When it comes to designing a small residential house, the challenge lies in creating a space that feels open and comfortable, rather than cramped and confined. MII-Design has tackled this challenge head-on with their innovative approach in the Diagonally Divided design. By using a diagonal wall to link the functions of the living room, dining room, and bedroom, they have eliminated the sense of stiffness that often comes with the design of partitions.
The surface of the diagonal wall is constructed using a variety of materials such as wood, stone, and dark paint texture, creating abundant variations of forms and structures. This not only extends the visual mobility of the space but also adds a stylish touch to the overall design. The use of natural materials not only reduces the impact on the environment but also adds a cozy atmosphere to the space.
The Diagonally Divided design is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also takes into consideration the technical specifications of the space. Located on the fourth floor of a ten-story building, the design covers an area of 60 square meters. The designers have taken into account the humid climate of the area and have incorporated a ventilation and dehumidification system to ensure the comfort of the inhabitants.
Throughout the design process, MII-Design has conducted extensive research to challenge the conservative way of thinking developed from Oriental culture and education. By introducing the concept of a diagonal line in the layout plan, they aim to express the idea that perfect solutions can be developed through extraordinary design thinking.
One of the biggest challenges in the development process of the Diagonally Divided design was determining the axis of the diagonal wall. The designers had to carefully estimate the most moderate space needed for each function of living and decide the degrees of inclination according to precise calculations. This attention to detail and precision is what sets this design apart.
The construction of the Diagonally Divided design started in January 2017 and was completed in May 2017, taking a total of four months. The design team at MII-Design hopes that the inhabitants of this space will feel the fact that the living space was enlarged within the small house through exceptional design techniques.
The Diagonally Divided design has been recognized for its creativity and ingenuity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is bestowed upon outstanding designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.
Photographer Andy Chang, ANDY's Photography, 2017
Copyrights belong to MII-DESIGN, 2017
Project Designers: MII Design
Image Credits: Photographer Andy Chang, ANDY's Photography , 2017
Project Team Members: Designer: Tai, Po Yu
Designer: Chuang, Chih Chieh
Designer: Xiao, You Chen
Designer: Chen, Liang Chi
Project Name: Diagonally divided
Project Client: MII Design