Cloister Residence

Cloister Residence

Cloister Residence is an innovative residential interior design project completed in 2021 in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, that masterfully transforms a 149-square-meter living space through sophisticated architectural elements and thoughtful spatial planning. The design, created by Te-Chih Lo and Jia-Ru Chen, draws inspiration from traditional cloisters, incorporating horizontal lattice designs and translucent elements to create a harmonious living environment for three generations. The project's distinctive features include an ingenious use of reflective surfaces, particularly mirrors and glass panels, which create an illusion of expanded space and enhanced ceiling height. The centerpiece of the design is a marble TV wall that effectively divides the common area while maintaining an open-floor concept, complemented by strategic placement of glass panels that facilitate visual connectivity between family members. The designers employed eco-friendly materials, including CNS F1 label veneers with low formaldehyde emissions, and preserved original wooden and marble flooring to minimize environmental impact. The space is characterized by its sophisticated interplay of natural light, achieved through transparent and translucent design techniques that create ever-changing effects throughout the day. The project, which won a Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category in 2022, demonstrates exceptional expertise in solving spatial challenges through innovative design solutions, particularly in its treatment of ceiling height constraints using darker wooden materials and black coatings to create visual depth without overwhelming the space.

residential design, interior architecture, spatial planning, reflective surfaces, sustainable materials, modern living

— Adam Dawson