Project: Small Apartment for an Artist
Architecture: fws_work
Principal Designer: Yu-Hsiang Fu
Artwork: Genggeng Studio
Location: Xinyi Taipei, Taiwan
Area: 700 sqft. / 65 sqm / 20 坪
In the heart of Taipei, Taiwan, a small 700-square-foot apartment has been beautifully transformed by design studio FWS_work into a peaceful live-work retreat for an artist. Despite the compact size, this tranquil apartment design makes the most of high ceilings and natural light, creating a calming space that nurtures both creativity and contemplation.
What stands out right away is how the apartment breathes. Tall windows flood the space with daylight, while clever openings between rooms invite light and air to flow throughout. These cutouts don’t just help brighten the narrow staircase and modest bedroom—they create subtle connections across the home, offering framed glimpses from one area to another. It’s a design move that gives the small layout a sense of openness and peace.
FWS_work embraced the philosophy that “a step at a moment creates a scene,” letting every turn through the apartment unveil a new view or moment. Nowhere is this more poetic than in the tea room, where woven rattan folding doors replace solid walls. These doors filter sunlight during the day and cast gentle, ever-shifting shadows—while at night, the tea room softly glows like a stage set for quiet reflection.
The material palette leans into darker tones and tactile textures to ground the space. Dark plaster, solid wood, and handmade bricks on the staircase bring warmth and depth. The original stone tile floors remain, tying the home to its roots, while the rattan adds organic texture that softens the overall look. Each material was chosen with care to create a calm, grounded feeling.
This thoughtfully designed Taipei apartment isn’t just a place to live—it’s a sanctuary for slowing down, a space where art and life coexist in harmony. FWS_work has proven that with creativity and intention, even a small creative space can become a poetic retreat from the noise of the outside world.
