A 'Micro' House With A Gender-Neutral Design In Taipei

By  Elizabeth Stamp
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Phoebe Wen and Shihhwa Hung of PhoebeSayswow Architects were presented with a unique challenge: design a prototype for an affordable gender-neutral guest house that can be adapted to different metropolitan areas. To create a space that checked all those boxes, they had to focus on flexibility. The just over 350-square-foot apartment is located in the Muzha district of Taipei and features three levels. The architects connected all three spaces with a storage wall that lines one entire side of the home.

They kept the materials simple, opting for birchwood and white square tiles. Cherry pink grout adds a bit of fun to the otherwise minimalist design. They also devised a rolling steel staircase from the living area to the bedroom. The finished design combines all the requirements into a bright, livable space that will hopefully be popping up in cities around the world.

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1. Living Room

Double-height windows illuminate the entire apartment, which was completed on a $40,000 budget. The steel stairs to the mezzanine is on wheels to give access to the built-in storage.

2. Living Room

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The living area is located on the main level. An Ikea sofa and simple side table stick with the minimalist style.

3. Dining Room

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A BoConcept table and chairs are the centerpiece of the lower level dining area/kitchen. The architects wanted the apartment to have a variety of seating areas for entertaining.

4. Kitchen

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The compact kitchen is contained in one wall on the lower level. Birchwood was chosen to add warmth to the apartment.

5. Bedroom

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The architects kept the lofted bedroom simple. Placing the bed on the floor helps make the ceilings feel higher.

6. Bedroom

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Built-in storage lines the opposite end of the bedroom.

7. Bathroom

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The bathroom's tile was also used as the flooring in the dining area and on the steps from the living area, which can double as bench seating.

8. Bathroom

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The architects installed low-maintenance, white glazed tile to contribute to the apartment's relaxing vibe. Black fittings from Phoenix Tapware add contrast to the white-and-pink bathroom.

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