The client wanted a centrally located home that would accommodate an urban lifestyle while also providing a relaxed and expansive living environment. The area is a mix of shops and condominiums, and the site fronts a tall cliff. We therefore designed the home with the sky— a permanent and immovable natural backdrop—as the focal point. The architecture consists of split-face stone walls with frosted glass in between, set atop a black stone platform below the cliff. Behind the glass, we staggered terraces of various sizes on different floors so that each provides an unobstructed sky view, even from the lower level. As each living room adjoins a terrace, the interior space feels seamlessly connected to the sky; each terrace, meanwhile, is distinct, allowing for myriad uses. Additionally, the space beneath the stone platform houses a gallery for the owner’s collections, which extends from the entrance to the staircase. As one proceeds through the gallery, ample skylight illumination enhances the presence of the upper terraces. By separating the residence from the surrounding bustle and simply opening it skyward, we fulfilled the client’s wish for a tranquil and expansive living space.
