Project Overview

This case is initially a 40 square meters living space with one side 60cm lower. This small space is divided into two by the difference of height. Thus, the designer tries to make a good use of the situation, arranging two storeys on the sunken side, creating a comfortable living space customized for an owner and a cat. A wavy flow meandering as the axis of the space prevents lines from forming too many corners. Not influencing the public space’s comfort, the designer maximizes the smoothness of the flow and size of the storage rooms, creating a sense of security of the owner's wish.

Organisation

Shih-shih Interior Design Co., Ltd.

Team

Lin Chia-Pei
Hu Hsin-Ju
Liu Wei-Peng

Project Brief

Once entering, one can go along the curved flow to arrive at the public area combining three spaces: the living room, the dining room and the kitchen. Since the owner wishes the flow goes well through the bathroom and the dressing room connected to each other, the designer arranges both of these spaces in the sunken area. Taking a right turn at the door of the area, lights glowing and flowing down from the staircases at the back of the sofa, intuitively guiding the residents to the private space.

Project Need

Considering the cat's need, the staircases are lower and a hole on the wall near the entrance is designed for it. Titanium plating scratch-resistance surface of the steel material covers the wall of the kitchen. Horizontal continuous design creates a smooth flow, while a palette of darker colors deepen the spatial perception.The kitchen desktop and TV cabinets are connected to each other. With the same material used on the wall and continuous steel shelving extending till the windows, these two functional areas are combined as a whole.

The height of the kitchen island is the same to the kitchen desktop, creating a consistency. It has multiple functions that work as the study or working table. On the side of the island, it is also installed with a wine cabinet inside, allowing the owner to enjoy the space with her own wine collections.

Design Challenge

While dark grey is set as the main tone of the public area, coating, wood flooring, glass bricks, and plaster, these materials, build the texture of the whole space. Some dark pink items and paints decorate the private area, making the mature and restrained personality shine with an elegant charisma. Two French windows introduce enough natural lights, while the embedded streamlined lights brighten up specific areas. The curve-lined big sofa between the wall and the staircases allows one to enjoy the sunlight at the corner. While the big-size design offers spaces for friends and family to gather together and chat, it can also serve as a bed for the guest when one visits.

The flow of the space goes smoothly from one floor to another. Through a great skill applying various materials and techniques, the designer strikes a great balance between functions and aesthetics in the space.

Sustainability

All materials in the design meet the standard of green building materials certificates, which include coating and veneers. With choices of selective materials, the designer makes sure the living environment is safe and healthy for the residents.