Symmetrical Apartment Design in Taipei: The Chang Residence by 2BOOKS Design

Transforming Small Spaces with Symmetry and Light

The Chang Residence, a 76-square-meter apartment designed by 2BOOKS Design in the heart of Taipei, exemplifies how strategic spatial arrangement and symmetry can make compact living areas feel open, organized, and visually appealing. Nestled in a bustling residential area, this residence blends functionality with a serene aesthetic that prioritizes natural light, privacy, and a balanced layout.

Location and Project Overview

Located in central Taipei, the Chang Residence sits within a high-density urban environment. Architects from 2BOOKS Design transformed this small, 76-square-meter apartment into an open and airy sanctuary, overcoming several architectural constraints such as low ceiling heights, deep structural beams, and limited natural light.

Design Philosophy: Elegance in Symmetry and Simplicity

Reimagining Space through Symmetry

The layout of the Chang Residence centers on symmetry, utilizing the square footprint of the apartment to create a sense of order and openness. By aligning major spaces symmetrically, the design provides a natural flow that reduces visual clutter, making the residence feel larger than its actual square footage.

Creating Openness in Public Areas

In response to the clients' desire for an open, interconnected living space, the architects removed unnecessary partitions, exposing structural beams and columns. This approach opened up the living, dining, and kitchen areas into a single, continuous public zone, encouraging fluid movement and maximizing spatial utility.

Enhancing Natural Light and Visual Warmth

Addressing Lighting Challenges

The apartment's front and back orientations were not optimal for natural light due to proximity to neighboring buildings. To counteract this, the architects repositioned partition walls to allow light to penetrate more effectively. The strategic use of reflective materials, like stainless steel door leaves, scatters light throughout the apartment, enhancing brightness and minimizing dark corners.

Walnut and Stainless Steel Accents

To balance the cool tones of gray and stainless steel finishes, warm walnut veneer accents were added to the bedroom corridor, softening the space and creating a cozy contrast. This choice contributes to the overall elegance of the residence, blending textures for a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Functional Flow and Private Areas

Smart Partitioning for Privacy

The apartment achieves a seamless flow from public to private areas. Behind a walnut wall lies the bedroom and bathroom, hidden from view to maintain privacy. A distinctive study space, separated by a revolving stainless-steel door with a round “moon” window, provides an isolated yet accessible workspace.

Integration of Load-Bearing Columns

Two load-bearing columns separate the public and private zones. Rather than conceal these structural elements, the design incorporates them into the symmetrical layout, framing them as part of an architectural atrium that extends into the bedroom area. This visual demarcation emphasizes the balanced structure of the apartment.

Materials and Finishes: Bringing Texture and Warmth

Each room’s materials were carefully chosen to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The open public area utilizes gray tones that convey calmness and modernity, while the walnut finish in private zones adds warmth. This intentional contrast enriches the apartment's overall feel, achieving an elegant balance between privacy and openness.

A Harmonious Urban Retreat

The Chang Residence by 2BOOKS Design is a model of thoughtful spatial planning and design. By leveraging symmetry, natural light, and warm materials, the architects transformed a modest apartment into a sophisticated urban retreat. This design demonstrates how careful attention to symmetry and material choice can turn compact spaces into comfortable, welcoming homes.

All photographs are work of Studio Millspace