THINK OUT OF THE BOX
Wilson Associates’ bold vision for a Chinese residential project
As the name implies, “showflats” are designed to show prospective homeowners what an apartment or flat might look like to entice them to purchase the property. Done right, showflats are a chance to show their clients their vision and design for the property.
Wilson Associates ups the ante with their project in China, the Huafa Guanggang Showflats and Sales Centre. Not only is the space a testament to how they envision the final project to look like, it’s also an inviting space for prospective clients to sit down and talk about the property.
“Time and again, designers fall into a common stereotype of what a typical China residential showflat and sales gallery should be. What we want is to challenge the norm and break the boundaries, and truly believe that China is ready for a global design vocabulary,” says Aldwin Ong, principal designer of the project.
Ong says that the property developer was open to their bold vision and allowed them the freedom to express their vision. “We have managed to successfully create something unique to China’s residential design landscape. This further substantiates Wilson Associates’ credo to not just
think out of the box, but to sometimes throw away the box and create unique experiences.”
The biggest challenge for the design firm was the timeline for the project. Huafa gave them three to four months to complete the project, which includes the sales centre and the showflats. Individual pieces were created for the spaces and balanced with well-crafted modern classic walls, reflecting an atmosphere of luxe and glamour. The design hews to a classic-yet-modern palette, with black and white being the dominant colours. To add colour and a bold sense of taste, the firm curated contemporary furniture that had interesting textures for a tactile experience.
“One of the biggest challenges we had was to assist the client in selecting unique materials and develop bespoke details that are distinctive but can be executed well within the time frame,” reveals Ong.
Flat layouts
There are two layouts for the flats. The 168 Guanggang flat is targeted towards a more mature family demographic and showcases a flexible use of space by creating distinct zones, such as the open kitchen, dining area, and the study that can be combined into one big open space. Minimal hues are used in the interior architecture but complemented with bold fabric selections for the furniture pieces and paired with other elements, such as bespoke walk-in closets with leather hand-stitched drawers, curated wood veneer panels, and Italian white marble-adorned bathroom walls and countertops.
For couples, the 142 layout has a spacious living area, adjoining an open kitchen and dining area. While it has a smaller footprint, the flow of connecting spaces is unique in China. Another unique feature is the guest bedroom, where the door can be opened 180 degrees, allowing its en suite bathroom to transform into a powder room.
“The main idea for these spaces is that they are flexible and can be configured to individual preferences,” says Ong.
Sales centre
For the sales centre, Wilson Associates again used a black and white colour palette and bold furniture pieces in the lobby and bar. The furniture double as decorative pieces. “It is comparable to the engaging balance of abstract impressionism in art, where the furniture pieces perform as sculptures within the strong visual architectural canvas,” says Ong.
A highlight that Ong is proud of is the towering metal screen that envelops the sales gallery. The entire screen is around 13 metres high and anchors the entire space. A stunning light fixture, itself more like an architectural piece than lighting, gives the lobby a focus, as well as functions as a light source.