Tree House is a modern condominium in Taipei, Taiwan, designed by ST Design Studio. This apartment is located on the outskirts of Taipei City, in a residential area on the mountainside, close to a small forest. The apartment is on the 5th floor, right where the branches are dense. The whole design is inspired by trees. The designers wanted to create an apartment similar to a "tree house", a green, airy, peaceful place where the occupants could feel the natural environment, a quiet space that had nothing to do with the outside world.
The apartment has two floors, the first floor is the main living area consisting of living/dining space, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Upstairs you will find a studio and a guest room.
First, the designers pushed the boundary back to restore the original balcony by removing the extra bay windows, which, while losing a little bit of indoor space, improved natural lighting and ventilation, actually giving the feeling of an open space.
The ceiling is made of plywood with a natural texture and color. It emphasizes that trees are the most important element in the overall design and alleviates the sense of limitation due to low ceiling heights.
The original hidden staircase was opened, and the steps became wider and safer. The steps are made of perforated metal plates and the railings are made of metal mesh. This makes the staircase structure look lighter and allows natural light to penetrate.
The bathroom has direct access to the balcony at the back. We use glass sliding doors to let light enter the living area.
The owner of the house loves travel and art, he owns a lot of art, including his own paintings. The upstairs studio is completely white, serving as the owner's private gallery, showcasing his collection and his own work.
When it comes to materials, designers use simple, basic and honest materials. Like plywood, bare concrete, and clay bricks, designers try to keep it simple and don't offer a strong sense of style. The focus is on creating a calm space where the feeling is disconnected from reality.
Here, the designers try to explore the original ideas of the architect more than 40 years ago. Although it has undergone several modifications and it is difficult to return to its original state, we have tried to return to the most basic concepts and create a relaxed and simple space for a private and peaceful lifestyle.
Photo by ST Design Studio
Design: ST Design Studio