Small Yet Well-Rounded: A Renovation Project by Chin-Han Chen

Transforming a Shabby Apartment into a Sustainable and Beautiful Home

The old, shabby apartment is reborn as a result of the ingenuity of the designing team, whose meaningful design, spatial layout, color scheme, and material selection incorporate sustainability and beauty into life-like the sun and the moon that are always there.

Chin-Han Chen, a renowned designer, has successfully transformed a 40-year-old house into a stunning residential interior design project. The homeowner's request was to renovate the narrow and cluttered space into a well-rounded and functional home. Chen and his team took on the challenge and created a design that is both unique and practical.

One of the standout features of this project is the exceptional entrance. To overcome spatial limitations and provide sufficient light, L-shaped light belts were embedded on the beam, marking different sections and creating a sense of openness. Inspired by the homeowner's family name, which includes the words "sun" and "moon," a moon-shaped screen was installed at the entrance, symbolizing a well-rounded life.

The elegance and simplicity of the design continue into the master bedroom, secondary bedroom, and study. The study doubles as a multi-functional space, with a ceiling beam outfitted with fitness equipment, transforming it into a home gym. The careful selection of building materials, such as super wear-resistant flooring and green, toxin-free plates, ensures a sustainable and healthy living environment. LED lights are used throughout the space, adding a touch of modernity.

The technical specifications of the design are impressive. The moon-shaped screen features translucent stone veneer imported from Germany, resembling the texture of the moon's surface. The use of mellow wooden veneer creates a special contrast. Wavy patterned glass, sliced into curves, combined with different materials and lighting, creates a mesmerizing glow reminiscent of the moon.

The design also prioritizes accessibility and functionality. The layout retains the original partition, carefully organizing the space. Double-faced walls are used in several sections to overcome spatial limitations. The open-concept kitchen features a foldable dining table and flexible cabinetry. The living room conceals a treadmill below the couch, and the secondary bedroom hides a piano under the desk. These clever design choices maximize the use of limited footage, providing the home with diverse functions.

The Small Yet Well-Rounded project was completed in Taipei, Taiwan, and has received accolades for its creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements.

Chin-Han Chen and his team have successfully transformed a shabby apartment into a sustainable and beautiful home. Their attention to detail, unique design elements, and focus on functionality have created a space that is not only visually stunning but also enhances the homeowner's quality of life.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chin-Han Chen
Image Credits: Photo: Chris Fan
Project Team Members: CHIN-HAN CHEN EVA LAW
Project Name: Small Yet Well-Rounded
Project Client: Chin-Han Chen


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