Ai Ling Hsieh · CLIENT: POC Design
Layered Cohabitat is a 46 square meter apartment interior designed for one occupant and a cat. The layout uses the high ceiling to expand vertically, creating a split-level flow that links open spaces. Ascending steps form a climbing wall for the cat and connect to a walkway that wraps around a beam. A two-tier low cabinet by the window offers storage and a lounging spot. Clean lines, soft taupe tones, mineral paint and wood evoke a calm woodland setting. A partition wall was removed to bring east-facing daylight into the interior.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Unlike the typical living form, this project provides an innovative solution that integrates everyday functionality while offering the cat an exclusive habitat without any sacrifice to the human's living experience. Exploring the new possibility and cohabitation within a compact space, the design aims for a flowy, effortless, and harmonious balance between the cat and the occupant. The master plan takes advantage of the high ceiling, expanding vertically to enhance movement.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Construction area 46 square meter.
- Tags
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic material, compact space
- Production Technology
- By introducing varied vertical axes and conjoining open spaces, the design breaks away from a typical apartment layout, creating a split-level flow and spatial diversity. Backdrops are finished in mineral paint, offering a gentle, organic texture that pairs seamlessly with the cabinetry, open shelving, and pegboard wall system. Through the interplay of curves, clean lines, and cut-out form, this small-scale apartment transforms into a new living form where the cat and the human coexist in comfort.
- Design Challenge
- The apartment suffered from poor daylighting due to a partition wall blocking the east-facing orientation and the path of the rising sun. By removing the partition wall, the layout opens up, allowing the east-facing room to bring daylight into the interior spaces.
- Project Duration
- Tainan City
- Operation Flow
- A two-tier low cabinet by the window provides not only storage but also a cozy lounging spot for both occupants. Ascending steps build up a climbing wall for the cat, linking to a walkway that wraps around a beam, allowing light and air to freely flow through the space. The open shelving paired with the floating walkway helps define spatial boundaries through a lightweight design, avoiding any sense of visual clutter.
- Research
- All materials were applied with thoughtful consideration: LED lighting devices were used to save energy, and recycled-based paints were chosen for sustainability. Meanwhile, all materials were certified non-toxic and safe for both humans and animals. Durable surface materials were selected to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Inspiration
- Spanning less than 50 square meters, the apartment is tailored for a single woman and a cat. Reimaging the notion of walking into a forest, the interior space is holistically structured with clean lines and soft taupe palettes, complemented by wood materials. Light, color, and the texture interweave to evoke a clam, relaxing, carefree woodland ambiance. Especially, the mirror at the entrance enhances the visual spaciousness through reflection.
- Image Credits
- Kane Liou Photography
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to POC Design
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