Awakening In Nature: A Zen-inspired Residential House

Bringing Oriental Aesthetics to Life

The imagery of the San-sui (Landscape in Mandarin) has always been the standard of aesthetics for the Orientals, representing peace of mind and the perception of art. Designers Maggie Yu and Ming-Wei Huang have beautifully captured this essence in their residential house project, "Awakening In Nature."

This unique project stands out with its exquisite selection of building materials, which brings to life the appearance of the San-sui landscape. The designers have utilized segmentation methods to create different visual perceptions of stones, reflecting the designated space functions. The integration of wood materials in the study room evokes a peaceful walk in the forest, while the facade of the public space, adorned with marbles, depicts being surrounded by mountains. Throughout the entire space, wood veneer, fluoric acid glass, iron pieces, and marble have been carefully incorporated to sustain the integrity of the design theme and ensure the seamless integration of San-sui.

Spanning 178 square meters, "Awakening In Nature" offers a harmonious blend of Western and Oriental elements. The installment of iron pieces divides and enriches the visual extension, creating a dynamic journey from stone to marble, from black iron to titanium plating, and from veneer to wooden table. This design approach mirrors the act of changing lenses and adjusting focus depth when admiring a beautiful landscape. The selection of distinctive French furniture further enhances the balance between Western and Oriental influences, adding a touch of elegance to the space.

The project, which took place in Taipei, Taiwan, from January to June 2018, was driven by the owner's affection for Mother Nature. The designers aimed to interpret this connection artistically, using natural materials and retaining their unprocessed simplicity and texture. Ambient lighting was strategically employed to enhance the natural atmosphere, creating a space that invites relaxation and imagination for both the owner and guests.

Overcoming the challenge of materializing abstract scenes from ancient Chinese arts using modern design techniques, the designers focused on the selection and usage of stone materials. They successfully created a light and warm space while incorporating a large area of stone to present a coordinated and visually striking environment. Additionally, the use of different types of wood panels enriched the expressions of the space, adding a sense of softness and temperateness that resonates with the owner's characteristics.

"Awakening In Nature" is a testament to the designers' ability to bring Oriental aesthetics to life through the thoughtful selection of materials and meticulous attention to detail. By maintaining the texture of natural materials and incorporating iron pieces, this residential house offers a feast for the eyes, allowing viewers to experience the beauty of a landscape through different lenses. The handpicked French furniture adds an intriguing balance between Western and Oriental influences, creating a space that is both visually captivating and harmonious.

Image Credits: Moooten Studio

Awards and Accolades: "Awakening In Nature" was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The project's strong technical and creative skills contribute to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Maggie Yu
Image Credits: Moooten Studio
Project Team Members: MAGGIE YU HUANG MING WEI
Project Name: Awakening In Nature
Project Client: Maggie Yu


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