Bamboo Sanctuary Wins Top Honor at 2024 Dezeen Awards China

December 18, 2024

Dezeen Awards China 2024 has recognized the pinnacle of interior design, celebrating the finest projects across various categories. The top honor of the year has been awarded to “A Bamboo Sanctuary,” a residence poised elegantly on a seaside cliff. Designed by Canter and Gallop Design, this remarkable abode draws profound inspiration from Kyoto’s serene bamboo forests. The judges commended the sanctuary for its compact and functional layout, precise dimensions, as well as its carefully selected materials that exude warmth and comfort. They also praised the mature and restrained design approach, emphasizing the importance of tranquility and a deeper connection with nature that the project embodies. This accolade not only shines a light on superior design but also underscores an emerging trend of nature-centric aesthetics within the interior design realm.

Award Ceremony Highlights

This year’s award ceremony in Shanghai honored several noteworthy winners from diverse cities, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Xiamen, and Shanghai. The categories recognized ranged from workplace interiors and exhibition design to health and wellness interiors, hotel and short-stay projects, retail interiors, and restaurant and bar interiors. Esteemed professionals on the interiors jury, such as Kuang Ming Chou and Vera Chu from Vermillion Zhou, Vincent de Graaf and Wendy Saunders from Aim Architecture, and Dirk Zscherpe from Bentley Motors China, were responsible for evaluating the submissions and selecting the winners. Among the celebrated projects were Sanj Haus, which obtained the Workplace Interior of the Year title, and an exhibition at Hong’en Temple that garnered the Exhibition Design of the Year award.

Sanj Design Studio’s transformative project Sanj Haus revitalized a historical arcade building in Xiamen, turning it into a multifunctional design studio and coffee shop. The intent was to seamlessly blend old and new design languages, preserving local architectural features while infusing modern elements. Similarly, Wonder Architects’ exhibition at Hong’en Temple innovatively showcased Beijing’s transformation through adaptable installations that invited interaction. Inspired by traditional temple furniture, the exhibition facilitated a documentary-style reconstruction of the historical site, bridging the past with the present in a meaningful and engaging manner.

Health and Wellbeing Interior of the Year

The Health and Wellbeing Interior of the Year award was bestowed upon Gym Town, a luxurious gym space in Hong Kong designed by M.R. Studio. This remarkable project incorporates Mars-inspired elements to transport visitors away from urban chaos and refocus their attention on health and fitness. Covering an expansive 550-square-meter area, Gym Town features diverse fitness zones that cater to different exercise preferences. The celestial-themed common area is particularly noteworthy, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating space for gym-goers.

In addition to the celestial-inspired common area, Gym Town boasts state-of-the-art equipment and professional combat zones, ensuring that visitors have access to top-tier facilities. The design’s emphasis on user experience and comfort is evident in every aspect of the space, from the high-quality materials used to the thoughtful arrangement of equipment. This project highlights the importance of creating environments that not only encourage physical activity but also promote overall well-being and mental relaxation, making it a deserving recipient of the award.

Hotel and Short-stay Interior Project of the Year

Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya, designed by LIA Interior Design, earned the title of Hotel and Short-stay Interior Project of the Year. This project masterfully integrates traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern features, creating a visually stunning and functional space. Situated in a shopping mall tower, Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya caters primarily to business travelers, offering a seamless blend of convenience and cultural immersion. The hotel’s design pays homage to architectural traditions while incorporating contemporary elements that enhance the overall user experience.

The attention to detail in Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya’s design is evident in its choice of materials, layout, and decorative elements. The spaces are thoughtfully arranged to provide maximum comfort and functionality, ensuring that guests have a pleasant and productive stay. By merging traditional aesthetics with modern conveniences, LIA Interior Design has created a space that is both elegant and practical, setting a high standard for future hotel and short-stay projects in the industry.

Retail Interior of the Year

The Retail Interior of the Year award was claimed by Huawei TKL Flagship Store, a project by UNStudio that draws inspiration from Huawei’s Harmony OS and the natural world. This innovative retail space features biophilic forms that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor transitions, creating a harmonious shopping environment. The exterior of the store is adorned with interactive, spiraling “Tree of Harmony” elements, while the interior utilizes warm tones to unite various multi-functional spaces. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the store but also creates an inviting and pleasant atmosphere for shoppers.

Inside the Huawei TKL Flagship Store, the design continues to impress with its thoughtful arrangement of spaces and striking visual elements. The use of biophilic forms and warm tones creates a cohesive and immersive experience, encouraging shoppers to explore and engage with the space. The project’s success lies in its ability to merge cutting-edge technology with nature-inspired design principles, setting a new benchmark for retail interiors that prioritize both functionality and aesthetics.

Restaurant and Bar Interior of the Year

Atelier Tuo’s Da Niao Yakitori Interior Design secured the Restaurant and Bar Interior of the Year award, thanks to its innovative and home-like ambiance. Located within a spatially constrained site in historical buildings, this project successfully maximized the available space while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of the standout features of the design is the floating bamboo ceiling, which discreetly conceals ventilation systems and defines the central space over the counter. This thoughtful design element highlights the importance of functionality and aesthetics in creating memorable dining experiences.

Da Niao Yakitori’s interior design also pays homage to traditional architectural elements while incorporating modern touches that enhance the overall dining experience. The use of natural materials, such as bamboo, creates a warm and welcoming environment that encourages guests to relax and enjoy their meals. Atelier Tuo’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a harmonious space have resulted in a design that perfectly balances practicality and visual appeal, making it a worthy recipient of the award.

Broader Trends in Interior Design

The broader trends in interior design highlighted by this year’s Dezeen Awards China reflect a noticeable emphasis on blending modern design with traditional aesthetics and sustainability. Projects like Sanj Haus and the Hong’en Temple exhibition demonstrate a reverent preservation of cultural heritage while infusing new design techniques to ensure functionality and elegance. This synthesis of old and new creates spaces that are both visually appealing and highly practical, catering to contemporary user needs while honoring historical context.

Another prominent trend is the integration of nature into design, as seen in the Bamboo Sanctuary and the Huawei TKL Flagship Store. This biophilic approach not only creates a harmonious environment but also underscores the rising importance of nature-inspired designs in modern architecture. By incorporating natural elements into their designs, architects and interior designers can create spaces that promote well-being and a deeper connection with the natural world. This trend is likely to continue gaining traction as more designers recognize the benefits of biophilic design principles.

Functionality and User Experience

The Health and Wellbeing Interior of the Year award was given to Gym Town, a luxurious gym in Hong Kong designed by M.R. Studio. This impressive project integrates Mars-inspired elements, allowing visitors to escape the busy urban life and focus on their health and fitness. Spanning a vast 550-square-meter area, Gym Town includes a variety of fitness zones catering to different workout preferences. The common area, with its celestial theme, stands out for providing a calming and rejuvenating space for gym-goers.

Alongside the celestial-themed common area, Gym Town is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and specialized combat zones, ensuring visitors have access to premier facilities. The design prioritizes user experience and comfort, evident in the use of high-quality materials and the thoughtful layout of the equipment. This project underscores the significance of creating spaces that not only encourage physical activity but also enhance overall well-being and mental relaxation, highlighting why it was a worthy recipient of the award.

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