HAS Recreates Floating Icebergs within a Showroom

HAS Design and Research’s museum for Ligne Roset in Hefei merges exterior look of jagged ice pillars with smooth interior fluidity.

In the heart of Hefei, Anhui, HAS Design and Research unveiled the “Floating Icebergs Museum,” a visually striking and conceptually rich space that serves as both a museum and showroom for the renowned French brand Ligne Roset. This space draws inspiration from the local winter landscape, where floating ice blocks in the Nanfei River create an almost surreal scene of natural beauty. The museum stands as a testament to how architecture can evoke a deep connection between nature and the urban environment, even in the most unlikely settings.

The Dance of Ice and Light

The museum’s design is rooted in the concept of “Floating Icebergs,” capturing the duality of ice as both solid and fluid. At the entrance, nearly a hundred jagged “ice pillars” form an imposing ring, creating a semi-transparent barrier that filters light and isolates the space from the bustling city outside. These pillars, has as a functional element that modulates light and shadow within the museum.

According to Jenchieh Hung, one of the founders of HAS Design and Research, “The jagged exterior was designed to evoke the fragmented snowflakes and icicles, encouraging visitors to slow down and spend time exploring the space. We wanted the architecture to reflect the natural surroundings while also creating a unique sensory experience.” Inside, the design shifts dramatically. The interior space is a continuous, flowing realm that contrasts sharply with the jagged exterior. The smooth, undulating surfaces within the museum are meant to evoke the sensation of ice melting, a metaphor for the transition from the harsh, frozen exterior to a warm, inviting interior.

“Our aim was to create a space that offers a seamless transition from exterior to interior, mirroring the natural process of ice melting and allowing visitors to experience this transformation within the architecture,” explains Kulthida Songkittipakdee.

 The choice of materials in the Floating Icebergs Museum further enhances its conceptual depth. The exterior pillars are coated with a stone-like spray texture, giving them the appearance of snow-covered surfaces, while the interior is treated with a finer texture that complements the smooth, flowing design. “The materials were carefully selected to reinforce the visual contrast between the exterior and interior,” says Hung. “The rough texture of the exterior creates a tactile connection to the winter landscape, while the smoother interior invites visitors to immerse themselves in the fluidity of the space.”

This careful selection of materials not only reinforces the visual contrast but also contributes to the overall sensory experience of the space, offering a tactile reminder of the environment from which the design was drawn.

Lighting plays a crucial role in the museum’s design, adding another layer of complexity to the space. During the day, natural light filters through the gaps between the ice pillars, casting intricate shadows on the smooth interior surfaces. At night, the triangular openings within the pillars are illuminated, creating a dramatic effect that transforms the space into a crystalline wonderland.

“Our goal was to create a space that evolves with the light throughout the day, offering different experiences depending on the time and perspective,” explains Songkittipakdee. “The interplay of light and shadow is central to the design, reflecting Ligne Roset’s philosophy of combining craftsmanship with innovation.”

This dynamic interplay of light and shadow not only enhances the visual impact of the museum but also aligns with Ligne Roset’s brand philosophy, creating a space that is as much about the experience as it is about the products on display.

A New Paradigm in Commercial Architecture

The Floating Icebergs Museum is more than just a showroom for luxury furniture; it is a statement about the role of architecture in reconnecting urban spaces with nature. By drawing on the unique environmental phenomena of Anhui’s winter landscape, HAS Design and Research has created a space that challenges conventional notions of commercial architecture.

“Our intent was to create an environment that not only serves a functional purpose but also provokes thought and reflection on the relationship between nature and the built environment,” Hung notes. “In a rapidly urbanizing world, it’s essential that architecture continues to push the boundaries, creating spaces that are not only practical but also deeply connected to their surroundings.” While the Floating Icebergs Museum succeeds in creating a visually and conceptually compelling space, it also raises questions about the future of such designs in rapidly urbanizing areas. Can such poetic architectural expressions find a place in the increasingly homogenised landscapes of modern cities, or will they remain isolated anomalies? The answer, perhaps, lies in the ability of architects to continue pushing the boundaries of design, creating spaces that not only serve practical purposes but also inspire and provoke thought.

“We believe that architecture has the power to reconnect people with nature, even in the most unlikely urban environments,” Songkittipakdee concludes. “The Floating Icebergs Museum is our attempt to do just that, by bringing a piece of Anhui’s winter landscape into the heart of the city.”

Project Information

Project name: Simple Craft Collection

Location: Hefei, China

Completion year: 2024

Architecture firm: HAS design and research

Lead architects: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee

Design team: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Tapanee LaddahomConstructor: Guangdong Xingyi Decoration Group Anhui Co., Ltd
Site area: 420 sq.m.
Gross built area: 420 sq.m.
Photo credit: W Workspace