Heart By Tree Villa House by Summer Chang Hin Cheong

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

SCHC : The main principle is environmental protection. The idea is to combine the villa with nature. Inspiration comes from Chinese history and culture.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

SCHC : When designing this villa, I was very concerned about the happy situation of the owner getting along with his family. I want this villa to be their pride and memory.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

SCHC : I'll make it into a documentary.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

SCHC : Two months.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

SCHC : I like the concept of courtyard house very much. When I got this assignment, I kept telling owner about my imaginary villa.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

SCHC : I'm intent to produce the work myself.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

SCHC : The feeling of Zen Buddhism.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

SCHC : Two of the old trees in the courtyard.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

SCHC : I think the old trees in the courtyard is like the heart of the villa and symbolizes the greatness of the owner.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

SCHC : Computer, camera and drawing board。

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

SCHC : The layout of the villa.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

SCHC : Just collaborate with my assistant.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

SCHC : As the villa was on the hillside, we tried many times before we succeeded in transplanting the old trees into the courtyard.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

SCHC : Encouragement from fellow designers.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

SCHC : I learned a lot about gardening and plant species.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

SCHC : No thanks.