Light Box: A Minimalist Residential House

Creating Tranquility and Connection with Nature

In the design process, Jun Zheng drew inspiration from Louis Barragan's philosophy of creating tranquility and making it a regular guest in the family. The Light Box reflects Barragan's love for religious piety, light, body, and horse, encapsulating these themes in a contemporary residential setting.

What sets the Light Box apart is its deliberate focus on the relationship between humans and nature. Rather than confining the space, the design aims to improve the intimacy between humans and the natural environment. By creating a sense of seclusion, the Light Box allows residents to find inner peace and tranquility.

The Light Box is characterized by its timeless design and the deposition of time. The use of blank spaces enhances the feeling of being "in the box," creating a unique living experience. The design also fosters emotional connections between people, establishing new interwoven relationships that integrate the power of nature.

While the construction techniques employed in the Light Box are simplified, this does not compromise the quality of the design. Attention to detail is evident in the precise 1mm joints between solid wood veneers and the careful spacing between stone and wood elements to ensure long-term durability.

The Light Box is a three-story townhouse with a rectangular shape and an overall area of 400 square meters. It features a kitchen on the first floor and a patio that seamlessly integrates with the original garden. The design maximizes human behavior and actions, creating a symbiotic, independent, clustered, and scattered living environment.

Completed in November 2019 in Chengdu, the Light Box project took over a year to realize. It was driven by a deep understanding of the clients' needs, on-site experiences, and a long-term vision for a harmonious living space.

The Light Box has garnered recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

The Light Box, with its emphasis on simplicity, interactivity, and the integration of nature, offers a unique living experience. It embodies the essence of Oriental aesthetics, natural attributes, and a humanistic spirit, creating a harmonious and beautiful space for its residents.