Project: Small Apartment for an Artist
Architecture: fws_work
Principal Designer: Yu-Hsiang Fu
Construction Management: ArchinSpace
Staging & Art Styling: Note In Silence
Artwork: Genggeng Studio
Location: Xinyi Taipei, Taiwan
Area: 700 sqft. / 65 sqm / 20 坪
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Suiyu Studio
In the bustling city of Taipei, Taiwan, FWS_work has transformed a small 700-square-foot apartment into a serene and inspiring home and studio for an artist. This thoughtful design maximizes the apartment’s high ceilings and abundant natural light, creating a peaceful environment that fosters creativity and introspection.
Maximizing Light and Space
The apartment’s design takes full advantage of its high ceilings and large windows, flooding the interior with natural light. FWS_work strategically placed various openings in the walls to open up the narrow staircase and small bedroom, capturing intriguing views and allowing light to permeate the space. These openings not only expand the physical space but also create a visual connection between the indoors and the surrounding environment, enhancing the sense of tranquility within the apartment.
Creating Poetic Moments
FWS_work embraced the concept that “a step at a moment creates a scene,” where every movement through the space reveals a new, poetic vignette. The design’s emphasis on light and shadow, particularly through the use of rattan folding doors in the tea room, enhances this effect. These doors replace traditional solid walls, allowing light to filter through and casting intricate shadows that change throughout the day. At night, the tea room glows like a stage, providing a serene focal point in the home.
A Thoughtful Palette and Materials
The interior design features a palette of dark tones that create a sense of depth and ambiance, with dark plaster and solid wood adding to the poetic atmosphere. Tactile materials were carefully selected to evoke tranquility and comfort. Handmade bricks cover the staircase, adding a nostalgic touch, while the original stone tile flooring was preserved to maintain the apartment’s aesthetic continuity. The use of woven rattan for the folding doors not only allows light to permeate but also brings warmth and texture to the space, contributing to the overall sense of serenity.
Conclusion
FWS_work’s design for this small apartment in Taipei is a masterclass in creating a tranquil and inspiring environment within a limited space. Through the thoughtful use of light, materials, and strategic openings, the apartment becomes more than just a living space—it transforms into a poetic retreat that nurtures creativity and provides a sanctuary from the outside world.
