Ceiling Cutouts Reveal Peaked Roofs in This Taiwan Apartment
Curved, plaster walls and angled rooflines create a sense of dynamism in one couple’s remodeled pad in Taipei.
When the interior architects of Taipei-based Studio In2 first walked through this apartment, which is housed in a skyscraper, they were struck by the ceiling. "The beams of the site are huge, low-height, and with a criss-cross [pattern]," says the firm. In order to accentuate the ceiling detail, but not allow it to overwhelm the space, the firm devised a striking treatment: a "paper-thin ceiling" that almost seems to float in place, with cutouts revealing the warm wood of the tall, angled roof above it.
Reveals at the ceiling highlight the wooden roof detail in this Taiwan apartment remodel.
Jackal Liu
"Usually roof ceilings look very heavy and stiff; instead, we created a light-weight, paper-thin ceiling," says the firm. Thoughtfully placed cutouts in the ceiling plane defines the different zones in the open-plan living space, which includes a living room, dining area, and bar counter. The firm then wove in subtle curves throughout the apartment—such as where the wall and ceiling meet, at a bedroom wall, and at the bar counter—to counterpoint the ceiling’s sharper angles.
"The curve at the ceiling blurs the boundary between roofs and wall," says the firm.
Jackal Liu
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The ceiling pitch reaches three meters high.
Jackal Liu
The firm covered the walls and ceiling with limestone plaster to balance the warmth of the wood. A wall coated in charcoal chalkboard paint was also included so that the homeowners, a just-married couple who love to travel, can draw or write when inspiration strikes.
"We want to create a space with design aesthetics, but also have something that belongs to the clients themselves, a place they can feel free to be creative," says the firm. "Overall, we used natural and eco-friendly building materials; carefully considered each corner, space, and detail; and developed a design that echoes the users’ feelings."
A curving charcoal wall covered in chalkboard paint lines one side of the open living area.
Jackal Liu
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Ozeki & Co. Hotaru Mulberry Double Bubble Pendant
Since founding their studio in 1996, British designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have conceived furniture, lighting, sound installations and even the London 2012 Olympic Torch. Their Mulberry Collection (2015) began when Edward visited Ozeki, a Japanese company that’s been making paper lanterns since 1891. “We’ve always loved the simplicity and beauty of Japanese paper lanterns and have often talked about designing them,” says Osgerby. “After a conversation with the owner of the family-run business, this project was born.” Crafted of translucent mulberry bark washi paper stretched over a bamboo skeleton, Mulberry is part of their Hotaru series, named for the Japanese word for “firefly.” Bulb (not included): 5W LED, E27 base for small; 9W LED, E27 base for large. UL Listed. Made in Japan. Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach
ShopOpen shelves installed over a window allow light to pass through and create a reading nook in the corner of the dining area.
Jackal Liu
"A curve spontaneously penetrates the entire space, picturing a story line engraved with the memory and life of its residents. The chalkboard painting side is like the diary of a traveler who loves recording his or her journey," says the firm. "Overall, we think curved elements not only blur boundaries, but also can bring softness and some imagination to a space."
Jackal Liu
A dedicated bar counter makes entertaining easy, while the kitchen is tucked out of sight from the main room, accessible via the open doorway.
Jackal Liu
"The balcony is kept at the same height as the interior floor and built with similar materials and colors to extend the interior space," says the firm. "Additionally, the interior floor looks like a part of the balcony, thereby erasing the interior–exterior boundary. This design provides residents the feeling of living in nature even though they are actually living in a skyscraper."
Jackal Liu
The curved wall coated in limestone softens the bedroom interior.
Jackal Liu
The designers chose a light hue for the wood veneer that wraps the bed and the laminated wood flooring, so that the room feels soothing and consistent.
Jackal Liu
A marble-wrapped sink is mounted in a hall niche to fashion a lovely vignette at the end of a corridor.
Jackal Liu
Courtesy of Studio In2
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Project Credits:
Interior Design: Studio In2 (@studio_in2)
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