IDPA Japan Design Award

2025 International Design Pioneer Award | Japan Tokyo
Days
Hours
Minutes

WHISPER

by PRAGMATISM

Projet Description

The whole house is divided into two zones, 'social' and 'private'. The reason for this clear division is that the designers wanted the homeowners to have a more convenient and interesting living experience, while still meeting the basic needs of living.
The overall form of the house is closely and subtly related to the city's DNA. The entrance floor is finished with cement tile, a common treatment in traditional houses in western Sichuan, and is stacked with a chic texture pattern, continuing the unique historical flavour of Chengdu architecture. The space is re-divided through the sinking of the entryway, creating a pleasant secret place in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city between light and dark.
The materials chosen for the entire space exude an extremely rustic and natural atmosphere. Further allowing the homeowners to forget their current situation in a noisy city and have a better atmosphere to experience this slow state of life. Highlighting the quiet atmosphere does not negate the urban atmosphere, but rather allows one to experience the core of life in a silent and still environment.
The "wabi-sabi" aesthetic is intended to create a calm atmosphere, while the dining room is intended to be more of a living atmosphere, with a contrast and drama to the space. The entire area of the island + dining table, with its seemingly simple shape, was designed to be straight and horizontal, just like the warp and weft pattern in brocade weaving, so that no mistakes could be made. It was improved several times, showing the designer's attention to detail and the builder's craftsmanship to the fullest.
Due to the size of the kitchen, some of the kitchen functions have been moved to the island, increasing the cooking space required for those who like to cook. A tri-fold sliding door separates the Chinese and Western kitchens. This allows for the independence of the central kitchen, and at the same time allows for a clear view of the kitchen interior, so that the small size does not create a sense of oppression.
The balcony is incorporated into the living room space, using the curved shape to wrap the original balcony beams and columns, the soft transition makes the sense of lines in the space more fluid and the visual hierarchy more rich. The artistic paint with its own texture draws nature into the daily subtleties of life, constituting a peaceful, self-correcting natural state deep within.
The sofa is placed by the window for a better view and to create a more pleasant space. This is a state of mind that is difficult to obtain in everyday life.
A plain and unpretentious corner of the living room during the day, unobtrusive and quietly waiting to be sublimated at nightfall. Under the deliberate design of the lighting, the light source sets off a wonderful sense of ritual, light gives the space its properties, mystery and warmth. The meaning of a space to people is never just about providing a certain volume. It carries the needs and emotions of people's lives, and in a subtle way improves their lifestyles.
The "social" area, a shaded part of the corridor, is a source of endless reverie. This is the entrance to another area, where the roof is still curved, softening the abruptness of the height of the house. At the same time, the flooring makes clever use of the contrast between the two materials to delineate the boundaries of the area.
With more rooms than family members, the four rooms in the 'private' area were converted into one room, providing the homeowners with a large, independent space. However, the change to one room does not mean that the space is given the opportunity to grow unchecked. Setting rules in a fixed area can bring more lasting freedom and comfort to life.
Instead of cold, thick walls on either side of the corridor, there are two functional areas looking out across the corridor. On one side of the corridor is a fitness space for the owners, where all their daily fitness needs can be met. In addition to this, it is also a multi-purpose room. When family and friends come to stay overnight, the Murphy bed is pulled down from the wall and the wooden sliding door is closed, making this a separate guest room.

PRAGMATISM

Yiming Jia(Design Director)
Design Concept
When you think in fixed terms and define a developer's traditional set of three, her home breaks away from the traditional house layout.
Years of work
8years
Representative works
CapitaLand Century Residence、Xiangyue Residence 、Poly Centre、China Overseas Greenwich City、Huishashaocheng

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