Bronze A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design Goes to Reflected Light Residence by Yu Fen Lee

The Work

Project

Reflected Light Residence

Function

Residence

Category

Interior Space and Exhibition Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture and Packaging & Retail

Colors

Gray, Dim Gray, Black, Dark Gray and Dark Slate Gray

Images

5

Client

Yujian.studio

The Recognition

Laureate

Yu Fen Lee

Country

Taiwan (China)

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2025 - 2026

Design ID

#174341

Credits

Team

Yu-Fen Lee

Image Credits

Yujian.studio

Design Details

Unique Properties

Maximizing light was key. With windows on three sides, overhead cabinets between the kitchen and balcony were removed, and the island was extended to let daylight flow inward. A wide skyline view enhances dining, with motorized blinds and recessed lights softening harsh sun. Life unfolds from the foyer to the living room, kitchen, and hallway leading to private rooms, each with a window. A LEGO wall along the hall preserves family memories, while lighting and views at the corridor's end transform it into a serene pause, balancing shared spaces with private retreats.

Inspiration

Located on a high floor in Hsinchu's East District, this sunken-floor empty unit features windows on three sides. The design began with the concept of maximizing natural light to meet the family's desire for brightness and expansive views. From the open kitchen-dining area to the living room and every window-lit corner, the design guides light, daily rhythm, and family interaction-turning the space from a collection of zones into a dynamic, light-driven home.

Research

This high-rise unit, with sunken floor and three-sided windows, embraces 'light as structure,' letting sunlight guide rhythm from living to dining, hall, and private rooms. The open kitchen-dining layout removes overhead cabinets for clear sightlines, while soft ceiling lights and gray tones create calm openness. Each room has windows for both privacy and connection. A LEGO wall and end-lighting warm the hallway. Raised floors resolve drainage and barrier-free needs. Pleated blinds, hot water return, and eco-friendly materials complete a sustainable home.

Challenge

The sunken-floor unit with a 35 cm recessed slab posed rigidity, as no concrete backfill was allowed. Carbonized plywood was used to elevate the flooring, with wet areas requiring repeated structural and waterproof calculations. Designers closely supervised construction to ensure stability and barrier-free linear drainage, simulating full backfill results. Numerous concealed systems were also integrated, with the beamless structure enabling precise coordination of visual and functional elements to overcome both height and structural limits.

Realization and Technology

The space features KD-coated panels, natural stone, and gray-toned laminate flooring to create a stable, low-saturation atmosphere that enhances natural light without causing glare. The social area finished in warm gray tones; the hostess's room adopts a light French style, elegant and refined: the host's study uses dark gray and black to reflect his composed personality. The children's rooms were color-coordinated based on their choices, and the designers seamlessly integrated them into the overall palette using gray tones and woodwork for cohesive yet individual transitions.

Operation and Interaction

The owners described their experience as 'never wanting to leave once we moved in.' The new layout eliminated any feeling of confinement, allowing the family to fully enjoy the sunlit openness. The dining area became the most-used space, with sunlight bathing the sink and central island, turning it into a daily interaction stage. The LEGO display case along the hallway offers children a sense of involvement and becomes a visual thread of shared family memories. Soft lighting at night and natural daylight by day allow the home to embody a true sense of refuge.

Project Duration and Location

The project finished in December 2024 in Taiwan.

Specifications

The interior spans approximately 206 square meters. The original layout is a semi-enclosed square-shaped structure forming a 'C'-shaped floor plan. Starting from the C-shaped entrance are the living and kitchen/dining areas, followed by a hallway leading to two children's rooms and a study, with dual master bedrooms at the far end. All rooms, except the hallway, receive natural light. Based on this structure, the designers planned a rhythmic progression of space, ensuring that every turn brings light, views, and a sense of living flow.

Keywords

Three-sided daylighting, Barrier-free space, Full sunken flooring, Gray-toned palette, High-rise scenic residence, Eco-friendly materials