Framed Time | Chiun Ju Interior Design | World Design Awards 2024

Chiun Ju Interior Design: Winner of World Design Awards 2024. The site is a new apartment serving one person. The client prefers the softness and luxurious elegance of neo-classical, and the design team reorganized the space accordingly. The interior retains the symmetry of the neoclassical, with light as the main character. The contrast between walls and materials allows daylight to illuminate all corners. Unlike the old style, the light color palette depicts a sophisticated lifestyle.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION／DIFFERENTIATION	●Boutique-like Fine living often comes from space. Every facade of this project is clean while demonstrating the symmetry that is the essence of neo-classicalism. The design team amplified the symmetry by shaping the dining room wall and the TV wall into a single unit through an open plan. The “symmetry” is not limited to a single facade but to the entire space. Simple lines are applied to create a boutique-like atmosphere. The design team planned the space with a boutique design to unveil a refined lifestyle. ●The Meaning of Light The client likes dark tones. At the initial stage, the design team balanced the need to “fit the ambiance of the space” with the need to “satisfy the imagination of the occupants” by creating a dark-colored entrance to enhance the first impression. Then, the design team planned an openwork vista, allowing light beams to integrate different areas in dark and light tones.
PRODUCTION OR REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY (AND MATERIALS)	Building materials: slab tiles, metal trim, glass, iron parts, wood grain, water-based eco-friendly paint, etc. The highlight is the presentation of light and shadow. The color scheme is base on warm gray tones. When daylight illuminates the space, the visual effect is refreshing and warm. After sunset, the linear lighting and trims depict the softness of classical design.
SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS / PACKAGE / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES	The site is an old apartment on the 13th floor with a total indoor area of 99.1 square meters. According to the number of residents, the design team planned a spacious social area. The living room and dining room are bounded by a sofa, while the kitchen is placed on the kitchen island. The open plan reverses the pattern of a single field with a single window, allowing unobstructed natural light to illuminate the interior.
CHALLENGE	The planning of the master bedroom bathroom was a challenge. With limited space and fixed piping locations, the space is planned based on the toilet to match the living habits of the occupants. Then, with the master bedroom, the position of the furniture had to be carefully planned to realize a customized private area.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION／FUNCTION	During the initial discussion, the design team and the client had different ideas about the color palette. One was based on personal preference and the other on style. After communication and coordination, a balance was reached. With their professionalism and experience, the design team worked on the details, such as the kitchen island that is aligned with the wall, the metal trim, and the boutique window-like dining cabinets, so that one or a group of people can enjoy the convenience and aesthetics of the space.
FORM	“A paradise illuminated by daylight.” The morning sunlight warms the space through the soft gauze curtains. The pure color scheme, like a mixture of warm and grey tones, shapes a tranquil atmosphere. The design team precisely mastered the proportion of the trims and displayed luxury and elegance with delicate design. In the spacious space, the smoothness of the design balances the elegance of the neoclassical, relaxing the body and mind. The project is shaped in a neo-classical style to present an orderly look. Symmetrical open-plan materials speak of regularity. As daylight explores every corner, the paradise-like exquisite taste is illuminated.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT	The site is an old apartment. The name, “Framed Time”, comes from the design team’s elaborate light and shadow plan. Natural light from the large floor-to-ceiling windows illuminates the interior with shades of light along the contours of the ceiling, floor, and walls, while the soft screen windows filter the blazing sunlight. People can step barefoot on the warm wooden floor to feel the brightness and temperature of the sun. The open plan of the social area conveys an image of openness. With an innovative idea, the project’s living room and dining room are planned as one. The same pattern of marble creates the delicate TV wall and sideboard, the grille gives the rhythm of breathing-like lighting, and the light strip connects the areas. Finally, the openwork in the foyer frames the most beautiful moment of light and shadow, emphasizing the elegance of the space. The reshaping of the layout and the light color scheme increase the utilization ratio of the small space of 42.9 square meters. The stacking of various materials creates clean façades that accentuate the texture of the space and construct a space and taste that is exclusive to the occupants.

IMPACT /SUSTAINABILITY

The original layout had too many compartments, which blocked circulation and ventilation, and resulted in only one window in one area. After re-planning the layout, the lighting and ventilation are significantly improved to maximize the advantages of the 13th floor. Then, for better air quality, an ERV is installed to ensure fresh air. In terms of building materials, the project is made of green building materials approved by national standards. They are non-toxic, skin-friendly, and harmless to human health. Moreover, the replacement of marble with slab tiles reduces the need for natural stone mining and lowers the carbon footprint, achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly goals.