Back To One's True Nature

A Duplex Residence that Maximizes Openness and Brightness

One of the unique features of this design is the incorporation of elements inspired by the homeowner's love for mountain climbing. Upon entering the residence, a bluish green marble wall welcomes visitors, resembling the beauty of mountain ridges. The ceiling is adorned with three-dimensional curves, mirroring the contours of mountains. This design choice brings a sense of openness and joy, reminiscent of reaching the summit, into the home.

The living-dining room section of the residence boasts an open layout that offers a complete painting-like view from every angle. The separation between the living room and the dining room is achieved through a ceiling design that features indirect recessed lighting, creating an even and coherent illumination throughout the space. The chamfered edges of the ceiling add elegance and rhythm to the overall design.

The connection between the living room and the ancestral hall is highlighted by a severed TV-wall marble that deliberately leaves a tapering fissure. This fissure serves as a visual link between the two sections, while the narrow facets of the marble cuts are veneered with titanium-plated metal, adding a touch of sophistication.

The kitchen in this duplex residence is designed to cater to both Chinese and Western cuisines. A sliding door separates the Chinese section from the rest of the space, preventing smoke and fumes from permeating throughout the residence. The white cabinetry in the Western kitchen complements the colors in the living-dining room, creating a coherent design. Stone accents on the walls and tiles further enhance the elegance of this section, making it an ideal space for entertaining friends and relatives on holidays.

The study area serves as a transition between the living room and the master bedroom. Sliding doors of different sizes and display cabinets define this space, creating a neat and orderly look. The glass sliding door between the study and the living room can be opened and closed at will, allowing for separate activities while maintaining interaction between family members.

The design of this duplex residence posed several challenges, but the result is a simple yet grand layout. Low-chroma earth tones were chosen to reflect the homeowner's character and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Seamless cloth on the walls, along with hardwood veins, adds layers and a sense of coziness to the space. The overall design exudes a solemn and serene ambiance, reminiscent of a mountain, allowing residents to reconnect with their true nature.

Back to One's True Nature is a testament to the power of design in creating a living space that maximizes openness, brightness, and functionality. By incorporating elements inspired by nature and the homeowner's personal interests, Hsuan Ting Kuo has created a residence that not only reflects the dwellers' daily habits and needs but also provides a sense of joy and tranquility.

Image Credits: Weimax Studio

Awards and Accolades: This Design was awarded Bronze in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2023. Bronze A' Design Award: Bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that authenticate experience and resourcefulness. Esteemed for incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, they exhibit strong technical and creative skills and contribute to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.