Beside Sacred Tree: A Neat and Serene House Honoring Nature

A Rebuilt Farmhouse in Caotun, Taiwan

The Beside Sacred Tree house, designed by Chung-Li Lee, is a stunning example of architecture that seamlessly blends with nature. The design concept is to honor the green space and borrow the scenery, drawing inspiration from the strategies used in Chinese gardens. The house, shaped simply and neatly with a white color palette, features large openings that offer different views of the surrounding landscape. This white building acts as a stage, setting off the majestic trees and showcasing their wavering shadows.

Using wood furniture, white walls, and warm ceiling and floor materials, the interior of the house creates a harmonious relationship with the outdoor space. The bedrooms, designed with the same principles, feature quality layouts and utilize spare space for a family room and balcony. Each room has a similar aesthetic but with unique details.

The master bedroom boasts a TV wall made of pieced sicamone wood with a curve cutting design, creating a smooth visual sense. Similarly, the second bedroom incorporates the same material for the back of the bed, but with a different cutting pattern. Creamy marble walls throughout the house add a touch of elegance and conformity to the overall space.

The Beside Sacred Tree house spans an impressive 2000 square meters. Its design not only pays homage to the Qigu sacred tree but also prioritizes environmental conservation. The project occupies only a quarter of the land, leaving the remaining space predominantly green. The fence surrounding the house is designed to be as tall as the bottom of the tree crown, allowing residents to enjoy the surrounding landscape while maintaining a sense of privacy.

The interior space of the house focuses on dialogue with the borrowing scenery. The large openings bring trees and sunshine into the rooms, casting beautiful shadows on the white walls. The dining room features a dark-colored wooden table, contrasting with the white walls and becoming the centerpiece of the space. This allows residents to touch the wood while enjoying the natural beauty outside.

The Beside Sacred Tree house was completed in 2019 in Caotun, Taiwan. It is a testament to the careful planning and research that went into preserving the original scenery and creating a space that harmonizes with nature. The project has received recognition for its outstanding design, winning the Iron A' Design Award in 2021 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.