Life Live: A Modern Japanese Mix Design

Preserving Natural Light and Creating Harmonious Spaces

The design team at Yhousedesign approached the Life Live project with the intention of creating a modern space that reflects the vitality of the client's growing children. Large color blocks were used to achieve a contemporary style, while attention to detail and transparency were prioritized. The client's request to avoid direct access to the kitchen from the foyer and the need for ample storage space for the baby's belongings were also taken into consideration, emphasizing the concept of "home as life, life as home."

One of the standout features of the Life Live design is the use of penetrating designs and breaks at visual stops to preserve the natural light and scenery of the upper floors. These penetrative designs can be found in cabinets, grilles, and ceiling heights, allowing for a sense of depth in the environment. The grey tone used in the public area creates a harmonious visual expression by linking the height differences in the space, extending and amplifying the floor-to-ceiling effect complemented by the abundant natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The realization of the Life Live design involved the use of various building materials, including KD veneers, grilles, white and grey system panels, woodwork veneers, eco-friendly paints, aluminum frames, glass, and baking paint. The design team also polished the original flooring to reduce the cost of additional materials, as the project involved renovating a previously unused space.

The Life Live project is located on the 16th floor of a pre-owned apartment, covering a total area of 102.4 square meters. The layout of the space was carefully planned to prioritize the preservation of natural lighting. The public area features a non-partitioned plan, with storage cabinets on the facade to meet the client's needs. In the private area, a sliding wooden door is installed in conjunction with the TV, allowing for flexible movement of the wall. This not only avoids common Feng-Shui concerns but also allows for the positioning of beams above and flexible use of the facade for storage.

The Life Live design is a result of continuous communication and consensus-building between the design team and the client. The installation of storage cabinets in each area and the creation of a Japanese modern mix of grey tones were tailored to suit both the function and style desired by the client.

Completed in September 2021 in Taiwan, the Life Live project showcases the client's favorite wood grain and dark color blocks, resulting in a unique design that blends Japanese and modern influences. The openwork cabinet adds a delicate touch to the space, while the combination of different wood grain colors eliminates shortcomings and amplifies the advantages of the environment. The dark color of the facade provides a visual focus, while the light color of the wood grain helps alleviate the oppressive feeling of the beams.

The Life Live project presented its fair share of challenges. The large and low columns of the 16-story building, as well as the position of the electrical box on the TV wall, required careful planning in the layout to optimize the use of space. The design team employed penetrating designs to create a heightened and enlarged feel in the interior. Additionally, the storage cabinets were strategically positioned in the electrical box, allowing the entrance door to reveal the penetrating cabinets. The storage cabinets and the TV wall were aesthetically shaped with a breakpoint to achieve the most natural look for the space.

In a mix of Japanese and modern design, the Life Live project is a place where a family can live happily. With the birth of a child, this space will witness the seasons of their lives together. The grey tones and clean, rounded curves create a sense of reliability and trust, making the space both a warm home and a sanctuary.

Image Credits: Fan-Yu Shen, Wu Zoey

Awards and Accolades: The Life Live design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.