DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
TM : This design is an expansion of an existing apartment. A whole new space was built over a terrace to accommodate the social spaces of the residence. The main idea was to create a functional space where the family could spend the days together and also to store all the memorabilia.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
TM : I wanted to achieve a meaningful space, where memories would be created and kept as a treasure in the future of each family member.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
TM : I hope the family has the best moments in this award winning design.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
TM : Circa 1 year, since the inicial concepts until the finished result.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
TM : It was a personal decision of mine to design this apartment this way. The clients were charmed by the project and quickly identified themselves with the concept.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
TM : No. It was very personalized.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
TM : A couple with one child.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
TM : The balance between a minimalist background and a maximalist decor.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
TM : The name of this design stands for the panels with hidden cabinets that organize all the storage and equipments behind them.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
TM : Sketchup and CAD softwares.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
TM : This space was built over na existing terrace. This means that we had serious limitations about the kind of structure, weight, materials that would be selected. Another important aspect is the balance between a minimalist background and a maximalist decoration.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
TM : We had to collaborate with engineers specialized in concrete structures and with metal structures. To build over an existing structure was a big challenge!
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
TM : Technology was important to overcome the structural challenges of building over an existing structure. Also, all the interior elements are themselves highly technological. So we could say that technology is in every aspect of an architectural project or an interior design.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
TM : This space was built over na existing terrace. This means that we had serious limitations about the kind of structure, weight, materials that would be selected.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
TM : I thought it had the right combination of aspects to be relevant in an international competition.