Elite Years: A Fresh Take on Residential Design

Designer Kao Shih Chieh's Award-Winning Approach to Leisurely Living

The Elite Years project was inspired by the couple's desire for an open, playful space where their children could grow and explore. Kao Shih Chieh responded with a design that is both functional and inspiring, using a leisure style and an open space plan that gives the children ample room to run and play.

What sets this design apart is its innovative use of space. The traditional partition wall was discarded, creating an unobstructed public area. The main bedroom, located behind this public area, is defined by raised wooden floors and flexible curtain designs. This allows the owners to adjust the space according to their needs. The white-tone, oil material, and wood bark used in the design are environmentally friendly, adding to the home's overall appeal.

The Elite Years project was realized using the level difference of the floor to create function and life imagination. The wall is covered with soil material, paired with warm wood cabinets and dining table and chairs, creating a fresh and simple feeling. The design extends the mountain view outside the window to the indoor, with the headboard of the wooden bed cut to an oblique angle to mimic the shape of the mountain.

Storage was a key consideration in this design. Cabinets are set in the entryway, TV wall, and dining table to meet the practical needs of daily life. Children's bicycles and toys can be placed under the suspended cabinets in the entryway, while the TV wall is combined with the hanging electrical cabinets, allowing for decoration and storage.

The project, which started in April 2018 and finished in October 2018, faced several challenges. One of the main challenges was strengthening the storage function after enlarging the small space. The walkie-talkie and electric box in the entryway also needed to be integrated into the overall space style. Despite these challenges, Kao Shih Chieh was able to create a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Elite Years project is a testament to Kao Shih Chieh's innovative approach to residential design. The project's recognition with a Silver A' Design Award is a testament to its success. As the designer notes, "The house reveals a leisure style with the most realistic characteristics of the material. Also, by using the level difference of the floor, it creates the function and life imagination."