Origami Real Estate Agency

Origami Real Estate Agency is an innovative architectural and interior design project that exemplifies the harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese paper-folding art with contemporary commercial space design. Completed in 2010 in Xiamen, China, this 5,600-square-foot project represents a remarkable transformation of an existing structure through the creative application of origami-inspired geometric forms. The design, conceived and executed by Kris Lin, retains the original floor slab and structural columns of the two-story building while completely reimagining its external appearance and internal spaces. The project's distinctive approach involves wrapping the existing structure in an origami-like cortex, effectively concealing the building's previous identity while creating a striking contemporary aesthetic. The material palette includes oak wash ash veneer, rock beautification cement board, Lyme board, Jazz white marble, and metal bead curtain hidden frame glass, all carefully selected to support the geometric language of the design. The project's innovative architectural solution earned recognition with a Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category, acknowledging its exceptional contribution to commercial architecture through its creative reuse strategy and artistic interpretation. The seamless integration of exterior and interior design elements creates a cohesive spatial experience where irregular surfaces inspired by paper folding techniques form a continuous flow from the facade through to the internal spaces, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of form, function, and spatial dynamics in commercial architecture.

Author: Adam Dawson

Keywords: architectural transformation, origami-inspired design, commercial space innovation, geometric facade design, sustainable building renovation, contemporary real estate architecture

SOURCES:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/24061

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