The Grayscale residential apartment, designed by Rong Ruei Tian, is a stunning example of modern and minimalist design. The apartment's public space is surrounded by large open windows, offering breathtaking views of the urban scenery and communal courtyard. To ensure that the view remains uninterrupted and to create a sense of focus on the scenery, the design team skillfully concealed storage spaces. The grayscale theme, with its clean lines and streamlined contours, adds an air of elegance to the space.
One of the unique properties of this project is the unfurnished interior space of approximately 66 square meters, boasting a ceiling height of 4.2 meters and abundant natural light. The design team took into consideration the homeowners' preference for hosting guests and created an open common area that is perfect for entertaining. The rest of the design was left in the capable hands of the design team.
The realization of the Grayscale apartment involved the use of various building materials, including marble, faux paint, metal parts, metal panels, melamine panels, and faux stone tiles. These materials were carefully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.
The apartment features a layout that includes two bedrooms, one living room, and one dining room. The 4.2-meter-high ceiling adds a sense of grandeur to the space. The long arched, circular shoe cabinet in the foyer creates a practical yet visually striking effect, complementing the four-sided ceiling. The dining and kitchen area seamlessly blend together, with the kitchen counter and long dining table adjacent and consistent. A steel ladder design connects the upper and lower spaces, adding a touch of uniqueness to the apartment. The first two steps of the ladder line are covered with marble, adding a light and vibrant element to the space. The children's room in the duplex is located above the dining and kitchen area, creating a private space that is closely connected to the rest of the apartment.
The Grayscale apartment is located in Taipei City, Taiwan, and was completed in December 2021. The design was inspired by the desire to create a space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding scenery. The use of indirect lighting and hidden air vents adds to the overall aesthetic, relieving spatial pressure and creating a sense of simplicity and sleekness.
Despite the challenges faced during the design process, such as the need to accommodate large amounts of natural light and the structural considerations for the main wall of the living room, the design team successfully overcame these obstacles. Honeycomb shades were used to allow versatile adjustment of light into the interior, creating a comfortable and bright environment in the main living area. The use of steel and dark metal panels in the main wall and ceiling of the dining room and children's room helped alleviate the sense of pressure in the interior.
The Grayscale apartment is a testament to the skill and creativity of Rong Ruei Tian. With its modern and minimalist design, abundance of natural light, and seamless integration with the surrounding scenery, this apartment is a true masterpiece of design. It has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023, further cementing its status as a well-designed and innovative creation that meets professional and industrial requirements.
Project Designers: Rong Ruei Tian
Image Credits: Image #1-5: Photographer MD, Grayscale The Transition of Elegance, 2021.
Project Team Members: Rong Ruei Tian
Project Name: Grayscale The Transition of Elegance
Project Client: Rong Ruei Tian