This is a high-rise apartment in the central area of Shenzhen. Designers Margie and Xinru implemented “freedom” in this space. This free and changeable space, like childhood playground, enriches work full of excitement. Switching between scenes, the space inspires creativity, motivates communication and interaction with colleague, friends and furnishings.
01 Multiple roles and functions
The owner of the apartment has dual identity of being an artist and an successful entrepreneur in medical field. In her ideal world, she imagined the apartment being a flexible space that not only meets the needs of the team working, but also a place for business gatherings and entertainment, individual work and leisure.
The total area of the apartment is 80 square meters. On the premise of satisfying both leisure and work function, Margie and Xinru opened up all the walls weakened the sense of boundaries defining a specific function. Transformed the space into one that switches modes at will, just like how the owner of the apartment change between multiple identities.
Natural light extends along the entire floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an excellent light to shadow atmosphere, extending the openness of the overall layout. The background tone of the space is simple and soft, pastel colors with tints of blue carry out the gentleness and peace of daily life. The natural wood texture and metal decorations adds a touch of playfulness to the space, just like those unexpected encounter and surprises in life.
02 Freedom of space
Scenarios are divided using flexible wood partitions. Original space is reorganized and defined as partition slides back and forth separating and joining living and work needs. Cozy white and blue becomes colors that shuffles in the space, giving the apartment unique vitality.
03 Transformable furnishing
Flexibility and interaction between space and its user is considered throughout the design. Putting emphasis on vitality of space, the designer creates mobile furnishings that adapts to user’s different needs. Wheels, adjustable parts, switch and springs are customarily inserted in places to maximize mobility and surprises.
04 Customized “toy”
The biggest highlight is a customized ping-pong table designed to match the user’s dual identity. Designer selects unique wood veneer with special dyed leather net to constitute this multifunctional “toy”.
Custom ordered metal components allows the table to be easily separated and combined together. Specially crafted leather net transforms the table into ping-pong table, meeting and individual work desk.
The innermost part of the apartment is designed as a comfortable living area, with storage cabinets that can be easily accessed, side tables and tea tables that can be moved arbitrarily, transformable sofa beds for overnight stays, and washrooms hidden behind the wall. These details are the life trajectory outlined by the designer for the client to showcase the excitements and surprises in life.
Designer tried to endow the space with life. Utilizing site advantage of high-rise scenery and abundant natural light. Transparency and boundless setting allows the entire apartment to have a larger sensory experience than its actual square footage. Taking into account the lifestyle of the user, designer abandoned the use of traditional fixed furnishings. The interaction between people and objects provides the occupants with an interesting space experience, and also leaves more possibilities for shaping a plentiful life.
“Open space provides freedom of growth and opportunity for new possibilities. One immersed in the space should experience the freedom of living through creatively interacting with it.” ——Designers Margie and Xinru.
Project Information: Central City Apartment, Shenzhen; Area: 80 square meters; Location: Shenzhen, China; Design team: X-ZOO Design; Chief designers: Xinru Wei, Margie Zhao; Photography: Sui Sicong;
