Inner Emotional Home Residence

Inner Emotional Home Residence

Inner Emotional Home Residence is an award-winning architectural renovation project that exemplifies the harmonious integration of contemporary design elements with traditional spatial concepts, completed in Shanghai during 2019-2020. This 280-square-meter residential transformation project, designed by Zhuangzhi Liu and Yichen Shen, represents a philosophical approach to modern living spaces that prioritizes emotional well-being and natural connectivity. The design's core concept revolves around creating a peaceful sanctuary that facilitates a return to nature while fostering inner tranquility. The renovation addressed significant structural challenges, including deformed walls and height limitations, by implementing innovative solutions such as suspended staircases and open-plan layouts. The design methodology emphasizes spatial fluidity, connecting various functional areas including the yard, living room, dining room, kitchen, and tearoom through thoughtful architectural interventions. A notable feature is the multifunctional dining area, which serves as a central hub for public activities, seamlessly integrating kitchen, breakfast, dining, and tea ceremony spaces. The project, which earned recognition with an Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category, demonstrates exceptional achievement in overcoming spatial constraints while maintaining the original character of the residence. The designers successfully created multiple contextual layers within the space, allowing for natural interaction between different functional zones without rigid demarcation, while incorporating the residents' personal collections to create a deeply personalized living environment that reflects both contemporary sensibilities and oriental philosophical principles.

residential renovation, spatial transformation, emotional design, sustainable living, architectural harmony, contemporary interiors

— Adam Dawson