Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho by Xiyao Wang

Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho by Xiyao Wang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Rino in Hoahoa Roto Whare me te Whakaaturanga Competition Category.

RinoRoto Whare· 2026

Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho

by Xiyao Wang

Client: Extended Play Lab

A' Design Award Rino Winner in Roto Whare Category

5,078

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #163678

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho

Book Text: Ka whakatauhia anōtia e Urban Serenity te noho tāone mā te whakakotahi māmā i te ātaahua me te urutau. Ka tū motuhake te hoahoa mō tōna whakauru auaha o ngā wāhi, e whakanui ana i te māramatanga taiao me ngā hononga ā-tirohanga, i te wā anō ka pupuri i ngā tuakiri motuhake mā ngā whakatakotoranga tae whaiwhakaaro. Ko ngā āhuatanga matua o te hoahoa, ko tētahi wāhi pae waenga ngaio, ko ngā whakatakotoranga rūma whaiaro, me tētahi rere ā-tauwhirotanga hei tautoko i ngā mahi tata me ngā mahi pāpori, e hanga ana i tētahi kāinga e urutau ana ki ngā āhuatanga noho maha.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Rino

Ko Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho te toa o te A' Design Award Rino, he whakaaetanga whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa pai e whakatutuki ana i ngā hiahia ngaio me te ahumahi e tūmanakohia ana mai i ngā mahi kua hoahoatia pai. Ko ngā toa Rino e whakaatu ana i te pukenga nui, te tohungatanga teitei, te māramatanga mātanga me te kaha auaha o ō rātou kaihanga. E tūmanakohia ana ko Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho he mahi whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he whaihua, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Rino e whakakotahi ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa o te ahumahi, ā, he āhuatanga hangarau pūkenga tōna e hono ana ki te mōhio me te pūmanawa. E whakahonoretia ana a Urban Serenity Primary Function: Whare Noho mō tōna tōtika, ā, i hoahoatia hei whakapai ake i te kounga o te oranga me te āwhina i te ao kia pai ake.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Urban Serenity redefines urban living by seamlessly blending elegance with adaptability. The design stands out for its innovative integration of spaces, enhancing natural light and visual connections while maintaining distinct identities through thoughtful color schemes. Key features include a versatile central bar area, personalized room layouts, and a harmonious flow that supports both intimate and social functions, creating a home that adapts to diverse living scenarios.
Dimensions & Packaging: The apartment area is 160 square meters.
Tags: Interior Design, Apartment Design, Modern Living, Minimalist, Abstract
Production Technology: The design of Urban Serenity utilized a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. We began by reimagining the apartment's spatial layout, breaking down barriers to enhance natural light and connectivity. The project employed precise spatial analysis to optimize room functions, using materials like warm-toned wood and soft textiles to create a cohesive atmosphere. Collaborative discussions with the homeowner guided the selection of lighting, furniture, and finishes, ensuring a tailored and refined result.
Design Challenge: The hardest part of designing Urban Serenity was creatively balancing openness with privacy. The challenge lay in reconfiguring the layout to enhance natural light and social connectivity while preserving intimate spaces. Historical and social contexts influenced our approach, as we sought to honor traditional Chinese spatial harmony. Limited space and structural constraints required innovative use of materials and technology to achieve a fluid, adaptable environment that meets modern urban needs.
Research: We conducted qualitative research focused on enhancing urban living. The objective was to create a space that blends warmth with functionality. We used spatial analysis, interviews with the homeowner, and observational studies to gather insights. Tools included 3D modeling and material sampling. The results showed a need for adaptable spaces with natural light, leading to a design that enhances well-being, fosters social interaction, and elevates urban residential standards.
Inspiration: The inspiration for Urban Serenity came from a desire to blend urban sophistication with a deeply personal, warm living environment. We aimed to create a space that not only reflects the dynamic energy of Lujiazui but also serves as a serene retreat. The design draws from the idea of fluidity in living spaces, allowing for versatility and adaptability while maintaining a sense of intimacy and connection with the surrounding urban landscape.
Project Duration: The project started in 2020 in Shanghai, and finished in 2022. The project was severly delayed due to covid lockdown.
Operation Flow: The design transforms traditional apartment layouts by integrating spaces to enhance connectivity and interaction. By removing a key wall, we redefined the communal areas, allowing natural light to flood the living room and study, creating a continuous visual connection with the surrounding urban and natural landscapes. The central bar, dining, and living spaces are unified, encouraging fluid movement and interaction while maintaining distinct identities through contrasting color palettes.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Rex Zou. Image #2: Designer Qiu Jin. Image #3: Project Manager Sitan Yi.