When selecting a place to live, one should consider their daily life experiences and think about what kind of space suits them and the lifestyle they desire. Some people thrive in vibrant urban neighborhoods, while others long for the picturesque tranquility of suburban environments, seeking peace and calm in nature. The homeowner in this case enjoys spending time alone, so after their children became independent, they moved to Shalu, Taichung, to enjoy undisturbed quiet time. In their row house, they embrace a slow lifestyle, returning to simplicity and inward focus.
The homeowners, who prioritize quality of life, have a refined taste for tea and cooking and enjoy collecting antiques and art sculptures. In this busy and noisy era, they sought a peaceful and comfortable place. After discussions with designer Yuan-Cheng Wang, a vestibule wall was placed at the entrance to block the view from outside, subtly creating a boundary from external noise. This allows a gradual shift in mood upon entering. A lounge area fills the corners, creating a cozy nook to welcome guests. The open living and dining areas, free from wall obstructions, extend the existing kitchen cabinets into the public domain, connecting with system cabinets of the same height along the wall for storage. The spacious layout accommodates a long wooden table that complements the kitchen island. Whenever the homeowners want to enjoy a rich cup of tea, they can easily slide open a door to access their tea sets and showcase their art collection to friends, effortlessly creating an elegant scene.
Natural light flows into the interior from both front and back, spreading through gaps and seams, subtly revealing abstract contours. The raised design highlights the dialogue between new volumes and existing elements, maintaining privacy while planning an open and flexible layout. This naturally creates a spacious and deep visual effect, alleviating the oppressive feeling of the original layout. As you ascend the stairs, a frame delineates the bathroom entrance and bedroom pathway. The partition walls effectively divide the space without spatial restrictions. The designer continued the method of non-ceiling partitions to allow light to freely penetrate and circulate between the closet, cabinets, and ceiling. Observing the wooden benches at the entrance, the lounge, or the base of the bed in the bedroom, a thin seam separates them from the floor, making them appear to float lightly in the serene and elegant space.
The design philosophy of “effortlessly intentional” is the guiding principle of TUTAN Design Studio. This project, using only solid wood and steel plates as its main elements, genuinely preserves the natural color of the materials. The designer particularly enjoys the transformation of spatial experiences. Stepping into the space, the black tones guide the mood to settle, and the transition to bright tones brings a warm wooden balance. This interplay of contraction and expansion evokes a sense of mental clarity, leading the homeowners to live peacefully, shedding extravagance, and finding a place of inner solace.
