Symphony of Lights: A Minimalist Modern Residence with Zen Aesthetics

Award-winning design by Yi Ta Lee

The key elements of Symphony of Lights are the majestic Buddha statue sitting in the back of the living room and the black and white color scheme. These elements, along with the refined layers of lines and the intuitive impression of special materials, create an ever-changing play of light and shadow both from the outside and inside, resulting in a consistently extraordinary design.

The residence features a special lowered TV wall in the center, which not only links the multi-color design together but also opens up a visual imagination while partitioning the public areas. This creates a calm and modern poetic imagery, resembling a fortress that can dispel all external disturbances.

In terms of materials, Symphony of Lights utilizes a large number of thin tiles in the public spaces. These large, matte-surfaced tiles create a simpler and cleaner visual threshold, while also bringing a conditioned touch to the residence. The designers have also incorporated wire-brushed wood grain, titanium-plated metal, and reflective materials to decorate details, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

Lighting plays a crucial role in the design of Symphony of Lights. The designers have embedded LED line lights in the ceiling of the public areas, eliminating the need for plenums and creating a special design where light seems to flow in from the outside. This perfectly balances natural and artificial light sources, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the residence.

The living and dining rooms of Symphony of Lights are connected into a wide field, offering a view of the mountains through large French windows. The kitchen area is designed with pocket sliding doors and a circulation around the island dining table, allowing for independent and connectable functionalities. The different materials used on the ceiling in different areas properly divide and guide the movement of the space, creating a harmonious flow.

Symphony of Lights was completed in October 2018 in Taipei, Taiwan. The project showcases the meticulous research and attention to detail by the design team, led by Yi Ta Lee. The use of traditional Chinese color psychology, the integration of innovative materials, and the careful consideration of lighting and spatial layout make Symphony of Lights a truly unique and exceptional residence.

This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding creativity and resourcefulness of Symphony of Lights, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. It is a testament to the strong technical and creative skills of the design team and their contribution to improving the quality of life through innovative design.