A Dark Brutalist Enigma
 

As you step into Weiting’s home, the first thing that strikes you is the enveloping sense of quiet power. Nestled within a late-90s apartment building, this space is a striking homage to Brutalism. Deep blacks and moody grays saturate the environment, absorbing light and casting a shadowed yet captivating atmosphere. The air feels heavy with the presence of stone, concrete, steel, and aluminium, forming a monolithic backdrop that is both imposing and elegant. Sharp lines and geometric shapes cut through the space, creating a sense of order and precision. Every surface feels purposeful, daring you to embrace its uncompromising beauty.

The minimalist design, reflecting Weiting's personal style, offers a somber, reflective mood, inviting introspection within its meticulously crafted walls. This dark, minimalist ethos mirrors Weiting's personal fashion, where black and grey tones prevail, reflecting her affinity for understated elegance. The home’s deliberate design, with its sharp lines and geometric forms, projects a monolithic presence that is both refined and structured.

A Testament to Raw Beauty
 

Weiting’s design approach is grounded in an unwavering commitment to raw beauty, reflected in every corner of her home. The walls, coated in troweled cement mixed with poured concrete, are deliberately left imperfect, showcasing visible marks and irregularities that, as she puts it, “suggest authenticity and a bit of mystery.” The austere, clinical beauty of these materials is tempered by her meticulous attention to texture and depth, creating a space that feels raw yet intricately layered—an honest expression of both strength and subtlety.


Transforming the Heart of the Home
 

The communal area now spans slightly more than half of the apartment’s total footprint, a transformation made possible by removing walls that once separated enclosed rooms. The open-plan layout seamlessly integrates a modest kitchen, an expansive living and dining space, a game room, and a lounge — each crafted with an eye toward both comfort and flexibility. "When we think about hosting, we are naturally drawn to a large, unified space. The 2.8-meter dining table, paired with an island, is ideal for gatherings. But when entertaining larger groups, I wanted our guests to feel free to break off into different activities, pursuing what they enjoy," Weiting explains.

Curtains act as adaptable partitions, allowing the space to shift according to need, creating intimate pockets within the larger whole. The game room caters to the more extroverted and doubles as a study for some of her WFH days, while the lounge serves as a quiet, reflective sanctuary for those who seek respite—a thoughtful reflection of Weiting's inclusive design philosophy.

 

Lighting as Art

The dining area is anchored by the Mazha Lighting System 5.0, designed by Hangzhou-based designer Mario Tsai. The minimalist pendant light was one of the first purchases made by the Weiting and her husband, even before the final design of the home was conceived. "I’ve always been a fan of Mario Tsai's work, and I knew this piece was non-negotiable," says Weiting. It should also come as no surprise that the couple favours a more subtle lighting approach; while some spotlights have been installed, they are kept minimal to maintain a preference for ambient lighting.


Monolithic Elegance Forged in Steel
 

Another non-negotiable within the home is the elongated stainless steel dining table, custom-designed in collaboration with local metal artisans Baremetal. This commanding metallic piece stands as a monolithic statement, a striking contrast within the minimalist space. Its bold form not only serves as a functional element but also as a visual anchor, underscoring Weiting’s vision for a space that is both refined and powerful.


Designing a Personal Retreat
 

When considering the layout of their master bedroom, the decision to remove the wall between the original room and an adjacent space was an easy one for the couple, despite their initial debate about the need for a guest room. The result is a spacious personal retreat that includes a restful area, a secondary work-and-leisure zone featuring a massive 4.2-meter L-shaped table, a substantial walk-in wardrobe, and an en-suite bathroom — each space meticulously designed for both functionality and serenity.


A Home Reflecting a Bold Philosophy
 

In every detail, Weiting’s home reflects her philosophy: a commitment to the raw, enduring, and stoic elegance of Brutalism. Her home is not just a place, but a tangible manifestation of the dark aesthetic that has always been a part of her identity—a cohesive thread woven through her design work and personal style. The melancholy tones throughout the space add a layer of introspection, making the home not only a living environment but also an emotional and philosophical sanctuary.

When asked if she thinks this is her dream home, she pauses thoughtfully before replying with a small sparkle in her eyes, "Yes, I believe so. I think we’re going to live here for a while." This space, with its deliberate and powerful design choices, speaks to who she is and how she inhabits her world—bold, uncompromising, and unapologetically true to herself.