EST.18 apartment installation celebrates thoughtful design and human connection
Situated on the third floor of The Conary, Apartamento Secreto / Himitsuno Kakurega (秘密の隠れ家) is a design installation curated by EST.18. It brings together the refined craftsmanship of Japanese furniture brand Ariake and the poetic lighting of Spanish manufacturer Parachilna.
This quietly powerful collaboration is a study in harmony, presenting an environment where furniture and lighting are not merely functional but deeply expressive components of daily life. Through this thoughtfully composed living space, visitors are invited to experience how purposeful design can elevate everyday routines.
Ariake’s presence is grounded in its approach to timeless furniture, pieces that prioritize craftsmanship, tradition, and quiet beauty. Each item in the installation reflects the brand’s dedication to understated design that serves both function and emotion.
Chairs, tables, and storage units are composed with gentle precision, embodying a sense of calm and human connection. These are not objects that compete for attention, but rather support the atmosphere of the room, inviting engagement and shared moments.
In contrast yet in harmony, Parachilna’s lighting introduces a sculptural language that transforms the surrounding space. Each light fixture is a composition of form and material, merging design sensibility with technological craftsmanship.
The lighting becomes a central character within the apartment, guiding the ambiance and influencing how the space is experienced at different times of day. Light becomes more than illumination, it defines presence, emotion, and rhythm.
The space itself, styled by Tine Daring, extends beyond furniture and lighting. Artisanal rugs by Sera Helsinki add tactile warmth, while handcrafted objects from Origin Made provide narrative depth.
Sculptures by Gen Taniguchi, created from centuries-old washi paper techniques, layer the space with cultural resonance and a deep respect for tradition.
Together, these elements form a cohesive story, one that speaks to mindfulness, intention, and the value of thoughtfully curated living.
EST.18’s vision goes beyond visual composition. It is a meditation on how interiors can be a refuge, a place where considered design fosters human interaction, solitude, and presence.
The collaboration between Ariake and Parachilna demonstrates that even across different cultures and mediums, a shared philosophy of care and refinement can result in a seamless and emotionally resonant environment.
The EST.18 apartment does not shout its significance; it gently invites reflection on the beauty that exists in the well-made and the quietly purposeful.
Photography by Irina Boersma, with courtesy of Jason Khoo
Interested in publishing your work?
If you are interested in having your work featured on Visual Atelier 8, please visit our Submission page. Once approved, your work will be presented to our global audience of professionals and enthusiasts.
