Introduction
Thesis Statement
Research
Site Analysis
Concept
Development
Final Design:
1/F 2/F
3/F Apt
Epilogue
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Research
Site Analysis
Concept
Development
Final Design:
1/F 2/F
3/F Apt
Epilogue
1st Floor
The first floor bears the most importance in creating the immediate contrast from the exterior environment, mentioned earlier in the concept statement, the stylistic approach of this project is to create a space of distinct relaxation, as opposed to the overstimulating city.
The building, like most traditional period apartment buildings, has one front entry point, without the presence of any storefronts or preview into the space available to the general public. What is unique to the design, however, is the extension of the entry. Typical buildings has the staircase placed immediately adjacent to the entrance, the MeiGah apartment building deliberately draws out the journey from the entrance to the interior of the space; a long corridor is created from the front door to the main lobby space - a journey of depressurizing for the city life outside, and into a calm and zen environment.
The narrow visual weight of the corridor is expanded into a large open space of the lobby space, divided by a glass block wall. Equipped with typical amenities like the reception, main boxes etc, the space also provides more amenities such as vending machines, bar table, and a lounge space to elevate the experience, and create moments of gathering and interactions. A bike storage is provided to encourage biking as a mean of traveling and promote a healthy lifestyle amongst the residents.
1. Entrance
2. Bar table & display
3. Reception
4. Mail boxes
5. Elevator
6. Vending machines
7. Lounge area
8. Bike storage
9. Community store
2nd Floor >
Entrence
The entrance of the apartment building creates a cozy feeling of warmth and comfort, wooden planked walls, shelfs and a custom designed table all inspired by Japanese joinery.
The floor tiles creates a continuation of the texture of the concrete pavement outside - while the concept aims to be a contrast of the external environment. Wooden slats line the walls from the entry all the way to the table and shelf, elongating the travel into the space.
The space is divided by a glass block partition, creating a soft visual barrier between the reception on the other side and the rest of the space.
Reception
Using rammed earth paired with bricks, the rough textured materials of the reception desk is a continuation of the floor tiles, making the space flow smoothly texturally. These textures are carried on to the walls, creating a strong distinction against the elevator and the fire escape door.
Similar to the lounge area, the ceiling height of the reception is deliberately lowered to create a sense of distinction within the space.
Lounge
An wooden joist ceiling inspired by Japanese joinery creates a difference in ceiling height, highlighting the lounge area. Poured-in place concrete creates a difference in flooring material, along with the indoor plants, creates a soft visual and acoustical barrier.
The grid and lines on the ceiling is carried down to the walls of the bike storage, drawing reference from the washi paper walls of traditional Japanese homes, light and movement is allowed to permeate through spaces, as well as introduces warmth into the space.
Floor Plan:
1. Lounge area
2. Bike storage
3. Vending machines
4. Plants
1. Wooden Joist Ceiling
2. Bike Storage Wall
Bicycle Racks
Washi paper screens paired with a deep almond-colored oak frame creates an area of focal, allowing a soft glow from the bike lounge to emanate outwards, and separates the bike storage from the rest of the space. The large floor to ceiling door creates a sense of grandness.
Simple bent steel tubing bike racks is designed to be simple and modern, complimenting the simplicity of the concept whilst bringing modernity, contrast in texture and lines between the rack and the washi paper wall is also at play.