Urban Sunshine: A Bright and Open Residential Apartment

Creating a Homey Feel with Intuitive Design

It is common to see high-ceiling tiny apartments with mezzanines that can feel confining and complicated. However, designer Hua Shan Hung has redefined this concept with Urban Sunshine, a residential apartment that prioritizes brightness, openness, and a sense of home for its young couple owners.

Urban Sunshine stands out from other residential apartments due to its unique design approach. Instead of relying on partitions and mezzanines, the designer minimizes barriers and removes unnecessary elements to create intuitive moving lines and a wide open feel. The interior is divided into four blocks: the living dining room, the kitchen, the bedroom, and the multifunctional room. Flexible partitions replace traditional walls, providing privacy when needed while maintaining a sense of openness and allowing natural light to flood the space.

One of the standout features of Urban Sunshine is the remodeled terrace entrance. It has been transformed into a semi-outdoor earthy living room that not only adds storage space but also creates a brand-new look in life. This unique addition blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, allowing residents to enjoy the urban view while relaxing in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The realization of Urban Sunshine involved careful planning and thoughtful design choices. The previous mezzanine design was removed, and the layout was rearranged to optimize spatial utility. The kitchen underwent a transformation, with the stove direction changed to maximize natural lighting and provide a pleasant view while cooking. Storage solutions were also sorted to meet the daily needs of the residents, ensuring a tidy and organized public zone.

To achieve a bright and earthy mood, the designer incorporated various elements into the design. Open spaces and the terrace entrance blend seamlessly with the urban view, creating a unique living experience. Warm earth tones, wood and rattan furnishings, and a leather sofa add an urban chic touch to the overall earthy and homey style. The use of single-array wood flooring laminates gives the space a taller appearance, while herringbone wood floor bricks at the terrace entrance add a retro and artistic touch.

Attention to detail is evident throughout Urban Sunshine. Mauve drapery matches the sun and earthy tones, while dim gray trims on the walls provide a subtle and fancy finish. Diverse lighting techniques are employed to highlight the four distinct blocks within the apartment. Flexible translucent partitions maintain the depth of field in the space, creating a sense of openness even when closed.

Urban Sunshine is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The design allows for independence and privacy while fostering companionship. The open public zone serves as the central stage, with the kitchen and bedroom acting as sub-stages. This layout encourages movement and interaction, bringing residents together and enhancing their bond.

The creation of Urban Sunshine was not without its challenges. Relocating wires and tubes without affecting the ceiling height proved to be a creative and technical hurdle. However, the end result is a testament to the designer's skill and resourcefulness.

Urban Sunshine has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, ingenuity, and a commitment to improving quality of life. Urban Sunshine is a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform a space and create a better living experience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hua Shan Hung
Image Credits: Hua Shan Hung
Project Team Members: Hua Shan Hung
Project Name: Urban Sunshine
Project Client: Hua Shan Hung


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