A calming wood-clad abode balancing light and dark.

CLIENT BRIEF

Commissioned during a period of strict travel bans and social restrictions, the apartment was envisioned as a meditative space for the homeowner and his family. The client sought a home that would serve as a serene sanctuary, integrating natural elements and fostering a sense of harmony and introspection.

CONCEPT & STYLE

“In Buddhist philosophy, light and darkness are not oppositional but complementary,” said Otto Ng, co-founder of LAAB Architects. “We tend to seek light in darkness, not knowing that it is the darkness that makes the sense of light more profound. In this home, we bring awareness to both light and darkness through materiality.” 

Blessed with a stunning harbour view, this oak-lined living room features a large opening that lets the view take centre stage. Along the windowsill is a sliding oak desk that can move as natural light changes.

Moving away from the window, a wide range of dark materials, including black oak, black granite, black lava stone, black paper cord, dark concrete paint, and grey ceramic tiles, are used in the dining room to create a meditative state.

“Our perception of light and dark materials changes as the light changes,” said Ng. “During the day, the light-oak living room and black dining room may appear to have a stark contrast. At dusk, as the sun sets, the evening light diminishes the boundaries between the light anddark materials. What we used to perceive as ‘contrast’ now becomes united, and what we used to see as two spaces now
becomes one.”

Tips

Yin and Yang
Darker tones add a sense of depth to the breadth of space governed by light materials. Ensure there is a balanced interplay between light and dark to avoid overwhelming
the space.

Make a move
Movable furniture can make the space more flexible and offer different perspectives. For example, custom-made sliding desks and chairs can be moved along the window to give the owner different experiences of the harbour view.