Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho by Amber Chou

Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho by Amber Chou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Rino in Hoahoa Roto Whare me te Whakaaturanga Competition Category.

RinoRoto Whare· 2026

Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho

by Amber Chou

Client: WooAn Design Factory

A' Design Award Rino Winner in Roto Whare Category

4,618

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #174495

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho

Ko Ink Shadow he hoahoa roto mō tētahi kāinga noho e 33 mita pūrua te rahi i Taiwan. E whai ana te whakatakotoranga i te whakaritenga pakitara āhua-N e wehe ana i ngā rohe hapori me ngā rohe tūmataiti. Ko tētahi tēpu mahi, tētahi hōpa me tētahi wāhi whakaatu ka hanga i te wāhi hapori, ā, kei muri tētahi rūma moe me tētahi wāhi whakakākahu. Mā ngā pakitara kōpiko e ārahi te nekehanga i waenga i ngā wāhi e rua. Mā tētahi papa nohoanga kua whakaarahia e tāpiri he wairua kawa. Mā te mapere pōuri, te kōhatu āhua-koiora me te konganuku e whakatau ai he āhua hōhonu, ā, mā te papa rāmineiti me ngā kākahu e tāpiri he mahana. Ka whakarerekē te rama atamai i te tae me te kanapa.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Rino

Ko Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho te toa o te A' Design Award Rino, he whakaaetanga whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa pai e whakatutuki ana i ngā hiahia ngaio me te ahumahi e tūmanakohia ana mai i ngā mahi kua hoahoatia pai. Ko ngā toa Rino e whakaatu ana i te pukenga nui, te tohungatanga teitei, te māramatanga mātanga me te kaha auaha o ō rātou kaihanga. E tūmanakohia ana ko Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho he mahi whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he whaihua, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Rino e whakakotahi ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa o te ahumahi, ā, he āhuatanga hangarau pūkenga tōna e hono ana ki te mōhio me te pūmanawa. E whakahonoretia ana a Ink Shadow Te Hoahoa Roto mō te Kāinga Noho mō tōna tōtika, ā, i hoahoatia hei whakapai ake i te kounga o te oranga me te āwhina i te ao kia pai ake.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This 33-square-meter space embodies the idea of 'living within one's time zone.' A raised seating platform creates a lounge-like atmosphere, offering a subtle sense of ritual. Dark marble behind the TV and on the desktop adds depth and elegance, expanding the visual sense of space. An intelligent lighting system adjusts color and brightness, casting layered shadows on iron and stone. A recessed LED strip enhances the mood, transforming the space with ease for solitude or social moments.
Dimensions & Packaging: This 33-square-meter, 40-year-old apartment was reimagined with an N-shaped wall layout to redefine spatial flow. The original partitions were removed, allowing the designer to separate social and private zones. A desk, sofa, and display area form the social space, while the rear houses a master bedroom with a dressing area. Curved walls subtly divide the functions, creating a smooth transition and enhancing circulation. The result is a layered, airy interior that feels both spacious and cohesive.
Tags: Dark Color, N-shaped Pattern, Biomorphic Stone, Smart Lighting Control, Tunnel, Sense of Ritual, Old apartment, Environmentally Friendly Materials
Production Technology: This project features a deep-toned palette using marble, biomorphic stone, and metal to create a refined yet grounded ambiance. The wall by the sofa is clad in biomorphic stone, hiding beams while integrating a 30 cm-deep display cabinet. Rugged textures contrast with fine metal inlays, reflecting the owner's strong yet sensitive nature. Warmth is added through laminate flooring, textiles, and artistic paint finishes. Smart lighting and a Sony Bar 8 speaker elevate the space with an immersive cinematic experience.
Design Challenge: The site is an old apartment with narrow staircases and an irregular layout, creating major construction challenges. The staircase, just over 50 cm wide, made transporting large materials difficult, requiring crane use. Uneven walls and floors also demanded precise coordination among trades to ensure smooth transitions and clean finishes. To avoid a heavy feel from the dark palette, the designer focused on light variation and layering, effectively overcoming spatial limits and achieving a balanced, refined result.
Research: 'Ink and Shadow' is a ten-ping urban retreat designed as a 'Personal Time Capsule.' A dark palette of marble, biomorphic stone, and iron creates a refined, steady mood. The raised sofa platform adds a ceremonial touch, while smart lighting brings the space to life with color and brightness shifts. Laminate flooring and artistic paint warm the cool tones. Biomorphic stone and iron on the sofa wall reflect a tough yet sensitive spirit. This haven invites calm, ideal for solitude, reflection, or cinematic escape.
Inspiration: Modern life brings an overwhelming flow of information, leading many to crave a space for quiet and relaxation. This project introduces the idea of a 'Personal Time Capsule,' a retreat where the owner can pause and reset. Whether admiring personal collectibles or simply enjoying stillness, the space supports peaceful solitude. A calm, pure color palette pairs with rich materials in balanced contrast, creating a soothing environment where serenity is preserved, even amid the noise of the outside world.
Project Duration: The project finished in January 2025 in Taiwan.
Operation Flow: After completion, the homeowner shared that the deep-toned space felt like a true 'getaway from the everyday hustle.' Though separated by just a single door, stepping inside created a sense of calm, completely shutting out the outside world. It became a retreat for enjoying personal interests, admiring collectibles, or relaxing to music. The family also gathers here to unwind together. The designer felt that this heartfelt feedback perfectly captured the original goal: to create a peaceful haven for everyday escape.
Team Members: Amber Chou
Image Credits: WooAn Design Factory