Silvy Liu, House of Curiosities (WORLD 2023)

Photos:

Silvy Liu

Country:

United Kingdom

Video tour:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtO9iSEAy1L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Through the process of learning how to construct a chest of fitted drawers, I tried to create something that is both highly functional yet breaks from the confines of conventional furniture. My design is a desktop sized, pitched roof house, intended for storing stationery and precious objects. It is an in-the-round piece, with an exterior of abstract lines and windows that continue on all four sides, which also conceals the drawer openings. The drawer handles are concealed under the top of the window frames, with window panels that rotate to allow access to the drawer pull. the biggest challenge in this piece was figuring out how to maximise the use of the "attic space" by creating an opening that is simple and harmonious with the overall aesthetic of the cabinet, without any visible hardware. This required experimentation on a full scale prototype, culminating in a seamless wooden hinge that opens at the apex of the roof. I was inspired by the elevated tea houses of Japanese architect and historian, Terunobu Fujimori, whose work evokes a strong sense of wonder in its playful relationship with materials and unconventional approach to architecture. His tiny tea houses often tucked away in a forest, look as if they hold giant secrets, and that is the effect I tried to create with this piece.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.