Still Promised Land: A Zen-inspired Villa

Injecting Soul into Architecture

No sound disturbs the silence of the dawn; rays of light carelessly sprinkle between the crevices of eaves and wood trusses, reflecting the quaint situation of the hall. Whether strolling amid the green courtyard, natural red-earth cubicle, or tranquil side room, one can quietly sweep away the hustle and bustle of the city. This is what sets Still Promised Land apart from other designs - its ability to create a serene and peaceful environment.

In terms of tectonics, the design team has refined the essence of traditional methods and elements, using contemporary techniques to give it a new inheritance. They insist on using materials that come from or are eco-friendly to the land, shaping a home that connects with nature and the universe.

The property spans 991.74 square meters and is located in Taichung, Taiwan. The project started in October 2020 and was completed in April 2011.

The design team set a clear plan to meet the spatial themes and essential requirements, striving to bring about open and airy configurations. The audio-visual room in the basement is separated from the study by a penetrating suspended bookshelf. The imposing high-ceiling living room on the first floor is equipped with large-scale French windows, allowing residents to appreciate the landscapes of the courtyard, cubicle, and side room.

The design team's research focused on selecting natural solid wood, red earth, mineral paint, and ironwork as the main construction materials. These materials age gracefully and develop changing textures over time. The traditional truss structural scheme was employed to set the main building, while a double-layer roof with a covered ridge and sidewall openings achieved natural ventilation indoors.

One of the design team's challenges was to incorporate the property owner's devotion to Buddhism into the design. They drew inspiration from his most beloved Buddhist scripture, transforming the scriptures into the design text of the project. The soul of the architecture is infused with the wisdom words of the Heart Sutra, creating an atmosphere full of Buddha-nature without any Buddha statues.

Whether in the living room, under the veranda, or in the side room, residents can appreciate the landscaping all year round. A family hall for worshipping Buddha is located in the garret of the main building, creating a holy and tranquil atmosphere with recessed lights behind solid wooden panels. The design team carefully arranged a living room and dining room, with the red-earth main wall in concert with the family hall set for worshipping Buddha on the opposite side.

Still Promised Land, designed by Kenny Yang, has been awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding and creatively ingenious design that authenticates experience and resourcefulness. The design exhibits strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.