Between doors and walls

Residential Apartment by Lien-Wu Chen

Located between the city and the hills, this apartment aims to create a sense of tranquility and harmony. The designer, Lien-Wu Chen, drew inspiration from traditional Chinese landscape paintings, which are known for their serene and picturesque scenes. The intention was to create a space that is worthy of a stroll, a view, a tour, and a stay.

The apartment is divided into three areas, each with its own distinct character and purpose. The circulation between these areas is designed in a circular motion, allowing for a seamless flow of air, light, and energy. The use of sealed walls and opened or closed doors creates a play of space, light, and shadow, while also providing outer views.

One of the unique features of this design is the incorporation of personal art collections at the end of each space. This allows art to become an integral part of daily life, adding beauty and inspiration to the living environment. The materials used in the design, including stone, wood, steel, and glass, blend seamlessly with the architecture, creating a harmonious and cohesive space.

The challenges faced during the design process were overcome with creative solutions. The apartment, being a combined unit, presented the challenge of two main columns in the middle of the room. To minimize their visual impact, a foyer and reading area were designed in the middle, creating a circled movement in the space. The challenge of incorporating both hill and city views was addressed by opening up the entire space, allowing light, air, and views to flow through all areas.

Another challenge was finding proper positions for personal collections and hiding massive sundries. By using invisible doors, the designer was able to hide clutter and create a clean and organized living space. Lastly, the architectural appearance was coordinated with the inner space to establish an East Asian cultural atmosphere. The same materials were used, but polished or painted to create a more delicate and suitable interior. The outer environment becomes an extension of the inner space, maintaining a low profile of oriental landscape taste.

This design, awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2014, showcases outstanding expertise and innovation. It exemplifies a remarkable level of excellence, introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. The combination of traditional inspiration and modern design creates a truly unique and captivating living space.