Formosan Blue Magpie: A Home in the Sky

Blending Art and Functionality in a Residential Apartment

Every space in the Formosan Blue Magpie apartment is thoughtfully designed to accommodate different habits and activities of its inhabitants. The dialogue and balance between colors and furniture composition draw people in, inviting them to discover the true essence of what it means to be at home.

One of the standout features of this design is the use of perforated shelving to divide the space into a living room and a reading area connected to the sky garden. This not only provides privacy for the occupants but also allows them to leave the view open to the sky garden, creating a sense of openness and connection with nature. The perforated shelves also serve as discreet storage spaces, giving the living room a clean appearance while allowing the reading area to be bathed in natural sunlight.

The ceiling of the Formosan Blue Magpie apartment plays a crucial role in demarcating different spaces. Using a combination of timber and a simple white, the ceiling creates a subtle distinction between areas, allowing apartment and house typologies to coexist harmoniously.

Flexibility is a key aspect of this design, as it recognizes that individual preferences and needs change over time. The living room, for example, does not feature a traditionally fixed TV wall. Instead, the TV wall is treated as a sculptural form, made with removable panels. This means that the entire wall can be removed if needed, giving occupants the freedom to customize their own living room layout. Black mirrors also fold down from the split ceiling, wrapping the wall with a stone base, adding a three-dimensional feel to the design.

The Formosan Blue Magpie apartment covers an internal space of 148 square meters, excluding balconies. The layout includes an entry corridor, living room, dining room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sky outdoor garden. The design embraces an open layout and minimalist aesthetic, creating a modern and artistic living space.

Located in Taichung, Taiwan, the Formosan Blue Magpie project started in August 2020 and was completed in January 2021. It reflects extensive research on human behavior and interaction with space, aiming to create a home that promotes calmness, recuperation, and a sense of immersion.

The Formosan Blue Magpie apartment faced several challenges during its creation, including the integration of different colors and materials. However, through well-managed proportions and compositions, the design successfully brings these elements together in a cohesive and visually appealing manner. The use of color treatment and built form circulation guidance enriches the design, echoing the theme of sky living and enlivening the true essence of being at home.

The Formosan Blue Magpie apartment, designed by Joyce Yi-Ching Yang and Sunya Wu, is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. It seamlessly blends art and functionality, creating a unique living space that embraces modern lifestyle and offers a truly immersive experience. This project has been recognized for its excellence and was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations.