Interviews with Chaos Design Studio

When designing this project, the main focus was to create a layout that was unique and tailor made for the benefit and accessibility of the client. We wanted to create a home with different spaces and functions, to suit the requirements of the clients, yet could be permeable to encourage a good flow and interaction between the spaces.

The particular design concept was birthed through our designer's own visualisations coupled with our client's brief for a creative rework of the existing residential unit. We decided to pursue such a design style because it displayed a simple sense of quality in a very functional way, while being able to cater to the specific needs of the clients for their convenience when making use of each space.

Our design works are self-produced by our studio for our clients.

We were approach by our client for a design and build work for their new home. As we have had experiences working on various residential projects, we were confident we would be able to deliver our best for this project as well.

Not really. We gathered some inspiration from other modern contemporary designs, but the overall concept as well as detailed realisations were all thought up by our designers.

The design for this double storey link bungalow is made for our clients, a small family. It serves as their home to relax and commune with one another as well as any guests.

This design focuses heavily on reconstruction of the spaces to create a layout that is unique to this project. We made sure to create a space that was permeable and highly functional and convenient for our clients. Hence, a lot of hacking and extension works were done to the existing building so that we could re-purpose the existing spaces to fit the requirements of our clients. These design intentions gave the residential unit a unique look and tailor made spaces.

The name EL Residence was penned by our studio. EL is a combination of the initials of our clients' surnames- E for the husband's surname and L for the wife's. It is a very simple yet personal approach to naming, which brings out the whole reason for the design as well, that is, made for our clients, exactly how they like it, for their usage and enjoyment.

The initial steps of the design focused on using freehand sketches to have full control over the flexibility of forms to be used in the design. On later parts of the design, AutoCAD and 3DMax was used to help realise these design and examine the practicality accurately.

A rather unique part of our design is the incorporation of Fengshui elements. This cultural influence impacted our design in terms of the colour selection for different spaces, measurements and forms of structures and even lighting selections. These aspects all played a role in representing the different elements in Fengshui that had to be complied with. Besides that, the reworking of the spaces through hacking and extensions showcased the customisation of the design to suit the clients.

(Building process with sub-cons?)

AutoCAD and 3DMax softwares were used during the design process. (Technology in terms of building methods?)

The researched done when designing and constructing this project was mainly on materials and methods used that could ensure the safety and functionality of the newly extended spaces. This included researching the best sub-structures to support the newly cast concrete floors and structures, as well as the most effective waterproofing methods for the joining between the existing and newly cast floors. After doing these researches and ensuring their effectiveness, methods such as using wood piling sub-structures for the support and water stop seal for waterproofing was implemented.

As a lot of hacking and extension work was done, we faced the challenge of ensuring the joining between existing and newly cast structures, floors and ceilings were done properly to prevent cracking and water leaking due to displacement of the concrete slabs. We also had to ensure that the existing and newly built structures could blend in with each other, so that it looks natural as though a part of the building to begin with. Our clients also wanted to maintain most of the floor tiles, so we had to figure out the best way to protect the tiles while heavy hacking works were done throughout the space.

(This particular project was submitted for local design competitions and published in local magazines. Hence, we believed, since the start that this design possesses a unique value that we wanted to showcase to a wider audience through submitting it to an international design competition?)

(Creativity, and thinking out of the box to solve problems?)

No, thank you.

When designing this project, our main focus was on bringing out an elegant and warm vibe by using certain colours and materials as well as lighting and customised fixtures. We wanted to create a fine-dining restaurant that upheld an air or classiness yet was very welcoming, so that one could feel at ease and relaxed while dining. Besides that, we wanted to help our clients make the most out of the space, by using furniture that could allow for an adjustable layout and served several functions while being aesthetically pleasing.

This particular design concept was based on the new branding direction concept of the restaurant and the Old English theme suggested by the clients. Using the colour schemes and specific keywords of feelings that the design should induce introduced in the branding concept, we set out to create a truly unique restaurant design, that was not only a pleasure to be viewed but extremely functional in terms of effective space usage and serviceability of the design.

Our design works are self-produced by our studio for our clients.

We were approached by our clients to refurbish the fine-dining restaurant. As we have experience working in various designs, this restaurant design was something that we were confident we could deliver our best on as well.

Before we took part in this refurbishment project, the restaurant already had an existing design with existing furniture. We maintained the blue banquet seat and display tree as the centre of the dining area and built on all the other aspects of the current design from our own ideas and those suggested by our client, to fit the new branding direction and maximise functionality for the restaurant at its current state.

Made for our clients, a fine-dining restaurant, this design serves as the welcoming backdrop for customers who enjoy dining in a high-class environment or just any customer who visits the restaurant for personal functions or uses the restaurant space for corporate events.

Concepts using Old English or European design themes may not be uncommon, but our design is a unique one because of the blend between the old and modern as well as the customisation of furniture and layout. Elements such as wainscot panels and vintage fireplace and photographs coupled with metallic materials and modern lighting fixtures bring out both old and modern vibes within the space. Customised furniture too allows the space to be truly unique as the furniture found here will only ever be seen and best functional for this particular design in serving its purpose.

The name Blue Chip Indulgence was penned by our studio. It is a creative play on words to reflect the ambiance shown through the design. "Blue chip" carries the meaning of top tier and high class, while the colour blue is a recurring scheme that can be seen within the design. "Indulgence" speaks of the pleasurable feelings when one savours the quality foods in the restaurant coupled with the relaxing ambiance of the environment. The name as a whole sums up what it would be like to experience the design for this project, that is warm, high-class and comfortable.

The initial steps of the design focused on using freehand sketches to have full control over the flexibility of forms to be used in the design. On later parts of the design, AutoCAD and 3DMax was used to help realise these design and examine the practicality accurately.

The most unique aspect of the design is how we were able to priorities both functionality and aesthetic through fixtures and fittings such as wine rack and screens that serve the purpose of display and privacy screening, paired with dining furniture which are easily adjusted to accommodate different functions within the vicinity. Besides that, fine detailing in the selection of materials and colors further enhanced the elegant and welcoming ambiance of the fine dining restaurant. Hence, displaying how neither functionality or aesthetics was left out.

(Building process with sub-cons?)

AutoCAD and 3DMax softwares were used during the design process. (Technology in terms of building methods?)

The biggest form of research done for this project was on how to solve issues surrounding problems of rising damp, including how to reduce and prevent it, while preserving the heritage structure. Working on this project situated in a colonial building, the team investigated methods on the maintenance of the structure and minimization of issues with dampness in load bearing walls. Research on the best measurements and forms for the customised furniture was also done, such as using wine bottles as an accurate scale to produce the most effective and functional wine rack.

When proposing the Old English theme and other design elements, we knew that we wanted to preserve the existing structures of the building as much as possible. Hence, we were challenged on how to overcome dampness of load bearing walls due to rising damp issues common in old colonial buildings while conforming to the client request to create an elegant and warm Old English style fine dining restaurant that can cater for various functions. Effective solutions were found to minimize the problem of dampness, while an elegant and welcoming vibe was presented through rounded forms, metallic and wooden materials used, while adjustable furniture maximized the serviceability of the space.

(This particular project was submitted for local design competitions and published in local magazines. Hence, we believed, since the start that this design possesses a unique value that we wanted to showcase to a wider audience through submitting it to an international design competition?)

(Creativity, and thinking out of the box to solve problems?)

No, thank you.

Personally “design” is to provide solution to current circumstances while in the mean time incorporate technology and aesthetic to meet or make better for the function of the space.

Not in particular, our studio explore various kind of project so far. But commercial will be main focus on.

Doesn’t have specified material, I believed material used are very depend from project to project.

During team brainstorming in the exchange of ideas for own projects and inspiration from designer in the field from talk or presentation.

Client brief will be the first thing to be focus on during designing.

Always seek it as a new opportunity and challenge to make it better for each project.

Excitement I would say, learning from the outcome whether is good or bad. But client recognition and user feedback is crucial too.

Design that serve the purpose and function.

Functionality

Inspiration come from various kind of platform likes book, site visit, president study and internet. Creativity feed through rounds of design development, sketches and discussion.

With each project, we see it as an opportunity to explore and better ourselves. (Modern contemporary?)

I live in Malaysia. Yes, we do feel that the cultural heritage of our country affects the design in minority way. Basically, to suite the local cultural need, local content, life style, climate and etc. Those are some factor that need to be taken into consideration in the design progress.

We often work with companies as our clients who seek our services for designing their commercial unit. We will first meet up with person taking charge of this project on the client's side for their requirement or design brief. After brainstorming among the team, layout and mood board or relevant document will be presented to client for discussion and confirmation on design direction. Initial proposal and amendments will be made while discussing with the client until the final outcome is realized. The companies representative are involved in each stage of the whole process.

We believed every designer at different stage of experience able to present certain skill of knowledge that suite companies requirement.

We will first meet up with client for their requirement or design brief. Perform site analysis by visiting the site given. By brainstorming among the team, layout and mood board or relevant document will be presented to client for discussion and confirmation on design direction. Initial proposal will then be produced to client. Few rounds of design discussion and amendment progress might needed prior to finalization of the design.

Kitchen spices display, aromatic candle, automatic vacuum cleaner, automatic curtain remote control and lighting design.

Able to accept failure and critic and learn from it. Expose to wide range of challenges or experience which are out of the comfort zone.

Design for user.

Passion towards the field, good personal attitude.

Set of stationary, sketchbook, tracing paper, laptop, CAD and 3D software.

A draft overall project schedule indicating each stage as a guide for every project.

Depend on the scale pf the object. Uncertain.

While working in Melbourne, different cultural and work experience which really open up my mind.

Wellings Pharmacy & Masons Health, local pharmaceutical, skincare and wellness company.
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters, local franchising cafe.
BJM Construction, local contract management firm.
Macalister Mansion, local boutique hotel and fine-dining restaurant.

A client that appreciate design and willing to try out your exploration.

To persuade professional architect and grow the architecture department.

As a team, but main design input will be brief to in charge designer for further proposal and discussion.

Via social media or website.