“All material in nature, the mountains and the streams and the air and we, are made of Light which has been spent, and this crumpled mass called material casts a shadow, and the shadow belongs to Light. - Louis Kahn

The discussions with the owners at the earliest stage have made the picture of the future home clear. Grayscale colors, featuring low-chroma, will be used as the keynote throughout the space. The couple love to be in an environment with an expression of purity. Meanwhile, pieces of furniture and life props to be brought in or a magazine randomly placed won’t conflict with the background in any way.

Transition from public space in black to private sphere in white

In the 65 square meter space, a traditional TV wall is left out. Functions including audiovisual entertainment, storage, dining and cooking are integrated together to contour the center of this home. Black color, with low reflection, forms the background where machines or equipment can naturally blend in. The grayscale colors on the ceiling, floor and walls serve as the “in-between” medium, connecting the overall space. Then, the white color, defining the private sphere, comes into sight after entering the bedroom.

Bearing the concept that takes home space as a container for life and daily background, the techniques such as the use of materials either in the same or different shades of gray colors, reflections, penetration and changes of material texture are applied. Attached shadow, shading and cast shadow interact with each other through the chemistry between natural light and the arrangements of indoor lighting.

Upon flowing between public and private spaces, light, by ways of differentiated heights of ceilings, detailed transitions and transformation, material transparency, refraction and reflection, conveys an atmosphere of diversity and tranquility to the people living here.