Designed for a young family with three girls, this ground-floor duplex unit is a serene and calming urban sanctuary. Taking cues from Japanese aesthetics, this space incorporates natural elements and a modern touch to create a minimalist, uncluttered environment that embodies the essence of slow living.

At the heart of this design is an indoor tree, positioned strategically at the air well near the entrance on the ground floor. This tree, with its leafy crown visible from the second floor, imbues the space with a sense of tranquility and serves as a focal point for the entire unit. As the tree matures, so does the family and their apartment, symbolizing growth and change.

The ground floor living area is designed for both relaxation and entertainment. A large 3-seater sofa provides ample seating for the family to gather, while a custom-designed set of nesting coffee tables in Japanese oak, and an accent lounge chair with a tan leather seat add to the unhurried vibe. The blank wall provides the perfect‘screen’for the family to watch movies from a projector. 

The dining area is adjacent to the living room and the merging of these two spaces creates a sense of openness and flow. The dining table features a custom table base in the form of an auspicious ‘8’, and is topped with a Dekton tabletop for ease of maintenance. A generous outdoor patio adjoins the living and dining area and provides a secondary living space for the family. 

The patio features comfortable seating and a small table, creating the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening drinks. The outdoor seating in a red-patterned fabric adds a pop of colour and liveliness, inducing a sense of play and encouraging interaction, while the outdoor wall is tiled in alternating large-format tiles in a terracotta finish to bring an earthy warmth to the space. The indoor tree can be seen from the plant-filled patio, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a sense of harmony between the two.

This ground-floor duplex unit showcases how biophilic design can be incorporated into a home, providing a soothing and peaceful atmosphere that encourages a deeper connection with nature. With its pared-down colour palette, yet highly tactile and textural materials mix, this space is perfect for a young family to grow and evolve with, providing a canvas for them to create memories and embrace the beauty of mindful living.