Cloud Aspiration

This is a duplex residence located on the top floor of a 100-meter-high building. The challenge was to retain the grounded warmth of daily life while highlighting the elegance of a high-altitude home. The designer broke the traditional vertical layout of living spaces on the lower level and bedrooms on the upper level. Instead, the bedrooms were relocated to the lower floor, while the kitchen, dining room, living room, tea room, and music room were combined into an open-concept upper level, seamlessly integrated with the outdoor terrace and skylight. This approach maximized the advantages of the original architecture and enhanced the homeowners' living quality. A unique feature in the living and music rooms is an acrylic fish pond with a skylight, creating natural illumination and a comfortable indoor climate through water’s thermal properties. This setup also protects the roof from hail damage and introduces a playful connection between the indoors and the sky. Looking up, residents can see fish swimming, gentle ripples, and the expanse of blue sky and white clouds. Sunlight filters through the water, casting dappled shadows on the floor. The staircase was placed next to the TV wall, extending vertically through both levels to emphasize the connection between them. Its design remains light, and additional storage cabinets were installed beneath the stairs for practicality. The main sofa was positioned parallel to the window, creating a greater viewing distance and minimizing the visual barrier from north to south. This also ensures the most visually appealing side of the sofa is always visible. A skylight was installed above the kitchen, allowing natural light to cast dynamic patterns on the walls throughout the day. The round dining table, adjacent to the island, serves two comfortably while maintaining the spaciousness of the area. For larger gatherings, the table can be pulled out to accommodate more guests. The music room features a skylight fish pond, fostering a unique interaction between music and the sky. The piano is placed by the window, allowing the musician to enjoy the view while playing.