House of Silence: A Modern Zen Residential Masterpiece

Reviving the Old with Zen Aesthetics and Modernism

The House of Silence, located in Hsinchu, Taiwan, was a project that started in March 2017 and was completed in August of the same year. The challenge was to remodel an old house, incorporating large furniture pieces that the homeowner had already purchased. The designer, SUNG-YEN HSIEH, took this challenge head-on and used the furniture as a starting point for the overall design. The result is a calm, quiet, and modern Zen residential space that beautifully integrates the old with the new.

The unique features of this design lie in its open public space, which not only broadens the visual perspective but also allows natural light to flood in through a large window. A wooden couch with storage capacity is placed near the window, while a steel bookcase creates a study room for the book-loving family members. The television wall, rendered with grey brick, highlights the warm texture of wood, and the dining room cabinet, made of dark-colored wood, adds an elegant touch.

The House of Silence was constructed using eco-friendly materials, including Konishi eco-friendly bond CH38, Konishi eco-friendly bond fast-dry G10Z, and formaldehyde-free glue. All the building materials, including iron parts, wood, wall cabinets, and tiles, are formaldehyde-free. The use of these materials not only meets the goal of energy saving and carbon reduction but also provides the homeowner with a healthy living environment.

The design is inspired by the Zen style, which is known for its simplicity and serenity. The designer successfully blended the Zen aesthetics with modernism to create a unique, integrated, stress-relieving modern oriental aesthetic. The combination of wood texture, dark color, and gray, along with the spacious feeling, gives the place a deep and quiet ambiance. The harmonious lines unify the space and resonate with the oriental image.

The House of Silence is not just a residential house; it's a work of art. The designer has honored the principle of subtractive design, removing unnecessary elements to make the residence look like an art gallery. The flat ceiling avoids the oppression made by complicated liners, and the seams bring a three-dimensional level to the simple space. This design has won the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, a testament to its outstanding design and innovation.

Overall, the House of Silence is a perfect example of how an old structure can be transformed into a modern masterpiece. It's a testament to the designer's creativity and skill, and a reminder that with the right approach, even the most challenging design tasks can be turned into opportunities for innovation and excellence.