NEVER TOO SMALL: Bright, Minimalist Mezzanine Apartment, Taiwan 70sqm/753sqft
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
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Inspired by the owners’ two cats who love basking in the sun, Jeff Weng of 2 Book Design focused on opening up the space and maximising natural light when transforming this once dark, run-down apartment in Taipei City. On request from the owners, Weng kept the colour palette and material choice deliberately simple and minimalist, opting to use a combination of mineral coating and wood laminate. By reducing the size and bulkiness of the existing mezzanine, the light and view from the original large window can now be shared by both levels, whilst a new metal truss staircase, with a multifunctional storage cabinet as its base, increases the lightness and transparency of the space. With its considered and pared-back design, IT’s house is distraction-free, clutter-free, calm and perfectly suited to both the humans and cats who live there.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep 162
Project Name: IT’s House
Architect: 2booksdesign.c...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Alek Vatagin www.alekvatagi...
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Colin Chee
Music: To Chase a Dream by We Dream of Eden and Eurydice by Diffie Bosman from Artlist.io
While this design is way too sterile for me I still admire it. This is a minimalist’s dream. Truly amazing design. I admire people that can be so clean and organized. The apartment is truly spotless. Even the cat is white. So cute. I also love how they designed the bedroom to be tucked away but it has such a beautiful view.
I agree (too sterile) AND see it differently: the sterile white provides a perfect canvas too add colour and/or accesories that makes the apartment more human. Nevertheless: a very clever designer, who I certainly would like to work with if I had the opportunity.
agree, it’s too white, a wood panel flooring would make it perfect
As a Taiwanese, I'm so happy to finally find this interior design isn't the typical so-called 'Wabi-Sabi and Scandinavian' style anymore. I've been watching tons of new house introductions from Taiwanese CZcamsrs, and they all look the same. I love this semi-open layout that allows nature light pass through all over the place
Can you share a list of Taiwanese youtubers doing new house introductions?
I like the layout. Very creative use of small space! Not a fan of the predominantly white color scheme but I imagine it makes the space feel bigger.
Agreed amazing layout but the lack of color is unnerving. It reminds me of a white padded room.
It creates an uninterrupted visual flow. Perfect for the space very clever using the horizontal plane to divide the height to accommodate the wood paneling as well as the white. Im guessing the owners may have asked for an all white scheme.
All the white can be disorientating. Maybe a different color for the floor.
@@IRONWEED_blending in floors and walls can make the space feels taller and brighter. It looks nice on the screen but probably still very cramped in real life. His head is almost touching the ceiling. The only real open space is the dinning area. Asian apartments usually don't have high ceilings so it was probably a challenging project. None the less I think the designer did a good job.
Totally agree. Very interesting design. I admire the floating curves in the bathroom, nature-like (or natural?..) materials give a beautiful vibe. All white though reminds me of hospital a lot, but no idea… maybe more plans and a couple of pictures on the walls?
Apartments in Taipei are usually really small and dark so having such a nice space with that amount of natural light in Taipei is a huge luxury. To everyone saying 70m2 is not a small place, consider the 70m2 are divided in 2 floors and the second one has low ceilings so it's not the same as a 70m2 flat with only one floor. Congrats on the design. If I see this in Taipei my jaw would definitely drop to the floor. 恭喜您！
I love his quote about small spaces being more of an atmosphere and not just cramming as much in as little even if efficient. Being minimalist is a mentality, and this designer perfectly captured that for his clients. Good job.
But where do they put stuff? Even minimalist needs some stuff. A few pastel colors would be my preference. Still light and airy, but more cheering. TFS
@@serenakoleno9338 ahh yes the colors could definitely do with a bit more matching tone, pastel would work great.
As for stuff, I think part of that mentality is simply not owning too much, which is a very difficult lifestyle for sure. Most people, including myself, strive for that but in all honesty are only after the "aesthetic". This couple truly lives it, and the designer complemented it.
Love it when they show where they hide the litter box!! That's my biggest issue in my small space.
Usually architects and designers make a small place look bigger. Here the flat is 70 square meters but looks much tinier! The sofa in a corridor, the dining/working table squeezed right by the stairs, the weird access tot he mezzanine and low ceilings all make that space feel much smaller than it is somehow.
yes..
70square meters should covers the area of the mezzanaine
Dont underestimate the height... Usually, these 20sqm apartments feel large because you have a >2,75m ceiling... This one is really cramped in case of height and therefore also dark in terms of light. You can argue to switch dining and living, but they honestly did an amazing job with the functionality of the floorplan and the sight lines, breaking the floor occasionally and creating a generous feeling of height and light. From an architectural point of view, it's fantastic work.
I liked that there is play space for the cats!!
@@Ingrid85_ ❤️
And of course the cat is total white, as the apartment! 😍
You missed the second cat who has some color (orange and black on white.)
@@vanciervancier My thoughts as well 😂 When the designer opened with saying how the space was inspired by the client's cats, I expected to see a lot more catification than just a hidden litter box!
the view from bedroom. through that foyer area is the heart of this design.
It’s cool and unique. I like how polarizing these homes can be. You are doing some thing right!
With a bit of colour in the form of a painting or a design lamp to contrast the very white brightness of this place (at least not all the cats were white!), I really liked: the minimalistic yet practicality of it was great.
that's a good idea to use accessories to bring color
As a bit of a maximalist who loves colour, I don’t think I could live in an apartment like this. But wow! For the clearly minimalist owners it’s perfect! And people who put so much thought into the welfare of their cats are fine by me! The architect talking about atmosphere too is so interesting. Really like this apartment 👍
The space feels so soft and calm
I love that clean minimalism but I don't like those low ceilings, it overwhelm me too much.
depends on how tall you are I guess.
It's always funny to read the comments. The way people would change this and that. Obviously the owners of the apartment like it just this way. I myself cannot believe that something so amazing and bright came from that dingy run down apartment.
I agree with you. I don’t understand why people feel the need to criticize someone else’s home.
I agree. If the client enjoys their space who are we to say otherwise. Obviously the mostly white interior is not for everyone. However this is where style comes in, add personal touches through texture and visuals.
I would be so scared to get anything dirty 😂 but honestly love everything that was done to the space. So unusual but also so homely.
Thank you for featuring a home from Taiwan, my home country! It its incredible to me that there are (seemingly young) adults that can buy such a large place and renovate it so modernly in an insanely expensive part of Taipei. This would be my dream too if I move back home.
70 м2 is not the small apartment!
It obviously includes the mezzanine. The footprint is probably 40 sq. m at best.
I agree.
I agree…
Yes we know
@@tickub It's basically a duplex, the bedroom is massive
We lived on 74 sqm as a family of four people. This apartment is rather spacious
the layout is really incredible
To each his own but the place is cold & sterile. The second cat added some color to the flat but otherwise it would make a great hospital operating room.
🙄
maybe in real life it doesn't feel that cold if they used mineral coatings, but on the video sure feels very operating room like.
You have never been in an operation room? It is not white.
@@MysCathy Not everyone wants their home looking like the inside of a fridge.
Absolutely gorgeous. Love the 3 levels, such a clever layout. Finally a space with storage, appropriate open plan areas AND closed privacy for the bathrooms.
That a powder room on the main level was worked into the design/layout makes this the best small space design yet in my view. I find the clean, white aesthetic calming; they way the light casts on different areas & materials creates a warming glow.
that bathroom sink! the natural light! i love
Absolutely LOVE this all white colour scheme with the softening touches of caramel. There aren't enough people brave enough to embrace the purity of while like this and it's stunning. There's a reason art galleries are white - to showcase what's in them. I would love it here... I'd just need another 50cm of headroom because I'm too tall! 😂
the layout is amazing,
Great job! Really intelligent transformation.
i love white apartments, its easy to clean, very relaxing for me
More like the inside of a fridge look. Cold.
70M2 isn't small, but would like smt like this. I'd add some red, maybe blue or gold here and there, and books, but overall love the clean, minimalist style, the all white! Def one of my favs now on the channel. The round cabinet is 👌
it's just tight cuz of the second floor low ceiling
So pure, so elegant, so neutral and bright I love it ❤❤❤
i loved you have a big fridge and bed, contrasting with the small place
I love how clean it looks. I also like how even though the apartment wouldn't be considered small at all where I live, it still has unique architecture.
I would definitely add some background soft lighting with customizable colour. I would also have a hard time keeping the place so clean XD
Well it is certainly very bright.
For myself, I think I might add some color to the walls and get some heavier curtains for when I wanted it darker, but only if I could raise the ceilings a bit. Otherwise, I think it would feel a bit claustrophobic. But if you are on the shorter side and a bit of a neat freak this seems nice for city living.
I do kinda wish they had more stuff (a shelf, some chairs, a small table or two) in the "livingroom" which at present feels more like a hallway than a destination.
I found this aesthetic designs. Modern but subtle with clean outline. Small but not claustrophobic feel. I most likely going to follow his semi open lay out .. thanks
I'm surprised the mezzanine can provide that many spaces. Although I didn't like the height, I appreciate the fact that the architect managed to accomodate the client's needs. Also, the concept reminds me of tiny house, it's quite interesting.
Client: have you seen a swedish prison?
Architect: say no more!
Jokes aside as a designer you implemented the wishes of the customer and it's done very well. But I would not want to live there it feels empty.
Looks awesome, but 70 sqm are really not very "small" but rather average. In Berlin having 70sqm for two quite spacey, in Tokio it would be counted as huge.
the second floor has a low ceiling so makes it more tight
Nice design, really clever. It looks like fit on the owners of the apartment.
I would like to see also the light designs of all these houses, in a dark or night environment. Could be nice if you shoots also in the evening!
When you look at it as an empty canvas, I actually like it. If someone new would move into this, they could easily personalize it.
I also think you COULD consider these 70sqm small due to to the pretty low ceiling here and there with a small groundplan to begin with?
In terms overall material selection, I like how the architect and his team mainly chose mineral coating and laminated wood. The benefits are using these two materials far exceed what the architect stated in the video, which was that the pattern created by mineral coating and natural feel of laminated wood made the space more relaxing and closer to the nature.
First of all, mineral coating (or mineral wall paint) is very healthy and nature-friendly to use. It contains no added volatile organic compounds and no allergens. I'm not sure about the environmental guidelines in Taiwan, but in the U.S., mineral paint exceeds local, state and federal environmental guidelines. It is also very vapor permeable and allows walls to breathe naturally to remain drier and provide a healthier indoor environment. I think this is very important for houses in Taiwan, where anywhere south of Taichung is a fair game in terms of humidity. Simply put, the use of mineral paint makes the house more livable in hot and humid Taiwan.
Second, laminated wood has several advantages over solid wood. The relative thinness of individual boards allows the wood to be properly dried without cracking, and defects such as knots can be relatively easily removed to create a smooth feel.
At the end of the video, the architect gave his view on the interior design of small space: that it should focus more on creating a specific atmosphere than maximizing storage space. There should be a balance between the effort to create more storage space and creating a specific atmosphere, because you don't want to sacrifice aesthetics and individuality for storage space or vice versa. I think the architect's main focus on creating a specific atmosphere was what had led to what some people described as a "clinical" feel of this apartment. The design and the selection of materials -- as mentioned above -- were ingenious and thoughtful. However, the apartment gives off a rather cold, unwelcoming feel and lacks a humane touch. It is, as some people described, "clinical". This is an imperfection.
Thanks for sharing!
Clever use of the space! I thought to qualify for NTS the space had to be under 60sq m? Nice all the same!
I love the layout!
So serene.
Muy bonito pero lo que más me gusto fue su gato !!! 🥰
Love the big window in the main bedroom, you get a lot of light in and enjoy the view. Also the mezzanine, is awesome, something I'll consider when designing my own house 👌
Love the white 👌
Smart design and layout, I love how they reconfigured the mezzanine. This space does not feel small at all. I like that the guest bedroom was left open.
i've personally moved away from liking a lot of minimalism but this one is beautiful, and i really like the layout, especially with the stairs and high ceiling. the window in the bedroom is perfect to let in light and also be safe for the cat.
my only criticism is- at the beginning he said his inspiration was his cats perching. but it seems none of the windows are accessible to a cat, except for the sliding glass door. i think it would have been great to install a couple simple shelves with low-pile carpet/fabric under the window for cats to look outside, as its so important for their enrichment. as well i didnt see any cat beds or places for them to scratch. its possible those were just stored away for the purpose of this showcase. though, personally, i like to see how pets are integrated into a space. theres lots of ways to make it look nice and not just like random cat stuff that clashes with the design.
Looks like an art gallery with no pictures 🙂
That's what a true minimalist design looks like.
I LOVE the minimalist style 🤩
The cats are so beautiful!!! So fluffy ❤❤❤
I really like the use of the space and the layout. It’s clever, but the overall color scheme and the lack of textures make me wonder how noise would travel through the space. It seems like every spoon clatter would be so loud.
Excellent observation. Hard surfaces create sharp echoed sound.
Love that the cat also matches the design 😂😂
the attention to details is out of this world! wow
I'd go insane inside one of these stark white apartments
I liked that the designer spoke in his native language instead of English as it feels more personal as he shares his design journey. Hope next videos will be like this as well ❤
It's great that he's made the space fit him. For me I'd be screaming for colour and my back and knees would hate me.
that bedroom’s window 👌🏻
Wouldn’t want to clean that apartment. Nice cats.
I have to compliment the consistency in the exact same shade of white across all of these different materials. All of them had to be very carefully matched, otherwhise they'd look like a collection of a thousand different beiges. The effect can be seen on the off white sofa, but I guess it can serve as a statement piece as long as everything else matches exactly.
I adore!!! As a minimalist this is my dream
Sanitarium style ☑️
Was funny when he said that laminated wood brought the feeling of "close to nature"...
low ceilings stress me out
OMG I loved this one!!! So clever!!!
A beautiful design, though I’d need warm wood or colour to relieve the stark whiteness. But I couldn’t see to an oven or even a microwave. Being pushed to eat out could get pretty expensive.
Chinese food doesn't need oven/microwave. Even in Japan most people don't have ovens at home. We don't have rice cookers 😂
@@TriviRocks oh thank you, I hadn’t realized that 😊
@@vwood2 You're welcome!
I love everything abt this channel and I always check the comment section. People are generally respectful and polite and express their opinions with their reasoning and impressions, which is interesting because sometimes they articulate what I also feel but can't really pinpoint myself, or they point out things I didnt even notice. the fact that they/we do that in the right tone and with good intentions is key. Well done 😊❤
Looks cool but there has to be a sqm limit on what can be considered as a small place. Maybe 50sqm.
Why?
@@judithrussell9162 what part of the world is 70sqm small? Maybe for a family of 4
the ceiling is pretty low though so still a tighter than normal space
Finally the white minimalist home I was waiting for , so beautiful . If it was for me I would prefer a murphy bed and high ceilings, rather than a low upstairs.
Love, love, love the minimalism, the cleanness of lines and the white surfaces in this apartment ❤ The place provides calm and relaxation 😌 that’s what a home is for, right? 😉👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Definitely isn't for the kiddies however there's endless possibilities with the space.
Love it ! I would spend my free time there with a magic white eraser .
I fell in love with the layout and the simplicity of this apartment. This feels like home to me
No colour is not my cup of tea but, if you’re in to that minimalist style this is beautiful! I know a lot of people who would love this
Excellent design and use of space. I like the light walls for reflecting light within the home. As to the furnishings, it;s a bit too sparse for my taste. Looks like the clients have only partially moved in their possessions and furnishing and decor.
It's so stark that it's almost antiseptic. I'd go stark raving mad there.
This space felt so soothing and luxurious, like a spa 😊
Either he is tall or celing is low. Id be claustrophobic. But design is exquisite im a minimalistic lover. Airy light and less stuff gives your brain clear to think thats what minimalism is for me. Enjoyed it
nvt終於來台灣拍攝了😍😍
Here is taiwan fans❤
This one is way too sterile for me. I'd be scared of falling off the guest platform if I have a sleep over.
I'm wearing sunglasses watching this.
The design is smart and much improved from the original. It's a bit strange to not see any personal items, art, pillows, cookware or anything to show humans live there. Maybe the cats are the clients!
Add some colour and it will be perfect! Now, it's cold like a hospital. Also, add a table in front of the sofa.
My thoughts, exactly.
Agree. Not very cozy either.
I used to live in Jingmei Dist. on Xikou St. 10 years ago! I loved how quiet, yet accessible it is to the rest of the city! When (not if) I move back, this will be the first neighborhood I look at! Very nice to see some the promise in some of this older housing stock, as even 10 years ago, there was a lot of gentrification beginning.
the lighting on that bathroom is just *chefs kiss*
It's so beautiful 😍 Clean design 😊
It has the ambience of an hospital
clever use of a small space and embracing the ceiling heights.
I Loved the round cabinet as you walked in. I believe it takes incredible design know how and imagination to design an all white space yet still make it feel soft, comfortable and beautiful. They nailed it. The owners must be so happy! I personally LOVED this whole all white design concept and as a minimalist myself, would happily call this home! Well done!
It's so very bare and too minimal. Although what I love about minimalist designs/interiors is that it's more adaptable (design-wise) to add a few more things in the future than filling everything in the beginning and later disposing stuff. ORRRRR you can just imagine what things you can put in the room without actually physically adding things to it, gives room for exercising imagination and thinking.
I gotta say, the papartment looks fun and easy to clean and very very plant friendly with all the light it has ;D
[edit] Ok, this is my type of home 💖💖💖💖💖
Absolutely love the layout but i personally prefer more color and wood, this feels like a hospital room to me😂
It’s quite a stretch from the kitchen to the dining area and the lounge space looks a bit narrow. The storage space and bathroom tucked into the mezzanine access is a great feature though.
Perfect! Love the different ceilings heights that dont feel cramped. Truly, a remarkable space.
Right, I didn't see them. Thanks.
the layout. Very creative use of small space❤❤❤
I like it very much, but there is little to no headroom. My family is all tall and wouldn't fit.
I like the minimalism, and the place is mostly white...including the cat!
One issue is the height which leaves the space rather depressing in certain areas. But this can't really be changed and the design has already done its best to accomodate that.
Really beautifull house!
What a beautiful transformation you have created.
its cool
but i would be stress out on everything i do in the house, like not to spill food/drink