Lago Bistro: A Renovation Project Blending Tradition and Innovation

Preserving the Essence of a Century-Old House

The Lago Bistro, designed by MingLing Yang, HungNien Hsieh, and Ema Hsieh, is a remarkable example of blending tradition and innovation. The designers have successfully transformed the abandoned San-Ho-Yuan house into a vibrant space for dining, conferences, cultural activities, and more. The project, located in Hsinchu, Taiwan, preserves the original structure of the old house while infusing it with functionality and aesthetics.

The front elevation of the San-Ho-Yuan house, with its glass facade, creates a sense of transparency, extending the space and introducing the outside green view. The surrounding landscape, with water in the front and mountains at the back, symbolizes prosperity and harmony according to Feng Shui principles. The interior of the house has been meticulously renovated through layout planning, materials, and lighting design, while still maintaining the essence of the oriental courtyard.

The main hall of the Lago Bistro features a dining table made of Nordic high-standard pallets in a rich mahogany color, complementing the terracotta floor tiles. A bar is situated on the left side of the main hall, while a cozy sofa salon area occupies the right side. The left-wing of the building houses the kitchen, while the right-wing serves as a space for group meetings or dining.

The renovation project faced the challenge of preserving the original structure of the old house, which has a traditional housing structure of Taiwan. However, the creative team, led by HungNien Hsieh, Li Wen Hsieh, and MingLing Yang, successfully transformed the century-old house into a living cultural asset for the community. The collaboration between the designers and the youngsters from Chung Hua University resulted in a space that breathes new life into the dying old house.

Lago Bistro is not only a testament to the designers' creativity and technical expertise but also a reflection of their commitment to sustainability. The project integrates the thinking and wisdom of various fields, including industry, government, education, research, and enterprise. By repurposing the old house and creating a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, the designers have created a space that fosters learning, creativity, and cultural exchange.

The Lago Bistro project, which started in March 2020 and finished in August 2020, has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2021 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, as well as its contribution to a better world.

With its seamless blend of tradition and innovation, Lago Bistro stands as a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and create meaningful experiences. MingLing Yang, HungNien Hsieh, and Ema Hsieh have successfully breathed new life into the century-old San-Ho-Yuan house, creating a space that celebrates the past while embracing the future.