Absolute Nature: A Sustainable Residential Design

Restoring Beauty and Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

The inspiration for the design of Absolute Nature comes from the stone slab houses and ecological characteristics of the Hengchun Peninsula. The client, who is involved in the creation of aboriginal arts and crafts, wanted the spatial characters of the residence to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area. To achieve this, sustainable materials and construction methods were utilized, resulting in an architecture that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings.

One of the unique features of Absolute Nature is its open plan layout, which maximizes natural lighting and ventilation. The use of glass walls and high ceilings allows ample sunlight to flood the interior spaces, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the incorporation of garden pool landscaping and greeneries throughout the residence adds a touch of immortality to the design.

Handicrafts play a significant role in reactivating the space and showcasing the client's involvement in aboriginal arts and crafts. The use of a wide variety of traditional and contemporary handicrafts not only adds visual interest but also acts as a representation of a unique lifestyle. This integration of natural ecology with arts and humanities promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle environment.

The realization of Absolute Nature involved the use of various materials such as cement, glass, driftwood, terracotta tiles, ceramic tiles, metal pieces, and wood crafts. These materials were carefully selected to ensure durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

The four-story residence spans a total area of 245 square meters, including the outdoor garden. The interior spaces are thoughtfully designed, with the first floor housing the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The second floor features a reading area and a multi-purpose room, while the third floor comprises a studio, lounge, and storeroom. The fourth floor is dedicated to the bedroom, washroom, steam room, and other amenities.

By transforming the original windows into glass walls and introducing skylights, the design overcomes the challenge of poor internal ventilation and insufficient natural lighting. The removal of the central staircase and its replacement with a more porous, single stringer staircase at the end of the building allows for an open and unobstructed internal layout.

The Absolute Nature project was completed in June 2018 in Pingtung City, Taiwan. Throughout the design process, careful research was conducted to ensure that the reconstruction and design revolved around the existing building structures, reflecting local culture and responding to the surrounding context. The use of raw materials for decorations and recycled waste timber for furniture revitalizes the old space, giving it a new lease on life.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, technical skill, and resourcefulness, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.