Peace of Mind: A Tranquil Retreat for Self-Healing

An Interior Design Project by Yi-Lun Hsu

This is an apartment located on the first floor, with open and independent front and back yards. The client's vision was to combine the indoor space with the front and back courtyard landscape, creating a harmonious environment for yoga, painting, singing bowl healing, and music creation. The design team, led by Yi-Lun Hsu, set the theme as a place for meditation and self-healing.

In line with the client's preference for nature, the design team utilized a variety of natural materials in the interior space. However, tropical rainforest species were excluded to ensure sustainability. The materials used in this case include Taiwan native species of wood, stone, wood wool cement board, rattan, cotton, and linen, among others.

The interior space spans 132 square meters, while the front and back yards cover an additional 50 square meters. The design team transformed the front yard into a floating water garden, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The backyard, on the other hand, was transformed into a natural world of ferns and vanilla, further enhancing the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The design team ingeniously connected the piano room and the outer space of the master bedroom through an elevated platform. The piano room, with its 90-degree window view, serves as a contemplative corner, with oak representing the sky and teak symbolizing the ground. The platform space in front of the master bedroom is designed as a semi-outdoor yoga space, providing the client with a peaceful spot for meditation and outdoor yoga.

Upon entering the transition space, guests are greeted by rough, dark, and calm imitation stone tiles that create a dust-falling area. The shoe cabinet door is made of rattan and Taiwan Nanmu wood, while a Taiwan-shaped natural serpentine stone chair is placed on the floor. With solid wood leaning against the wall, visitors are immediately immersed in a natural and relaxed atmosphere.

The living room features a TV wall made of black stained oak grille and Taiwan bead tree platform. Elk horn ferns and wooden works adorn the white wall, creating a calm and unique expression. Shallow shelves on both sides of the TV wall hold spiritual books and small plants, while linear lighting adds a touch of elegance. In the dining room, an iron chandelier sways with the wind, suspended above a Taiwan camphor dining table that exudes vitality. Paintings created by the client herself, as a form of self-healing, adorn the surrounding walls.

One of the design challenges was to create a space that catered to the client's needs for recording and creation at home. To address this, the designer selected wood wool cement board for the walls and ceiling of the studio. This material not only enhances indoor sound absorption, noise reduction, and echo improvement but also adds a rustic beauty to the space.

The "Peace of Mind" project was completed in September 2021 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The design team, led by Yi-Lun Hsu and Chen-Chia Chang, successfully created a tranquil retreat that seamlessly integrates nature and self-healing practices. The use of natural materials and the careful attention to detail contribute to the overall sense of peace and harmony in the space.

Image Credits: Chi-Shou Wang

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Minature Interior Design Ltd., 2021.

Awards and Accolades: "Peace of Mind" was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The project's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world, providing fulfillment and positive feelings.