M Core Living

Lead Designers Angie Chang

Entry Description

M Core Living specializes in unique piece of furniture for living rooms and dining areas. Located near the Taiwanese equivalent of Silicon Valley, engineers enduring a lot of stress during work hours are the core of the shop’s customer base. Because of Taiwan’s geographical nature and working culture, the store's primary clientele most usually goes home after sunset. The darker interior ambiance of M Core Living allows customers to envision how the items would look like in use.

The designer creates a real-life “Dark Mode” within the space and uses artificial plants to add a sense of nature, fostering a relaxing atmosphere for the customers.

The profusion of luminaires and LED fixtures not only allow to create very different ambiances in every space, but also fosters a sense of flair within the shop's walls. This deliberate selection of lighting creates experiences tailored to each living room or dining area. Importantly, the chosen lighting for each defined space is harmonious, ensuring a smooth transition between areas and avoiding any discomfort to the eye.

Moreover, the inclusion of motion-sensor lighting on staircase steps warmly guides customers as they ascend. This feature enhances the overall welcoming atmosphere, making the journey through the space not just functional, but also delightful.

Sustainability Approach

The building itself is made of corrugated iron, hence ventilation and heat insulation are less than optimal. Green building materials are employed to prevent the release of toxins due to heat, for instance, zero TVOC paint is used on the metal components. To tackle the heat issue, the designer opted for eco-friendly Cavalin insulating paint, significantly reducing the need for AC. The steel grate designs on the floors and ceilings promotes air flow, and skylights are installed on the roof to combat the lack of windows, solving the ventilation issue. The achieved spatial design is both healthy and aesthetically pleasing.

In addition, motion-sensor lighting on the stairs steps helps reducing energy consumption by not remaining lit constantly.