Hsu House: A Unique Residential Apartment Design

Creating a Space for Liberation and Connection

The Hsu House, designed by Chen-Yu Ho and Nien-Ting Hsu, is a residential apartment that breaks the mold of traditional living spaces. Inspired by the idea of interaction between solid objects and people, this design offers a space that is both flexible and fluid, allowing for a natural and liberating lifestyle.

One of the key features of the Hsu House is its open field concept. The designers aimed to create a space where individuals can freely express themselves and discover their own corners for various activities. To achieve this, the HH2O Design Workshop developed a series of "Living Objects" and "Color Planning" that seamlessly connect different aspects of daily life.

The kitchen island serves as the central point of the apartment, with its circular arc design creating a flowing and soft overall space. The colors chosen for the island add a spiritual touch to the area. Another notable element is the bookcase, which is made primarily from iron and wood. By reducing the heaviness typically associated with bookcases, the designers were able to highlight the earthy characteristics of the surrounding walls.

The entrance of the Hsu House is made of glass bricks, which not only provide transparency but also create a balance between privacy and openness. The material properties of the glass bricks reflect sunlight and movement, adding a dynamic element to the space.

With an area of 188 square meters and a height of 3.5 meters, the Hsu House offers ample space for a comfortable and functional living experience. The design team carefully considered the technical specifications to ensure that the apartment meets the needs of its residents.

While designing the interior paint colors, the HH2O designer chose matcha green, goose yellow, and dark pink to respond to the tropical climate and external landscape. The "everyday objects" such as the kitchen island, bookcase wall, glass brick wall entry, and dining table were meticulously designed to enhance the beauty of daily life scenes. By keeping the materials simple and avoiding excessive decorations, the designers aimed to create an authentic and meaningful living experience for the family.

The Hsu House project started in June 2020 in Taiwan and was completed in January 2021. Throughout the design process, the HH2O Design Workshop conducted extensive research to create a space that engages all five senses. By carefully selecting colors and retaining the texture of materials, they aimed to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a harmonious and immersive environment.

One of the notable challenges faced by the design team was working with a limited budget. With only 1/3 of the market price, they had to streamline their designs and make conscious choices to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, the team was committed to using eco-friendly paint and materials, further adding to the complexity of the project.

The Hsu House, designed by the HH2O Design Workshop, stands out for its unique approach to residential apartment design. By incorporating "Living Objects" and thoughtful color planning, this space offers a liberating and connected experience for its residents. The design has been recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in 2021, highlighting its practicality, innovation, and contribution to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: CHEN YU HO
Image Credits: Main image is Image #1: HH2O Design Workshop, Entrance, 2021. Optional Image #1: HH2O Design Workshop, Diatomite Wall and Bookcase, 2021. Optional Image #2: HH2O Design Workshop, Kitchen Island, 2021. Optional Image #3: HH2O Design Workshop, Glass Brick Wall, 2021. Optional Image #4: HH2O Design Workshop, Dining Room, 2021.
Project Team Members: Architect: Chen-Yu Ho Designer: Nien-Ting Hsu
Project Name: Hsu
Project Client: CHEN YU HO


Hsu IMG #2
Hsu IMG #3
Hsu IMG #4
Hsu IMG #5
Hsu IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant