Project Overview

The venue, approximately 330.5 square meters in size, is formed by the merging of two residential units and boasts the exceptional advantage of a top-floor terrace. The owner is a connoisseur of tea and antiques with refined tastes. Throughout the space, numerous display cabinets and platforms for showcasing teaware are evident. Tailoring to the owner’s lifestyle and personal characteristics, the designer incorporated personalized touches within the wooden tone of the interior.

For instance, the color scheme in the bathrooms features luxurious blues and greens. The headboard wall in the bedroom is adorned with golden stone patterns that resemble misty clouds, the texture exuding a majestic aura akin to that of a regal dragon, reflecting the owner’s distinguished presence. Paired with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the view integrates the skyline into the living space seamlessly.

Tea has a light taste, yet its aroma is pure and delicate. The wood-inspired space conveys a rustic and gentle warmth. It is refined without being ostentatious, accented with stone textures, carefully designed lighting, and touches of greenery, allowing one to savor a lifestyle reminiscent of a boutique hotel, immersed in a lingering fragrance. Hence, the project is named “Tea Aroma Penthouse,” evoking the art of brewing tea at just the right moment, where every sip and every drop of water is celebrated, and the home blossoms with prosperity and lush, fragrant beauty.

Organisation

USM INNOVATION INTEGRATED DESIGN

Team

Teng-Fa Yeh, Li-Yu Chiao

Project Brief

"True collecting is not merely the accumulation of objects, but rather like tea leaves steeping in water—allowing the veins to unfurl in the cup."

In this space, light and shadow flow gracefully while warm hues gradually reveal the homeowner’s treasured antiques, much like memories sweetening over time. The interplay of deep wood grain and metallic textures mirrors the aromatic waft of tea, diffusing layers of aged charm. Handcrafted lattice screens and specially finished surfaces weave delicate patterns of light and shadow, creating a serene yet rich Zen ambiance.

When guests pause at a tea setting, they can savor the subtle, profound flavor of life. The textures of antique bronze and marble are not merely visual embellishments; they evoke the soft, hazy glow of tea as it dissolves into water—quietly resonant with understated elegance.
As night falls, the merging of carefully orchestrated lighting and the cityscape unfolds like smoke, allowing this residence to continue its graceful narrative of beauty. Just as tea leaves, through the process of steeping, release their most heady fragrance, this space—an abode of antiques and cultural heritage—blooms with a unique, inimitable charm through continuous refinement and immersion.

Project Need

Collecting Objects, Collecting Views
Stepping through the foyer, one is greeted by a vast terrace that extends toward the horizon—as if capturing the bustling cityscape and tranquil natural vistas within a frame. Formed by the merger of two residential units, the designers seamlessly integrated the two layouts to create an expansive social area. The living room and dining area are interconnected to serve as a vibrant stage for hosting guests. A dedicated tea-drinking area and antique display cabinets form a private gallery where the homeowner’s cherished tea sets and collectibles shine amid a serene atmosphere. Adjacent to this, an open kitchen outfitted with professional-grade ovens and steam ovens invites culinary creativity.

Resonating with the Pulse of Art and Culture
As night falls, deep, ambient lighting and sleek metal lines merge to create an air of mystery and elegance. The interplay between the glow of distant city lights and the carefully arranged interior decor captures both the urban rhythm and a deep cultural sensibility. Within this refined environment, the homeowner’s personal narrative of life is beautifully reflected, echoing a rich tapestry of experiences that infuse the space with a timeless sense of style and meaning.

Design Challenge

The greatest challenge in merging the two residential units was the complexity of the original layout and the overlapping positions of the electrical boxes, which required meticulous planning for power distribution and circulation. The use of dark materials demanded exceptionally precise construction, with every connection executed flawlessly to ensure both visual cohesion and structural integrity.

Additionally, the homeowner's preference for several imported fixtures and handcrafted elements extended the project timeline. Ultimately, it was through addressing these intricate details that the space emerged with a unique and profound aesthetic depth.

Sustainability

The project extensively harnesses natural light and capitalises on the high-rise views to minimize daytime reliance on artificial lighting. An ERV system and dehumidifiers ensure that indoor air remains fresh while maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature. In terms of materials, both the wooden flooring and composite wood used for the balcony were selected for their durability and low pollution, creating a long-lasting home for the residents. Additionally, greenery was placed throughout the terrace and in indoor corners to establish a micro-ecosystem.

With the homeowner’s future retirement in mind, the circulation was designed with a generous turning radius, balancing aesthetics with accessibility. Through a seamless integration of hotel-style planning and smart home systems, the project deeply intertwines nature, culture, and design. Residents can live freely and with peace of mind, ensuring that beauty continually unfolds in their everyday lives.