CANICA: A Timber House Design

Creating a Warm and Special Showroom Experience

The CANICA design, created by renowned designer Louis Lau, offers a fresh take on the traditional showroom concept. Rather than a typical display of products on walls, the design concept revolves around the idea of a "TIMBER HOUSE." The aim is to create a warm and special atmosphere, reminiscent of entering a cozy timber house with a modern twist, rather than a lifeless commercial showroom.

The welcoming area of the CANICA design serves as the showroom itself, seamlessly integrating the client's products into the overall interior design. The most popular timber products are used as interior finishes, showcasing the functions and diversities of the timber products as end product samples to customers. This approach allows customers to easily access and understand the timber products, enabling them to select the ones that best suit their needs.

The working area of the CANICA design is designed to accommodate eight staff members and one manager. Additionally, there is a 100 square foot storage room for timber products. The design ensures that functionality is not compromised, providing a practical and efficient workspace.

The main material used in the CANICA design is timber, which is incorporated into various parts of the design. By utilizing different kinds of timber in different colors and finishes, the design overcomes the challenge of incorporating a large quantity of one material in an office space. This approach creates contrast and highlights specific areas, particularly in the entrance area, capturing the attention of visitors.

The CANICA design project commenced in June 2013 and was completed in September 2013 in Hong Kong. Extensive research on timber properties was conducted to ensure the selection of the most suitable materials for the design. The result is a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.

The CANICA design was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2014 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious accolade recognizes the exceptional expertise and innovation demonstrated by the design. The CANICA design stands out for its technical excellence, artistic skill, and ability to evoke positive emotions, amazement, and wonder.