Li Teng: A Calming Office Inspired by Environmental Psychology

Jui Ching Hsu’s award-winning design redefines the modern workspace with curves and natural light.

Located in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Li Teng stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping human experience. Completed in July 2024, this 135-square-meter office space for an interior design firm moves away from rigid, conventional layouts. Instead, it embraces a semi-open floor plan, gentle curves, and a subdued color palette to create an atmosphere that encourages calm and clarity. The design’s focus on environmental psychology ensures that every element, from lighting to material selection, supports well-being and productivity.

One of the most distinctive features of Li Teng is its innovative use of pure elements and materials. Curves, paint, stone veneers, and strip lights are thoughtfully integrated to break the monotony of straight lines. The high ceiling not only enhances the sense of openness but also maximizes the flow of natural light, reducing reliance on artificial illumination. Soft white glows blend seamlessly with shades of gray, while gentle curves guide the eye through the space, making the environment feel both expansive and intimate.

Material choices play a crucial role in the office’s unique character. The use of PU rock board, Qiyan art paint, solid oak veneer, and environmentally friendly latex paint reflects a commitment to sustainability and health. Hand-applied plaster on the walls and rough stone veneer in the seating area evoke a sense of authenticity and imperfection, resonating with the Wabi-sabi philosophy. The interplay of light and shadow, enhanced by embedded LED strips, adds dynamic visual interest and embodies the beauty of simplicity and impermanence.

Functionality is seamlessly woven into the design. The semi-open layout creates a sense of depth and transparency, with partition walls providing both separation and continuity. Storage solutions beneath beams and stairway shelves are cleverly designed to double as display platforms, while the careful placement of lighting highlights architectural features and enhances the overall ambiance. The break room, conference area, and bathroom are all integrated into the layout to support both collaboration and relaxation.

Sustainability is at the core of Li Teng’s design philosophy. By prioritizing organic and natural materials over highly processed alternatives, the office minimizes its environmental impact. The emphasis on natural light and ventilation reduces energy consumption, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. These choices not only benefit the environment but also create a healthier, more comfortable workspace for occupants.

Li Teng’s excellence has been recognized with a Silver A' Design Award in 2025, celebrating its outstanding creativity, technical expertise, and positive impact. Jui Ching Hsu’s approach demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate everyday environments, making them places of inspiration, reflection, and well-being.

Li Teng offers a compelling vision for the future of office design—one where aesthetics, sustainability, and human experience are harmoniously balanced. As workspaces continue to evolve, this project sets a new standard for environments that nurture both creativity and tranquility.