Unwrapped Interiors: A Case for Material Authenticity and Clarity

When designing a space—whether at the scale of interiors, architecture, or infrastructure—materiality is a central concern. Beyond aesthetics, materials determine how a project functions, ages, and endures. Some architects—such as Wang Shu and Kengo Kuma—have built their practices on a deep sensitivity to the potential and limits of materials. But even in the most pragmatic sense, the question arises: What lasts? What doesn't? And how do materials change over time? Naturally, materials shape atmosphere and appearance—qualities that often matter most to clients. Yet increasingly, the discourse around materiality has shifted from structural substance to surface treatment. When did we start focusing more on "decorating" our spaces by layering one material over another, rather than relying on the inherent beauty and performance of the building fabric itself?

Brick Journey / Volume Matrix studio

Brick Journey is an architectural project that harmonizes conceptual interpretation with spatial design, blending various functions and local aesthetics. This vibrant space encompasses a residence, café, and art galleries. The initial concept is inspired by the journey of the owner, a doctor with a profound passion for ancient art. As an art collector, he has traveled the world to acquire unique masterpieces. He envisioned his home not only as a place to live but also as a sanctuary for his cherished collection. The architect responded to this vision by creating a spatial narrative that encourages exploration. A curving wall weaves through the layout, guiding and distorting the circulation to create a sense of wandering-inviting visitors to discover the space as their own personal journey.

Fairfield Courtyard House / Taylor Knights

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Fairfield, this project involved the restoration and reinvention of a late 19th-century Victorian residence for a retiring couple seeking a calm, connected home for the next stage of life. Designed by Taylor Knights, the renovation sensitively balances the heritage character of the original double-fronted brick dwelling with the requirements of contemporary living.

Renovation of the Jiakaxia Ancient Courtyard / hyperSity Architects

The Architectural Ark: Renovation of the Jiakaxia Ancient Courtyard in Barkhor Street — In Lhasa, the area around Barkhor Street, centered on the Jokhang Temple, stands as the city's most bustling hub. Here, official residences of both monks and lay officials coexist with numerous civilian homes, shops, and inns, forming a unique spatial configuration of "urban-market and temple syncretism." The project site, "Jiakaxia" (Tibetan for "Magpie Pavilion"), derives its name from the magpies that once populated the willow trees planted by Princess Wencheng. It embodies the profound bond of "harmony as one family" between the Han and Tibetan peoples. This two-story mixed-use courtyard, featuring a blockhouse-style structure, integrates historical Tibetan commercial architecture along the street with a modern "Paradise Time Bookstore" built by tenants in the late 1990s in the rear. Here, Tibetan stone masonry dialogues with contemporary elements like concrete, light steel structures, plastic canopies, and color steel panels.

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