Zoe Chan

8 page print feature on the Beldi in T Magazine 🙏@tmagazine @nytimes @hanyayanagihara @lexbrazilian story by @meganeogrady photos by @_martin_morrell #chanandeayrs #chanandeayrspress

Thank you so much @ad_spain @enricpastor for the front cover and story of this months issue 🖤🖤🖤

This short essay I wrote for Monocle in their recent book of home focuses on the benefits of using natural building materials for making our homes and avoiding the use of plastics, mastics, varnishes, solvents and many of the chemicals and artificial fabric which are found in most houses and which 'off-gas' into the air we breathe. 🌍💚🌿 Text: @zoe_yee_chan Space: @john_at_mjolk

I've designed the rooms in my home @_ground_house_ to flow out to the outside spaces. In the bedrooms there are large sliding glass doors which open the interior spaces up to fresh air and direct access to nature. True luxury is lying on your bed and feeling the wind or sunlight on you whilst staring out to the trees 🌳 🌞 Garden starting to look amazing too- thanks to @hortus_collective ❤️

As a yogi and architect my design approach focuses on maximising mental and physical health and wellbeing within the spaces I create. Creating spaces which enhance our connection to our own senses, and to nature around us. I like to do this through the use of non toxic natural materials and through the design of the space itself in terms of volume, natural light and orientation. In my home and project @_ground_house_ The kitchen is built of custom Douglas fir frame with London plane panelling creating a warm and inviting ambience, there are windows front and back and a long skylight along the top of the of the space to capture natural sunlight throughout the day and in this photo you can see that the Douglas fir traditional casement windows frame the amazing lime trees to the front of the house, connecting the space with nature. We love waking up everyday to the light and this view 🌞

Timber details and close up view between the bespoke stair, pantry and ceiling

Evening light in the kitchen. The Douglas fir and London Plane dormer cheeks have built in shelves so I can showcase my children's artwork which I love to frame. I also love ceramics, so the shelf above the basin is full of my favourites.

The Ground house has been in the making since 2016 and is a culmination of my love of design, natural materials, family life and home. The structure of the living room is made out of UK Douglas fir with a feature vaulted ceiling in London Plane. Living here has been a joy so far as the house is in its final run towards completion. More to come ..

My favourite chair in the living room

The balustrade I designed for the living room is taking shape. It will protect from the side of the staircase void whilst also providing a dresser and bookshelf for the living room too.

Studio

Progress on site 🔨