P HOUSE

In the space where two offset rectangles overlap, new experiments are taking place, with change and incompletion becoming a way of life. The young graphic designer who moved into this old house does not favor the modern minimalist white spaces. Instead, they chose to expose and leave the beams unadorned, constructing a living environment that appears unfinished yet filled with experimental intrigue.

The most significant experiment during this process was the homeowner’s direct involvement in the construction. With a vitality distinct from that of professionals, they personally polished the old ceiling, where stalactites had formed over time, blending its rugged texture with the newly installed organic beams, conveying a sense of new possibilities. The resin cementitious flooring, in a similar tone but with a contrasting texture to the ceiling, creates a harmonious sense of tension. Under bright lighting, this expansive space gains layers and strength.

As the gaze shifts to the island, the composition of the space changes once again. In contrast to the living room’s open, flexible, and organic arrangement, the central area composed of the kitchen island and bathroom is structured with rectangular blocks of various materials, stacked in a way that exudes internal dynamism, forming a tableau reminiscent of a graphic design piece.

The designer relocated the original bathroom and stove, creating an open layout that makes the small house more convenient for solo living. This change also opened up unobstructed paths for light and air to flow from front to back. This transparent central zone also plays a crucial role in linking the public and private areas.

For example, in terms of materials, plywood, which is extensively used in the back room and workspace, makes its appearance here. The plywood continues the rough, organic aesthetic of the public area, presented in its raw, unprocessed state, complementing the simple tiles used in the bathroom, adding a natural warmth to the space. The organic nature of the space is expressed in various forms throughout the entire project, with the designer introducing different variations within a consistent theme to bring out spatial changes.

In the private areas, the extensive use of plywood is even more pronounced. The room, originally extended by enclosing the balcony, has been transformed into a studio. The removal of windows and doors between the two spaces allows them to merge more seamlessly, with light and air flowing directly. The varying scales of openings in the original exterior wall add a lively dynamic to the functional design.

In this seemingly unrefined, unfinished organic space, closer inspection reveals the designer’s meticulous thought process. The wide, deep opening where the original window was at the head of the bed now accommodates outlets for flexible use between the room and workspace, with a small nightlight embedded in the wall below to ensure safety during nighttime movement. The grout lines of the bathroom tiles, upon closer inspection, are an uncommon brown, adding a rustic yet sophisticated texture to the space. In this evolving experimental ground, the details of the design subtly convey a distinct residential quality. Together, they complement each other, creating a naturally captivating vibrancy.