Silver Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025

Ink and Ivory Harmony

Interior

Thematic & Lifestyle Residential Interiors

Completed / Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

CHEN JUN TING

Studio:

ONWALK DESIGN

Copyright:

CHIU CHUANG-CHIEH

Country:

Taiwan

As a consequence of the exorbitant housing costs, the usable square meterage of residential properties has experienced a reduction. Consequently, contemporary residential design places a premium on amalgamating diverse functions and enhancing adaptability. This project pertains to a 73-square meter residential blueprint. In order to cater to the occupant’s current fundamental requirements and allow for potential expansion, the design team not only integrated the occupant’s inclinations for e-sports, collecting, and Go game into the spatial design but also restructured the spatial arrangement and consolidated functions for the occupant.

The project aims to create a design that can accommodate both the current and future needs of the house. Although the owner is the sole occupant at present, the house may be used by partners and family members in the future. To make the space more flexible, the original four-bedroom layout was reconfigured into a three-bedroom layout, providing more space in each area. The gaming room was combined with the collection room, the worship room was merged with the multifunctional room, and the closed kitchen was transformed into an open space to improve spatial efficiency.

The design of this project draws inspiration from the rich symbolism and aesthetics of the game of Go, which holds special significance for the owner. The layout takes cues from the points, lines, and surfaces of the Go board, while the dominant color palette reflects the iconic black and white tones of the game. The stunning curved chandelier suspended above the central island serves as a powerful symbol, representing the aspiration to “be a dragon in the game of Go” and conveying well-wishes for the owner’s success in both the game and his career.

The project emphasizes the current residents’ experience while also focusing on future living needs. It features an open design that integrates the living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as the gaming room, collection room, filial piety room, and multi-functional room. This creates a spacious activity area and meets the needs of future residents as their numbers grow. By anticipating future needs, the project eliminates the necessity for secondary construction and can accommodate both current and future residents, achieving the goal of a universal residence.

The changing demographics have led to evolving needs among people, impacting the design of residential spaces. This initiative differs from traditional single-person dwelling designs by embracing the principles of “universal design” as the foundation for spatial arrangement and functional configuration. The goal is to develop residences capable of fulfilling the immediate needs of occupants and accommodating future shifts in living demands. Additionally, the project team aims for this endeavor to serve as a pioneering model for a new genre of housing, offering fresh perspectives and innovative strategies for residential development.

ONWALK DESIGN

In Mandarin Chinese, “Hsing” represents heaven, earth, and man, signifying the constant changes in life. “Up” symbolizes the nature of ideas, while “Down” represents the realization of transformation. The interplay of the upper and lower realms mirrors the infinite cycle of life. Metaphorically, the concepts of “people-oriented”, “observing the sky and the earth”, and “walking in the space” come together to create a unique individual through their environment, function, mindset, and aesthetics.