The design intention of this residential project is to create a home that can accompany its inhabitants through the process of aging. During the design process, I reimagined the meaning of domestic space. Certain highly functional areas—such as the staircase, kitchen, and bathroom—are typically used less frequently, yet they often occupy a significant portion of the floor plan. In response, I explored the possibility of integrating these elements into an open spatial composition. This not only enhances efficiency but also allows the space to act as a transitional zone between the communal and private areas of the home.
Entry Space
The front entrance is organized around a circular column and consists of a sliding door and a wooden door, which can be fully opened to create a transparent connection with the outside—transforming the space into a senior activity room. For ease of maintenance, the flooring has been replaced with stone tiles. Adjacent to the entryway is a small bar counter, designed to accommodate social gatherings among friends. In the future, this area also holds the potential to be converted into a secondary kitchen for another elderly resident.
The LDK
The staircase and kitchen form the core of the home. Although both are functionally defined spaces that aren't occupied for long periods, they serve as transitional zones between public and private areas. Positioned at the heart of the house, the kitchen allows for ongoing interaction with family members even while cooking. This relatively compact LDK (Living, Dining, Kitchen) layout fosters closer family connections and more frequent communication.
Flexible Bedroom
The flexible bedroom design accommodates the resident's evolving needs from middle age to old age—shifting from a private activity room, to a shared family space, and eventually into a personal, wheelchair-accessible bedroom. The bathroom within the room is treated as a vital point of connection, gently maintaining a continuous link between the bedroom and the garden.