Interviews med Yi-Lun Hsu

I studied architecture. In the first seven years of my career, apart from a brief period at an architectural office, I worked mainly in urban and landscape planning. The birth of my child led me to shift my career path, and I transitioned into interior design, where I have now been working for 15 years.

In the first seven years of my career, I worked on designing and establishing indicators for eco-cities and eco-communities. This included microclimate management in various cities domestically and internationally (such as summer ventilation or winter wind shielding), water system integration for urban cooling, energy self-sufficiency in cities and buildings, energy reduction, natural environment preservation, and planning for effective public transportation systems. These experiences have been invaluable to me, as they translate directly into interior design by observing the natural environment surrounding a building—where is there western sun exposure, where does the wind come from, where are the best views, or the scenic mountain or water landscapes? Our goal is to respond to these natural elements from within the interior design.

From my perspective, the essence of interior design is responding to the environment. Good design provides effective ventilation, natural lighting (creating varied light and shadow effects), greenery that connects with the outdoors, and meets the needs of its users.

I enjoy using materials commonly found in nature, such as solid wood, rattan, bamboo, cotton, linen, stone (or stone-textured tiles), diatomaceous earth, and red clay rice husk walls. I also appreciate rustic materials like the rough texture of exposed concrete and red brick walls, as these materials can evoke a sense of being immersed in nature.

My background in architecture education makes me particularly attentive to structural safety when planning interiors. I pay close attention to the placement of beams, columns, shear walls, and pipe shafts, ensuring that major reconfigurations do not compromise the building structure. As a mother, I also understand the evolving needs of families as children grow, so safety and flexible planning are essential. My career journey from architecture to urban planning and finally interior design provides me with a broad perspective and an emphasis on systematic integration. Interior design issues aren’t just about details but involve a comprehensive plan that flows from large to small scale. I aim to carry concepts from the initial idea through to design, detailed drawings, and construction methods, achieving a cohesive approach from start to finish.

When working in a team, integrating various areas of expertise is essential. Only through thinking from different perspectives can we spark diverse design solutions.

The public area in front of the residence is open space. In the private area, the designer has changed the floor plan from four bedrooms to three bedrooms. In addition to the master bedroom and the second bedroom, the designer also created an elegant washitsu which is raised a few steps. While the space released, the owners have more deeper living room, and a new dressing room belonged to the master bedroom. Space function is given first priority in this residence which is designed in fresh Japanese style.

Wood, color, and plants are the three major design priorities of this case. The indoor space pull in warm colors through the wooden floor. The TV wall of the living room made by exposed concrete responds the calmness atmosphere. The couch besides windows is full of the natural light and the storage function. Large potted plants and tea trays are embeded on the couch. The dining space on the left side is simple and elegant. The owners enjoy their meal under a bright "sunrising" wall which is made by the red cast stone and used to be a visual focus.

I studied architecture. In the first seven years of my career, apart from a brief period at an architectural office, I worked mainly in urban and landscape planning. The birth of my child led me to shift my career path, and I transitioned into interior design, where I have now been working for 15 years.

We are good at observing the surrounding environment around the building itself. We are also focusing on the plan of circulation and simplifying the interior space and figure.

Within the Minature projects, we can see the flow of wind, the reflection of light and shadow, the green connection between indoor and outdoor space and the atmosphere of cleaness, simpliness and natural freshness, which are the essential characteristics of the Minature production.

“The harmonious relationship between human and nature” is the concept Minature always persists.

I like works across architecture, interior design and landscape. The design from inside to outside is completely design.

I enjoy using materials commonly found in nature, such as solid wood, rattan, bamboo, cotton, linen, stone (or stone-textured tiles), diatomaceous earth, and red clay rice husk walls. I also appreciate rustic materials like the rough texture of exposed concrete and red brick walls, as these materials can evoke a sense of being immersed in nature.

Peace Vegan is a brand that upholds the philosophy of "treating the earth well, stopping the exploitation and abuse of animals." They aim to create delicious plant-based meals and provide an environment that makes plant-based eating convenient, encouraging more non-vegans to gradually adopt a meat-free diet and embrace the values of environmental sustainability and green living. Therefore, the designer introduced a new "green forest" concept, blending natural elements such as sunlight, air, and plants as the core design theme throughout the space.

The designer preserved the openness and flow of the indoor space by avoiding window obstructions, allowing natural light to penetrate indoors. This achieves ventilation and energy-saving benefits, such as reducing the need for artificial lighting. At the same time, users enjoy an unobstructed view, bringing the green landscape outside into the interior.

Since the elevator is located at the rear of the first-floor space, goods are typically transported through the side door via the elevator to the freezer on the third floor. Therefore, the designer designated the area in front of the elevator as an employee lounge and unloading zone. The kitchen is positioned between the unloading zone and the restroom in an L-shaped layout, including a heavy-grease cooking station and light-grease areas for salad assembly and beverage packaging. Once the kitchen location was finalized, the designer addressed the drainage issue by raising the kitchen floor and incorporated the staircase into this design. The elevated platform doubles as staircase steps, reducing its visual impact.

Continuing the theme colors and elements of the flagship store, the counter facade features mosaics and a gold logo design. Natural elements are incorporated above the counter, creating an overall lush and vibrant appearance.

To the left of the counter is a pristine white staircase, with light wood steps extending upward, creating a pathway for the flow of sunlight and air. This staircase seamlessly connects the first-floor ordering area to the second-floor dining area.

In recent years, the increasingly evident effects of climate change have been highlighted by numerous studies pointing to the significant greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming and the large-scale deforestation of tropical rainforests for animal feed cultivation. These activities directly or indirectly harm the environment. The concept of plant-based diets aims to promote public awareness of environmental sustainability and green living values. Therefore, in this project, the designer adopted green building standards to minimize the use of excessive construction materials, reducing construction waste. The design also retained spatial openness and flow while minimizing the reliance on lighting equipment.

A bar seating area by the large floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor serves as the perfect stage to showcase the café's relaxed ambiance. While enjoying a plant-based burger, patrons can take in the dynamic outdoor scenery, from the movement of passersby to the gentle swaying of tree shadows.

1.Introduce suitable and easy-to-maintain plants indoors to achieve the goal of indoor greenery.2. Preserve the openness and flow of the indoor space by avoiding window obstructions, allowing natural light to penetrate indoors. This achieves ventilation and energy-saving benefits, such as reducing the need for artificial lighting.

With large windows, natural daylight can be utilized for at least half the day, eliminating the need for artificial lighting. In the afternoon, indoor track lighting serves as the primary source, allowing for flexible adjustment of the fixtures' angles and positions.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the kitchen and dining areas, this project focused on incorporating indoor greenery while maintaining openness and fluidity. The interior design also aimed to reflect an eco-friendly concept by minimizing extensive and complex renovations, thereby reducing construction waste.

The project is situated south of a river. Standing on the balcony, one can look eastward to the Central Mountain Range and westward to where the river meets the sea. The elevated river view is the defining feature of this location. The designer aimed to preserve the essence of the river and mountains as the most captivating scenery within the interior. Fully aware that no amount of interior materials or elaborate techniques could outshine the natural beauty, the designer simplified the indoor space and forms as much as possible.

In the hallway, we adopted a restrained and serene palette of black, white, and gray, complemented by lighting integrated with accessible handrails. As the spatial sequence unfolds, the lush and dynamic river views outside the windows shift and flow, representing the most captivating scenery we aimed to preserve within the interior.

This project emphasizes three key principles: greenery integration, corridor circulation, and minimizing the indoor backdrop. The designer employed understated blank spaces in the interior, highlighting the changing window views throughout the four seasons.

Due to the need for an accessible environment in the home, smart automatic doors have been installed in the kitchen, storage room, and the bathroom of the parents' suite. These doors feature manual sensors and anti-pinch mechanisms to ensure user convenience, safety, and a fully accessible environment.

To preserve the continuity of the river view, no fixed TV wall was installed between the living room and dining area. The design team incorporated an infrared receiver to control the audiovisual equipment housed in the storage cabinet. Additionally, floor outlets and connection channels were pre-installed, allowing for the future placement of a movable large TV in the living room. When not in use, the TV resembles an artist’s easel, blending seamlessly into the space.

In the kitchen layout, considering the hostess's habit of stir-frying and her desire for close interaction with family while preparing light meals and baking, a sliding door was installed to separate the stir-frying area from the island area.

The study room was designed with consideration for both transparency and soundproofing. The homeowner commissioned a professional soundproofing team for the installation. The soundproof walls were constructed using double-sided gypsum boards with embedded insulation, while the glass framework features a steel structure and laminated glass. This effectively reduces indoor sound frequencies while maintaining a seamless design without corner columns.

During the pandemic, with lockdowns and semi-lockdowns keeping parents working from home and children unable to attend school, families spent extended periods together at home. I believe people have grown increasingly aware of the importance of parks, green spaces, and nature for mental well-being. In this project, the concept of staggered balconies and borrowed views provides a sense of healing and relief in a stress-filled world. In response to the pandemic, urban residents should increasingly recognize the significance of greenery for mental health.

To maintain the continuity of the river view and capture the changing light and shadows throughout the day, the designer aimed to minimize fixed cabinetry. Most of the furniture is movable rather than fixed.

The island features a single-sided V-shaped countertop that defines the seating area and the workspace. The workspace wall integrates a built-in refrigerator and appliance cabinet with same-color cabinetry and door panels. The suspended countertop in the seating area also serves a social function.

The advantage of this case is the 4.3-meter-high floor height and the lighting in the public space. In order to reflect this advantage, the designer set the TV wall as a structure that reaches the ceiling, and used iron parts to divide it vertically to enhance its visual super height. , the 15-degree V-shaped veneer collage method enhances the fun of the TV wall.

The designer aimed to create a unique railing design by combining punched-plate with clear glass, allowing light to flow unobstructed into the deeper areas of the second floor. The punched-plate can also incorporate hanging plants, presenting a natural, green lifestyle.

Due to the limited ability to significantly adjust the ceiling heights between the two floors, the designer preserved the original mezzanine floor structure and scissor-shaped staircase. The flooring material and the surface paint of the old wooden railing were replaced to match the overall color scheme and blend seamlessly with other modern design elements.

In this project, functionality was the primary consideration. The upper level is dedicated to private areas, while the lower level serves as the public space. For privacy reasons, the upper floor includes the master bedroom, secondary bedroom, and study, while the lower level features an open-plan design for the foyer, living room, and kitchen.

The homeowner loves light blue, so the designer incorporated this color into the sofa’s back wall, extending it to the exterior wall of the second-floor study. This serves as a subtle element guiding the staircase flow, ensuring that the homeowner’s mood remains cheerful when moving between floors.

The second floor has a lower ceiling height and main beams on both sides, so the study uses a mirrored bookshelf to enhance the sense of space. The second-floor guest bedroom, being smaller and also having beam constraints, addresses the occasional need for guest accommodation by incorporating a lift-up bed beneath the beam.

The scissor-shaped staircase connecting the upper and lower floors is centrally located in the apartment, adjacent to the double-height living room. The designer preserved the original staircase structure and integrated it into the modern design by simply repainting the handrails.

The study is located on the second floor, directly opposite the double-height space. The designer wanted to maintain its openness and interactivity, so a transparent glass sliding door was used as a partition. This door can be fully recessed into the wall.

The high-ceilinged TV wall in this project is the architectural focal point of the interior. Its proportional division maximizes the advantages of the elevated space, while the rest of the area, constrained by the ceiling height, has cabinets placed under the beams to maintain the integrity and openness of the main space.

In East Asia, there are often small, lofted, mixed-use residences like this one. We believe that maintaining the openness of the high-ceilinged space and allowing sunlight and air to fill the interior are key. By using elements that amplify the space, the feeling of pressure between the two floors can be reduced.

Under the impact of extreme weather and the pandemic in recent years, we have sought to introduce the concept of a healthy lifestyle by integrating aesthetics and science to reflect the core values of our design. At the same time, our design team aims to echo the brand's original intention: "to enable a harmonious coexistence between space and nature."

The homeowner prefers a light industrial style in black and gray tones. The design team aims to select raw materials as much as possible, incorporating elements like iron, aluminum, reeded glass, wood panels, OSB boards, and the raw look of exposed concrete. This approach minimizes excessive processing, preserving a calm and understated aesthetic.

In previous design projects, we experimented with a "cat skywalk," and it seems the cats really enjoyed it. In this project, after installing the ERV system and concealed dehumidification equipment in the ceiling, there was still sufficient space. So, we incorporated the cat pathway in a recessed form. The design team also thoughtfully planned a variety of pathways for the cats, considering both horizontal and vertical movement options.

The dressing room is positioned between open and enclosed spaces, allowing light to pass through. This design enables users to see into adjacent spaces as they move, enhancing the interior’s richness. The aluminum post system within the dressing room can be customized with various expandable hardware to meet storage needs.

The central courtyard in this project addresses the issue of closely spaced neighboring buildings, while also increasing indoor sunlight exposure. A desk with a window view and a non-traditional display bookshelf are placed here, instantly creating a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere in the space.

The selection and combination of materials in this project showcase a blend of rugged and refined textures. Dark tones are layered throughout the space, symbolizing the "jazz" spirits of diverse harmonies merging within the environment.

At an early stage of construction, the design team implemented an integrated design process, collaborating with the homeowner, architect, and builder to plan and reserve beam sleeves. This approach allowed the ERV system and concealed dehumidification equipment piping to easily run through the ceiling space.

Apart from the living room ceiling, which retains its original exposed concrete look, all interior walls have been coated with artistic and matte paints that closely matches the texture of concrete. With natural light coming in from all four sides of the house, the aim is to preserve this raw, original style.

The drilled Lumber core plywood, free from excessive processing, showcase the homeowner's strong personal style while also being low in formaldehyde, aligning with sustainability principles.

This is the design team's first attempt to introduce the WELL concept into residential design. In light of changes in the broader environment, the design team aims to address the clash between architectural needs and nature within the interior space, while also responding to urban environmental issues. Additionally, we seek to assist the homeowner in incorporating a forward-looking healthy lifestyle.

By incorporating curved elements in both horizontal and vertical surfaces, the design aims to soften the harshness of the small home's partitions and beam-column system while reflecting the feminine qualities of the homeowner, resulting in a warm and fluid space.

The homeowner prefers a simple color palette, using a pure white base complemented by light wood tones and accents of coffee and light orange in the decor. This combination allows natural elements and air to flow gently through the space, creating a serene and tranquil environment for the body and mind.

In Taiwan, Feng Shui remains an important consideration for homeowners. For example, the line of sight from the main entrance should not directly pass through to windows or the stove, and the bathroom door should not align directly with the bed in the bedroom. To address these concerns, the designer used a diagonal storage cabinet in the living room to block visual penetration from the entryway. The outer wall of the master bedroom's bathroom is covered with light-colored wood veneer to serve as a hidden door.

The designer aimed to arrange tall, large cabinets along the walls beneath the beams in each space to reduce the sense of confinement. This strategy also helps to concentrate usable space, which is especially valuable in the limited area of this project.

Considering the homeowner's cooking habits, the design incorporates a sink and ample prep space in the kitchen island. On the other side, the designer integrates the refrigerator, appliance cabinet, and cooktop, creating a triangular cooking workflow. The glass sliding door helps to contain cooking fumes from quick stir-frying within the open space.

In this project, the entryway serves as a compressed space that facilitates the transition of movement. The designer laid gray patterned hexagonal tiles here, allowing users returning home to shake off dust, change into indoor shoes, and shift their mood. The full-length mirror not only amplifies the sense of space but also provides a place for users to tidy themselves before heading out.

The window couch is designed to maintain an unobstructed view while providing storage for children's toys and other miscellaneous items, allowing users to sit by the window and enjoy the scenery. The perforated board at the entrance offers flexible usage, making it convenient for placing keys, mail, and other small items.

The two pendant lights in the dining room feature a circular design that echoes the curved elements of the ceiling. In the predominantly white communal space, they serve as both a visual focal point and a warm light source for dining.

The low horizontal beam between the living and dining areas posed a challenge in ceiling design. By wrapping it in wood veneer of a similar color, the beam blends seamlessly into the communal space, avoiding any sense of heaviness.

Small urban homes are often constrained by structural beams, ceiling height, and excessive partitions. This project aims to integrate storage within the space beneath the beams, centralizing open areas. The use of curved elements fosters a sense of flowing light and air, helping to alleviate the feeling of spatial confinement.

Considering the narrowness of the original layout, the designer removed the partition wall between the kitchen and the study room. The kitchen is changed to a central island to open the public space interaction. The study room are increased the amount of light because of semi-open glass partitions. The design goal is to respond to the harmonious relationship between human and nature. The designer let sunshine, greenery and breeze penetrate into every aspect of life.

Since the owner loves the outdoors, the tone of all space is mainly based on "light wood color that responds nature". The designer took the grayish green preferred by the owner as the flash color, such as the blue-green sofa in the living room, and the gray-green closet in the master bedroom. In the space, dark wood-colored furniture, leather goods or linen fabrics are placed to present a lazy retro atmosphere.

Considering that the homeowner often goes cycling on weekends and lacks a suitable storage spot, the designer planned from the beginning to place the bicycle in the entryway’s dust area. This prevents dirt from entering the interior while also showcasing the homeowner’s hobby as a unique highlight.

Reflecting the homeowner’s simple and unpretentious personality, the TV wall features no cabinetry or elaborate decoration—only the handcrafted Venetian plaster texture. This minimalist design allows the residents to fully appreciate the room’s height and enjoy the natural light filling the space.

Previously obstructive beams are no longer restrictive; the designer concealed the intersecting beams and columns with lowered ceilings and storage rooms, smoothing out the visual interruptions while hiding messy wiring. The high ceilings were kept with the original slab exposed, allowing the space to feel open and uninterrupted.

To meet the homeowner’s needs for remote work and meetings, a private, quiet workspace was created to reduce distractions. However, the designer used glass to maintain transparency, allowing natural light to flow through and enabling the homeowner to stay connected with activities in the communal areas.

The designer added round door shapes in the staggered arrangement of the bookshelf, enhancing the visual interest of the backdrop. This detail echoes the circular handle at the entryway, the curved storage cabinet in the living room, and the rounded pendant light in the dining area, creating a cohesive connection between different areas of the home.

The residence is located on the second floor and has a narrow distance from neighboring buildings, resulting in limited natural light inside. Additionally, large structural beams and columns add to the sense of spatial constraint. To address this, the designer removed partitions to maximize incoming light, creating an open and flowing view in the communal areas while also enhancing artificial lighting.

After examining the homeowner's storage habits, the designer adjusted the proportions of the cabinets by alternating between closed and open sections. This approach balances the visual impact of stored items and aligns the cabinet depth with the beam, effectively reducing its visual prominence.

Traditional partitions and spatial boundaries often hinder interaction among family members, as well as the flow of light and air. By understanding the personalities and interaction patterns of the users, the design breaks these boundaries to enhance comfort, allowing sunlight and fresh air to permeate freely throughout the space, fostering a harmonious connection between people and nature.

With one side facing the road and the other a park, the design team prioritized the homeowner's primary needs by connecting the living room, dining room, and study. This creates an expansive communal space with an open view, alleviating the confinement of the original three-bedroom layout. A corridor by the windows links to the floor-to-ceiling view, allowing sunlight and breezes to flow freely throughout the interior.

Inspired by the traditional Japanese engawa, which is typically located on the outer edge of a house, this design places it on the interior side of the window to suit the home’s layout. On sunny days, it can be used as an elevated space for sitting, dining, or enjoying tea.

This project is located near a major traffic route in a science park. To prevent polluted air from entering and to improve indoor air quality and comfort, the design team integrated an energy recovery ventilator, air purifier, concealed air conditioning unit, and hidden dehumidifier, all installed in the ceiling of the communal area. High and low ceiling levels were utilized to accommodate these devices and their ductwork. All central control panels are placed in the hallway for convenient access by the homeowner.

The master bedroom was reoriented from a west-facing view of the road to a south-facing view of the park. With minimal changes to window size and ventilation conditions, the user now enjoys an improved green view, avoids the heat from the westward sun, and resolves noise issues from passing traffic.

The designer incorporated grille elements in the storage cabinet beside the living room TV, the sliding door in the study, and the vanity in the master bedroom. This touch subtly reflects a refined, serene Japanese ambiance within the modern minimalist design.

The bathroom and two bedrooms are private spaces that the design team preferred to keep out of immediate view for guests, especially the two doorways located behind the study wall. By integrating sliding doors with the bookshelf, these areas remain hidden and are only accessible when close friends or family visit.

The design team used imported pink hexagonal tiles, a favorite of the homeowner, to pave the entryway floor, creating a dust area concept to help users shake off dust and shift their mindset when coming home. The wall features a tinted mirror that conceals the electrical panel, while stylish hooks provide a place for the homeowner to hang outerwear and accessories.

The light wood tones create a relaxed, carefree atmosphere throughout the interior. The design team further aims to invite sunlight, greenery, and gentle breezes into the space to support the occupants’ mental well-being.

Daylight, ventilation, openness, views, as well as good indoor air quality and temperature and humidity control are crucial in interior spaces, as they directly impact the occupants' physical and mental well-being. These factors are top priorities for designers when working on residences in densely populated urban areas.

It is recommended that designers understand the urban environment of the project location, including aspects like daylight, views, and wind direction, to develop appropriate interior strategies. For small residences, it is especially important to focus on integrated storage solutions and maximizing communal spaces, as excessive partitions can create a sense of confinement for occupants.

Constrained by the original “butterfly wing” dual-wing layout of the building, the interior configuration of this project is not perfectly square. To address this, the designer interconnected the living room, dining room, and kitchen, creating an integrated public area that is separated from the sleeping quarters. These two functional zones intersect at a 45-degree angle, adjacent to the living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, shaping a spacious, bright, open fan-shaped area that softens the sharpness of the angled transition.

The main wall in the living room features a minimalist design, with tall, gray stone-patterned tiles highlighting the lofty feel of the public space. Floor-to-ceiling windows are fitted with metal blinds, allowing even the softer daylight from the courtyard to cast subtle light and shadow, enhancing the tranquility of the living room.

The husband, with a background in technology, prefers a rational and minimalist style, valuing functionality over decoration. As a result, the color palette throughout the home is primarily white and gray. The wife, who is more sentimental, influenced the addition of vibrant accents, such as colorful throw pillows and the soft pink-tinged accent wall behind the bed in the bedroom.

The homeowner, who enjoys cooking and baking, sees the kitchen as the heart of the home. To ensure ample workspace for food preparation and baking beyond the main countertop, the designer placed an island in the kitchen center without disrupting flow. The curved countertop also houses a wine cabinet underneath, perfect for single dining or casual drinks.

In keeping with the overall interior color scheme, the entryway features a combination of black, white, and gray hexagonal tiles. This choice creates a look that is both grounded and subtly lively, helping the homeowner shift their mood upon entering the home.

A hallway directly aligned with a bedroom door is a feng shui taboo, as it directs airflow straight into the room, disturbing its energy field. To address this, the designer installed an automatic closing concealed door. Visually, it transforms the end of the hallway into a focal wall resembling a framed artwork, while functionally, the always-closed door helps maintain stable energy within the room.

The original kitchen was relatively large but had an irregular layout, with wall-mounted cabinetry that blocked natural light and was inefficient. After discussing with the homeowner, the new kitchen was organized into functional zones, with a baking appliance area and a stove counter along the two side walls, and an island countertop in the center. The extra space was allocated to the adjacent daughter’s room, making it more square-shaped and usable.

Since the beam separating the living and dining areas is positioned directly above the sofa, and its edge where it meets the exterior wall is irregular and prominent, the designer opted to cover its sides and underside with mirrors. This reflective effect visually increases the ceiling height and reduces the sense of heaviness.

The entire space is dominated by gray and white tones, with materials like Silver Fox marble patterns, gray tiles, metal blinds, and mirrors contributing a cool aesthetic. To balance this, the designer chose warm gray wood veneers and paired them with solid wood furniture to enhance the overall warmth of the space.

Local homeowners often sacrifice aesthetics, natural light, and ventilation for storage needs, as observed in the interior planning prior to the designer's involvement in this project. In discussions with the homeowner, we aimed to focus on optimized storage solutions, utilizing storage rooms to minimize unnecessary cabinetry. This approach created an open, uninterrupted space that enhances the comfort of the interior environment.

The office does not have a balcony, but in addition to bringing in ample natural light and beautiful views through the windows, the designer also incorporated abundant hanging greenery indoors to create an interior landscape reminiscent of a forest. These design techniques, which effectively connect the indoor space with the external environment, embody the concept of Biophilic Design.

The designer aimed to create a towering book wall, similar to those in a library, not only to store numerous books and materials but also to encourage employees to explore and gain knowledge from them. Serving as a focal point in the meeting room, the book wall is constructed from wood core boards, avoiding excessive processing and offering low formaldehyde levels, aligning with sustainable principles.

In this project, there was no need for a separate executive office. The designer used an open office area as the core element, positioning the workspace along the main light source and high-level views so that each worker can equally enjoy sunlight and scenery. This approach minimizes wall barriers, encourages employees to exchange ideas, and reflects the new wave of office changes following the pandemic.

Minature Design is a small design firm with seating for eight employees. All functional areas are small yet refined, with a central design philosophy focused on integrating "nature" and "living" within the workspace to create a comfortable environment for designers.

The exposed ceiling was retained after the formwork removal, and a polished concrete finish was used to create the logo wall. The designer also used wood core boards for the book wall and perforated partition in the meeting room, along with a solid wood conference table. The combination of concrete and wood reflects the office design's original intent—to preserve the natural essence of raw materials.

A small lounge seat and low storage cabinets were arranged along the windows to meet file storage needs. The irregular spaces under the beams on either side of the entrance were converted into storage rooms, with concealed door designs that blend into the sides of the foyer’s logo wall.

The meeting room is located deeper within the interior, away from the windows, where natural light is limited. The designer used clear glass partitions to maintain an open feel and reduce the sense of enclosure, while also providing sound insulation.

The abundant natural light, extensive greenery, and high-floor window views in the Minature Design office help connect the interior with the outdoor environment, fostering a closer relationship with nature. This design effectively alleviates work stress and tension, supporting employees' mental well-being.

"People" are the most important protagonists in the office environment. The open-plan space at Minature Design encourages communication and discussion among employees. Through the open layout and a relaxed, café-like atmosphere, the space fosters greater inclusivity and enhances team cohesion.

Looking back from 2024, the design and construction of the Forest Library project, although small in scale, successfully reflects the new trends in office design post-pandemic. This includes sharing natural light with employees, reducing wall barriers, encouraging communication, using ERV to bring in fresh air, and integrating Biophilic Design. Having experienced the impact of the virus, people have deeply felt the influence of the built environment on health. Maintaining harmony between people and nature can significantly enhance the comfort of the workplace.

Respecting and preserving certain Japanese elements such as tatami, Japanese grilles, wood materials, and Japanese artwork, the design integrates modern elements like metal, red cultured stone, and gray concrete surfaces. This blend of traditional and contemporary elements creates a personalized style unique to the homeowner.

The overall interior primarily features warm wood tones and neutral colors. Since the houseowner wanted to incorporate her favorite color, red, the designer deliberately used red brick-colored cultured stone on the main dining room wall beside the cabinetry, creating the space's most striking and characterful accent.

One of the four bedrooms was removed, and the extra space was used to expand the public area, creating room for a piano and a reading nook. It also allowed for the addition of a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, fulfilling the houseowner’s wishes. To accommodate her needs for solitude, reading, and translation work, the designer transformed the innermost room, which had limited natural light, into an elevated open Japanese-style room. Tatami mats were added to create a simple, refined study space with the subtle fragrance of straw.

This project has no balcony space; instead, the living room features two large windows offering sweeping views of lush greenery in the distance. To extend natural elements indoors, the designer incorporated a planter recess into the window-side lounge seat, placing large indoor potted plants there. This introduction of sunlight and natural elements embodies the concept of a "harmonious relationship between people and nature."

The Japanese-style room was intentionally placed in the deeper part of the home, where natural light is limited. The Japanese grilles that define this area also creates an unexpectedly beautiful play of light and shadow, subtly interwoven to echo the Japanese Rock Garden artwork hanging on the wall.

The homeowner has extensive storage needs, so the designer utilized the space beneath the living room beam to install deep open shelving, cleverly accommodating a piano and books. Additionally, since the homeowner enjoys sitting by the window to enjoy the view and read, a window-side lounge seat with integrated storage was designed, creating a framed view of the scenery.

The TV wall uses a gray cement tone to create a deep visual effect, with an inset slab of natural wood as the TV countertop, highlighting the natural ambiance of the Japanese-style space.

The hallway displays the homeowner's collection of Japanese hand-painted vintage calendars from thirty years ago, a significant element chosen by both the designer and homeowner. This adds an art-gallery-like aesthetic to the hallway.

Unlike other projects, in this case, the living and dining area and the Japanese-style room are both public spaces but are not adjacent. To subtly guide the path from the main public area to the Japanese-style room, the designer extended wood veneer across the hallway ceiling.

This project uses wood textures to create a natural feel, with multiple plants adding vitality to the space. The combination of modern design techniques with Japanese elements offers a design approach worth referencing in the future.