Chou-Chun Kao Is Honored with the Bronze A' Design Award for Whispers of Light Residential House in Interior Space and Exhibition Design

The Work

Project

Whispers of Light Residential House

Function

Residential House

Category

Interior Space and Exhibition Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture and Packaging & Retail

Colors

Dark Slate Gray, Dark Olive Green, Dim Gray, Black and Gray

Images

5

Client

Siam Zhou Interior Design Ltd.

The Recognition

Laureate

Chou-Chun Kao

Country

Taiwan (China)

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2024 - 2025

Design ID

#164600

Design Details

Unique Properties

This case creates a defined living space that accommodates family members with different lifestyles. Public areas are centrally located, while private quarters are designated on the left and right, ensuring minimal disruption. The design beautifully incorporates the homeowner's passion for watercolor painting, featuring soft gray and white tones that play with light and shadow. This combination produces a layered, watercolor-like effect, infusing the home with a tranquil and artistic ambiance.

Inspiration

Inspired by homeowner's love for watercolor, the design treats the space as a canvas, using warm gray and beige paints with wooden elements to achieve a watercolor effect. The delicate colors of watercolor create a dreamlike atmosphere, layering light and shadow to evoke depth. This enhances functionality while adding a natural rhythm to the home.Natural stone and green-gold accents add luxury, while light fixtures create reflections transform the space, blending modern aesthetics with warmth.

Research

This project renovates a newly built space by merging two units and rethinking the layout. Public areas form a central hub, connecting private quarters on each side, while the enlarged living room accommodates hosting without sacrificing privacy. To mitigate the impact of a large beam, decorative techniques and material variations create a layered, open feel. The shoe cabinet, divided into three units with embossed glass, allows natural light to flow while addressing feng shui concerns. This design balances function and aesthetics, enhancing connectivity and privacy.

Challenge

This project involved merging two independent spaces to create a more spacious layout, but it faced challenges due to the presence of a large beam. The designer cleverly chose to conceal the beam within the circulation path, allowing for a visual extension between the living room and dining area. To avoid creating a sense of oppression from the beam, the designer applied rounded R-corner treatments and covered the beam with mirrored metal panels. This approach not only enhances the spatial extension but also minimizes the beam's presence.

Realization and Technology

The materials and elements used include mineral paint, metal fixtures, embossed glass, marble, floor tiles, sheer curtains, wood veneer, and titanium-coated metal panels. The design features rich mineral paint as a base, paired with natural stone incorporating green and gold elements, offering a distinct style compared to traditional black and white marble, while subtly enhancing the space's color palette. Additionally, the mineral paint is applied to the headboard wall in the master bedroom, using three shades to create a watercolor-like gradient effect.

Operation and Interaction

The primary motivation behind this renovation was to create a space that allows family members to interact and share common areas while minimizing disruptions caused by differing lifestyle schedule. Additionally, considering the homeowner frequently hosts guests, the designer divided the kitchen into separate zones with both an inner and outer kitchen, and added a pass-through window with glass, making the cooking and dining process more seamless and interactive.

Project Duration and Location

The project is located in the heart of Taipei City, an area known for its peaceful and cultural ambiance. The project was completed in two phases: the design phase from July to December 2022, and the construction phase from May to August 2023.

Specifications

This project involved the renovation of a newly built apartment with a total interior area of 129 square meters. The largest structural beam was incorporated into the layout, turning the space beneath it into a hallway that connects the entryway and multi-functional room, minimizing any sense of spatial oppression.

Keywords

interiordesign, blending, lightandshadow, watercolor, connecting, livingdesign, dreamhome