Castle of Fairy Tale: A Majestic European-Style Residence

A Luxurious Duplex Apartment Designed by Fang Ming Lo

The inspiration behind this design was to create a space that not only improves the limitations of the existing layout but also tells the stories of its occupants. Fang Ming Lo aimed to fuse European culture and art seamlessly into everyday life, inspiring imagination and adding a touch of drama to the living experience.

One of the standout features of this design is the removal and reconstruction of the closed patterns, which has resulted in a tall and majestic hall. This transformation has increased the sense of space by four times, eliminating any feelings of darkness and confinement. The play of light and shadow, reminiscent of an opera box, air gallery, and European arcade lines, adds a captivating beauty to the living space.

To create a more open living room, the hallway has been moved outdoors, and the living area has been horizontally extended through the use of arcades and grating lines. This clever design choice allows natural light to flood in, enhancing the beauty of light and shadow. Additionally, the ceiling has been partially removed to increase the vertical height of the space, creating a grandiose hall and a semi-open air attic on the second floor.

The semi-open attic serves as an extended interior for the study, providing a versatile space for work and discussions with guests. The fusion of the opera box function and transparent glass railings reduces the estrangement between private and public spaces. Four arch windows facing the attic showcase different artworks, providing visual interest and enjoyment throughout the day and night.

The technical specifications of this design are equally impressive. The starting area of the hallway features three hierarchical landscape changes, extending the spatial vision along the steps of the stairs. French windows and double doors in the arcade create a seamless transition between the exterior and interior, while the grating shadow adds a touch of elegance.

The interior is paved with three different kinds of stone, each embodying a unique texture. Carved white marble serves as a foil to the life stage, while white marble on the television wall, combined with titanium trim strips, creates a gentle, delicate, and grandiose effect. Specially treated summerwood tree stone enhances the surface texture, and an iron frame provides an exhibition function, allowing light to penetrate the thin stone and create a beautiful halo effect.

This design, with its neoclassical influences, showcases the expertise and creativity of Fang Ming Lo. The project, which started in November 2017 and finished in August 2018, is located in Taichung, Taiwan.

Fang Ming Lo's research and attention to detail have resulted in a design that overcomes the challenge of creating a sense of space in a previously closed interior. The luxurious and majestic atmosphere of the castle, combined with the fusion of European culture and art, truly makes this residence a work of art.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. The award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and resourcefulness of this design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life.