Iron Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
12 Degrees Residence
by Po Chuan Kao
- A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: ACG Design International
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 4,291
- Verification code 95B480D7CE · Verify this award
About 12 Degrees Residence
12 Degrees is a residential interior design for a three-bedroom apartment on a mid-to-high floor. Ceiling planes rise in two directions and intersect, concealing beams and guiding daylight deeper inside. The slanted surfaces are set between 6 and 12 degrees. The television wall tilts in alignment and carries a fireplace motif that warms the cool palette. An island-like layout defines the living and dining zones while keeping circulation open. Engineered stone and tempered glass furnishings combine solidity with transparency.
ACG Design International's Residence exemplifies contemporary interior design practice where architectural rigor meets residential livability, demonstrating sophisticated understanding of spatial flow, material expression, and atmospheric modulation that characterizes refined residential environments designed for contemporary urban living; the design reveals careful attention to proportional relationships and geometric order, establishing visual coherence through consistent horizontal datum lines, aligned ceiling planes, and continuous material surfaces that guide perception through interconnected functional zones while maintaining spatial unity, with the lowered ceiling coffers and integrated linear lighting channels articulating structural rhythm and providing both ambient illumination and architectural definition that enhances the perception of generous ceiling height; material selection demonstrates discernment in balancing visual warmth against minimalist restraint, deploying a carefully edited palette where cool neutrals predominate yet strategic introductions of warmer tones through amber lighting and burgundy textile accents prevent chromatic sterility, while the juxtaposition of matte and reflective finishes creates textural interest and depth through varied light interaction, the polished black stone surface providing mirror-like reflectivity that doubles perceived luminosity and creates visual complexity through environmental reflection; the spatial planning reveals thoughtful adjacency relationships between dining, living, and what appears to be integrated kitchen or service zones, with sightlines maintained across functional boundaries to preserve visual continuity and spatial generosity characteristic of contemporary open-plan residential design that prioritizes flexibility and social connectivity over cellular compartmentalization, while the translucent curtain wall mediates between interior sanctuary and exterior context, filtering daylight to achieve luminous diffusion rather than harsh directional intrusion; furniture selection demonstrates commitment to sculptural form and material quality, with the singular black chair functioning as focal accent piece whose organic geometry provides deliberate counterpoint to the orthogonal architectural envelope, creating dynamic tension between rectilinear discipline and biomorphic expressiveness; lighting design emerges as particularly accomplished dimension of the project, layering multiple illumination strategies to achieve atmospheric flexibility and visual hierarchy, with concealed linear sources washing surfaces to emphasize material character and spatial boundaries, discrete downlights providing task-oriented illumination, and natural light contribution carefully controlled through translucent screening that maintains privacy while admitting beneficial daylight, this multivalent approach enabling varied lighting scenarios responsive to diurnal cycles and occupant activities; the design invites consideration of how contemporary residential environments negotiate between aesthetic aspiration and functional pragmatism, how material restraint and geometric discipline can generate spaces of visual repose and contemplative quietude, and how carefully calibrated lighting design fundamentally shapes spatial perception and emotional atmosphere, encouraging viewers to contemplate the relationship between architectural detailing, material expression, and the daily rhythms of domestic inhabitation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- '12 Degrees' features dual-directional ascending ceiling planes that intersect, concealing beams while directing daylight deeper into the space. The TV wall tilts in alignment, integrating a fireplace motif that warms the cool palette. The social area uses a dual-division 'island' layout, defining living and dining zones while preserving negative space. Engineered stone and tempered glass furnishings combine solidity with transparency, enhancing visual flow and spatial flexibility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The residence retains its original three-bedroom layout, with adjustments refining the master bedroom and dressing room for improved flow. Boundaries between social and private areas remain clear, and two guest rooms accommodate visitors. Subtle elevation changes and ceiling integration expand the horizontal scale of the social area, enhancing visual depth and supporting larger gatherings without altering the overall room count.
- Tags
- Sloped Planes, Angles, Open Plan, Island-Like Circulation, Modern Design, Eco-Friendly Materials
- Production Technology
- The social area is composed of silver-gray and soft white tones. Imported special paints, Italian tiles, and metal panels layer subtle gradations. Large floor tiles reduce joint lines, reinforcing spatial purity. In private area, the color palette shifts to deep graphite black. Low- saturation coatings envelop the master bedroom and dressing room, forming strong contrast. Light acts as a colorist-cool by day, warm at night.
- Design Challenge
- The challenge lay in enlarging the perceived scale of the social area without altering the layout, while integrating complex existing beams and ductwork. The sloped planes required precise control within 6 to 12 degrees, dynamic yet balanced. Even slight deviation would alter spatial perception. Repeated calibration at the junctions between ceiling and elevations ensured alignment between visual focus and lighting placement. Each adjustment sought equilibrium between order and tension.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- The owner's most immediate impression is a sense of freedom. In the social area, the long table becomes the center of gatherings, seating easily adjusted while circulation remains unobstructed. In the private area, expansive sloped surfaces and floor-to-ceiling windows create a calm backdrop, with sightlines shifting alongside natural light. The space accommodates both lively social moments and quiet contemplation, like a flexible stage where daily rhythms adapt to the angle of inclination.
- Research
- '12 Degrees' transforms angled ceilings into spatial syntax, guiding sightlines from social to private areas while integrating beams and ductwork. Dual-sided daylight and city views enhance openness. An island-like layout positions the sofa, kitchen island, and table as independent yet responsive elements. White sloped planes draw light inward, creating the sensation of moving aboard a vessel. Night lighting and fireplace glow trace contours, blending black and white rhythms.
- Inspiration
- Located on a mid-to-high floor with expansive views and abundant daylight, the residence sought transformation without overturning the existing layout. Titled '12 Degrees,' the project introduces slanted planes ranging from 6 to 12 degrees as visual catalysts within the space. The angle becomes more than a physical inclination; it represents a shift in perspective. When one is willing to tilt away from the established horizontal line, light and possibility begin to flow.
- Image Credits
- ACG Design International