Happy Downshifting: A Simple and Bright Residential House

Increasing Family Interaction and Embracing Simplicity

What sets Happy Downshifting apart is its attention to detail and the proportion of materials, creating a visual feast of texture and structural aesthetics in a simple space. The hallway connecting the public spaces serves as a future playground for the children, ensuring a smooth flow and complete design. The design team has carefully considered the homeowner's preference for simplicity and brightness, resulting in a space that is both visually stunning and functional.

The design team utilized various techniques to realize the Happy Downshifting design. The Pandomo floor and cement-like paint on the TV wall add a simple texture to the public space. In the resting area, dark paint and veneer wood are used to create a comfortable and natural feeling. The combination of mixed materials creates a beautiful contrast, blending layers of light and heavy, thick and thin. The result is a unique visual beauty that combines two different effects.

With a total area of 209.9 sqm, the Happy Downshifting residence offers ample space for the family. The design team has also taken into consideration the need for storage, incorporating hidden cabinets in the living room, entrance, study room, kitchen, and dining room. These cabinets provide convenient storage options while maintaining a fresh and tidy appearance. Display units are also included to showcase the owner's personal taste and collection.

One of the key features of the Happy Downshifting design is the spacious study room, which serves as an important area for parent-children interaction. The design includes white cabinets for storage, creating a simple and neat visual effect. The long table design allows the couple to handle business and use their computers simultaneously. In the future, the children can also learn with their parents at this table, fostering a sense of togetherness.

The Happy Downshifting project was completed in 2017 in Linkou, Taiwan. The design team faced the challenge of a large space that initially appeared hollow. To address this, they expanded the room to four bedrooms, providing accommodation for families and friends, as well as flexibility for future family members. Additionally, a storage room was designed to reduce the clutter of less commonly used items.

The Happy Downshifting design by Guan-Ying Lee and Chia-Yin Hsieh has been recognized for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This award acknowledges designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Image Credits: Hey Cheese, Taiwan, 2017