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.

“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 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.”

Shop the Look

Vintage and Industrial Elements Combine in an Updated Taiwan Apartment

Project Credits:

Interior Design: Studio In2 (@studio_in2)

Appears In

Ceiling Cutouts Reveal Peaked Roofs in This Taiwan Apartment