Multigenerational Modern House Design in Taiwan by FLOAT DESIGN STUDIO

A Contemporary Home for Four Generations

In the heart of Taiwan, FLOAT DESIGN STUDIO has reimagined a family residence as a beacon of multigenerational modern house design, balancing minimalist elegance with practical living for four generations. The 512 m² home stands where a narrow, shadowy dwelling once stood, now reborn as a light-filled, spatially generous retreat. The project embraces Japanese simplicity and modernist ideals, all framed by west-facing floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to a mountainous backdrop.

A Design Philosophy of “Less is More”

FLOAT DESIGN STUDIO rooted the entire project in the principle of less is more. The clean white façade extends into the interiors through a disciplined use of neutral tones, simple lines, and a limited palette of materials—wood, glass, exposed steel, and concrete with a wood grain texture. This deliberate restraint creates visual clarity and enhances the spaciousness of each room while allowing the natural surroundings to remain the star of the experience.

Spatial Zoning for Generational Harmony

The layout of this multigenerational house is strategically divided across three floors. Each level supports different functions and age groups, promoting both privacy and togetherness. The first floor features an open-plan living and dining area with a kitchen island that doubles as a communal dining table. The third floor offers a flexible platform room with panoramic mountain views, designed for both group activities and individual relaxation. This spatial separation ensures that family members of all ages can coexist without compromising comfort or autonomy.

Integrating Nature with Architecture

A seamless indoor-outdoor connection is achieved through full-height windows and natural materials. The house not only welcomes in sunlight and ventilation but also uses an outdoor pool as a microclimate control element. Natural ventilation, cross-breezes, and thoughtful material selection reduce reliance on mechanical systems, embodying a sustainable living strategy rooted in climate responsiveness.

Flexibility and Flow in Every Detail

The design emphasizes fluidity and openness. Curved staircases, different ceiling heights, and vertical-horizontal surface interplay create a spatial rhythm that directs movement and attention. By removing all non-load-bearing interior walls, the architects maximized the flexibility of each space. Functional zones—kitchen, dining, living—are articulated through subtle architectural cues rather than physical divisions, aligning with the ideals of free plan modernism.

Unified Aesthetic, Layered Experience

The interiors speak a refined language of geometric modernism, with artful contrasts of texture and form. Monochrome tones of black, gray, and white are warmed by wood, softened by natural light, and layered with curated furniture and artworks. The structure maintains a modern architectural vocabulary while ensuring that its human-centered design responds to the diverse needs of a four-generation household.

A Home Designed for Connection

FLOAT DESIGN STUDIO has not only designed a residence—it has created an architectural framework for generational connection. The project is as much about family dynamics and evolving needs as it is about spatial beauty. From its adaptable room configurations to its emphasis on shared and private zones, this house is a blueprint for contemporary multigenerational living in harmony with its natural and cultural context.

All photographs are works of WHOSE IMAGE STUDIO