New definition of luxury

Photography by Kyle Yu

JC. Architecture & Design projected a single-story apartment in Taipei for two lovely art collectors.

Located on a busy street in Taipei City, this 310 m² apartment belongs to a couple in their 60s who loves to travel, cook, entertain, do outdoor sports and plant. The designers ensured that the house would be a sanctuary that reflects the owners' enthusiastic personality and vibrant lifestyle, and also a stage for them to share their passion for life, their individuality and favorite pastime activities with friends. In addition, there was a special request to create a luxurious style that goes beyond the ordinary concept of luxury. For this reason, rather than fill in all kinds of luxury goods, the designers got inspired to create a unique elegant house to fit owners' personality. Upon entering the house, you immediately perceive a very refined area: the dark wood floor creates an elegant contrast with the white walls and ceiling, the simple lines define the space. It is an ideal backdrop for valuable furniture and art pieces. The social area opens onto a vast open space consisting of a living room, dining area and kitchen. One of the first things you notice is a series of three rectangular white cabinets without handles. The central one incorporates the television and behind it the designers opted for a black wall to create a certain continuity with the floor but at the same time maintain contrast. Furniture with curved shapes were chosen to break up the straight lines. The iconic Mart armchair by B&B Italia designed by Antonio Citterio with its concave shape makes the environment more welcoming. While Moroso's Redondo sofa by Patricia Urquiola in pink quilting gives a touch of color and above all softness thanks to its curved shape enhanced by the total absence of edges.

We imagined this house as a big artwork which inspires people and ignites desires, in the most imaginative and playful ways possible.

A multipurpose area delimited by the light wooden floor has been included along the wall of windows, which can also be accessed from the entrance cloakroom. By opening the French windows, it turns into a place where owners can make flower arrangements during their leisure time. Another area which received much attention to detail was the bookshelf with a passionate red color that the designers had provided the owners as a blank space waiting for them to contribute their living art. There is also a table with chairs and by closing the area with the folding door, you have a room of privacy.

With an eclectic selection of materials and unique features, the home showcases a breakthrough in luxury apartment design. A huge, sculptural table acts as a dining table while a spectacular circular chandelier has been hung above. As seating, the designers chose black dining chairs and a pair of solid wood benches from Riva 1920. To delimit this area, the fish-shaped light wood parquet was laid which leads up to the kitchen island. The latter is made up of two parts: a breakfast counter and a complete work area with taps and hob.

Before accessing the sleeping areas, we find a small intimate lounge; the light-yellow curtains give it a joyful atmosphere. The room is flooded with natural light thanks to the French windows that open onto the large veranda full of plants of the house, which can also be accessed directly from the kitchen.

The bedroom has a minimalist design. The dark wood headboard of the bed seems to be a continuation of the floor while the bed seems to be suspended and is the protagonist of the room. The wall behind is a delicate shade of purple to white, from bottom to top, creating a very relaxing atmosphere. In front, a big transparent window (partly satin) with black finishes separates the bedroom from the bathroom - the same design used for the sliding next door.

The bathroom hosts a central element of the home and carries with it the nautical inspired theme with white and blue tiles, enhancing the refreshing senses and brightening the space without having too much natural light. In detail, the designers made the tiles grow from the floor to the wall, recreating the sensation of seeing the ocean waves rise surprisingly beyond the surface. In the center of the room, a huge piece of furniture has been inserted which houses the bathtub on one side and the double sink on the other; a mirror block was hung above it.