Forest Landscape Scroll
Home is not just a physical space, but an extension of one's mindset, crafted to resonate with one's ideal life. Tucked away in the ecological landscape of Baoshan in Hsinchu, this residence, embraced by its natural surroundings, embodies the homeowner's aspiration for a peaceful life. This marks the third architectural endeavor that designer Abraham Lee has undertaken for this client. Forged over 16 years of collaboration, their profound connection is evident in Lee's design, which meticulously reflects the homeowner's intrinsic needs. Every aspect of the space, from the leisurely flow of movement to the comfortable resting areas, and even the way the soft sunlight inadvertently fills the interior, is thoughtfully transformed to mirror the homeowner's considerate nature and their dedication to a life of aesthetic appreciation.
Should a home stand out amidst the lush, rolling hills, or should it be a subtle vessel that merges seamlessly with nature? This residence, in its respectful embrace of nature, becomes a tender testament to coexistence with the forest. Situated on the hillside, the building incorporates minerals to create a deep, dark concrete, humbly using the surrounding greenery as its primary canvas, subtly blending into the woodland, creating a serene and harmonious tableau. Abraham Lee, with meticulous care, centers the design on the concept of 'freedom', interlacing natural elements and fluid spaces that truly encapsulate the spirit of the dwelling.
As if embarking on a refined sensory journey, the experience unfolds in a recessed space, guiding thoughts and sensations to slowly peel away the external noise, returning the senses to a state of natural tranquility. The entry into the home begins with a bridge connected to the ground floor, bordered by breathtaking cliffside views and the homeowner's prized art collection, paving the way for a tranquil, gallery-like ambiance with each step. The design utilizes floor-to-ceiling windows to capture the incoming light and verdure, creating an open environment where nature serves as a grand canvas. Each corner turned and each step taken reveals dynamic, seasonally shifting vistas, offering a living landscape in which people immerse themselves.
Transitioning from the luminous reception area on the ground floor to the lower level, the staircase seamlessly defines the public and private realms. The dark hues of the ceiling, floor, and walls accentuate the gentle natural light, infusing the living room with a tranquil ambiance. Throughout the space, the homeowner's distinct taste in decor and art collection is prominently displayed. The open kitchen design subtly reveals the couple's penchant for hospitality, while a tranquil nook near the private areas becomes a cherished pre-sleep ritual. Descending to the lower level, the staircase distinctly allocates two bedrooms at opposite ends, preserving their privacy. The living area's TV stand surface and the washstand near the bathhouse creatively feature serpentinite, reinterpreting its texture. A genuine Japanese-style room, recalling the couple's memories of their time in Japan, is accented with a zelkova wood , repurposed by Abraham Lee from a previous collaboration with the homeowner, serving as the room's edge. The softly diffused light through the shoji doors and washi paper, along with the adjustable snow-viewing shoji, subtly blurs the line with the backyard, embodying the intricate aesthetic of connecting with nature inherent in Japanese culture. The room's natural textures, the warmth of the wood, and the reflection of the outdoor landscape create an unending rustic charm. Flowing through this space is the liberty of the mind, a resonant echo of the harmonious interplay between creativity and the natural surroundings.
