Treasure in a Forest: A Luxurious Residential Apartment

Embracing Nature's Beauty and Functionality

The "Treasure in a Forest" residential apartment, designed by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan, is a stunning example of how natural materials and textures can elevate a space's luxurious sense while maintaining comfort and functionality.

The inspiration for this design comes from the location of Miaoli City in Taiwan, which is surrounded by mountains and rivers. By incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and marble, the designers have created a space that seamlessly blends with its surroundings and offers a sense of tranquility and harmony.

The unique properties of "Treasure in a Forest" lie in its focus on maximizing functionality while emphasizing the beauty of the space. The interior is mainly composed of natural material textures, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The continuous curved surfaces serve multiple purposes, functioning as an entrance bench and a bar counter next to the kitchen area.

The realization of this design was made possible through the use of advanced technologies such as 3D visualization and CAD design methods. The wood carpentry and water jet marble trimming techniques ensured the highest quality finishes. Materials such as KD wood panels and Corian artificial marble were carefully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.

With a total area of 70 square meters, the "Treasure in a Forest" apartment features a dining area, living room, master bedroom, and a guest bedroom. A rotatable TV shelf divides the living room and study area, allowing the residents to adjust the TV's position based on their seating preferences.

The design project for "Treasure in a Forest" took place from 2015 to 2018, with construction taking place from March to October 2018. Throughout the process, the designers conducted extensive research on adapting sustainable lifestyle practices to Taiwanese residential spaces. The integration of natural materials not only enhances the comfort and functionality of the space but also promotes a more eco-friendly way of living.

One of the main challenges faced during this project was achieving high-quality finishes. As most of the components were handcrafted by on-site carpenters, meticulous coordination and attention to detail were required to ensure that the design vision was realized.

When entering the "Treasure in a Forest" apartment, guests are greeted by gently curved wood surfaces that invite them to sit and take off their shoes. The front wall, clad in dark stone, exudes a warm and natural feeling, further enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.

This exceptional design has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. "Treasure in a Forest" was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious accolade is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements, showcasing practicality, innovation, and a commitment to industry best practices.

With its seamless integration of nature-inspired elements and meticulous attention to detail, the "Treasure in a Forest" residential apartment stands as a testament to the beauty and functionality that can be achieved through thoughtful design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Image Credits: All photo credits: Daisuke Nagatomo
Project Team Members: Daisuke Nagatomo Minnie Jan Hayden Wu
Project Name: Sylvan
Project Client: Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan


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