Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Time Flows Residence
by Sheng Xian You - Sheng Design
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Sheng design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 8,648
- Verification code 8452D6F492 · Verify this award
About Time Flows Residence
Time Flows is a residential interior design for a 109 square meter apartment in Taiwan. The original two-bedroom layout was reconfigured to form a suite with a private en-suite bathroom. A curved ceiling, inspired by planetary orbits, is shaped by calculated curves and indirect lighting so that the surface appears to float. Curved forms connect the living areas and support smooth circulation. Walls are integrated with cabinetry to reduce visual division, and an open shelving unit is built into the entryway. Wood, shou sugi ban, leather and special paints add texture and depth.
Sheng design's Time Flows Residence engages with contemporary residential design paradigms that prioritize spatial fluidity, material restraint, and the orchestration of domestic rituals within carefully calibrated architectural frameworks, participating in broader international design conversations around open-plan living, the dissolution of rigid room boundaries, and the integration of multiple functional zones within unified aesthetic systems. The compositional achievement of this interior lies in its sophisticated manipulation of horizontal emphasis and geometric punctuation, where the elongated rectangular dining table establishes a clear central axis that organizes the surrounding spatial field, while the circular ceiling intervention above introduces vertical focal emphasis and symbolic centering, creating dynamic tension between linear and radial geometries that enlivens what might otherwise read as overly orthogonal spatial organization. The chromatic accomplishment demonstrates considerable subtlety, restricting the palette to warm neutrals and cool grays in close tonal proximity, a strategy that unifies disparate material families including wood, stone, textile, metal, and plaster within a cohesive visual envelope, while the warm amber glow of the circular ceiling feature introduces chromatic temperature contrast that prevents the scheme from reading as excessively cool or austere. The technical facility evident in the millwork detailing, the precise alignment of paneled wall systems, the integration of lighting within architectural elements, and the careful calibration of furniture scale to room volume suggests accomplished execution by designers fluent in the language of contemporary residential interiors. The layered spatial construction reveals sophisticated understanding of how overlapping planes, material transitions, and lighting gradients can articulate distinct functional zones without resorting to physical partitioning, allowing visual and spatial flow while maintaining legible territory definition for dining, media viewing, and informal seating. This work appears to explore themes central to contemporary domestic life: the balance between openness and definition, the integration of technology within refined aesthetic contexts, the role of natural materials and biophilic elements in counterbalancing urban density, and the creation of serene domestic sanctuary that supports both gathering and solitude. The circular ceiling feature may reference archetypal spatial gestures including the oculus of the Pantheon, the rose windows of sacred architecture, or the mandala as organizing principle, translating these historical precedents into secular contemporary residential language where the circle serves not as cosmic or divine symbol but as centering device and luminous focal point marking the hearth equivalent in domestic space where communal gathering occurs. The horizontal floating media console and wall-mounted display acknowledge contemporary lifestyle realities while minimizing their visual disruption through restraint and integration, suggesting design thinking that accepts technology's domestic presence while refusing to allow it compositional dominance. The pendant fixture suspended from the secondary circular ceiling gesture at right establishes vertical punctuation and human-scale intimacy, while the full-height sheer drapery acknowledges the importance of natural light modulation and visual softness in spaces that might otherwise read as overly hard-edged through their material palette. One might observe how this interior negotiates the perennial design challenge of creating spaces that feel simultaneously serene and dynamic, unified yet varied, minimal yet warm, inviting contemplation about how contemporary residential design continues to evolve conventions of domestic space toward increasing openness, material honesty, and the integration of natural and artificial lighting as primary experiential modifiers.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project's most striking feature is the curved ceiling, inspired by planetary orbits. With precisely calculated curves and orchestrated lighting, it creates the illusion of a floating ceiling, adding dynamic fluidity. This design is the result of extensive experimentation, with each curve uniquely crafted for both aesthetic integrity and construction feasibility. The TV wall and entryway bench form a cohesive element, with contrasting shou sugi ban and leather adding depth. The thoughtful integration of natural materials seamlessly connects functional areas, creating a unified and sophisticated living experience.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The space spans 109 square meters and was originally designed as a two-bedroom layout. It was reconfigured to transform one room into a suite, while the guest bathroom became a private en-suite, offering enhanced privacy for the owner. To improve the spatial experience, walls were integrated with cabinetry, minimizing visual segmentation and creating a cohesive environment. In the open-plan layout, a built-in open shelving unit was added to the entryway, providing practical storage while maintaining a clean, unified aesthetic at the entrance.
- Tags
- Curved Design, Wabi-sabi Style, Eco-friendly Building Materials, Earthy Tone, Morning Light.
- Production Technology
- The project integrates wood, leather, and special paints, layering materials and refining details to create both visual and tactile depth. In the living room, dense backing panels combined with heat-pressed leather offer a warm, luxurious texture, while shou sugi ban serves as a focal point, balancing rugged grain with softness. In the bedroom, faux stone-textured leather evokes stability and tranquility, its delicate patterns enhanced by indirect lighting. The soft illumination highlights the textures, allowing materials and light to harmonize, creating a bedroom that is inviting and richly layered.
- Design Challenge
- The greatest challenge was the curved ceiling design, as traditional construction methods struggled to achieve seamless curvature. After multiple trials, the designer used a specialized technique, allowing the structure to extend downward and preventing visual discontinuities from panel joints. Additionally, the combination of shou sugi ban and leather required careful proportioning to maintain visual balance and depth. The successful integration of these materials was a technical breakthrough, ensuring that the final design upheld both aesthetic value and long-term durability.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in November 2024 in Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- The homeowner's feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the design seamlessly aligning with their lifestyle. The smooth circulation and functional layout cater to daily needs with ease. The expansive bookshelf in the living room offers ample storage for a large collection of books, while the bedroom's enveloping design fosters a sense of security and relaxation. Exceptional design goes beyond visual appeal; it creates a space where comfort and ease are effortless, making the home a stable and reassuring foundation for daily life.
- Research
- The continuous curves, layered materials, and interplay of light and shadow create a warm, narrative-rich atmosphere. The design transcends conventional frameworks, interpreting a philosophy of living where home becomes a comforting and stable presence. Curves connect different areas, ensuring cohesive flow, while the ceiling, reminiscent of a dawn horizon, filters soft light, symbolizing hope and tranquility. This design reflects both the present moment and the boundless possibilities of the future, giving tangible form to the emotional value of home.
- Inspiration
- Design should go beyond visual impact; it should become an integral part of the resident's life over time. This project is inspired by the aesthetics of 'wabi-sabi,' embracing imperfection and the beauty of transience. Flowing curves, material dialogue, and the interplay of light and shadow create a space rich in narrative. The milky brown palette and curved elements establish a cohesive visual experience. By dissolving boundaries, the designer fosters a closer relationship between the space and its inhabitants, creating a serene, warm environment infused with natural textures and the imprints of time.
- Image Credits
- Sheng design