Raw: A Wabi-Sabi Inspired Residence by Erian Yen

Exploring the Silent Beauty of Minimalism and Nature in Interior Design

Erian Yen's inspiration for Raw came from the desire to bring the silent beauty of wabi-sabi into the space. The design team used mineral paint and wood to achieve this, allowing people to feel the beauty of nature and roundness together. The light color reflects the texture of the mineral paint, while the original wood color retains its purest appearance. The raw texture of the material brings a different look to the space, and the design team eliminated the complicated design to present raw imagery.

What sets Raw apart is its full expression of the images of 'wabi-sabi' and 'raw'. The 'wabi-sabi' is embodied in the inlay of open bar shelving and hidden cabinets, which weaken the volume of the space. In this way, the blank space between objects creates a sense of solitude, revealing the concepts of minimalism, low profile, and plainness. The arc design with mineral paint at the turning point presents a natural visual, and the irregular texture of the mineral lacquer is a metaphor for the imperfect aesthetics of Japanese life.

The design was realized using building materials such as mineral paint, original color wood floor, grille, mirror, iron parts, and white honeycomb blinds. Because of the minimalist design of the space, the design team took the textures of the materials and added delicate details at the same time. For example, the flooring is made of wood grain with 1/2 tile, staggered tile, and random tile, and the natural lines have an extended visual effect.

The project is a four-story newly completed house. The first floor is the public area, including the garage, balcony, and 46 square meters of living and dining space. The second floor is the private area, which includes a toilet, terrace, bathroom, and 28 square meters of bedroom. The third floor contains the second bedroom and storage space. The fourth floor is a multi-functional space with a toilet, balcony, terrace, staircase, and a 21-square-meter study room.

One of the challenges of this project was the constricted layout, which is a common problem in single-family houses in Taiwan. The rectangular shape of the space limits the route and the planning of the area, so the design team focused on maximizing the light in the light-facing area to allow natural light to fall evenly in the room and leave a wabi-sabi distance between objects. In the end, the design team used the texture of the building materials to present the design in a standardized pattern and used distance planning to mitigate the disadvantages of the site.

In conclusion, Raw is a testament to Erian Yen's ability to create a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The design, which embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, presents a unique blend of minimalism, nature, and tranquility. It is a space that invites one to enjoy the quiet beauty away from the hustle and bustle of life.