Bright Corridor: A Barrier-Free Residential Design by Chien-Hwan Wang

Creating a Modern and Accessible Living Space

The retired couple wanted to make their four-story house barrier-free by installing an elevator. Chien-Hwan Wang, the renowned designer, took on the challenge and transformed the space into a bright and inviting home. By demolishing the original layout and reconfiguring the vertical route, the design team not only eliminated the disadvantages of a long and narrow corridor but also maximized the use of space. The result is a unique and functional design that combines modern aesthetics with practicality.

With a modern style, the design team chose blue as the main tone of the space, creating a low-key and calm atmosphere. Traditional totems and metal parts were combined with various design techniques to achieve rich layers of different materials in the same tone. The public areas feature a transparent route and multifunctional activity area, while the private areas boast excellent lighting in the bedrooms, allowing for sufficient daylight and efficient use of space.

The highlight of the design is the creation of a patio in the center of the building, located above the staircase. This patio not only introduces natural sunlight to the staircase, eliminating the dark and cold feeling of the space, but also serves as a focal point for the entire house. The circular line extends to the dining table on the first floor, allowing daylight from the patio to shine from the center to each corner, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere for dining and communication.

The design team paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the space is not only visually appealing but also functional. For instance, the original polished stone flooring was replaced with Bolon carpet, providing a warm and comfortable surface for walking barefoot in winter. The small bathroom was expanded to three to four times its original size, and each bedroom was redesigned to accommodate a double bed and a dressing room.

During the design process, the team faced challenges such as avoiding beams and floor slabs while re-planning the vertical route and confirming the structural strength of the building. Working closely with structural technicians, they were able to overcome these challenges and finalize the plan.

The Bright Corridor design project was completed in Taichung City, Taiwan. It showcases the innovative use of materials such as Bolon carpet, tile, plywood, wood, concrete, screen, metal, and glass tile. The result is a stunning and functional space that meets the clients' needs for a barrier-free home.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023. The award acknowledges the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of the Bright Corridor project, which integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics. Chien-Hwan Wang's design not only fulfills the clients' requirements but also contributes to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chien-Hwan Wang
Image Credits: CHIENHWAN associates
Project Team Members: Chien-Hwan Wang
Project Name: Bright Corridor
Project Client: Chien-Hwan Wang


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