Month: May 2019

Background
Based in Beijing, where “space” is relatively expensive, the chief designer Luo Yujie has been studying how to integrate multiple functions to maximize the utilization of space. For instance, he once designed a piece of large furniture that combined the functions of storage, sofa and computer desk in his small residence, and customized a variable and versatile work desk for architects.

We were engaged twice to design this home, firstly as a conventional two-story ‘box’ type structure. However, once handed over to the Client, a heritage overlay was introduced which forced the clients to undertake a stressful re-design which was then decided by a local tribunal. With the assistance of a heritage consultant and under instructions to provide minimal change to the floor plan, we re-imagined the design in the context of the newly introduced heritage precinct. This involved a local review of the existing interwar building stock, identification of key elements and the manipulation of certain aspects, in a contemporary interpretation of the historical component.

Two new outbuildings create a gateway to the site, framing a pathway down the hill to an assembly of structures. To the left, a glass-roofed outhouse and cedar-slatted outdoor shower. Descending further, the cantilevered roof of the entrance porch nods to the restored log cabin within steps from the front door.

For Fiocas´ cake shop first store we created its identity through the inspiration of glass domes shape that covers the cakes as small edible jewels.