Soulful Residential House

When I was working on this design, I suddenly thought of freedom or something deep in my heart. At that moment, a school of fish came into my mind. These schools of fish move freely in space, unrestrained, so I made a combination of what I thought at first and this free state of fish. This space looks like a kiss, so we also used some embellishments to make this space full of animacy. What we are trying to say is that in the context of global pollution and overconsumption, there is a clear, future, pure, beautiful space full of art.

It's a little bit cold, but the owners prefer the black and white look and a certain elegance that doesn't seem to follow the trend, and we used holographic projection technology to make it look more lively. It seems that there are some big and small fish schools here. At the same time as being as clean as possible, it's a bit of a fantasy. To get back to the beginning, we need to express our sense of harmony with nature. Because we all live together on this planet.

I am very happy to win this award. At the same time, this is a design with many defects. Due to the tight time, there are many things that can be improved and have not been adjusted in time, so the image presentation is still a little rough, the design itself is a simple residential design. He was ordinary, but I wanted to make him more soulful, more accessible to the people who live there, and I wanted to show that in a clean environment, we can make the space more flexible, we can use a variety of methods, as the progress of science and technology, we should be able to more convenient to do with nature and the future.

Holographic projection in this space serves as a silent, fluid, and vibrant 'medium for the soul.' It enhances the meditative atmosphere in the following ways:Dynamic Meditation: The Philosophy of Using 'Movement' to Emphasize 'Stillness'Typically, absolute stillness is believed to bring tranquility. However, in the "Soulful Residential House," we take the opposite approach. The holographic shoal of fish gliding gracefully through the space provides a gentle, dynamic focal point for contemplation.Visual Anchor: As one's gaze follows the trajectory of the fish, scattered thoughts gradually gather and simplify, ultimately anchoring onto this slow, elegant movement. This process itself serves as a form of guided meditation, leading observers from the chaos of the external world back to inner peace.Alleviating the 'Pressure of Stillness': Purely minimalist spaces can sometimes feel cold and unsettling due to excessive stillness. The fluid movement of the fish, like a gentle breeze rippling the surface of a pond, infuses the serene space with a sense of breathability, making the "stillness" feel soft and approachable.The Symbiosis of Virtual and Real: Creating a Realm Beyond the PhysicalThe "virtual" nature of holographic imagery is key to this design.Immaterial Vision: These fish have no physical form; they do not occupy tangible space. They are illusions composed of light, perfectly aligning with our pursuit of "purity"—no additional decorations, no place for dust to settle. The visual experience is rich, yet the physical space remains impeccably clean.Extending Spatial Boundaries: The virtual fish can "swim" through walls and "pass" through furniture, breaking the inherent limitations of physical space. This suggests a broader spiritual realm beyond the concrete confines, guiding residents to realize that the domain of the mind is far more expansive than the physical space we inhabit. This sense of transcendence is precisely the state pursued in deep meditation.Metaphor of Vitality: Meditation in Harmony with NatureThe shoal of fish symbolizes life, freedom, and the rhythms of nature.Silent Resonance: Their presence silently conveys the inner order and elegance of life. Observing how they move in unison and change direction fluidly becomes a meditative practice in harmony, order, and freedom. It allows residents, even within an urban jungle, to connect with the rhythms of natural life.Pure Vitality: Holographic technology strips away all complexity, extracting only the essential imagery of "life in motion." It injects pure vitality into the space in a zero-burden, zero-pollution manner. This reflects the harmonious and intelligent way we aspire to coexist with nature and the future.In summary, holographic projection technology here functions like an unseen Zen master. Without uttering a word, it uses the interplay of light and shadow to guide observers into a state of contemplation—observing the flow of light, reflecting on the fluctuations of the inner self, and ultimately arriving at a meditative state of harmony with oneself and the environment. It transforms technology from cold code into a warm medium that conveys emotion and nurtures the soul.

The choice of 'school of fish' did not stem from an accidental aesthetic preference, but rather from a profound inquiry into the state of the 'soul.' This specific natural element is the most fitting physical expression of 'inner freedom' that I could find.What prompted the selection of the school of fish was the convergence of three levels of contemplation:An attempt to materialize the 'soul': The project is named Soulful Residential House. Initially, 'soul' or 'spirit' was an extremely abstract concept. How could it be transformed into a perceptible spatial experience? What came to mind were 'freedom,' 'unrestrained,' 'agile,' and 'harmony.' It was at that moment that the image of a school of fish swimming leisurely in boundless waters emerged in my mind. They follow no fixed path; each individual moves according to an inner drive and a collective默契, forming a dynamic whole that is both unified and filled with randomness. Isn't this precisely the state of being we deeply yearn for—a life free from the shackles of physical and rule-bound constraints?A response to the modern condition of existence: We live in an era defined by 'boundaries'—the walls of buildings, the grids of cities, the rules of society. While this ubiquitous 'definition' brings us a sense of security, it also无形中 imprisons the fluidity of the spirit. A school of fish, especially as they traverse different waters, disregarding the 'boundaries' we set, represents a possibility for breaking through limitations. I hope this home can become a vessel that shatters internal barriers, and the imagery of the school of fish is the perfect messenger for this vision.The ultimate alignment with the project's context: As I mentioned earlier, the design context is global pollution and overconsumption. Fish, as aquatic creatures, have a survival state intrinsically linked to the quality of the water environment—that is, the natural environment. They are an extremely sensitive environmental indicator. Choosing a school of fish is also a most poetic way to remind us of the fragile yet profound connection we share with our natural mother and to call for a more responsible mode of dwelling.This source of inspiration fundamentally reshaped my architectural decisions:It is far more than a decorative theme; it became the 'generative grammar' shaping the space.Spatial layout and circulation: We completely abandoned the traditional thinking of 'room boxes' defined by walls. The entire spatial layout mimics the fluidity and unpredictability of a school of fish swimming. Moving through it is like a fish exploring the water—the visual and bodily experience is continuous and full of subtle variations, achieving what you referred to as 'spatial flow.'Form and contour: The spatial form of that 'kiss' you mentioned resembles a warm cave, or perhaps a safe 'bubble,' enveloping the inhabitants.Materials and light: To enhance this underwater-like experience, we extensively used materials capable of reflecting and refracting light. Light, processed by these surfaces, is no longer direct but becomes diffused, hazy—like sunlight penetrating the water surface, casting shimmering, rippling patterns on the pool floor. When the holographically projected school of fish swims within this, it merges with this foundational play of light and shadow. The boundary between the virtual and the real is blurred, collectively reinforcing that surreal, meditative atmosphere.Point of technological integration: The design of the holographic projection system also fully adheres to the 'movement patterns' of the school of fish. The projection paths are not random; they are meticulously programmed so that their movement trajectories highly correspond with the streamlined structure of the space, as if they are truly 'exploring' this liquid architecture crafted for them.In summary, for me, the school of fish is not merely a visual symbol. It is a vehicle for a 'spatial philosophy.' It prompted me to make a series of unconventional architectural decisions, ultimately creating not a house to be 'looked at,' but an organic entity to be 'experienced'—a living organism. It invites the inhabitants to set aside mental frameworks and to use their bodies and intuition to feel a life of free-flowing ease, like fish in water.

In the 'silent base' of the 'Soulful Residential House,' dominated by a black, white, and gray cold color palette and holographic lighting, the introduction of deep red and textured metal is far from mere decorative accents. It is a meticulously orchestrated 'awakening of the soul,' rooted in my philosophical contemplation of 'wholeness' and 'vitality.'Philosophical Reflection: A Heartbeat in SilenceMy philosophical reflection can be summarized in two points:The Dialectic of 'Emptiness' and 'Substance': Ultimate simplicity and tranquility ('emptiness') provide a vessel for the soul. However, if there is only 'emptiness,' space can easily slip into nihilism and detachment, lacking human warmth. We need 'substance' to define 'emptiness,' and a touch of 'commotion' to affirm the value of 'serenity.' Deep red is that powerful, distinctly audible 'heartbeat' within the silence. It tells us that this space is alive, pulsating with vitality and emotional flow.The 'Breaking' and 'Establishing' in Eastern Aesthetics: This is deeply influenced by Eastern aesthetics, particularly the concept of 'breaking' in Wabi-sabi philosophy. A flawless, plain base is static, but when a crack appears ('breaking') and is mended with gold dust ('establishing'), the story of life begins. Here, the expansive cool tones are the 'plain base,' and that precise touch of deep red and the glint of metal represent this 'breaking and establishing.' It shatters monotonous perfection, introducing temporal depth and emotional tension, transforming the space from a 'still life painting' into a 'narrative poem.'Element Selection: Why Deep Red and Textured Metal?Venetian Red: I did not choose a bright, aggressive true red, but rather a subdued deep red with an earthy quality and a sense of aged patina, similar to Venetian Red. It embodies the power of blood, the warmth of the earth, and the tempering of kiln fire. It is the most primitive color of life, representing inner passion, energy, and the depth of the soul. Like a warm embrace, it injects an undeniable human warmth into the cold technological feel and absolute tranquility.Textured Metal: We selected textured metal with fine hammer marks, brushed or oxidized traces. They engage in a complex dialogue with light: capturing it, yet scattering it into subtle, shimmering points. This perfectly echoes the 'virtual light' of the holographic fish swarm and the 'physical light' of natural illumination, acting as a visual bridge between the two. Its cool texture creates an interesting tension with the warmth of the deep red, while its own texture speaks of 'craftsmanship' and 'imperfection,' counteracting the potential coldness of digital technology.Impact on the Living Experience:This intentional contrast profoundly shapes the resident's experience:Visual Anchor and Emotional Waypoint: Within the flowing, weightless holographic imagery and open space, that touch of deep red and a metal component become solid, warm visual anchors. They适时 pull wandering thoughts back to reality, providing an emotional 'foothold' and preventing the sense of floatiness that might arise in a purely meditative space.Stimulating Inner Vitality: When the resident's gaze is immersed in cool tones and virtual imagery for extended periods, this sudden surprise of color and texture can instantly awaken perception and stimulate subtle internal emotional fluctuations. It acts like a strong note in a musical piece, enriching the 'emotional curve' of the entire space, making it dynamic and moving.Completing the Spatial Narrative: This home does not tell a story of escaping reality, but one of finding strength within serenity and returning to humanity amidst technology. Deep red and metal are the climax and conclusion of this story: we seek peace of mind, but never forget the fervor of life and the tactile sense of the real world. They ensure that the residence, while possessing 'spirituality,' remains imbued with the warmth and strength of 'the warmth and vibrancy of human life.'In summary, the use of Venetian Red and Textured Metal is the 'human code' we have infused into the 'Soulful Residential House.' It is a profound, longing glance back at the authenticity of life within a digitalized, purified context, ensuring that the space, within its framework of utmost rationality, still beats with a warm and sensitive heart.