Unfinished Journey: A Home Where Memory Meets Modernity

Vivian Chiu and Ke Ye Wu blend history and innovation in a timeless renovation.

The inspiration for Unfinished Journey arose from the house’s own history, carrying over half a century of family memories within its walls. Vivian Chiu and Ke Ye Wu sought to preserve the unique character of the building, allowing the traces of time—visible in every brick and surface—to become an integral part of daily life. By celebrating the raw beauty of original materials, the designers transformed the space into a living story, where each element reflects the passage of time and the continuity of family legacy.

What sets this residential project apart is its innovative approach to regeneration. Structural reinforcement is not hidden but highlighted, with exposed steel systems serving as both support and visual anchor. This aesthetic choice, rarely seen in typical homes, creates a dialogue between durability and understated industrial elegance. Flexible layouts, adaptive furniture, and breathable material treatments ensure the space remains dynamic, evolving with the needs of its inhabitants while maintaining a sense of grounded authenticity.

The realization of the design relied on a subtractive process that prioritized preservation and enhancement. Original red bricks were treated with breathable coatings to retain their tactile quality and reduce dust, while custom-fabricated steel elements provided both reinforcement and visual continuity. Lightweight steel frames minimized structural load, enabling greater openness and adaptability. Every detail, from material selection to onsite craftsmanship, reflected a commitment to material honesty and sustainable renovation practices.

Spanning two floors and a basement—each floor measuring 105 square meters—the home features an open-plan living and dining area, a kitchen, and bathrooms, with the upper level dedicated to private and shared living zones. Large openings invite sunlight, casting shifting shadows across textured walls, while sliding barn doors and tactile surfaces evoke a sensory connection to the past. The design’s flexibility encourages seamless movement and interaction, making the space as functional as it is evocative.

Underlying the project is extensive research into material behavior and structural adaptation in aging buildings. Collaboration with engineers, builders, and local craftsmen ensured that every intervention balanced aesthetics with safety and durability. The greatest challenge lay in preserving the emotional value of the home while addressing severe deterioration and adapting modern techniques to uncertain foundations. Through constant testing and creative problem-solving, the team achieved a harmonious blend of memory and innovation.

Unfinished Journey stands as a model for sustainable renovation, demonstrating how thoughtful design can revitalize heritage spaces without erasing their soul. Awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2025, the project is celebrated for its practical innovation, technical excellence, and contribution to a better world. It invites reflection on the power of architecture to honor the past while shaping the future of living.