The Simple Living Passage is not just a living space—it is an extraordinary fusion of imagination and innovation, nestled in Hefei, Anhui, China. Designed by architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, this space goes beyond conventional architectural design to become a "lifestyle gallery." It offers a glimpse into the future of living, where sustainability, artistry, and functionality coexist in perfect harmony.
Situated in the bustling city of Hefei, the site was once a serene green area filled with lush trees. However, due to its advantageous location with convenient transportation and significant land value, it was re-zoned for urban residential development. As a result, the natural greenery was replaced with commercial and office buildings, mirroring the city's ambition to become an economic hub, akin to Shanghai or Shenzhen. In this race toward modernization and economic growth, the original natural and cultural identity of the site was lost.
Architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee of HAS Design and Research sought to address this loss by reimagining the site as a retreat that revives the original forest experience, embracing natural living within the context of a modern, commercial city. Their design not only aims to preserve a sense of tranquility but also fosters spiritual cultivation, offering an oasis of calm in a city that has increasingly become a concrete jungle.
A key element in the design is the use of locally sourced native wood. The building’s exterior is covered with hundreds of wooden panels, each angled and positioned in different ways, creating captivating light and shadow effects. During the day, sunlight filters through the varying depths of the panels, casting a soft, ambient glow inside. At night, internal lighting shines through the undulating openings, creating a dynamic interplay of light that enhances the exterior space.
The interior of the Simple Living Passage is equally stunning. A standout feature is the Light Tunnel, a long passage that serves no commercial purpose but instead functions as a buffer to external noise and distractions. This tunnel acts as a spiritual container, providing a space for introspection and calm, a place where visitors can disconnect from the chaos of the outside world. The simplicity and ethereal nature of the tunnel invite one to pause and reflect, making it a true sanctuary within the city.
Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) design also integrates nearly twenty openings between various interior spaces, creating framed views and connecting the rooms. These openings foster a sense of continuity, seamlessly blending the different areas of the space while preserving a sense of openness. This thoughtful design approach creates an experience where the interior is not merely a collection of rooms but an interconnected whole, with each space flowing naturally into the next.
Ultimately, the Simple Living Passage is more than just a building—it is a statement about ecological consciousness and the need for balance in the modern world. In a city dominated by commercialism and rapid urbanization, this project offers a reminder of the importance of nature, sustainability, and mindfulness. It is a space that nurtures not only the body but also the mind and soul, offering a retreat from the fast-paced, high-density environment of the modern metropolis.
Project name: Simple Living Passage
Location: Hefei, China
Architecture firm: HAS design and research
Lead architects: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee
Design team: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Tapanee Laddahom
Lighting technology: Visual Feast (VF)
Lighting consultant: Jenna Tsailin Liu
Furniture consultant: Weili Yang
Construction consultant: Zaiwei Song
Constructor: Guangdong Xingyi Decoration Group Anhui Co., Ltd
Site area: 350 sq.m.
Gross built area: 350 sq.m.
Photo credit: W Workspace