- Project Name: 338㎡ Postmodern Monologue Home
- Location: Foshan, Guangdong, China
- Project Area: 338㎡
- Design Firm: Giant Design
- Chief Designers: Jack Lee, Zhiqiang Hu
- Completion Date: February 2024
- Photography: Yun Ouyang
A Minimalist Narrative in Postmodernism
The philosophy of postmodern architecture challenges conventions, embracing complexity and layered meanings. In this residence, Giant Design reinterprets minimalism through a postmodern lens, crafting a home that is both artistically profound and functionally seamless. Inspired by abstract forms and free-flowing spaces, the design eliminates visual clutter, fostering an ambiance of tranquility and refined elegance.
This project, nestled in Foshan, is the home of a Canadian returnee with a deep appreciation for art and culture. Their vision for a serene, expressive living space shaped the project’s approach—balancing contemporary aesthetics with an intimate, personal narrative. The result is a sophisticated residence that seamlessly integrates function and emotion.
Spatial Composition: A Deliberate Flow
Reconfiguring the original layout, the design optimizes spatial dynamics to enhance interaction while maintaining privacy. By removing two balconies, the designers expanded the indoor footprint, directing the focal point toward a centralized dining space—an area that serves as the heart of the home. Private zones extend into the background, fostering a fluid transition between social and intimate spaces.
The living room, positioned between the kitchen and guest rooms, acts as a transitional node, harmonizing service areas with private retreats. The interplay of light and shadow, facilitated by expansive French windows, dissolves boundaries, reinforcing a dialogue between the built environment and nature. This rhythmic interplay crafts an immersive experience where movement and space blend seamlessly.
Functionality as a Design Principle
Designed to reflect the owners’ lifestyle, the layout prioritizes usability while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The male homeowner, an avid wine enthusiast and socializer, desired a space conducive to hosting. In response, the living and kitchen areas were positioned near the entrance, featuring a discreetly integrated wine storage system. Meanwhile, the female homeowner, influenced by years of overseas living, sought an open-plan design that supports effortless circulation and connectivity.
A key transformation involved restructuring the bedroom configuration—expanding from two bedrooms to four suites, alongside a communal activity area. This reconfiguration optimizes functionality for a multi-generational household, ensuring that each occupant has a personalized and private living space.
Materiality and Sensory Experience
Material selection plays a pivotal role in defining the home’s atmosphere. A curated blend of natural textures, sculptural forms, and layered lighting creates a multidimensional aesthetic. Rich, tactile finishes enhance the sensory experience, while subtle geometric patterns lend a dynamic yet understated elegance. By incorporating artisanal details and high-end furniture brands such as Minotti, Poliform, and Tom Dixon, the interiors achieve a balance between contemporary sophistication and timeless charm.
The Power of Home
“Our project does nothing but pursue the idea of turning a building into a home.” – Jack Lee, Giant Design
Beyond aesthetics, this residence is an expression of identity, culture, and emotional resonance. The spatial narrative embodies trust, respect, and familial warmth, ensuring that each room serves as a backdrop to a life well-lived.
The master suite prioritizes privacy and comfort, while the children’s bedrooms include individual dressing areas, fostering independence. A senior suite, complete with a private bathroom, enhances accessibility and convenience. The resulting design is an eloquent composition—silent in its expression yet rich in meaning.
By distilling the essence of home into pure form and function, Giant Design has crafted a space that transcends time, reflecting both the past and the future of its inhabitants. In its carefully curated details and seamless transitions, the 338㎡ Postmodern Monologue Home is not just a residence; it is a living work of art.
