Grayscale Shadows: A Tranquil Residential House

Neutral Tones and Rustic Charm

The Grayscale Shadows residential house, designed by Chih Wen Mau, is a unique and elegant space that combines neutral grayscale shades with rustic charm. The hand-painted smears on the walls present a low-profile and original tone, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The use of wood, white hues, dark gray shades, iron, glass, and other elements adds to the overall elegance of the design.

In terms of technology, the Grayscale Shadows house incorporates faux finishes, veneer, systeam furniture, wooden floors, tiles, and ironwork to bring the designer's vision to life. The result is a space that exudes sophistication and tranquility.

With a total area of 392 square meters, the house features a spacious living room, dining room, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Each area is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality.

Stepping into the house, the entrance makes a strong impression with dark gray stone tiles and a wooden cabinet. The natural materials create a relaxing vibe, welcoming the homeowner back home. The screen, made of slim iron pieces with glass assemblies, allows light to pass through while maintaining privacy. The natural light that enters the space is softened by the glass, casting a white, non-dazzling sunshine.

The living room showcases a change in flooring material, with wooden flooring providing a comfortable and skin-friendly touch. The main TV wall is painted in grayscale, with asymmetrical natural textures adding depth to the space. A horizontal pull-out wooden TV cabinet breaks the monotony of the large textured areas, creating layers and visual interest.

The study area is defined by a half-height wall, promoting transparency and interaction between family members. The wall turns and connects to a bookcase along the window, creating a sense of stability in the space. The bookcase features delicate wooden grilles, adding an elegant touch. An open platform in the middle section of the cabinet allows for versatile use, while the upper display cabinet can store collections or books, adding a unique and charming vista to the warm wooden interior.

The dining area is designed to be simple and neat. A modern table and white kitchenware create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with the diffusion of light adding to the ambiance. The dimmable light source allows residents to adjust the brightness according to their preference, creating a bistro-like vibe.

One of the design challenges was the structural beam that spans the canopy at the junction of the living room and the foyer. The coating of the TV wall was synchronized with the wall next to the shoe cabinet, wrapping around the beam and continuing to the wall next to the dining table. This design choice reduces the presence of volume and creates a seamless flow in the space.

The Grayscale Shadows house is a testament to Chih Wen Mau's creativity and attention to detail. It offers a unique and elegant living space that combines neutral tones, rustic charm, and modern design elements. This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2022, recognizing its outstanding creativity and contribution to quality of life improvements.