Runway: A Unique Apartment Design by Bill Fong

An Innovative Blend of Functionality and Style

In this remarkable project, Fong transformed the elevated walkway into a runway, defining the functionality of the space through flooring and height difference design. Instead of solid walls, ceilings in various angles were used to enlarge the overall appearance of the public space. The color scheme of cement gray with warm wood grain, along with the introduction of natural light through wooden louvers, enhances the space's aesthetic appeal.

One of the standout features of this design is the use of Cement Texture (Mirco Topping), an eco-friendly coating derived from Taiwan's reservoir mud. This environmentally friendly material offers characteristics such as environmental permeability, waterproofing, and prevention of wall cancer. It perfectly suits the humid weather in Taiwan, making it an ideal choice for this project.

The interior of the apartment spans 116 square meters and includes a master bedroom with a dressing room, a guest room, two bathrooms, a storage room, a front room, a living room, and a kitchen with a work balcony. The space is meticulously designed to maximize functionality and create a comfortable living environment.

Fong's attention to detail is evident in the design's interaction elements. Mechanism-like bus doors were incorporated for the two bathrooms and the dressing room, enhancing space efficiency and maintaining a clean and neat appearance. A window between the master bathroom and the bedroom allows light to penetrate, increasing the brightness and warmth of the interior. The headboard, shaped in a trapezoidal form, cleverly wraps around protruding structural beams, adding a functional finish to the space.

Completed in June 2019 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, this project presented several challenges. With a limited budget, Fong had to include plumbing, structure, partition, and design considerations. To reduce costs, dynamic design was employed to minimize the number of partitions, while elevation, cement coating, and wood grain finishes added warmth and richness to the space. Custom-designed cladding structures were used to hide structural protrusions, pipes, and lines, resulting in a visually clean and uncluttered space.

The concept of the runway serves as the main inspiration for this design. The height difference design of the floor defines the functionality of the space, breaks spatial boundaries, and connects each area through movement. A raised runway links the three main areas, while a slanted wood grain ceiling creates the illusion of a high ceiling, adding a sense of depth and grandeur to the space.

Runway, designed by Bill Fong, is a true testament to creativity and innovation in the field of apartment design. Its unique blend of functionality, style, and attention to detail has earned it the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.