LH House
Bright sunlight streams through the double-height floor-to-ceiling windows of the lightwell, filling the home with a soft glow and a vibrant connection to nature. In response to the homeowner’s needs, Longwave Studio reimagined and renovated the second and third floors of this four-story townhouse. The lightwell’s natural light enlivens the open-plan dining and kitchen area, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the other side, diffused light filters through adjustable blinds, extending from the reading nook to the far end of the home, where it seamlessly merges with the natural illumination from the living room’s balcony windows. This thoughtful design allows light to flow harmoniously throughout the space, fostering a fresh and uplifting ambiance.
The designers prioritized maximizing the movement of daylight within the home. To achieve this, they removed a partition that had previously confined the lush views of the lightwell to a single bedroom. Additionally, the dining table and refrigerator—previously constrained within a narrow corridor—were repositioned along the periphery, creating a more spacious and cohesive setting for the dining area, kitchen, and central island. The newly freed-up space now accommodates a single lounge chair, offering a peaceful retreat for reading, relaxing, or simply gazing into the greenery, embracing the soothing presence of nature.
As natural light permeates the interiors, the original rigid ceiling panels and decorative partitions that once divided the space have been thoughtfully reconfigured. A curved ceiling, integrating concealed utility conduits and lighting elements, now extends seamlessly into a statement wall, enhanced by continuous track lighting. This design approach softens the boundaries between the living room and reading area, amplifying the sense of openness and fluidity in the communal spaces. Storage solutions are skillfully integrated—light-toned wooden grids combined with warm gray closed cabinetry offer both display and functional storage, while lower drawers are specifically designed for children, allowing them easy access to their belongings.
To enhance the home’s child-friendly functionality, storage units were deliberately kept below 160 cm, aligning with a child’s natural line of sight. This, in combination with the curved ceiling, prevents any sense of enclosure, ensuring a bright and expansive feel. A long, built-in storage wall further defines a play area where children can freely engage with adults—whether playing or reading on the floor—while remaining visible from the kitchen. This carefully considered layout fosters effortless parent-child interaction, making everyday life more seamless and connected.
The television wall and reading alcove by the lightwell are clad in fine-lined white mosaic tiles, reinforcing a cohesive design language throughout the space. This continuity harmonizes with the home’s three distinct wall finishes, preserving their individual textures while maintaining a layered yet uncluttered aesthetic. “This wall encapsulates the homeowner’s way of life,” the designers remarked. More than just a functional element for storage, relaxation, and reading, it transforms the concept of home living itself.
Beyond the crisp white surfaces, the ceiling was intentionally designed without full curved encasement. Instead, it intersects with the structural beams, introducing a dynamic and rhythmic interplay. The partition between the living room and staircase features angular cuts and three perforated details. Paired with silvery bamboo glass and gray-toned finishes, this partition subtly defines the space while reducing visual weight. The combination of textures and materials creates a sense of lightness, infusing the home with an effortless elegance and understated charm.
On the third floor, the private quarters continue to embrace the benefits of natural light from the lightwell. The washbasin was reoriented so that each morning begins bathed in soft daylight, enhancing the bedroom’s luminous and tranquil ambiance. The addition of deep storage cabinets and sliding doors refines the layout, transforming what was once a fragmented floor plan into a serene and cohesive retreat. Here, every morning unfolds with a renewed sense of calm, as the gentle morning light imbues the space with poetic serenity.
