DAB310 Project 1 (2011): Project 1B - Exemplar analysis

Suitcase house is located in the Great Wall of Beijing. It is designed by Gary Chang for Edge Design in Hong Kong. The design intent of this dwelling is to rethink the nature of intimacy, privacy, spontaneity and flexibility. Suitcase house challenges the stereotype of what a living space should be, as the designer tried to design "a space move to and reflect the users, not a space which users move to".

The space in the house can be arranged to multiple scenarios, depend on the users' desire and requirements (this will be mentioned further in throughout the text). It is a house adapts totally to the activities which will be taken in the space.
The exterior skin of the building is wrapped by double glazing folding doors in full height, while the interior is composed by a series of screens which forms a matrix of openings.

Building as an ENVIRONMENT FILTER

The house is built totally from local materials, which include timber, and a steel inner framework supporting the structure. The applications of materials on the facades have created a visual effect – which blurred the boundaries of nature and dwelling, as well as outside environment and inside space.

Suitcase house is positioned in north-south in order to maximise solar exposure. Air ventilation can also be maximized by moving the sliding doors and windows. Due to the above reasons, the house will be energy efficiency and comfortable during all seasons.

Exterior of Suitcase house

Building as a CONTAINER OF HUMAN ACTIVITY

As mentioned before, the dwelling is highly adaptable and is able to meet various users’ desires, according to the activities performed in the space. This can be done simply by sliding the mobile elements such as sliding windows and sliding doors.

The design of the dwelling is based on three layers of strata – the top stratum is the ceiling level, the middle stratum is the major space where allows the users to create their desired space by moving the elements, and the bottom level of the stratum is reserved and fixed for services such as maid’s quarters and services. It can be seen that the house is really a container of human activities adapting to people’s requirements.

Floor panel

Interior space (middle level)

Building as a DELIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE

Suitcase House brings special experiences to users of arranging one’s desire spaces as it requires strong engagement of achieving one’s goal.

The house is also provided with several entrances which equal status. This means that each entrances will lead to a brand new and re-reading of the spatial organization.

Furthermore, the position of the house has maximized user’s views to the prominent Great Wall. Users will be able to enjoy the views from all major parts of the house. The free roof level can also be assessed by using the free pull-down stair case below.

It can be seen that the relationship and interaction between users and spaces can be explored in depth by living in the Suitcase house.