Paper for Light

Residential House Designed by Ya-Jung Yvane Hsieh

To recall the significance of natural materials, Ya-Jung Yvane Hsieh designed the Paper for Light project. The use of paper, which can naturally decompose and is more eco-friendly than plastic, is a key element in this residential house. Oriental paper, with its unique characteristics, is particularly suitable for mediating light and creating an ambiguous boundary for space.

The main concept behind the design is to create a calm space for meditation. The Shoji Gate, a traditional Japanese sliding door made of paper, is used to mediate the intensity of light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Wood and timber structures are chosen to reduce the consumption of plastic and balance humidity levels. The layers of light created by the movement of the Shoji Gate and the Origami patterns in the main space further enhance the connection to nature.

The realization of the Paper for Light project involves the use of Origami-inspired design elements. The ceiling features a paper-crease-shaped form, while the patterns on the Shoji Gate are reminiscent of folded paper. These design elements not only add visual interest but also serve a functional purpose. The horizontally-arranged wood floor and the paper-crease-shaped ceiling create an axis for the main corridor, providing different atmospheres and extending the user's vision.

The Shoji Gate, consisting of six pieces, acts as a diaphragm for natural light. It mediates the softness of the light and influences the user's senses. Additionally, the design includes a cantilever bench that serves as both seating and a track for the Shoji Gate, reducing the need for additional furniture and providing flexibility in the space.

The Paper for Light project covers an area of 100 square meters. The semi-transparent layers of the Shoji Gate not only mediate the intensity and softness of natural light but also facilitate airflow, reducing the need for air conditioning. Wood and Diatom mud are used abundantly to balance the humidity and temperature of the environment. The design also incorporates an Engawa, a window bench seat, and the Shoji Gate, which create a semi-transparent boundary between the indoors and outdoors.

The Paper for Light project was completed in January 2018 in New Taipei City. The design combines diverse patterns of paper to create a contrast of solid and void in the space. The Shoji Gate and the dim light, as well as the paper-crease-shaped ceiling and the horizontally-arranged wood floor, contribute to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the space.

This innovative 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 project's outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, as well as its incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The Paper for Light project exemplifies the use of natural materials and contributes to improving the quality of life in a sustainable way.