I always think Dalat has its own mysterious ways of seducing people, even when its charm has changed drastically over the years. Growing up in this very town, I realized urbanization has certainly played a role in deromanticizing this haven. Our homeowners however, fell in love with this plot of land at the very first sight and decided to build their own sanctuary here.
Welcome to our latest project, nestled among the tranquil beauty of Dalat. Our journey begins with a free-spirited couple seeking for a new chapter of their lives, a fresh adventure away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.
CHALLENGE
When we approached this project, we faced a unique challenge. The building shell stood halfway complete, leaving us with little control over its existing structure. Our task was to weave the clients’ wish list seamlessly into this pre-established framework.
The brief was quite simple yet bold, to create an all-black dwelling. A canvas where light & shadows would introduce our design philosophy into every corner. Embracing this, we let textures take center stage, sparking conversations with their tactile allure. Even though running along with the blacked-out theme, the distressed orange peel on the steel, the cotton effect wall texture, the sheen on the terrazzo kitchen island, or the matte oak panels. They all blend together rhythmically to compose this mellow but rich poem.
Step into the duplex, where the cityscape becomes a living tapestry, unfolding before your eyes. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside world to dance within, suffusing the space with natural light and panoramic scenery.
You can’t miss the spiral staircase coming in, a sculptural marvel amidst the symphony of straight lines & right angles. Its curvature is a testament to the fluidity of form, and a beacon of artistic expression in a world of rigidity.
Behold our pièce de resistance – a symphony of fabric-like curves cascading down the double-height feature wall. Like a delicate veil, fluttering in the breeze of imagination, contrasting the stillness of its surroundings with effortless grace, Evidence of the aggressive interplay of form and function.
We created a mezzanine area, where innovation meets relaxation. It’s a cinema retreat with projector screen poised for moments of cinematic splendor, seamlessly integrated into a multipurpose oasis of productivity and repose.
MINIMALISM
In the pursuit of simplicity, we discovered elegance in the purity of lines and the precision of edges. Minimalist aesthetics reign supreme, where every element serves a purpose, and every detail speaks of intention. Like this disappearance of walls, revealing the beauty of fluidity and freedom. In the seamless transition between bedrooms and bathrooms, we find liberation, a celebration of openness that echoes the boundless potential of life itself. So, there are no more rooms, only spaces left that fuse into each other for an uninterrupted transition.
Playfulness at times, finds its place among sophistication, when Kaws artworks dance across the space, infusing it with whimsy and charm. Like guardian spirits, they balance the gravity of our design with a touch of levity, adding depth to the narrative of the home.
KAWS
Playfulness at times, finds its place among sophistication, when Kaws artworks dance across the space, infusing it with whimsy and charm. Like guardian spirits, they balance the gravity of our design with a touch of levity, adding depth to the narrative of the home.
TERRAZZO
As you can already tell by now, we used terrazzo extensively throughout this project – as a backdrop for other materials to shine. And I thought it did a splendid job pulling all the spaces together. Like the powder room walls, the ensuite sink, the sofa shelving, all the way to the terrace. Even the kitchen island emerged out of the floor. Excessive? I don’t think so. Because terrazzo itself is a unique material, it’s weathered by time and experience, embody the beauty of aging. Each imperfection is a story, each crack is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that growth is an inevitable and essential part of existence.
In the tapestry of life, where light meets shadow and chaos meets calm, we discover the beauty of harmony in contrast. And in the heart of Dalat, amidst the whispers of time, I think we have woven a space where opposites converge, and dreams take flight.