Inner Peace in a Crowded City: A Zen-inspired Residential Condo

Creating Tranquility in a Small Space

With limited space, the design team understood the importance of utilizing light, mirror reflections, and visual penetration to create a sense of openness and serenity. As soon as you step through the door, the zebra curtains introduce a play of light and shadow, transforming the space with each passing moment. The strategic use of grilles not only adds a unique touch to the interior but also guides the eye, creating the illusion of a more spacious environment. The combination of light and paper textures on the wooden surfaces adds warmth and comfort to the overall aesthetic. Oriental elegance is expressed through the incorporation of tatami and paper elements.

The realization of this design required careful consideration of the technical aspects. The indoor ceilings presented challenges with steel structural beams, fire sprinklers, and electric pipes. The design team skillfully incorporated suitable materials to cover these elements and maintain the integrity of the space.

With a total floor area of 40 square meters, this residential condo proves that small spaces can still offer high-quality living. The use of natural Zen materials such as stone, wood, paper, floor tiles, and mirrors transformed the once closed and dark room into a haven of relaxation. The owner expressed their satisfaction with the transformation, noting the different atmosphere of tranquility experienced from morning to night.

The design project took place during the winter of 2017 to the spring of 2018 in Taiwan. Extensive research was conducted to ensure the successful organization of the simple interface and the utilization of hidden doors and paper doors to maintain a clutter-free environment. The manipulation of light and reflection played a crucial role in creating the illusion of a larger space.

One of the notable challenges faced by the design team was finding the appropriate door paper that would allow for even distribution of sunlight while matching the overall color temperature of the space. After an extensive three-month search, the team discovered the only technology and inventory available in Keelung that met their requirements.

This small residential remodel project showcases the ingenuity of MYHA architects and Inn House Design in creating a multi-functional living space within a limited area. The combination of solid wooden grilles, wooden veneer, paper doors, tatami, fabric zebra curtains, and carefully curated furniture not only provides a comfortable home but also brings a sense of inner peace to the bustling city. The design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design.

Image Credits: Ming-Fu Lin

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019. The award recognizes outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that contribute to quality of life improvements. MYHA architects and Inn House Design's residential condo showcases strong technical and creative skills, making it a true testament to the fusion of art, science, design, and technology.