A House With Huge Differences

Transforming a Small Space into a Dream Home

Pone Architecture, led by designer Ming Leung, has successfully transformed a 70 square meter apartment in Zhejiang, China, into a dream home for a family of six. The project, which started in May 2018 and finished in September 2018, aimed to address the challenges faced by the family and create a safe and inspiring environment for their children's education and growth.

The design team identified six core difficulties in the transformation process, including an unreasonable space layout, small living space for three generations, poor indoor lighting and ventilation, insufficient storage space, a wet floor on the first floor, and poor sound insulation in the old workshop. To overcome these challenges, Pone Architecture used innovative design techniques and materials to provide functionality while preserving aesthetics.

One of the unique features of this design is the use of load-bearing walls to divide the house into an activity area and a quiet area. The activity area includes the entryway, kitchen, living room, dining room, and washroom, while the quiet area consists of the elderly room, children's room, main room, and washroom. This division allows for a better balance of space and ensures that each area serves its purpose effectively.

The design also incorporates square modules based on the owner's wish list, maximizing the use of the available space. The introduction of large glass windows on the north and south sides of the house allows for better natural lighting and ventilation, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Additionally, a north-south convection ventilation system has been implemented to improve air circulation and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

The transformation of the house also focused on creating ample storage space. Pone Architecture designed six major storage systems, including entrance storage, living room storage, kitchen storage, refrigerator storage, clothing storage, and book storage. These storage solutions help the family organize their belongings and maintain a clutter-free living space.

Throughout the design process, Pone Architecture prioritized the needs of the family's children. The goal was not only to create an aesthetically pleasing environment but also to provide a safe and conducive space for their growth and education. The design team aimed to help the children pursue their life trajectories and form their own life traces.

The successful transformation of this small space into a dream home has garnered recognition in the design community. The project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019 for its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. This award recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements.

Overall, Pone Architecture's transformation of A House With Huge Differences showcases the power of design to improve the quality of life for families facing housing difficulties. By addressing the unique challenges of the space and prioritizing the needs of the family, the design team has created a home that not only meets functional requirements but also inspires and supports the growth of its inhabitants.