- 2025 Silver Prize
- From Residential Space
House of Time
Project Description
The design of House of Time focuses on the concept of “home” as the emotional heart of the space, blending deep Eastern philosophy with aesthetic ideas. Inspired by the emotions that build up over time in a family, the designer treats the space as a canvas for telling emotional stories. The design is rooted in Eastern aesthetics, which emphasize calm, balance, and a sense of meaning. By carefully using “blank space” and arranging the space in an artistic way, the design creates a modern home where people can relax, reflect, and connect with the passage of time.
The spatial layout emphasizes a balance between movement and stillness, with clear functional zones. The living room and public areas feature an open-plan design that encourages family interaction, while the private spaces are designed to create a calm, tranquil atmosphere. Drawing from the Eastern aesthetic of “blank space,” the design uses minimalist furnishings and empty areas to create a rhythm of space, allowing those who live there to unwind, reflect, and experience peace. Natural materials like wood, stone, and fabric are used to highlight delicate textures and layers, while light flows across different surfaces, evoking the feeling of time passing. Custom-made furniture and artistic installations, handcrafted by artisans, incorporate traditional techniques into modern expressions, which showcases unique quality in every detail.
The most meaningful elements in the House of Time are the three original artworks specially created for the residents. The design team based these pieces on the homeowner’s Wu Xing, and combined Eastern aesthetics with cultural symbols. These artworks are not just meaningful and artistic, but also personalized, serving as the heart of the space’s design. They carry blessings for the individual’s destiny and the family’s future, while also acting as spiritual symbols that connect the culture with the space. The Gather Treasures, Blooming Flower installation, located in the corridor, uses flowing lacquer and gold techniques. The blooming flower design blends seamlessly with the custom art island, creating a unique focal point in the space. It symbolizes wealth and the prosperity of the family. On the wall, the lacquer piece Red Brocade Flowing Gold combines the craftsmanship of gold leaf applied to fabric textures with the rich red of brocade and flowing golden threads. This piece blends traditional Eastern elements with modern visual appeal, offering both visual impact and a sense of auspiciousness. The painting Spring Across the Four Seas, placed at the center of the living room, features four blooming peonies, symbolizing a family of four and the blooming of each season. It represents blessings of unity, vitality, and prosperity. Together with the other two pieces, this artwork resonates with the space, enhancing the spiritual essence of “home.” It also highlights the homeowners' strong appreciation for personalization and cultural depth.
The whole space focuses on both creating an aesthetic atmosphere and ensuring the practicality of daily life. The layout has been carefully thought out, so that when the residents move between different areas, they can feel the smooth flow and connection of the space. Whether it’s a warm, welcoming spot for family gatherings or a quiet corner for personal reflection, every detail is designed to balance both emotions and function. The lighting has been well-planned, combining natural light with artificial lighting to create a soft, layered atmosphere while also meeting practical needs. In this environment, “home” is more than just a place to live—it becomes a space that holds emotions and memories, giving the residents a lasting sense of peace and belonging as time goes on.
Specializing in establishing connections between humanity, aesthetics and culture, HZ-Design creates a space rich in aesthetics of life through the resonance of emotional values, presenting a unique design language and value.
We provide our clients with integrated and customized services covering interior design, furnishing design, furnishing engineering and original art design and production, and are committed to creating a spatial experience with both quality and personality.
The founder, Ms. Hui Fan, graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in Italy with a master's degree in design. She has been working in the field of spatial design for more than ten years and has led a number of projects for international five-star hotels, headquarters of large domestic groups, branded life halls and high-end residential projects.
She is currently studying for her second master's degree at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, UK.
Her works have been honored with many international design awards, including the Silver Award of the French GPDP AWARD, the Silver Award of the Italian A'Design Award, the Platinum Award of the American MUSE Design Awards, and the IDA “Honorable Mention” Award. “ award, etc. Her dedication and persistence to design and art have won her high recognition in the industry and wide respect from her clients.