Project Overview

The concept of “wabi-sabi" revolves around valuing natural imperfections and incorporating elements like tree branches and stucco to convey a sense of life's purity. This unique dwelling serves as the retirement home of its owner, offering a peaceful and comfortable way of life. The living area was thoughtfully designed to highlight natural wood tones, resulting in a living space that beautifully captures the simplicity of nature and perfectly embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

Organisation

No.37 Studio

Team

CHANG CHIH CHIEH, LEE TING YU

Project Brief

The space boasts an elegant design that is inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi style. Warm wood veneer walls with natural textures create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, especially when infused with natural daylight or interior lighting. Upon stepping inside, one will notice that the light-colored flooring neatly separates the interior and exterior areas, while the harmonious blend of gray and white hues exudes a calming aura. The gracefully curved wall leading to the central island allows for an uninterrupted flow of movement, making it easy to navigate the room with ease. On the other hand, a square wooden grille sliding door serves as a smart partition that can be easily adjusted to meet the user's needs while also preventing any fumes from escaping. The design philosophy promotes a relaxed lifestyle and simplicity, perfect for relaxing after a long day.

Project Innovation/Need

When considering a retirement residence, it is of utmost importance to ensure that the space is both safe and convenient. With this in mind, our team has implemented a unique curved design in the corners of the residence to prevent any potential accidents that may arise from collisions between residents. Additionally, we have incorporated embedded handles into the corridor walls, which will provide elders with the necessary support and assistance to move around with ease and confidence.

Design Challenge

Not only is this design practical and functional, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. Taking into account the owner's need for ample storage space, the designers have included hidden storage cabinets on the floor of the corridor, maximizing the use of every available inch of space. Moreover, understanding the importance of religious worship in one's life, the team has created a stunning Japanese-style shrine made of wood that seamlessly integrates into the overall design of the residence. This shrine not only offers spiritual comfort but also adds to the visual appeal of the retirement residence, making it truly a place of serenity and beauty.

Sustainability

The residential design team aimed to create a peaceful and safe environment for the residents. The team incorporated curved designs on the corner walls and utilized eco-friendly building materials such as low-VOC paints and formaldehyde-free wood panels to provide a healthy and comfortable living space. The entire space is equipped with energy-efficient, high-powered LED lights to promote energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions. Overall, this design not only prioritizes aesthetics but also emphasizes sustainability and environmental protection.