Yard Apartment: A Masterpiece of Compact Living

Qisi Design's Innovative Approach to Small-Space Living

The Yard Apartment is not just a living space; it is a carefully designed environment that combines the interior with a courtyard to maximize usable area and facilitate a variety of activities. The design revolves around an activity axis, with various scenes unfolding along this line. The use of wood veneer and wood furniture not only brings warmth and affinity to the space, but also blurs the boundary between furniture and architecture, making every inch count.

What sets the Yard Apartment apart is its ability to create a warm, comfortable environment that can accommodate a range of activities within a limited space. The designers have fully exploited the potential of small houses by establishing indoor and outdoor connections, utilizing mezzanines, and overlaying functions. The result is a rich, functional space that can host a party of many people despite its size.

The Yard Apartment is realized through the use of wood veneer, wood furniture, cement paint, and wood structure. The entrance creates the warm atmosphere of a street-side coffee shop, while the yard serves as an outdoor living room in good weather. The indoor and outdoor spaces are connected through a bar, and the sunken living room offers rich height variations. The mezzanine bedroom and the dark-colored bathroom area, wrapped in cement paint, provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation under carefully designed lighting.

The design process, which took place from May to September 2019 in Shanghai, was not without its challenges. The small area increased the difficulty of function setting and construction. However, Qisi Design managed to overcome these obstacles and create a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The project is a study in the possibilities of tiny living spaces, with the aim of creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere that meets the needs of residents' living and social interaction.

The Yard Apartment has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, strong technical characteristics, and remarkable artistic skill. It is a testament to Qisi Design's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in small-space living.