Yu Sir: A Dessert Shop Where Tranquility Meets Taste

Designer Jerry Tsao Crafts a Sweet Retreat in Miaoli City

Ice cream and desserts are universal symbols of joy, and Yu Sir is designed to be a life's transit station where happiness is served in scoops. Jerry Tsao's vision materializes into a space that exudes calmness, crafted with natural wood, plants, and soothing paints. The shop's interior is an ode to tranquility, with daylight cascading through its deconstructed volume, offering patrons an escape from the city's chaos.

Yu Sir stands out with its Japanese-inspired minimalism and an open layout that encourages a leisurely journey through light and space. The use of warm wood as a base material and reeded glass partitions infuses the shop with a gentle, inviting ambiance. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic but also aligns with the slow-paced charm of the township it resides in.

The realization of this dessert haven employs eco-friendly materials such as High Pressure Laminate, Southern pine, and non-toxic paints, emphasizing sustainability. The technical specifications reveal an 84 square meter public space, thoughtfully excluding private areas to maximize customer engagement. The design team, including Chun Wei Tsao, has meticulously selected materials that ensure durability and environmental consciousness.

Interaction with the space is carefully considered, from the welcoming wooden and glass sliding door to the enlarged windows that flood the interior with natural light. The Strato cement texture paint, paired with wood and plants, accentuates a feature wall that becomes the focal point of the shop. The design's success lies in its ability to juxtapose orderly wood strips with spontaneous hand-painted walls, creating a visually compelling contrast.

Yu Sir's design journey, completed in June 2023, was not without challenges. A key obstacle was the commitment to sustainability, which was triumphantly overcome by prioritizing wood and other green building materials to ensure a healthy indoor environment. The increased number of windows is a testament to the design's emphasis on ventilation and air quality.

The design's research phase highlighted the importance of customer-staff interaction, leading to a semi-open food preparation area that showcases the culinary process. This transparency not only assures food safety but also fosters a connection between the patrons and the creators of their sweet treats. The spacious seating area is designed to encourage comfort and fluid movement within the shop.

Yu Sir's design excellence has been recognized with a Bronze in the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2024. This accolade celebrates the design's ingenuity, experience, and contribution to enhancing quality of life. The award is a testament to Jerry Tsao's ability to harmonize art, science, design, and technology within a space that is not just a dessert shop, but a destination for peace and pleasure.