Design
The Blue Ocean Apartment in Zhuhai by Freeform Design Offers Unbounded Space for an Undefined Lifestyle

Adopting a concise, pure white palette to exude an exquisite atmosphere, with a touch of elegant purple as an accent hue, this residential setting hits all the right notes

Developer Jiuzhou Holdings Group and architecture practice SOM have taken advantage of the bay's prime location of being nestled against the mountains and embracing breathtaking sea views, into a 800,000-square-meter mixed-use neighborhood that features coastal hotels, a yacht homeport, luxurious residences, and boutique apartments, showcasing the harmonious fusion of nature and art, and adding a touch of individuality and inclusiveness to the city image.

Freeform Design was commissioned by Jiuzhou Holdings Group to conceive the interior design of an apartment that combines fashionable style with artistic quality, catering to the needs of the new generation of urban dwellers. Immediately, the design firm recognized that the new generation places great importance on personalized design, ambiance, and functional versatility in their living spaces. For young urbanites, a home is not just a place to rest, but also a space that caters to their work, social interactions, hobbies, entertainment, living and various other needs.

The functional layout of the project breaks away from the conventional monotonous functional division and shifts its focus towards the needs of residents. This approach leads to a transformable arrangement that adapts to the evolving needs of the residents and results in a multifunctional living environment, thus offering more freedom and possibilities for the occupants. The unbounded space allows for an undefined lifestyle. Without an exact division of functions, the space features a flexible circulation route, while the multifunctional workspace serves as a comfortable office area, a social venue, or even an ideal utopia for home living. 

Embracing the unpretentious simplicity of modern urbanism, the design also avoids any unharmonious embellishments, highlighting transparency and freedom of life and catering to the spiritual needs of contemporary urbanites. An irregular-shaped Fragment lamp shows a unique design that features fantastic artistry and a futuristic metallic texture, while special-shaped workbench and modern, simple chairs complement each other, creating an artistic vibe throughout the space. A round bar made of natural marble is seamlessly integrated with the workbench, creating a harmonious balance between the work and play areas. Slim metal bookshelves are positioned against the wall, elegantly displaying music albums and fashion magazines.

The grid sliding door can fit different scenes. When a rest or private space is required, it can be closed to create a partition screen, dividing the space and creating a separate world. At other times, the door can be opened and retracted to one side, creating a translucent wall that enriches the engaging atmosphere of the home. Overall, the space provides a peaceful and cozy environment for time in solitude, where dwellers can indulge in reading, relaxation, enjoying the harmonious melody of music, and basking in the gentle rays of the sun that freely enter the space. Not limited to any specific function, this space is enveloped in the softness of white, creating a sense of tranquility and freedom.

The multi-functional rest area can also be easily transformed to cater to various life scenes: it can serve as a reception area, a leisure and party space, or even a sleeping area, depending on the needs at hand. The flexible modular sofa allows for seamless scene transitions through the free combination of blocks, creating a more organized and efficient lifestyle.

An enclosed sofa creates a closer proximity for gatherings of friends, creating a delightful atmosphere for intimate chatting and drinking. Additionally, the geometric table, which serves as a storage unit, can easily be transformed into an interactive table for the reception of guests.

There are countless possibilities in life, just as there are countless possibilities in our living spaces. By breaking away from the conventional definition and constraints of a "home", different living scenes can transform into one another in this apartment. This thoughtful design of the project makes all boundaries disappear, allowing for infinite possibilities.

Words: Sphere Editorial
Photos: Jack Qin
Published on May 09, 2024