oriZENtal: A Contemporary Zen Culture

A Unique Blend of Oriental Zen Culture, Contemporary Minimalism, and Subtle Luxury

The most intriguing aspect of the interior design is the incorporation of the ‘Round Doctrine’ and the consistent use of ‘roundness’ throughout the house. Unlike traditional Oriental Zen Culture, which is characterized by hard and flat edges, the designer, Benji Li, introduces circles, adding a playful and contemporary twist to the design. The circular shape represents harmony and cohesion, values deeply embedded in the architecture itself.

One notable feature is the traditional circle-shaped door, known as the ‘Moon Gate,’ carved out of a marble slab in the living room. Moon gates are highly representative of ancient Chinese architecture and act as pedestrian gateways to new spaces. The circular shape of the moon gate symbolizes harmony and invites people to walk through, creating a sense of unity and tranquility.

In the foyer, a charming round-coffered ceiling sets the tone for the entire house. Underneath the ceiling, two elegant glossy white cabinets with antique bronze metal finishes welcome the owners home, their smooth and round curves resembling the wings of a crane. This design element creates a warm and gentle atmosphere, inviting relaxation and rest.

The master bedroom features a headboard made up of multiple straight posts with curved leather upholstery sandwiched between two large grand white metal panels. The lotus-shaped light trough that circles around the ceiling adds to the soothing ambiance, creating a space for rejuvenation and contemplation.

The realization of the design concept is achieved through the use of high-grade materials such as marble, timber, fabric, leather, and stainless steel trims. These materials, along with careful attention to textures, finishings, layering techniques, and natural and artificial lighting, contribute to the overall ambiance and aesthetic of the space.

‘oriZENtal’ is a testament to the designer's ability to seamlessly integrate three distinct architectural styles and incorporate the concept of ‘Yuan Rong’ found in Buddhism. The result is a unique and never-seen-before space that exudes tranquility, class, character, and luxury.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. The award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, which authentically embodies experience and resourcefulness. By incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, ‘oriZENtal’ contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.