Simple Living: A Minimalist Approach to Residential Design

Creating a Harmonious Space with Pei-Chi Hung

This project, aptly named "Simple Living," has broken away from the conventional design for the public space of residential buildings in Taiwan. Designed by Pei-Chi Hung, it embraces a minimalist approach that focuses on simplicity and deliberate blank arrangements. By abandoning complex material usage and accumulated decorations, Simple Living offers a brand new discourse for the planning of public spaces.

The project features a square architectural form with a central void, around which over 200 residences are located. The highlight of the design is the landscaped garden, which centers around a majestic beech tree. This tree serves as a symbolic representation of the concept of Home, anchoring the entire space with a sense of tranquility and harmony.

The lobby interior design draws inspiration from the iconic 20th-century Expressionist artist, Kandinsky. Geometric elements such as points, lines, and surfaces are utilized to create a modernist minimal and rhythmic visual impression. The result is a lobby that exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance.

One of the unique properties of Simple Living is its deliberate use of simplified design vocabulary and blank arrangements. This departure from conventional design principles offers a refreshing perspective on the planning of public spaces. As visitors walk through the courtyard garden and into the internal lobby, they are visually greeted with a semantic pause, allowing them to fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

The realization of Simple Living involved the use of natural masonry materials, teak, glass, mirror, metalwork, carpet, and timber flooring. These carefully selected materials contribute to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The project encompasses various public spaces, including a community central landscaped courtyard, entrance lobby, gym, tea-tasting area, culinary classroom, and social areas. The landscaping area spans 2263 square meters, while the interior design area covers 1137 square meters. Each space is meticulously planned to ensure a seamless integration with the natural environment.

Pei-Chi Hung, the mastermind behind Simple Living, collaborated with Peggie Hung to bring this design to life. Their shared vision and attention to detail have resulted in a space that not only captivates the eye but also provides a sense of comfort and tranquility.

Simple Living is not just a visually stunning design; it also prioritizes functionality and interaction. The strategic spatial layout and material utilization allow for visual access to the courtyard vista from any part of the interior. Natural lighting and good ventilation further enhance the overall experience, creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to inhabit.

The project was completed in March 2017 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted to ensure that every element of Simple Living was carefully considered. From the external courtyard garden to the interior design, every detail was meticulously planned to create a flowing sense of comfort and a dynamic visual experience.

Simple Living faced its fair share of challenges. In a world where excess is often mistaken for luxury, the design team had to resist the temptation to overwhelm the space with unnecessary elements. Instead, they focused on creating a disciplined and quality spatial solution that would meet the needs of modern dwellers seeking relief from everyday stress.

The design of Simple Living has been recognized and awarded the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This accolade is a testament to the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of Pei-Chi Hung and the design team.

Simple Living is a testament to the power of minimalist design. By embracing simplicity and deliberate blank arrangements, Pei-Chi Hung has created a space that not only captivates the eye but also provides a sense of tranquility and harmony. With its unique design vocabulary and meticulous attention to detail, Simple Living offers a fresh perspective on residential design in Taiwan.