The Palace With A Secret Code, designed by Ching-Ya Chou, is a residential house that embodies the owner's commitment to work and her desire for a space that reflects her aesthetics. This unique design aims to create a retreat where the owner can find splendid beauty and energy during the day, while also offering a serene atmosphere at night.
Design Characteristics
Brilliance is the defining feature of The Palace With A Secret Code. The interior of the house is adorned with mirrored reflections that create a kaleidoscope effect. This merging of ordinary fragments of life into an ever-changing dazzling world enhances and expands the richly beautiful memories of the occupants.
The Mood of Crystal Rays
The design of The Palace With A Secret Code is inspired by the reminiscence of home. The use of sparkling, translucent materials such as glass and crystals, along with the principle of colorful kaleidoscopes, creates an enchanted world within the living space. Mirrors and glass stimulate inspiration, while the refraction of light and the reflection of shadows paint a rich image and a gorgeous living atmosphere.
Crystal fuses ambiguity, while glass reflects purity. The craftsmanship of the Zhushan region is utilized to present delicate details refined by artisans. Leaded and fired glass, with its unique glisten and translucency, is paired with beveled cuts and a diamond-shaped lattice technique. This combination enriches the look and content of the home, leaving traces of the crystal rays. Sunlight and moonlight flow freely in the space, shimmering like a magnificent kaleidoscope and creating an ever-changing mesmerizing beauty.
Design Specifications
The Palace With A Secret Code spans 30 square meters, offering a compact yet luxurious living space.
Design Location and Timeframe
The project was completed in December 2016 in Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
Design Research
The design of The Palace With A Secret Code explores the interplay of light and color. The dance between light and shadow during different times of the day infuses the space with luster and expression. The colorful light flows with the halos, decrypting the secret code that only appears during specific moments.
Design Challenges
One of the creative challenges overcome in this design was capturing the essence of the Turkish blue eye (nazar). The sparkling glitter from the water, resembling golden sunlight penetrating the azure ocean, illuminates the space of the Turkish blue. The mysterious ultramarine dispersed by the psychedelic splendor of the crystal creates a mood of magnificence and fantasy. At night, moonlight and lamplight traverse the crystal and colored glass, adding layers of light and shadow and intensifying the romantic aura of the space.
Conclusion
The Palace With A Secret Code is a testament to Ching-Ya Chou's innovative design approach. By incorporating elements of light, color, and reflection, this residential house offers a unique and enchanting living experience. The design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019, showcasing its outstanding creativity and contribution to quality of life improvements.
Project Designers: Ching-Ya Chou
Image Credits: Fu-Ming Lin
Project Team Members: Ching-Ya Chou
Project Name: The Palace With A Secret Code
Project Client: Ching-Ya Chou