Ascending Serenity: Poetry of Thresholds

Situated within a high-rise in New Taipei City, this duplex residence is more than a sanctuary with sweeping river views; it is a profound exploration of balancing artistic tension with domestic warmth. Moving beyond the functional constraints typical of a duplex structure, the design embraces the concept of “A Narrative of Upward Growth,” utilizing shifts in light and texture to guide a spatial journey from grounded weight to ethereal lightness.

The design draws on the interplay between the grotto and light. The lower level is conceived as an introspective grotto, where rugged coatings establish a grounded, visceral foundation that mutes urban clamor, inviting residents to reconnect with their authentic selves. As one ascends, the atmosphere transforms into something more ethereal, reminiscent of a mountaintop at dawn. Here, cool, raw textures give way to warm, organic wood veneers and the expansive river vista. This evolution mirrors the psychological transition of the occupants—shedding their defensive social personas to embrace the soft intimacy of home.

To counteract the potential visual compression of the duplex, the design makes full use of the vertical axis. Pendant lights descend from the double-height void like floating stars, guiding the eye upward along the staircase and enhancing spatial depth. Meanwhile, softened corners dissolve sharp spatial boundaries. Natural light flows fluidly through the staircase, blurring the delineation between the two levels.

The project also champions a forward-thinking, growth-oriented design approach. The children’s room features a flexible sliding-door system designed to adapt to the family’s changing rhythms, such as the arrival of a second child. This approach ensures the home evolves alongside its occupants while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with structural remodeling.