designers to express their
Rietveld-inspired ideas into a
formidable whole. The entire
layout is kept open and free-
flowing to make way for flexible
spatial configurations. Rooms
are divided by a system of
sliding and revolving panels,
giving the space almost endless
permutations. For instance, in
the living room, a movable wall
is set between the main living
hall and the dining space. This
wall can be swung open to give
the homeowners a wide and
spacious living area, or closed
for more privacy.
In terms of aesthetic appeal,
the designers went for a bold
and unconventional look with
a collection of eclectic details.
What stands out most are the
two large bowl-like features
affixed to the ceiling of the
main living area. Designed to
resemble an art installation, the
bowls are coated with a special
finishing to create an Oriental
effect and appeal.
“The bowls give you a kind
of visual stimulation no matter
which way you look at them.
They form an interesting three-
dimensional piece against the
ceiling,” the designers say. “We
combine these elements with
the lighting design so that they
also work as light fittings.”
While eye-catching, these
simple forms are more than
meets the eye, as each of them
connotes a specific idea in the
designers’ East-meets-West
approach.
“The boxes and bowls signify
different things: Boxes with
straight lines represent the
rational thinking of Western
science, while the round bowls
represent the perfection of the
Oriental humanistic spirit,” the
designers explain. “The blending
of Eastern and Western
elements opens up aabove
Conventional
doors give
way to large
entryways,
making the
entire apartment
feel spacious.
left
Ambient lighting
comes from
concealed LED
strips peeking
through slits in
the walls.
opposite
The use of a
dark palette
adds warmth
and cosiness to
the bedroom.