Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala by Jing Shyun Zhang

Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala by Jing Shyun Zhang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweNdawo yangaPhakathi kunye noMboniso Competition Category.

IbhronziIngaphakathi· 2026

Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala

by Jing Shyun Zhang

Client: Miss W

Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala

I-Embracing Light and Home yindawo yangaphakathi yokuhlala ehlangeneyo emalunga neemitha ezisikweri ezingama-43. Umbindi ophakathi udibanisa indawo yokugcina, ukuhamba-hamba nemisebenzi, ngoko isicwangciso sihlala sivulekile kwaye singenazo iindonga ezizinzileyo zokwahlula. Ukukhanya kwemini kusetyenziswa njengesixhobo sokwakha ubume, kuhamba ngokusebenzisa isithuba esiphakamileyo esiphindwe kabini esinovulo olujonge emzantsi ukudibanisa amanqanaba. Uyilo lwecandelo luguqula umthamo othe nkqo lube yindawo eyongezelelweyo yokuhlala ngaphandle kokwandisa isiseko. Inqanaba eliphantsi lixhasa imisebenzi ekwabelwana ngayo, ngelixa amanqanaba angasentla enika ubumfihlo.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award

Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo ephawulekayo eyahlukaniswa kukuyila, ubukrelekrele nobukrelekrele. Abaphumeleleyo beBhronzi ziimveliso ezinobuchule obukhulu nezidala ngokumangalisayo ezingqina amava aphangaleleyo, ukucinga nokwazi ukuzenzela kwabayili bazo. Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimpahla exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo enobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award ubandakanya iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu kubugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha kwaye ugqwesile ngenxa yokunikela ingqalelo kwiinkcukacha. Embracing Light and Home Uyilo Lwangaphakathi Lwendawo Yokuhlala iyanelisa iimfuno ngokumangalisayo, ichukumisa iinqwenelo, ikhwebela iimvakalelo kwaye itsala umdla.

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