Four Seasons: A Unique Residential House by Ding-Rui Tai

Sealing the Taste of Life

A light leads you to home. Along with a warm light that sets forth from a corner of the living room, the swaying light shades on the wall with the branches create a mesmerizing effect. The on and off lights shape varied geometrical patterns floating in the space voicelessly, forming the shapes of surprising flowers. Paving natural stones from bamboo forest creates greenness and overflows the spirit of Oriental Zen. The parallel cross-staggered window lattice, black and white floor, and the gorgeous crystal chandelier seem to bring us back to the Chinese elegance centuries ago.

The design of Four Seasons showcases the use of materials such as ebony, natural stacked stone peel, titanium coated stainless steel sheet, concrete formwork, marble, iron, glass, and paint. With a total area of 300sqm, this residential house is a testament to Ding-Rui Tai's attention to detail and commitment to creating a unique living space.

The structural skeleton was retained, allowing the wood ceiling panels to provide the light that guides the way home through the expression of natural and space lines. The physical level is revealed through finished lines of natural material, texture, and light shadow techniques, creating a multi-faceted journey that returns to the serenity of humanities.

The project started in July 2012 in Taiwan and was completed in January 2013. Ding-Rui Tai and his team conducted extensive research to understand the space itself and the characteristics of its use. They incorporated safe behaviors, integrated the demanded functions, and treated the details in sections to construct a space with the highest quality.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was the large original beam column of the building. To highlight the structural features, Ding-Rui Tai merged the lines and had the wall merged with the space tension when dealing with the level of height.

The swaying light shades on the wall with the branches, the natural stones from the bamboo forest, and the parallel cross-staggered window lattice all contribute to the unique character of Four Seasons. Different textures present different temperaments and revolve with music, creating a calm and restrained atmosphere that follows the old Shanghai feelings. The house owner's taste of life is shown in this house everywhere.

Four Seasons was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017 for its well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements. This prestigious award recognizes the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings that contribute to a better world.

Image Credits: Lee Kuo-Min Studio