As a leading entity in the building materials and decorative sector, Team Value has developed a 3,000-square-meter artistic showroom known as the “Material Library.” This space highlights the latest and most innovative products from both domestic and international markets. The term “library” not only pertains to the building’s architectural design but also signifies its operational management.
Project Name: Team Value Pan-Home Furnishing Showroom
Studio Name: Team Value
Project Location: Shiwan, Foshan City, China
Area: 3000 m²
Construction Company: Foshan Team Value Decorative Materials Co.,LTD.
Design Director: Ning Jicun
Lighting Design: ORVIBO Smart Home Flagship Store (Meiju International Building Materials Mall, Chancheng District, Foshan City)
Soft Decoration Design: Team Value
Completion Date: January 2024
Main Materials: Stone / Sintered Stone / Acrylic / Stainless Steel / Wall Panels / New Materials
Photographer: Ning Jicun
Each new material is equipped with a unique QR code, enabling designers to scan for instant access to comprehensive information through an integrated system, functioning similarly to a library catalog. This setup provides a highly efficient, one-stop solution for exploring and selecting contemporary materials.
0.1 A Harmonious Space
The showroom, completed in just three months, exemplifies a remarkable synchronization of design and construction. Achieving a balance between aesthetic appeal and construction speed is no small feat. However, the design team effectively shortened construction time by adapting the existing steel structure: two original staircases were removed to create a clearer circulation pathway, aligning with the company’s office layout.
Upon entering the lobby, visitors encounter two distinct pathways: one leads to the material hall on the first floor, while the other ascends a sculptural staircase to the office space on the second floor.
The first floor features a display of new materials, centered around a two-story-high exhibition area. Parallel display walls designed in a library style, alongside a central meeting table, bring order and precision to this area, setting an inviting atmosphere. This space seamlessly integrates functionality, aesthetics, and user experience, encouraging movement and exploration of materials, while also providing areas for in-depth discussions with staff or suppliers.
At the heart of the showroom is a spiral staircase, its elegantly flowing handrail ascending upward, creating a sense of depth even as it stops short of the third floor. The designer skillfully balances straight and curved lines, much like a conductor managing the rhythm of the space. The incorporation of a gray mirrored ceiling adds an extraordinary visual effect reminiscent of the film Inception.
The surrounding areas on the first floor continue the library-inspired material display, featuring cabinets and lounge seating. This design optimizes the showcasing of various brands and products while fostering spontaneous creative exchanges.
Ascending the staircase from the lobby, visitors arrive at the office area on the second floor. The staircase serves not only as a connection between floors but also as a multifunctional space for relaxation, discussions, and collaboration.
Distinct from traditional staircases, this one cleverly integrates a sofa reception area on the first floor. Two semicircular seats and a fireplace extending from the second-floor ceiling offer a unique view of the hall.
Additionally, the staircase opens up to an outdoor balcony, breaking the divide between indoor and outdoor spaces. The steps vary in size but are uniformly paved, with some designed as prominent terraces, enhancing the sense of exploration.
Upon reaching the second-floor office area, visitors find an open, healthy environment where each department is distinctly organized. Independent workspaces, separated by glass, maintain a level of privacy while allowing visual transparency. The entire office utilizes concealed sliding doors, creating a relatively private atmosphere when closed while seamlessly integrating into the open space when open, showcasing materials and decorative techniques. The meeting rooms are spacious and equipped with advanced multimedia technology, promoting effective brainstorming, detailed discussions, and business meetings.
The exterior design of the showroom considers its surrounding environment. The white façade imparts a clean and artistic look. Simultaneously, robotic arms and LED smart screens represent Team Value’s precision manufacturing and futuristic technology. This fusion of art and technology allows it to stand out as a distinctive landmark amidst the competitive building materials market.
- The Artistry of Materials
As a materials showroom, it poses a significant challenge to effectively display a wide variety of new materials while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space, given the diverse sizes, shapes, textures, and colors involved.
The primary materials featured in the showroom are paint-free options, which are among Team Value’s signature products. One of the most challenging aspects of using these materials is integrating walls, cabinets, and doors. For instance, in the lobby, luxurious stone textures and metallic finishes adorn the walls and desks.
To achieve a cohesive visual harmony in color and texture across the ceilings, cabinets, walls, and floors made of different materials, designers and the construction team worked closely together. In the lobby, the ceiling features grid wood plastic composite materials that curve horizontally, adapting to the existing beam structure. The curved wall housing the fireplace exemplifies the seamless application of surface materials on large curved surfaces.
