

Arch Design Award
in
Interior Design Category
Winner
Residence in the house
Designed by
Thomas Tse / Inspiration Group
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Residence in the house
Residential Architecture
Guangzhou / China
Thomas Tse / Inspiration Group










Photo Credits:
Zaohui Huang / 2022
Copyrights:
Inspiration Group / 2022
For six consecutive years, designer Thomas Tse has taken part in the large-scale public welfare renovation program "Dream Home" hosted by Shanghai Dragon TV. He has transformed old houses in Guangzhou's old city, aiming to improve people's lives through his design. In this residential design project, he is tasked with designing a 72-square-meter micro space for a family of six, ensuring it meets practical needs, aesthetic appeal, and emotional comfort, creating a blend of new and old memories of "home."
We have revived the roof tiles of traditional Lingnan architecture to preserve the generational memory of this century-old house. The original roof tiles now extend to the façade and ground, blending the indoor and outdoor spaces and letting light flow throughout. By retaining the green and translucent tiles from the old Xiguan house and incorporating modern design techniques, we create a unique experience. Ensuring proper drainage was crucial, so we designed multiple drainage channels and paths on the roof.
The new architectural style is defined by curved forms. The curved roof extends from the third-floor garden into the house and down to the ground floor, enhancing the space's openness. The curved surface acts as the "spiritual symbol" of the building, interacting with family members and adding charm to the home.
We chose handmade bricks to replace traditional tiles, ensuring both the rustic charm of Lingnan style and the convenience of modern living. This choice also echoes the house's entrance sign, continuing the home's legacy.
The boy’s room features a climbable loft space, reflecting his lively nature and allowing him to gaze at the sky, inspiring endless imagination and healing power. On the second floor, a hidden versatile "magic box" between the daughter's room and the master bedroom can serve as a walk-in closet or dressing room when connected to the master bedroom, or transform into a play area for the little daughter when the secret passage opens.