Sometime ago, I had come across Ecru, a Japanese mini bar cum café that was a wondrous study in how space-saving techniques can transform a small space. Liu Ming, a Chinese traditional medicine and feng shui teacher, could offer a similar lesson. The man who has been living and teaching in an 1,100-square-foot loft for the past seven years, has now started living in a cube within the loft.
Designed by Toshi Kasai from architecture firm Space Flavour, Liu’s cube is a compact and mobile option for modern living. The immediate reason for building the cube dwelling quarters was to separate the teaching area from Liu’s private space. The cube succeeds in that aspect.
The two-storey cube has a bedroom and study area on the lower floor. Stairs lead up to a tearoom and meditation area. The upper storey is too low to stand up in, but according to Liu, traditional Japanese tearooms had always been small, to prevent samurai warriors from storming in.
Roller shades provide the privacy for the lower storey, while allowing light to enter freely. When lit, the cube resembles a lantern, and Liu has hosted dinner on his loft with the cube glowing beautifully from one end. A cord connects the cube to electrical power.
The $20,000 cube is set on wheels and can be moved around as per Liu’s needs. In a way, it totally redefines the needs of modern living. As in the case of Daniel Arsham’s 90-square-foot box room, you really do not need plenty of space to feel at home. A little innovative design and planning can make a world of difference.
Via: NY Times
