Bring Nature Home for Kids

A Multilayered Chinese Garden-Themed Residential Interior Design

Inspired by the Waldorf education system, renowned designer Kai-Shin Lo brings the beauty of nature into the home with the "Bring Nature Home for Kids" project. This 4-floor Chinese garden-themed residential interior design aims to create a multilayered space that seamlessly blends landscape, natural elements, and an abundance of wood to soften the boundary between the man-made and the natural.

The project, which won the Bronze A' Design Award in 2020, features a meticulous application of borrowing, framing, and blocking techniques to create a picturesque haven within the limited space. The interior space is predominantly made of real wood, from the flooring to the furnishings, with a focus on zero waste and eco-friendliness. The dining table and the bed frame in the master bedroom are crafted from lumber, minimizing processing and emphasizing the natural beauty of the material.

The design prioritizes the needs of children, with furniture heights customized to encourage exploration and a sense of adventure. The yard pond, intentionally reachable for kids, is set at the same height as a low cabinet beside the window, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

Spanning four floors and covering 228 square meters indoors and 111 square meters outdoors, the design includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, two bedrooms, a working room, and two outdoor gardens, including a semi-outdoor roof garden. The integration of two outdoor spaces with large windows and floor-to-ceiling doors allows for the seamless merging of interior and exterior, creating a unified space of lush experience.

Lo's research into Chinese garden design principles is evident throughout the project. Chinese gardens are known for their elegant embrace of nature, creating layers of scenery through obscured arrangements. By applying the Chinese methods of borrowing, framing, and blocking, the interior is enriched by incorporating the outdoor elements.

One of the main challenges of the project was working within the constraints of a refurbishment residential project, where the structure and layout had to remain intact. To overcome this, solid walls were hollowed and replaced with wooden shelves to allow light to permeate while maintaining functionality. Iron grills were also used as partitions, blending seamlessly with the landscape and providing privacy.

The "Bring Nature Home for Kids" project, completed in February 2016 in Taichung City, Taiwan, showcases the beauty of nature and the importance of incorporating it into our living spaces. By immersing children in a natural environment, the design encourages sensory learning, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Image Credits: CF Image

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