Ease in the Woods: A Tranquil Retreat for Retirement

Creating a Functional and Serene Living Space

Ease in the Woods is a model house designed by James Yen, catering to those starting their retirement life. With a focus on functionality and relaxation, this residential space offers a highly functional kitchen and a dedicated area for leisure activities like mahjong. The design also takes advantage of its high-floor location, incorporating semi-screens instead of partitions to provide flexibility and breathtaking views of the city.

One of the unique features of Ease in the Woods is the hallowed-out wall on the left side of the elevator, showcasing the beautiful views from the 36th floor. To create a classic and semi-luxurious ambiance, gratings are used in combination with dark oak wooden plates, reflecting the renowned Italian Minotti style. The living room and study are equipped with efficient lighting, ensuring a well-lit and comfortable environment throughout the residence.

The use of semi-screens between different areas allows for division without obstructing the line of sight, enabling residents to enjoy the stunning scenery whether they are standing or sitting. This design choice creates a seamless flow between spaces, enhancing the overall sense of openness and tranquility.

Ease in the Woods is a model house that will be showcased to potential clients after construction. Located in a high-function neighborhood, it offers a refreshing and comfortable living experience. The designer has incorporated various ingenious elements throughout the space, ensuring that it not only meets the functional requirements of daily living but also exceeds the expectations of its future occupants.

With a total area of 125 pings (approximately 413 square meters), Ease in the Woods features an actual interior space of 77 pings (approximately 254 square meters). The residence, situated on the 36th floor, includes three bedrooms with attached bathrooms and closets. Additionally, it offers a light meal area, a mahjong room, a reading area, and a small-scale banquet room. Natural materials such as stones, Chang Hong glasses, and steel-brushed veneers are used to create a visually comforting experience, highlighting unique grains and rustic colors.

Designed to provide a relaxing and comfortable living environment, Ease in the Woods is a construction project with the highest public area ratio and greenery in the Linkou District. Surrounded by quiet streets, it offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The abundance of French windows and situational lighting creates a serene spatial atmosphere, inviting residents to unwind and rejuvenate.

Completed in October 2020 in Taiwan, Ease in the Woods is the result of meticulous research and careful consideration of spatial arrangements and interior design. By eliminating partition walls and incorporating functional elements such as television walls and a kitchen island, the designer has maximized the functionality of the space while maintaining a transparent and expansive atmosphere. This design caters to a wide range of clients, offering an unintentional configuration, a modern Italian style, and a heartfelt feeling that enhances everyday life.

Creating a design that appeals to a broad audience was one of the challenges faced during the development of Ease in the Woods. As a model house without a specific owner, the designer aimed to create a space that would resonate with most people. This required a keen sense of observation and calibration to seamlessly integrate the beautiful views into the interior design.

The use of gratings to conceal private areas, the placement of an L-shaped sofa facing the French windows, and the incorporation of simple yet elegant decorations all contribute to the embodiment of the Italian Minotti style. The designer's intention was to make the views an integral part of the interior, eliminating the need for partition designs. However, essential requirements were also taken into consideration, resulting in the creation of semi-screens that provide flexibility for the future owner of the house.

Ease in the Woods is a testament to the harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and tranquility. With its thoughtful design and attention to detail, this residential space offers a serene retreat for those embarking on their retirement journey.

Image Credits: WI. Design

Awards and Accolades: Ease in the Woods was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills. By incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, Ease in the Woods contributes to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: James Yen
Image Credits: WI. Design
Project Team Members: YUNG-CHIEH YEN, ROU-I HUANG
Project Name: Ease in the Woods
Project Client: James Yen


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