Alluring Laurel

Interior Design

The Alluring Laurel, designed by Cheng-Che Chen, is an interior design project that showcases the genuine charms of architecture through the skillful use of trimming and stacking techniques. The design revolves around the building's façade, with shimmering halo belts that beautifully differentiate the textures of wooden finishes from rocks. This design not only pays homage to the history of the building but also represents its mission to move forward with confidence.

One of the key considerations in designing a bed and breakfast (B&B) is to ensure both comfortability and commercial strategy. The Alluring Laurel, named after the laurel tree planted 30 years ago, takes on the responsibility of creating a promising future. This premise becomes the foundation for the design plan, ensuring that the B&B provides a visually appealing experience for tourists, much like the importance of visual effects in an art performance.

The Alluring Laurel spans a space of 539 square meters and is located in Nantou County, Taiwan. The design team, led by Cheng-Che Chen, carefully selected construction materials to define the characteristics of the space. For instance, in the reception hall, cement bricks and glass curtains were used to blur the visual boundaries between the indoor and outdoor areas. The design of the glass curtains also brings the beauty of green landscapes into the household environment.

The Alluring Laurel features various unique elements that contribute to its elegant and tranquil atmosphere. The inclusion of plantings, old trees, and outdoor seats creates a serene ambiance. Additionally, the balcony is adorned with a bathtub and plants, harmoniously blending physical functions with mental vitality. The use of materials that minimize secondary processing procedures reflects the designer's ambition to reduce waste and protect nature.

The design of the Alluring Laurel presented several challenges that the team successfully overcame. The hall, furnished with diacrete, and the staircase handrails, adorned with black steels, manifest an elegant and graceful idiosyncrasy. The rooms, decorated with concrete bricks and woodworks in plain colors, create a soothing and pleasant environment for tourists.

The Alluring Laurel received the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. The Alluring Laurel stands out for its incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

Image Credits: Chun-Chieh Liu