Urban Oasis: A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Taipei

Creating Harmony Between Nature and Urban Living

The existing condition of the dwelling space was dark and disconnected from the outside world. To rectify this, large framed windows were installed, flooding the apartment with natural light and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The result is a fluid space that brings the beauty of the natural environment into the interior.

Despite the constraints of the original 3-room layout in the 22-year-old building, the designers managed to retain the structure while introducing additional storage space and a walk-in closet. Every corner of the apartment was utilized, with leftover spaces in the children's bedrooms transformed into study and reading zones.

One of the standout features of the Urban Oasis is the multi-functional bench by the window in the living space. Not only does it provide a comfortable seating area, but it also frames the stunning outside view, inviting residents to relax and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The bench's smooth curvature ensures ergonomic comfort, allowing users to sit in various positions.

The furniture in the apartment is predominantly handcrafted by experienced carpenters, while the interior wall treatment incorporates digital laser manufacturing to create intricate bird and goldfish figures. These details add a touch of artistry and uniqueness to the space.

The design process for the Urban Oasis took place from April 2016 to July 2016, with construction taking place from August 2016 to November 2016. The project is located in the Beitou District of Taipei City, Taiwan.

The Urban Oasis project represents the designers' ongoing research into furniture-integrated interior space design. Rather than simply placing furniture in a space, they aim to incorporate built-in furniture that enhances the overall beauty and functionality of the area.

The design of the bench presented a particular challenge, as the designers wanted to achieve a gentle curvature using unidirectional laminated plywood. Careful consideration of the material properties of wood sheets was necessary to ensure the desired result.

The Urban Oasis project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

With its harmonious blend of nature and urban living, the Urban Oasis offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Taipei. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of a bustling city, moments of serenity and connection with the natural world can be found.