IDPA Japan Design Award

2025 International Design Pioneer Award | Japan Tokyo
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Hours
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The Hidden Room

by HOUSE of SUNSHINE

Project Description


Design Statement
This is a residential planning project. The designer designed a unique space according to the daily routines and habits of the homeowner and his cat. Through the designer's delicate planning, the spatial layout was effectively planned to solve the problems of insufficient light and large beams and columns on the roof. Therefore, the designer creates a comfortable living space. The calm colors are planned as the base, combined with unique ingenuity and materials, to breed a very characteristic residential style, cleverly highlighting the homeowner’s personality.
Idea
Through the design team's ingenious layout of the space, the designers have created a relaxed house where people and cats can live together in harmony instead of the common presentation of cat jumping platforms. The design team also took into consideration many aspects of decoration, including the straw above the dining table, which was woven flat and fixed between the hanger and the pillar, and placed in a tilted manner to prevent the hazards caused by the cat jumping high, and to avoid the trouble of maintenance. Besides, the rough and bold spatial texture is infused with delicate workmanship to forge a space with layers of variation, making every corner of the space worthy of a closer look.
The designer's unique design provides several small spots for relaxation and conversation, allowing family members to bond at any time, and bringing them closer.
Form
The designer sets the dining and kitchen space as the main body for this project. Also, there’s no TV wall in the living room because the designer installs the drop-down projection equipment, which cleverly and dramatically eliminates the heaviness of the space and makes the layout well-balanced. The design team has created a South-East-Asian style bar in the dining and kitchen space to reflect the area’s core, "CHILL.”
For the design team, design is not something to be seen but designed to be used. The design team delicately intertwined the warmth of South-East-Asian style with the coldness of black, gray, and white to bring out a unique visual aesthetic. The spatial layout is planned so that users can enjoy a comfortable spatial experience while moving around the space. The overall movement lines are correctly arranged, and the windows are appropriately positioned to allow the light from the windows to flow into the house and illuminate the interior space.
With solid design skills, the design team further explored matching each piece with different materials. Since the proportions and lines of each material are very distinct, and the refractive points, shadows, and curved corners of the materials will indirectly affect the aesthetic presentation, the design team has put much effort into integrating them to create a harmonious spatial appearance.
Function
At the island of the dining and kitchen area, the design team upgraded the scale of the preparation table to make it friendlier for users to operate. The design team reorganized the layout of the space, allowing for the addition of a bathtub, niche, and flooring in the bathroom.
A door is set up at the entrance to the public space to allow residents to enjoy different vibes through the area when they return home and to avoid the concern of the cat bursting into the room. Entering the public space, one will notice that the design team has planned several sitting areas to provide seating for guests. In the master bedroom, the door is designed with a magnetic cat door to separate people and cats when needed.
The design team has planned several sitting areas, such as a sofa area, bar area, balcony area, and relaxation area so that residents can freely choose to relax in each space after work. And at the same time, the designer has provided enough room for guests when they visit.
Differentiation
For this project, the design team focuses on not only the planning of the space pattern but also the characterization of the tiny house and the enrichment of the overall functionality, creating a perfect space "small but complete.” Through the careful planning of the design team, this project not only perfectly embodies the South-East-Asian style but also offers a home with an essential sense of belonging.
After a detailed discussion with the client, the design team adhered to the concept that "design is to be used, not just aesthetic form.” Also, the design team has used ingenuity combined with solid fundamentals to skillfully integrate nature, space, and movement to create the ideal residence for the clients.
Impact
For designers, each project comes with significant social responsibilities. As the commissioner of each case may be a newlywed couple, a first-time buyer, or a couple who will soon enjoy their retirement, the planning of each residential space may affect the owners' family life. To meet the needs of each owner, the designer is always careful and attentive to planning and finally constructs the ideal space for the clients.
Through the designer’s resourceful planning and refined execution, the beautiful style of the residence and the new lifestyle were well delivered to the client. Accordingly, more clients could find responsible and excellent designers in the design world.

HOUSE of SUNSHINE


The first word of our company's name in Mandarin Chinese means the law of constant light exposure throughout the day. And the second word refers to the interior space framed inside the structure.
Through the design process, we often ponder whether the space exists because of the light or the light creates the space. The relations between light and space are indispensable. Light is not just a phenomenon but a magical interaction with space when a designer, a dweller, or something else makes its existence meaningful. It is created and brightened by a unique and tailored configuration.

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