We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Vault Design Lab about their original and creative Residential House design work. Vault Design Lab is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original residential house works.
Vault Design Lab ("VDL") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Rouge In Wood Residential House. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
VDL : We appreciate tropical climate. The privileged site location surrounded by abundance natural element- wind, sea. Our client is couple from Hong Kong, wanted a resort-like home where they can spend their holiday in Malaysia. Tropical culture of Penang and the location of apartment overlooking the waterfront become our inspiration to bring in essence of Balinese design to the waterfront apartment.
VDL : Our main focus was to bring in the essence of Balinese design, a lot of study and research were needed- especially on the design elements, materials and spirit of the spaces. The location has merge the home with nature, so we did extensive research on how to blend in the Balinese design to the spaces and the nature, to connect them from within and without. We would like our client to stay at a home, a perfect place to unwind, contemplate, and truly enjoy the space and mother nature.
VDL : Most of our past projects are focusing on exploring the modern design element. Rouge In Wood was a new challenge as it was a new concept for us to explore. I hope we continue the spirit learned from this project, for example the experiment of materials and the extensive research on the concept. I hope we will remember the spirit of trying everything in future projects, making sure that everything is well done to the last detail.
VDL : It used us 3 months to design and 6 months to complete renovation works.
VDL : Despite the rise of contemporary design trends, the client insisted on her first idea in mind- a resort-like vacation home, which could offer serenities and recreational style in daily existence. The tropical culture of Penang and the location of apartment overlooking the waterfront become our inspiration to bring in the essence of Bali to the waterfront apartment. The waterfront allows the outdoors to harmonize with indoors, channelling the tranquilities into the interior spaces and is grounded in nature. The Balinese concept is completed with choices of material & furniture selections. Some pieces are crafted from nature woods, origins from Bali, creating a sense of spirituality and a home alive with vibrant personality.
VDL : Currently we only provide our service to the end user of the space. We wish to maximize the users' experience instead of mass produce or repeat our design to similar spaces. We truly believe space is something personal, and this make every design is unique and irreplaceable. We do looking into collaboration plan with furniture designer, branding designer to uplift our branding and services. We wish these steps would enhance our design service to the end user by helping them to create the uniqueness for every space experience.
VDL : In this project, I think the carpenters we worked with had given us more insights to the essence of craftsmanship. Their focus on carving details was truly inspiring. Working with master crafter together as a team in this project had definitely brought this project up to a more delicate level in design details.
VDL : This work piece is specially designed for a married couple from Hong Kong, who love nature and would love to have a resort-like vacation home in Malaysia.
VDL : The details in crafted ornaments. Every wooden crafted ornaments are customized by our local carpenter. Every single craft and edge line contains the enormous effort and the story behind it. We think this make the project special.
VDL : “Rouge In Wood”- The word “wood” represents the nature, whereas “rouge” represents the color palette of the space. The name was inspired by the wood material we used in designing the space. Every piece of wood has different texture, shades and tones. It beautifully created a harmony vibrant in the space, gave the space a natural touch.
VDL : We started every project with sketches, and model it with software such as Google SkethUp, 3dsMax and Adobe Photoshop
VDL : The integration of natural elements and beauty of workmanship differentiate this project from the others. We love the natural flow and assist ventilation, we have designed the chamfered full wooden ceiling to make the airflow more spacious and circulating. Chamfered wooden ceiling at dining brings out a more profilic Balinese setting. We picked Nyatoh solid wood as main interior material which perfectly match with furniture imported from our research trip to Bali. The entrance of the apartment opens to a magnificent sea view, creating spacious and open sensuality to the spaces. The appearance of natural solid wood veins brings warmth to the interiors, elaborating the essence of Balinese design. We used cement ventilation blocks to define the connection between spaces and create a sense of privacy before entering to first floor. The installation of full-height timber louvers creates blurring boundaries between rooms, yet not losing the sense of openness and revealing the exceptional craftsmanship at every corner of the apartment.
VDL : We worked closely with carpenter in production of the kitchen island. To ensure the material retains the natural element, we have decided to experiment the countertop material, using casted cement concrete with waterproof layering. We have conducted extensive tests to make sure it can be done safely. At first, we managed to achieve the requirements of strength and waterproofness but we weren’t satisfied with the thickness. To achieve the ideal thickness, we failed and tried again. We kept reducing the thickness gradually while testing the other properties to finally reach a point that fit our design standard.
VDL : Can I consider craftsmanship, the blood and sweat behind as a kind of technology? I think that's the core spirit of this project, despite of using technology like 3D printing which could have facilitate the process.
VDL : We conducted a field study to Bali to collect information. The trip was mainly research on material and selection of furniture. More than a business trip, I have gained new experiences and insights on Balinese design. I believe my team shared the same feeling. The magical balance of natural and cultural elements, the material and craftsmanship, the vibrant and colours, create a beautiful choreography between nature and spaces.
VDL : The production of kitchen top was a big challenge as we insisted to customize it. We wanted to incorporate beauty of wood crafts to the kitchen island, at the same time to achieve waterproofing properties. Time is another big challenge as hand-crafts ornaments usually takes time. But patience is the only key to good products. Do not give up until you see the outcome.
VDL : This project marks another milestone of our journey. It's a breakthrough from modern and modular design we have been working on. I think it would be a good try for competition.
VDL : I’m a curious person. I love to explore new thing in trend. I try to avoid repeat same design materials in the projects. I do not constraint myself in a new frame. Balinese design is new to me but I appreciate my spirit to explore and my team effort to try endlessly for the best outcome. I hope I will carry this strength with me.
