Merry Individual Habitats Diseño de interiores residenciales

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Delving into the dynamics in mature couples' lives, the design embraces the notion of “friendly separation” or “marital separation”, maintaining a ratio of 2/3 shared space to 1/3 individual spaces. Within a single residence, it crafts two distinct and self-reliant lifestyles.
The exceptionally private working and sleeping areas cater to couples with differing routines and concurrent work-from-home setups, enabling them to relish their respective lifestyles.

Dimensions & Packaging

136 Square meters

Tags

herguang、Individual、Habitats

Production Technology

For the bedrooms and the study, ideas of "room within a room" are applied to cater to the specific needs of each occupant. In the study, a folding door is integrated into the office partition for a temporarily independent glass room when one of them is having phone meetings. In the bedroom section, instead of a direct entry into each bedroom, there's an entrance into a hallway first. The bedrooms for the husband and the wife are on the left and right respectively, separated by a dressing room. This spatial arrangement ensures that individuals with different schedules can move in and out without disturbing one another.

Design Challenge

The locations of the study and the bedrooms have been switched, and the entrances of the bathrooms are reoriented to reconfigure the spatiality. With minimal changes, the design achieved significant functional adjustment. Areas for working and resting are situated in the well-lit front, while the private domains are both positioned at the rear, quieter and less likely to be disturbed by activities in the shared areas.

This skillfully redesigned layout avoided extensive demolition and reconstruction, and with less remodel waste, a refreshed and sustainable living environment has been created.

Research

Many societies with aging populations are addressing issues of happiness in old age. This is particularly relevant for couples approaching retirement and upcoming changes in life. Many people desire the freedom of independent living—the phenomenon of "reclaiming singleness." This project explores the concept of a third option, "living separately in the same household," which strikes a balance between "cohabitation" and "separation." Its aim is to design a space that respects each individual's lifestyle, free from being disturbed, fostering a more relaxed and healthier interpersonal relationships.

Inspiration

Taking cues from the homeowners' love for Japanese design, the entire space harmoniously incorporates light and natural wood tones to cultivate a fresh and tranquil ambiance.
The gracefully curved conclusion of the open cabinet, when observed from a specific angle, evokes the impression of a "giant black pillar." Additionally, the use of glass lattice doors at the entrance porch further elevates the feeling of an "inner-Machiya" setting.

Project Duration

Started on 07/06/2022
Posted on 08/07/2023

Operation Flow

Considering both homeowners work from home, the division of shared and individual spaces is determined by "usage time," with a ratio of 2/3 for shared areas, and a ratio of 1/3 for private domains.
Spaces with ample natural light are dedicated to shared areas that are frequently used, while private spaces are positioned in areas with less light, next to the quiet lanes at the back of the house.

Image Credits

Image : Photographer Hsiao Hsiung Liang Yen,2020.