Valley Feast: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Architecture

Chia-Yen Hung's Award-Winning Design Transforms a Restaurant into a Forest Retreat

The inspiration for Valley Feast stemmed from the desire to bring the serenity of a hill town into the city. The interlacing trunks, resembling a solid wall from the outside, open up to reveal a pool nestled between them, offering a glimpse of the mountain scenery. As night falls, the lamps are lit, creating an enchanting ambiance that feels like a conversation with the forest in the moonlight.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a reception of terrazzo, a material known for its durability and versatility. The sight of the pool and the reception area gives the impression of stepping into a beautiful forest. A huge staircase, reminiscent of a small hill, adds to the illusion of being in a natural landscape.

The design's unique properties lie in its ability to transform the space into a forest-like environment. The interlacing trunks, which echo the concept of interior space, resonate harmoniously with the environment as the day transitions into night. The interior material texture changes with the different lighting, producing varied looks.

The restaurant, spanning 2580 square meters, was designed and realized using pieces of iron and wooden materials to shape the high and low gables indoors. The tree trunks branch out to the ceiling, which is treated with black paint, giving the illusion of trees extending to the horizon. The glowing round hole in the gable mimics the setting sun, further enhancing the illusion of dining in the mountains.

The design process was not without its challenges. The original space was filled with beams and columns strewn around, imposing restrictions on line planning. However, Chia-Yen Hung and his team turned these constraints into opportunities, using the beams and columns to create the illusion of a forest. The result is a space that leaves diners with not just the memory of delicious food, but also beautiful scenes that beckon them to return.

Valley Feast is a testament to Chia-Yen Hung's innovative approach to design, which has earned him the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to designs that showcase outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation. Valley Feast, with its unique blend of nature and architecture, certainly fits the bill.