The concept of "留白" (Liu Bai) and long-term livability.
Project: Serenity at the Foothills | Cathay Tianmu 國泰天母謝宅
Situated in the prestigious expatriate enclave of Tianmu, this project sits at the perfect intersection of urban convenience and the natural splendor of Yangmingshan National Park. While the city’s vibrant energy remains just a short drive away, the residence itself is a sanctuary of quietude.
We moved away from over-designing, instead choosing to "leave space" (留白). In high-density urban living, true luxury is the luxury of space and time. By maintaining an open, uncluttered layout, we have empowered the residents to define their own environment. The home is not a finished monument, but a living dialogue—a space designed to adapt to the family's growth and creative expression over years of habitation.
Initial Vision – Tactile Layers & Chromatic Shadows
In the final execution of Cathay Tianmu, the client favored a bright, airy aesthetic with high-contrast furniture. However, our original vision leaned into the art of layering. We proposed introducing a large-scale, textured rug to architecturally 'zone' the living area, grounding the space and providing a soft counterpoint to the sleek, cool flooring. To break the smoothness of the modern finishes, we envisioned the addition of hand-crafted ceramic and raw wooden pieces, injecting organic warmth and 'lived-in' texture.
Perhaps most importantly, we suggested a palette of jewel-toned or earthy furniture layers. These pieces were selected not just for color, but for their relationship with the natural light pouring in from the mountain-facing windows. As the sun moves throughout the day, these colored volumes would cast shifting, rhythmic shadows—turning the living room into a dynamic canvas of light and depth. This alternative path transforms the 'blank space' into a sensory sanctuary that evolves from dawn to dusk.
