Cosmos, Chengdu, China

Cosmos is a high-end residential development in Chengdu’s city centre. Inspired by the natural environment of the Chengdu region, the designer sought to create a comfortable yet functional living space tailored for young professionals.

The overriding constraint for the show flat was the need to include all necessary living functions while creating a sense of openness in a petite 35-square-metre space. Regardless, this project successfully includes, and artfully displays, these functions in a compact area. The flat includes a combined living and dining room; a workspace; an open kitchen; a bathroom; and a bedroom, incorporating all the necessary functional elements while simultaneously creating a sense of space.

The target market for this residential development consists of the educated younger generation who are looking for an independent lifestyle, as well as newly-weds. This demographic expects upscale and modern living, which combines privacy with a functional, comfortable living space. The show flat had to be particularly small in size, which added a physical constraint for the project.

The designer gave due consideration to the above conditions, along with the fact that the Chengdu lifestyle places a high value on relaxation and nature. To realise these concepts in the project, the interior designers introduced the idea of an elevated platform that connects to the windowsill, creating a reading corner. This also resolved the issue of storage, and visually separates the living and bedroom functions.

There is a full-height window in the bedroom, enabling natural light to penetrate, in a conscious effort to bring in more daylight into the flat, appealing directly to Chengdu residents’ love of being close to nature, while at the same time limiting the use of artificial lighting.

A warm, grey tone was applied throughout the show flat. Combined with upholstery in earth colours, the overall design effect created a nature-like atmosphere. The materials used were mainly wood finishes, a wooden floor platform, high glossy paint, mirrors and textured wallpaper. The spatial experience was enriched by the use of mirrors installed throughout the living space. A long mirror running across the main living area visually adds depth to the interior space. Accentuated by the wood grain and earth-toned finishes, the entire show studio becomes a cosy, homely paradise in a young, modern and simple style.

The Cosmos show flat project won the Gold Award in the 2015/16 Asia Pacific Design Award for Elite, taking the award for its vision of a “Simple Space Luxury Lifestyle”, and for embodying the principles of personalised luxury, spatial experience and interaction between space and lifestyle.