The Simple Life

Project Name: Vanke Wulongshan H Lot Model Room 146

Design Style: Minimalist

Area: Apprx 300 m²

Primary Materials: Black steel, white board, wood-textured stone, black mirror

Designer: Yanming Yin

As technology becomes more sophisticated, we can create more diverse living spaces. We can now maintain traditional standards of comfort through various styles and levels of luxury, using additive or subtractive methods. The design of this Vanke model home follows the subtractive style.

In developing the design of the model home, the designers first considered the program and comfort of each space. With the original architecture in mind, the designers applied reserved, clear, smooth lines to shape the home. Then, using reductive techniques, the designers divided large spaces into smaller ones, making them more comfortable. Selective use of whites and light colors with dark browns is employed throughout the home, creating a simple, fresh, and elegant atmosphere.
The model home follows Mies van der Rohe's philosophy of "Less is more"; however, this creates the challenge of capturing emotion in a minimalist space. In response to this problem, the designers create a subtle rhythm throughout the home. Organization and progression of spaces, along with symmetry and lighting bring beauty to the space. Additionally, the colors and simple forms of steel and wood combine to create rich layers. Thinking in terms of integrated design, the furnishings also compliment the home's overall space and tone. They increase the home's comfort and style. While they maintain an elegant and controlled atmosphere, each room expresses its own theme.

On the first floor, a large, comfortable corner sofa occupies the living room, giving the space a simple and grand feeling. The long dining table with yellow accents adds energy to the room. Sunlight filters into the room through the wall of sliding glass doors leading to the yard, vitalizing the room. All at once, the space is comfortable, elegant, and lively.

The family room also maintains a feeling of simplicity. The combination of white and dark brown furnishing creates a bold look. However, the room still feels warmth through its plush brown carpet and dark hardwood floors. With a reading space on one end, and sunlight streaming in through the glass, the room exudes a family atmosphere.

While the living and family rooms are more reserved, the children's rooms are more active. They reverse the calm and restrained design style. Instead, the rooms speak of bright imagination, excitement, and childlike innocence. A nature theme pervades in the girl's room. Looking up, one sees two leaves carved into the ceiling, these are the lights. They echo the leaves of the tree painted on the wall. Within the tree leaves also sits a bird and a bird house, while decorative lights float beneath the tree. Between the gentle ticking of the wall clock and the natural, playful environment created in the room, the child will surely hear the nightingale singing.

Meanwhile, the boy's room on the basement floor adopts an ocean theme. Here, the ceiling lights take the form of water droplets with glittering chandeliers suspended from them. The white of the ceiling gradually becomes blue as the gradient moves down the wall to the carpet. One wall, however, acts as a drawing board, while the desk folds out from another. The entire bed takes the form of a ship, tying together the nautical decorations throughout the room. Connecting to the playroom, the overall space is lively and cheerful. It encourages exploration and the development of unique personalities.

The overall design of the model home provides relief from the chaos of daily life. It is simple, but interesting design. Through connecting with nature and familiar comforts, the home creates moments of splendid innocence.