.
A custom desk was integrated into the wall, merging with the bed’s backdrop. The combination of concrete panels and rough linen fabrics adds a tactile contrast, enriching the sensory experience of the space. While the use of dark elements may initially seem heavy, it actually provides a foundation for introspection and clarity. Moments of light shine brighter against the darkness, creating a harmonious environment for both reflection and repose. The concept of “darkness solidifying and light shining brighter” guides the design, resulting in a space that feels both intimate and expansive.

Project Details:-
Firm
Qiang Design
Architect
Wang Qiangli
Project Name
Liquid
Project Category
Private Residential Interior Built
Team
Chi Haoran, Han Junhao
Project Location
Wenzhou, Zhejiang
Country
China
Photography ©Credit
Zhang Jianing







