Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga by Jing Shyun Zhang

Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga by Jing Shyun Zhang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Roto Whare me te Whakaaturanga Competition Category.

ParahiRoto Whare· 2026

Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga

by Jing Shyun Zhang

Client: Miss W

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Roto Whare Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #183437

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga

Ko Embracing Light and Home he hoahoa o roto whare noho iti, tata ki te 43 mita pūrua te rahi. Kua whakakotahihia e tētahi iho matua ngā wāhi rokiroki, ngā ara hikoi me ngā mahi, kia noho tuwhera tonu ai te mahere, kia kore ai he pātū pūmau. Ka whakamahia te māramatanga o te ao tūroa hei huānga whakarite, e rere ana mā tētahi āputa teitei-rua me tētahi tuwheratanga anga ki te tonga hei tūhono i ngā papa. Mā te hoahoa tapahanga e huri ai te rōrahi poutū hei wāhi noho tāpiri, kāore e whakanuia te tapuwae o te whare. Ko te papa o raro hei tautoko i ngā mahi ngātahi, ā, ko ngā papa o runga hei whakarato i te noho tūmataiti.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a Embracing Light and Home Te Hoahoa Rōpū o Roto Kāinga i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This project redefines compact living through a non fragmented spatial system. A central core integrates storage and functions, allowing space to remain open. Light acts as a structuring element, moving through a double height void to connect levels and establish depth. Sectional design uses vertical volume to expand living space without increasing footprint. Visual relationships are formed through openings and proportions. The project transforms limitations into openness and flexibility.
Dimensions & Packaging: Total area approx 43 square meters. Condition double height volume with south facing opening. Layout multi level interior organized by a central core. Vertical space is defined through sectional design. A double height void improves daylight penetration. Storage and systems are integrated to maintain continuity.
Tags: compact housing, sectional design, vertical space, natural light, central core, integrated storage, residential interior
Production Technology: A section driven design method organizes circulation, storage, and functions within a central core. Spatial studies define vertical relationships and light movement. Light finishes support daylight reflection, while mineral coatings and wood provide material contrast. The staircase uses a steel structure clad in wood, integrating storage beneath. Built in storage is embedded into walls and volumes, while mechanical systems are concealed to maintain clarity.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was maintaining openness, light, and clarity within a compact space. Conventional planning often leads to fragmentation and reduced daylight. The design required balancing multiple functions while preserving continuity. Key issues included controlling light through section, avoiding fragmentation, maximizing vertical volume, and integrating storage. These were addressed through a section based strategy and a central system.
Research: This project examines how compact housing can achieve openness and efficiency within limited space. A section based approach organizes vertical relationships, circulation, and continuity, supported by daylight analysis. The design shows that vertical layering and a central core can replace subdivision while maintaining openness. Light and section act as primary spatial systems, improving usability without increasing area.
Inspiration: Spatial constraints in urban housing inform this project. It explores how limitations can guide design, focusing on light, vertical volume, and continuity. Through sectional organization and daylight penetration, the design creates openness and depth without increasing physical area.
Project Duration: The project started in April 2024 and was completed in March 2025 in Taichung, Taiwan.
Operation Flow: The space is organized by a central core, enabling continuous movement without fixed boundaries. The ground level supports shared activities, while upper levels provide privacy. Vertical connections allow interaction without overlap. Light supports orientation and spatial perception.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Good Life DESIGN, Taiwan, 2025.
Team Members: Jing Shyun Zhang
Image Credits: Image 1,2,3,4, Photographer Wu Guo Hao, Embracing Light And Home, 2025
Main Image, Photographer Wu Guo Hao, Embracing Light And Home, 2025