Flower of Houbi House

More than just a functional building, this project creates a sanctuary for the owner’s multifaceted identity: a master craftsman, a car enthusiast, and a lover of domestic tranquility.

Faced with the complex programmatic demands of a workshop, a car wash, and a private living space, the design rejects a conventional, flat layout in favor of a vertical exploration. Through subtle shifts in elevation, three distinct realms are integrated within a limited site. The wrought-iron window studio is elevated by 1.2 meters—not merely a physical lift, but a subtle elevation that adds a sense of ceremony to the creative process. To the right, a semi-outdoor transitional space is dedicated to washing cars, gracefully buffering the street’s hustle from the home’s serenity. In the rear, the living quarters are sunken by 0.8 meters. This enveloping embrace naturally shields the private realm from outside noise, while the seamless alignment of the indoor floor with the courtyard creates a visual extension.

Aesthetically, the building is grounded in a pristine white paint base, punctuated by black mosaic tiles and wood-grain bricks to generate a rich interplay of textures. Beneath this calm, monochromatic shell lies a profoundly tender logic of light. At the entrance, a skylight captures natural daylight, casting a gentle glow that acts as a silent guide, washing away the fatigue of the day. The staircase transcends its role as a mere circulation core to become a vessel for light. A rooftop skylight allows sunlight to cascade down, creating a favorite sunbathing spot for the owner’s cat. Watching the shadows slowly drift across the steps, time seems to stand still.

Sustainability is seamlessly woven into the architectural fabric. The exterior features high-performance monochromatic paint that promotes self-cleaning and helps reduce heat absorption. Throughout the building, LOW-E insulated glass ensures that light-filled spaces remain thermally efficient. Furthermore, a specialized cool-roof coating reduces indoor temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.

This project is a spatial experiment in integrating diverse lifestyles, proving that the ruggedness of industrial craft and the softness of domestic living can coexist in perfect harmony under one roof.