Daybreak and Nightfall: A Tale of Two Sides in Interior Design

Cheng-Yuan Huang's Award-Winning Residential House Design

Cheng-Yuan Huang, along with Kai-Chen Chiu, embarked on this project in October 2015, and by February 2016, they had transformed a 120 square meter space in Taipei, Taiwan into a visual representation of the dichotomy between day and night. The design's unique properties lie in its ability to present two different concepts throughout the space, catering to the diverse preferences and demands of the two owners.

The entrance of the house features a screen modelling cabinet that combines the elements of line and face. Crafted with ironware and wood, it creates a play of light and shadow, mimicking the transition from daybreak to nightfall. This cabinet serves multiple purposes, including display, storage, and even geomancy. The back face of the cabinet presents a geometric design, forming the visual focus of the living room.

One of the standout features of this design is the innovative use of materials. Iron metal, nature white marble, wood-pieces, wallpaper, glasses, steel, wood flooring, and homogeneous tile with a polished finish come together to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The design also incorporates modern neat lines with a touch of classical elegance, adding a hint of romance to the home-working environment.

The main bedroom is designed to offer a wide prospect upon entry. The wall at the head of the bed is lowered, doubling as a bookshelf on the side of the study. A linear LED light is added to the shelf, serving as a night light. The overall space is centred around the bed, with the generatrix of a hollow square extending to the working area and changing room area, harmoniously unifying the living demands of the two owners.

Cheng-Yuan Huang's design faced several challenges, one of which was creating a display cabinet at the entrance that combined iron pieces with wood to create a penetrating but different effect on both sides. The solution was a light box in the dining room that also served as a window frame for the guest bathroom, increasing light penetration and adding a touch of light embellishment to the dining atmosphere.

This innovative design approach earned "Daybreak and Nightfall" the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. The award is a testament to the design's outstanding expertise and innovation, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. Cheng-Yuan Huang's design is a shining example of how art, architecture, and design can come together to create a space that is not just functional, but also a true reflection of the owners' personalities and preferences.