‘little gwen’ by HGT architects photography by tan rahardian

in the latest project by indonesian HGT architects, a field of undulating nylon strings creates an aqueous ceiling which evokes exotic forms of sea life coral against natural sunlight. the resulting ambience is ever-changing and stimulates pleasing spatial layers with varying depth of pinkish hues seen from different vantage points. upon closer observation, one is subjected to its particular design technique and fabrication.

round air conditioning grilles are located strategically throughout the interior as points of disturbances – like water droplets – which generate the swirls, berms, and swales. as these contours take shape, the interior space expands and contracts, and they also conceal existing structural beams and mechanical trays at varying heights. density of material and tonal contrast made of highlight, shade and shadow heightens the three dimensional volume of figural interstices in relation to merchandise display area versus customer’s path.

HGT Architects: little gwen entrance

HGT Architects: little gwen interior view

technically, the design explores and experiments with the merging of high and low technology. in order to produce highly  specific modulation of surface, a set of computer aided design model and drawings were executed to serve as templates.  a full size in situ mock-up became an integral part of the design process and a decision was made to manually hand-cut  800+ unique sections of 0.6 mm thick stainless steel plates. 

material texture and desired effect were found in nylon strings commonly used for shoelaces and drawstrings for pants or  hoodie sweaters. the beauty of hand labor in the making-process is evident in the slight length irregularities of material woven into a tile of 20 cm by 20 cm wiremesh. once cut, the exposed split ends resemble an impressionistic blooming of micro  flowers or sea anemone tentacles or star-like points. the installation amounts to about 2300 pieces of wiremesh tiles to cover  the entire undulating ceiling, weighing about 1.3 tons excluding the structural grid. 

HGT Architects: little gwen view from below

HGT Architects: little gwen interior view

HGT Architects: little gwen interior view

HGT Architects: little gwen  detail

HGT Architects: little gwen concept model

HGT Architects: little gwen installation progress

HGT Architects: little gwen installation and light test

HGT Architects: little gwen installation progress

HGT Architects: little gwen night time view from below

design team: HGT architects design & construction: 2011-2012 location: bandung, indonesia area: 55 m2

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here