Po-Kai Yang

This award-winning project encompasses a three-bedroom, two-living-room residence tailored for a young family, occupying less than 100 square meters. The objective was to design a spacious, comfortable, and versatile environment within a compact footprint. The concept skillfully integrates Wabi-Sabi principles with modern aesthetics, utilizing soft color palettes, a curved design language, and concealed storage solutions. This design not only ensures a secure, child-friendly space free of sharp edges but also promotes visual harmony and facilitates smooth, intuitive movement throughout the home.

What differentiates this project is our emphasis on the genuine needs of homeowners. Rather than merely designing an aesthetically pleasing space, we thoughtfully considered how a family of three would evolve over time. We employed a “blank space” strategy in our planning, deliberately leaving room for future functionalities that accommodate potential lifestyle changes. This profound understanding of the essence of living is, in my assessment, what truly elevates the project.

My initial response was characterized by both surprise and gratitude. I immediately considered our team and the extensive effort invested in every aspect of this project, including each revision, site visit, and dialogue with the client. This award serves as a testament to that dedication. It is profoundly gratifying to realize that our design has been acknowledged and esteemed.

The couple recently welcomed a new baby and sought to create more than just a conventional “first home.” Their aspiration was to establish a nurturing environment conducive to their child's development. To realize this vision, they prioritized a soft, safe, and inclusive atmosphere. Consequently, we implemented a design featuring curved edges and an absence of sharp corners, which effectively minimizes safety concerns while fostering a warm and gentle ambiance. This design fundamentally embodies the essence of home—human-centered and driven by compassion.

The most surprising element was the inherent beauty of "emptiness" that emerged following the reconfiguration of the space. By addressing the excessively segmented layout, we not only enhanced the perception of openness in the public areas but also incorporated versatile zones suitable for multifunctional purposes. Upon completion, the manner in which light traversed the curved ceiling and materials proved to be exceptionally soothing; indeed, the homeowners expressed that the final outcome surpassed their expectations.

We aim to render functionality unobtrusive. Storage solutions are integrated within walls and furniture, ensuring a harmonious design throughout. Additionally, the roles of ceilings and lighting are crucial; the incorporation of rounded forms and indirect lighting softens spatial boundaries, thereby fostering a comfortable and evenly illuminated environment that seamlessly integrates form and function.

The most significant challenge encountered—and one I take great pride in having successfully addressed—was achieving a balance between the constraints of limited space and the functional requirements of the family, particularly in light of the exposed beams, piping, and structural limitations. By employing simplified materials and shapes, we effectively mitigated any sense of overcrowding. The development of the layered curved ceiling in the public area presented a technical challenge; however, through meticulous coordination with multiple vendors and precise calibration of the lighting, it ultimately became the focal point of the space, impressing both the client and their guests.

Receiving this award is profoundly affirming and enhances my confidence in our design philosophy. I anticipate that it will foster additional international collaborations and attract clients who align with our core values. This alignment will enable us to continue crafting meaningful and impactful spaces.

This project aims to convey that physical spaces serve not only as investments but also as emotional vessels. Future property design should emphasize the relationship between individuals and their environments, focusing on the necessity of fostering emotional connections between functionality and aesthetic appeal.

We prioritize the utilization of sustainable and recyclable materials while placing significant emphasis on natural ventilation and lighting to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, we endeavor to preserve the existing structural elements of buildings to the greatest extent possible, thereby minimizing unnecessary demolition. These approaches exemplify our commitment to integrating environmentally conscious practices into our design philosophy.

We are currently engaged in a renovation project for a previously abandoned residence, designed to accommodate a family of five. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with the future inhabitants of the space, as we believe that effective design transcends mere aesthetics; it necessitates thorough observation and a profound understanding of the occupants’ needs and aspirations.

"Beauty" inherently manifests when tasks are executed with precision. Therefore, regardless of the client or the specific challenges presented, it is essential to approach each situation with a positive and proactive mindset.