Return To Mountains: A Rustic Retreat for Leisure Life

A Unique Residential House Designed by Chu-Hsin Tsai

Inspired by the breathtaking views of the mountains, Chu-Hsin Tsai has created a residential house that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. The walls and ceilings, made of rustic cement paint and clear water molds, not only echo the beauty of the mountains but also provide easy cleaning and maintenance-free convenience. This design truly brings the essence of the mountains into the living space, creating a unique and novel experience for its occupants.

Aiming for an environmentally-friendly and versatile integrated space, the design of this residential house eliminates compartments, reducing the need for excessive air-conditioning. The floor adjacent to the window is raised, serving a modern tatami purpose for sleeping, reading, and enjoying the panoramic scenery. The thoughtful layout and integration of natural elements make this house a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.

With a focus on sustainability, the design team took into consideration the specific needs of the owners - a couple of professional lawyers seeking a holiday retreat away from work and dust. The main activities in this space are reading and relaxation, so the design prioritizes creating a tranquil environment conducive to these activities. While the space is primarily designed for two people, it also accommodates occasional visits from children or friends, ensuring that meals and sleeping arrangements are readily available.

One of the standout features of this design is the extensive bookcases that surround the room, providing ample space for the owners' book collection. Additionally, one of the bookcases acts as a revolving door, separating the public and private areas. This clever design element defines the reading space more clearly and adds a touch of uniqueness to the overall design. The removal of unnecessary compartments also allowed for the creation of a separate toilet area, complete with a suspended washbasin and mirror, adding spatial diversity and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Spanning across 1080 square feet, this residential house is a testament to the seamless integration of nature and design. The project, which started in June 2018 in Dan-Sui and was completed in January 2019, presented its fair share of challenges. The designers had to strike a balance between creating a functional space for two people while also accommodating occasional guests. The result is a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness.

Chu-Hsin Tsai, along with project manager Tonny Chen and designer Myron Mei, have successfully created a space that not only reflects the beauty of the mountains but also provides a sanctuary for leisure and relaxation. This design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. The award acknowledges the outstanding technical and creative skills demonstrated in this design, contributing to the improvement of quality of life.

Images:

Image 1 - Photographer: Chu-Hsin Tsai

Image 2 - Photographer: Chu-Hsin Tsai

Image 3 - Photographer: Chu-Hsin Tsai

Image 4 - Photographer: Chu-Hsin Tsai

Image 5 - Photographer: Chu-Hsin Tsai

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to C&K International Architectural & Interior Co. Ltd., 2019