In Western homes we may see influences of minimalism. Many modern homes strive to incorporate the beautiful simplicity of the style. However, in this Taipei home, owned by a family of three, minimalism is not simply a preferred aesthetic, it is an absolute necessity. With three people living in just 285 square feet (26 square meters), there is no space whatsoever for things that do not have a function. The home's designer at Folk Design took inspiration for this simple house from the owners' love of calligraphy and devotion to meditation. Indeed, it must take a very clear mind to let go of so much space and privacy.
The living area is the main meeting space in the home as well as the source of most of the sunlight, with its wall of windows. The long, narrow sofa features modular cushions that can quickly be rearranged from sofa to study bench to guest bed when necessary. There is also a small work nook that can be closed off out of sight by folding wood doors.
The natural wood elements are common throughout the house, which helps to give much of the decor a calming and neutral atmosphere. There is nothing busy or loud about this design.
Behind another sliding door, a narrow staircase leads upstairs to the more private areas of the home. However, the stairs are only visible when they are slid out from their hiding space in the kitchen. Built on sliding tracks, they can be folded away when the small kitchen is in use.
Upstairs are a lofted private bed area. An open glass partition looks out over the living room, which may not be the most private arrangement but does allow natural light to reach the otherwise closed off bedroom.
Storage, of course, is always an issue in a home this small. The designer has cleverly built storage into otherwise unused spaces in the ceiling. These sliding wardrobes pull down when needed and fold completely out of the way when not. The same is true of the hidden meditation pool on the lower level that gets sealed up by a natural wood plank when not in use.
