Isle of Islay: A Unique Residential House Design

Creating a Space Inspired by the Atmosphere of Isle of Islay

Inspired by the words from Murakami Haruki, designer SUNG-YEN HSIEH has created a residential house design that captures the unique atmosphere of Isle of Islay. This design, named Isle of Islay, draws inspiration from the home of Ireland whiskey, a place known for its piercingly cold weather and yet, a connection between millions of people. The designer aims to create a space that connects the strong love between a newly married couple, just like whiskey does.

The Isle of Islay design stands out with its expression, interactivity, and human-oriented approach. The semi-open space, with adjustable sliding doors, enhances the flexibility and functionality of the area. The sloping chink on the television wall allows light to slide inside the living room, addressing the issue of insufficient lighting. Placing the sofa in the center of the living room creates a focal point, allowing people to freely move around the space. The materials used in this design showcase the designer's exquisite thought process. The stainless steel door for the study room symbolizes the freezing cold weather of Isle of Islay, while the wood represents the connection to the peat from the island. The dark laminate adds a mottled feeling, and the concrete wall reflects the architecture found on the island. As night falls, the warm candlelight shines on the wood, creating a cozy and peaceful ambiance, reminiscent of hiding in a secret place during winter.

The realization of the Isle of Islay design incorporates eco-friendly and non-toxic materials. The use of Konishi eco-friendly bond CH38, Konishi eco-friendly bond fast-dry G10Z, and formaldehyde-free glue ensures a healthy and safe environment for the homeowners. The design team's commitment to energy-saving and carbon reduction goals is reflected in the choice of building materials and glues. By using non-toxic and eco-friendly products, the designer aims to create a design that not only looks good but also contributes to the well-being of the Earth.

The Isle of Islay design covers a site area of 129 sq.m and was completed in Hsinchu, Taiwan, between August and December 2017. Extensive research was conducted to make the space penetrable, interactive, and cultural. The design team also focused on solving the problem of insufficient light by incorporating spatial design elements such as the bevel television wall and sliding door of the study room. These design choices not only bring more light into the space but also ensure privacy for the occupants.

The Isle of Islay design has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This award is a testament to the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of the design, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The Isle of Islay design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.

Photographer: Moooten Studio, 2018

Copyrights belong to SUNG-YEN HSIEH, 2018.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: SUNG-YEN HSIEH
Image Credits: Photographer: Moooten Studio, 2018
Project Team Members: HSUAN, OU-YANG
Project Name: Isle of Islay
Project Client: SUNG-YEN HSIEH


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