San Francisco-based architecture studio Min Design has created the interior design of a residence that explores the dynamics of light and shadow in San Francisco, United States.

By carefully examining the dynamics of light, the residential project, named Capturing Light, transforms the experience of urban life. The owner's primary goal was to get light into the entire house because of the site's extreme constraints, which include only two exposures.

A sunken courtyard acts as a light-reflecting oasis

The studio's approach is based on creating spaces that are both elegant and textured, with a subtle refinement that comes from the delicate tango between art and architecture. 

The studio crafts homes that are not only shelters but also sanctuaries—private retreats where the ordinary becomes extraordinary—by carefully balancing the interaction of natural light, form, and flow.

Undulating light and shadow animate the interior throughout the day

"Our design makes the ephemeral physical through catching light and shadow, framing views, and orchestrating surprise and delight," explained Min Design. 

"Functionally, our work communicates a client’s values and aspirations. All of it is guided by practical considerations and challenges," stated the studio. 

Light sculptures animate the space through folded planes and clerestory openings

The design cleverly collects and manipulates light to create private and reflective spaces, even in the face of obstacles from nearby structures and limited window exposures. 

Throughout the house, the studio was able to produce a number of moments that highlight, reflect, or otherwise work with light in different ways. 

The meditation room invites serenity with its interplay of light, shadow, and texture

By carefully balancing reflected, borrowed, indirect, and direct lighting techniques, the house becomes a bright haven in the middle of the city. Capturing Light depicts a house with prominent architectural and artistic elements.

Capturing Light was completed in June 2024.  

Daytime view of the Meditation Room with skylight above

Another view of the distinctive light sculptures

Daylight animates and enlivens this house in an exploration of captured light, views, textures and shadow

At its heart lies the four-story stairwell, serving as both a spatial connector and a canvas for dynamic light sculptures

The powder room juxtaposes textures and materials to create a chiaroscuro effect, enriching the living spaces with depth and intrigue

Meditation Room at night

Color-changing LED installations allow for elegant nighttime experiences

Min Design is led by E.B. Min. She started her architectural studies as a cross-registered student at Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with honors from Brown University with dual emphasis in Art History and Studio Art.

The top image in the article: Bounded by neighboring buildings, Min Design designed this space so that light is manipulated to create private and intimate moments that transform and delight throughout the day into night.

All images © Joe Fletcher. 

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