Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Quiet Contemplation Residential
by Fabio Su
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Zendo Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 13,548
- Verification code 8AD2955C11 · Verify this award
About Quiet Contemplation Residential
Guided by Wabi Sabi aesthetics, this living environment traces back to nature and humanities, takes leisure and comfort as the main design axis, abandons complicated decorative elements, and highlights the owner's pursuit of natural and simple life. Slowing down the pace of the city allows residents to find a moment of tranquility in the daily busyness. The true essence embodies the exquisite charm of Wabi Sabi
Quiet Contemplation Residential by Fabio Su exemplifies the evolving discourse within contemporary residential design that seeks to reconcile modernist spatial openness with the psychological need for atmospheric warmth and sensory softness, positioning this achievement within the broader trajectory of what design scholars have termed warm minimalism or soft modernism, movements that emerged in response to the perceived austerity of mid-century minimalist interiors and the cold anonymity of some high-modernist domestic spaces, here the designer demonstrates sophisticated command of spatial composition through the careful calibration of overlapping functional zones that maintain visual connectivity while subtly delineating territories for distinct activities, the open-plan configuration revealing its conceptual debt to the free plan principles articulated in early twentieth-century modernism yet tempered by a twenty-first-century sensitivity to comfort, intimacy, and the phenomenological experience of inhabiting space, the lighting design represents perhaps the project's most significant formal achievement, with the sculptural ceiling recesses and perimeter cove illumination creating an ethereal luminosity that dissolves the boundaries between architecture and atmosphere, this approach suggesting familiarity with theories of light as material and the perceptual investigations of light and space artists, though deployed here in service of domestic tranquility rather than aesthetic provocation, the material palette demonstrates considerable chromatic sophistication, restricting itself to a refined spectrum of warm neutrals that create visual coherence while allowing subtle variations in tone and texture to register with particular clarity, natural wood flooring provides grounding warmth while the matte black accents introduce necessary visual weight preventing the composition from dissolving into undifferentiated lightness, the freestanding white volume functions as both practical room divider and sculptural element, its clean geometry and pristine surface treatment exemplifying the designer's commitment to form clarity within an overall atmosphere of softness, organic decorative elements including botanical specimens and natural objects introduce biophilic content that connects the hermetic interior environment to the living world beyond, their irregular forms and earthy tones providing essential counterpoint to the architectural geometry, the spatial experience suggested by this environment seems to invite slow movement, contemplative pause, and mindful attention to the qualities of light, material, and proportion that structure everyday domestic life, one might observe how the design negotiates the perennial tension in residential architecture between the desire for visual openness and the equally fundamental need for psychological enclosure and protection, the gentle gradations of light and the careful modulation of spatial zones suggesting that the designer has found a sophisticated resolution to this essential dialectic, viewers encountering this space might consider how contemporary domestic environments can honor both aesthetic refinement and the complex emotional and practical needs of daily inhabitation, perhaps contemplating how light, material, proportion, and spatial flow contribute to the elusive quality of home as sanctuary, refuge, and backdrop for the intimate rituals of private life.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- In terms of technique, we pursue the design vocabulary of natural and pure texture, avoid excessive tedious processing, and do not use decorative materials. We interpret subtractive design to create a natural and original space appearance. The ceiling is designed with a patio to bring light into the room, adding interest and There is no sense of monotony, and combined with the lighting situation control system, it presents a variety of situational atmospheres. Under the enlarged spatial scale, it also depicts the natural beauty of sunlight shining indoors, allowing residents to experience a pure and comfortable living environment and enjoy the interplay of light and shadow. The quiet beauty
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 1 floor, living room, Dinning room, Brother's room, Bedrooms, indoor area 37 Ping
- Tags
- wabi-sabi style, Taiwan, residential, Taichung, art paint,mineral paint, whole house intelligent control system.
- Production Technology
- Artistic Coating, mineral paint, solid wood grille, RGB situational lighting control system, KD environmentally friendly PP board, clear glass, gray glass, melamine board, thin board, stone, whole house intelligent control system, rattan, solid wood flooring
- Design Challenge
- By grasping the spatial scale and applying the wabi-sabi style, communication with the owners is a very important link in the overall planning process. From needs and material selection to circulation planning and lighting considerations, the design team uses its professional knowledge to provide the owner with the most suitable design plan, and then carries out engineering construction according to the various designs on the drawing, mastering each division of labor and process, and finally Presenting the most ideal and unique living residence
- Project Duration
- The project was designed to begin in January 2023 and be completed in Taichung City, Taiwan, in November 2023
- Operation Flow
- In terms of the use of materials, mineral paint is mainly used to lay out the overall space, and then stone, rattan, log dining tables, and solid wood floors are used to enhance the warm and simple charm of the space. Then, linear lights are used to increase lighting, guide the movement, and also shape the space. Create a unique atmosphere of the space
- Research
- At the beginning of the design, the owner pointed out that this space is to be relaxed and comfortable. In view of this, the design is based on style, while using ingenuity to solve problems such as insufficient floor height and pipeline configuration, and through natural Irregular arc lines are embellished among them, creating a comfortable and natural space atmosphere like a cave
- Inspiration
- Looking back on nature and humanity, the living environment oriented to leisure and comfort, abandoning too many decorative elements, and using the wabi-sabi style advocated by the owner to describe the simple and natural living atmosphere. In the delicate vocabulary, the simple outline of pure freehand is outlined, slowing down the compact pace in the city, allowing people to taste the quiet time between light and shadow, and enjoy the inner peace of mind
- Image Credits
- Image#1:Photographer A Hua Liu, zendo, 2023
Image#2:Photographer A Hua Liu, zendo, 2023
Image#3:Photographer A Hua Liu, zendo, 2023
Image#4:Photographer A Hua Liu, zendo, 2023
Image#5:Photographer A Hua Liu, zendo, 2023
Colors of Quiet Contemplation Residential
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We blend Eastern and Western aesthetics to create sustainable, nature-inspired interiors that bring tranquility and comfort to your space. Our eco-conscious approach transforms both residential and commercial environments into harmonious sanctuaries.
G0E23 ShopDesign Interview about Quiet Contemplation Residential
Looking back on nature and humanity, the living environment oriented to leisure and comfort, abandoning too many decorative elements, and using the wabi-sabi style advocated by the owner to describe the simple and natural living atmosphere. In the delicate vocabulary, the simple outline of pure freehand is outlined, slowing down the compact pace in the city, allowing people to taste the quiet time between light and shadow, and enjoy the inner peace of mind
The design of this project centers on a return to nature and simplicity, with the goal of creating a living environment that feels relaxing, pure, and serene. In response to the homeowner’s appreciation for the wabi-sabi aesthetic, the design intentionally avoids excessive decoration. Instead, it embraces a minimalist language and natural materials to evoke a quiet, unrefined beauty. The use of a skylight to draw in natural light, combined with adjustable lighting scenarios, enriches the atmosphere and allows residents to experience the passage of time through shifting light and shadow.
Particular attention was given to spatial scale, circulation, and material composition. Elements like mineral paint, natural wood, stone, and rattan were carefully selected to create a warm and organic feel. Linear lighting both illuminates and guides movement through the space. Structural challenges such as limited ceiling height and piping layout were addressed with irregular curved forms that soften the space and enhance comfort. The ultimate aim was to deliver a home that serves as a calm retreat—one that connects its inhabitants to nature and inner peace.
Particular attention was given to spatial scale, circulation, and material composition. Elements like mineral paint, natural wood, stone, and rattan were carefully selected to create a warm and organic feel. Linear lighting both illuminates and guides movement through the space. Structural challenges such as limited ceiling height and piping layout were addressed with irregular curved forms that soften the space and enhance comfort. The ultimate aim was to deliver a home that serves as a calm retreat—one that connects its inhabitants to nature and inner peace.
Because of winning this award, I will be better able to use my own knowledge to come back to social, and pass my experience on people who endeavor in the field of design.
The project was designed to begin in January 2023 and be completed in Taichung City, Taiwan, in November 2023
I like the opus with streak and combines with local culture.
My design is not used by another company, I intent to produce my work by myself.
I think when you meet the client who is trust in you 100%. It’s the time you should display your design ability. This is the reason pushing me to create this opus.
Carlos Páez Vilaro from Paraguay is the one who influence me the most. As an artist and designer, he perfectly makes aesthetics in harmony with nature. This is also my goal.
The design is a Residential House.
What sets this design apart from other similar concepts is its authentic interpretation of wabi-sabi—not as a trend or surface aesthetic, but as a deep expression of a lifestyle philosophy rooted in simplicity, imperfection, and nature.
Instead of decorative finishes or ornate elements, we focused on natural materials such as mineral paint, solid wood, rattan, and stone to evoke texture and warmth. The design avoids symmetry and artificial precision, instead embracing organic curves and irregular lines that create a space resembling a quiet, cave-like retreat. A skylight and linear lighting guide both natural illumination and movement, allowing users to experience the subtle rhythm of time through light and shadow.
This approach transforms the space into more than a home—it becomes a sanctuary of stillness, a sensory experience where natural textures, minimal interventions, and thoughtful spatial flow harmonize into a unique and meditative environment.
Instead of decorative finishes or ornate elements, we focused on natural materials such as mineral paint, solid wood, rattan, and stone to evoke texture and warmth. The design avoids symmetry and artificial precision, instead embracing organic curves and irregular lines that create a space resembling a quiet, cave-like retreat. A skylight and linear lighting guide both natural illumination and movement, allowing users to experience the subtle rhythm of time through light and shadow.
This approach transforms the space into more than a home—it becomes a sanctuary of stillness, a sensory experience where natural textures, minimal interventions, and thoughtful spatial flow harmonize into a unique and meditative environment.
The name of this project was inspired by a profound appreciation for stillness, purity, and the traces of time. Drawing from the philosophy of wabi-sabi, we sought to express the essence of the space using a minimal yet evocative title—one that reflects not only the cave-like, inward quality of the architecture, but also the contemplative mindset it invites in its inhabitants.
The name goes beyond describing a style; it encapsulates a value system rooted in slowness, silence, and intentional simplicity. We envisioned a title that allows people to sense the atmosphere even before entering the space—a quiet meeting point of nature and time that resonates with the yearning for a slower, more mindful way of living.
The name goes beyond describing a style; it encapsulates a value system rooted in slowness, silence, and intentional simplicity. We envisioned a title that allows people to sense the atmosphere even before entering the space—a quiet meeting point of nature and time that resonates with the yearning for a slower, more mindful way of living.
Artistic Coating, mineral paint, solid wood grille, RGB situational lighting control system, KD environmentally friendly PP board, clear glass, gray glass, melamine board, thin board, stone, whole house intelligent control system, rattan, solid wood flooring
In terms of technique, we pursue the design vocabulary of natural and pure texture, avoid excessive tedious processing, and do not use decorative materials. We interpret subtractive design to create a natural and original space appearance. The ceiling is designed with a patio to bring light into the room, adding interest and There is no sense of monotony, and combined with the lighting situation control system, it presents a variety of situational atmospheres. Under the enlarged spatial scale, it also depicts the natural beauty of sunlight shining indoors, allowing residents to experience a pure and comfortable living environment and enjoy the interplay of light and shadow. The quiet beauty
Without doubt, I collaborate with people with specialized skills, this is one of important part in complete this design.
By furnishing in deign. It makes outdoor environment be viewing and creates a relaxed place even in the corner. Using the glass material to separate living and sleeping area not only extend the vision but keep the privacy. It also possess a great sleeping quality without interference with the theme of neutral tonality. The special points for this opus are cabinets designed by containing exhibit and storage ability which can exhibit the collectable. Thoughtful design for collection room can be used to storage and exhibit.
At the beginning of the design, the owner pointed out that this space is to be relaxed and comfortable. In view of this, the design is based on style, while using ingenuity to solve problems such as insufficient floor height and pipeline configuration, and through natural Irregular arc lines are embellished among them, creating a comfortable and natural space atmosphere like a cave
By grasping the spatial scale and applying the wabi-sabi style, communication with the owners is a very important link in the overall planning process. From needs and material selection to circulation planning and lighting considerations, the design team uses its professional knowledge to provide the owner with the most suitable design plan, and then carries out engineering construction according to the various designs on the drawing, mastering each division of labor and process, and finally Presenting the most ideal and unique living residence
By submitting my design to an international design competition, I want to enhance my abilities, and to push my design to the international.
Keep taking challenges and never restrict yourself. The most important is having enthusiasm.
A great designer has heavy duties of society and environment. An excellent technique can treat nature well and a great idea is the best social education.
Grand Interview about Quiet Contemplation Residential
When we started designing the " Quiet Contemplation House", our primary goal was to create a living space that allows people to slow down and return to the essence. The natural, quiet and imperfect beauty contained in the Wabi-Sabi aesthetics deeply echoes the owner's attitude towards life and becomes the core of the design. We abandoned excessive decoration and complicated lines and instead used natural materials such as mineral paint, stone, rattan, and logs to construct the spatial vocabulary, emphasizing the texture and temperature of the material itself, and conveying a subtle and pure beauty.In the process of cultural integration, we not only respect the spirit of wabi-sabi, but also integrate the functions and comfort required by modern life. For example, natural light is introduced through the patio design, and then combined with the lighting situation control system to create a static and dynamic atmosphere; the design of the line light has the function of guiding the movement line and lighting up the space. The stacking of these details allows the house to retain the tranquility and simplicity of wabi-sabi, and also meets the expectations of modern residents for comfort and practicality. In addition, the irregular curved lines in the space simulate the image of the cave, strengthen the feeling of nature and shelter, and make the house a place where the inside and outside are unified and the body and mind are settled. Such cultural integration is not only an expression of style, but also a practice of a life attitude - returning to reality and embracing the present.
In the design of the " Quiet Contemplation House", light and shadow are the key media for us to interpret the spirit of wabi-sabi. Inspiration comes from nature itself - we observe how sunlight passes through the woods and leaves shadows on the mountain walls and stone surfaces. Those undecorated but poetic changes in light and shadow make us realize that light is not only a tool for lighting, but also a soul that shapes the mood of space.Therefore, we deliberately introduced the patio design to make natural light a part of the space rather than an additional element. The sunlight falls from the ceiling of the terrace and wanders between the walls and the floor over time, bringing a sense of rhythm and vitality, and also creating a sense of time and space that can be quietly observed. This flow of light and shadow not only responds to the owner's original desire for a slow life and inner peace, but also echoes the praise of "traces of time" in wabi-sabi.We also use the lighting situation system and line light configuration to continue the light and shadow pulsation of the day at night, so that every moment has a different spatial expression. Light is no longer just an auxiliary, but the protagonist who guides emotions, allowing people to feel tranquility, thinking and self-dialogue between light and shadow, thus achieving a truly quiet living experience. This is exactly the design spirit we want to convey.
My study experience in Argentina gave me a deeper understanding of the narrative and emotional level of space. South American architecture emphasizes freedom and coexistence with nature, and often uses open structures, light and air flow to convey vitality. This design vocabulary has deeply influenced my grasp of spatial scale and rhythm in the future, and also opened up my interest in the dialogue between different cultural aesthetics.In the "Quiet House", I tried to combine the tranquility and restraint of the Eastern Wabi-Sabi aesthetics with the Western concept of emphasizing spatial tension and field transformation. For example, in the Eastern context, we emphasize blank space, simplicity and the real texture of materials; and from Western architecture, I learned to use light, movement lines and spatial levels to make the space more visually and perceptually deeper.This cross-cultural integration is not a superficial collage, but a search for a common spirituality from the essence - the pursuit of truth, freedom and concern for human life. During the design process, I constantly sought a balance between "stillness" and "movement", "virtuality" and "reality", so that the space retains the calmness and restraint of the East, and also has the modernity of the West's flexible use of space, thereby shaping a residence that can truly communicate with people's hearts.
In the " Quiet Contemplation House", we are committed to creating a living space where people can slow down and calm their minds. The introduction of the RGB situational lighting control system is one of the key designs that integrates modern technology with spatial emotions. Unlike traditional lighting that only provides brightness and darkness, we use the RGB lighting system that can adjust the color temperature and color to create a diverse and delicate spatial atmosphere according to the rhythm of day and night and the emotions of the residents.Such technology integration is not only an aesthetic tool, but also a guide to psychological rhythm. Soft warm light can help relax emotions and is suitable for reading, meditation or contemplation; while cool blue light is suitable for daytime work and awake time. Through the preset situation mode, residents can quickly switch the light source state according to the living situation, further achieving the life experience of "light changes with the heart".More importantly, this system does not conflict with the "wabi-sabi aesthetics" we emphasize.On the contrary, it becomes an invisible vocabulary of light, making natural light and artificial light complement each other, flowing quietly between walls, furniture and material textures, and strengthening the tranquility, simplicity and purity of the space. This operation method of drawing out emotions from technology is one of our practices to interpret the modern wabi-sabi spirit.
In the design of " Quiet Contemplation House", we always face a core challenge: how to integrate modern intelligent technology into the framework of "nature, imperfection and tranquility" emphasized by Wabi-Sabi aesthetics without destroying the harmony and purity of the overall space. To this end, we adopted the strategy of "invisible technology" and made the intelligent control system the core of the behind-the-scenes operation rather than the visual protagonist.All smart devices—including lighting situation control, heating and cooling air conditioning systems, curtain opening and closing, and voice control modules—are cleverly integrated into the building structure and furniture, keeping the walls and sights clean and tidy, and preventing the sense of technology from interfering with the tranquil atmosphere of the space. At the same time, we chose a very simple interface design to make the operation more intuitive and neat, and to integrate it into daily life without excessive learning.Wabi-sabi emphasizes "unnoticeable natural feeling", so we are also very particular about the combination of materials and light, so that technology and the environment can have a dialogue rather than conflict. For example, the collaboration between smart lighting and natural light from the patio not only improves comfort, but also interprets the breathing rhythm of the space over time.Such a design process is an art of balance - while retaining the spiritual core, modern functions are cleverly introduced to allow technology to truly serve life rather than dominate space, thereby realizing the modern wabi-sabi life ideal.
In the design of " Quiet Contemplation House ", we regard materials as the starting point of spatial language, which not only affects the visual presentation, but also touches people's senses and emotions more deeply. Our material selection logic comes from the in-depth thinking of "natural sensitivity" and "wabi-sabi spirit". Wabi-sabi aesthetics emphasizes the imperfect reality and the traces of time, so in the selection of materials, we tend to have natural textures, warm touch and materials that change over time.Mineral paint has a matte, fine and rough texture, which can create subtle changes in light and shadow on the wall, conveying a quiet and primitive atmosphere; stone retains natural texture and color difference, showing traces of time and natural carving, adding thickness and stability to the space; rattan and logs bring visual and tactile warmth, while being breathable and rustic, making the space more lifelike.These materials may seem undecorated, but in fact they form a highly coordinated dialogue through color temperature, texture density and scale. We also pay special attention to the interaction between light and materials at different times, so that the space can show natural rhythm and changes over time. Such sensory harmony is not only based on visual beauty, but also a design experience that is synchronized with the rhythm of life and can be touched and felt.
The original intention of the design of " Quiet Contemplation House " is to create a place for residents to slow down and return to their inner selves in the bustling city. In order to achieve such a rhythm of life, we started with the movement line and space layout to reconstruct the relationship between space and people.First, in the planning of movement lines, we adopted the strategy of "slow guidance", abandoning the linear fast-pass design and replacing it with soft curves, turns and blank spaces, so that people can naturally slow down their pace while moving and stay at various transition nodes. These transition spaces are not only movement line connections, but also nodes of emotional transformation, allowing people to have a moment of precipitation in their daily lives.Secondly, in terms of spatial layout, we emphasize "open but not empty, separated but not continuous", using low furniture, transparent materials or half-height partitions to separate functions and situations, maintain a sense of visual penetration, while retaining privacy and layers, so that the space still has a sense of rhythm in the flow. This gentle and orderly spatial rhythm creates a psychological "relaxation".With natural materials, soft light and shadow and minimalist colors, the overall space is no longer driven by function, but guides residents back to the rhythm of feeling, breathing and meditation, gradually diluting the compactness and oppression of urban life, and then constructing a daily life state with more depth and rhythm.
In the " Quiet Contemplation House ", the introduction of arc vocabulary is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a spatial solution developed to address technical limitations. Due to the problem of insufficient floor height in the original building conditions, if traditional horizontal or right-angle lines are used, the space will easily appear oppressive and heavy, affecting the living comfort and visual extension. Therefore, we turned to use "arc transition" to redefine the high and low rhythm of the space.The soft connection between the curved ceiling and the wall not only effectively "hides" the beams and equipment pipelines, but also creates a sense of continuity and envelopment when the line of sight flows in the space, further weakening the visual pressure caused by the height limit. This kind of curve language also echoes the spirit of "natural, imperfect, and seamless transformation" in the wabi-sabi philosophy, shaping a stable, soft, and quiet space atmosphere like a cave.In addition, these curves also show subtle light and dark gradients under the projection of light, giving the space a soft shadow and depth, adding a sensory layer. Through this approach, we not only solved the technical limitations of the structure, but also continued the overall design vocabulary, achieving a high degree of integration of form and function, making the space both reasonable, comfortable, and poetic.
The A' Design Award for Quiet Contemplation Residential is not only a recognition of the design quality of this project, but also a positive response to the future direction of residential development. This project proves that even in the contemporary highly technological living environment, it is still possible to achieve a balance between technology and nature, function and sensibility through restrained and introverted design language.We take the wabi-sabi aesthetic as the foundation, and combine it with modern facilities such as smart lighting and whole-house control systems, but do not let technology take over the show, but let it hide in the space and quietly serve life. This design strategy has important implications for future residential design - technological progress does not have to be equivalent to coldness or complexity, but should respond to human nature and emotional needs, and enhance the warmth and depth of space.I believe this case will encourage more designers to break away from the traditional style framework and think about how to construct a more rhythmic and spiritual residential space through material selection, light processing and intelligent system integration. It shows us that a truly profound design is not about stacking technology or form, but about finding a harmonious state of quiet symbiosis between people and space, technology and nature. This will be an important direction for future residential design.
Transforming the abstract philosophical concept of "inner peace" into concrete architectural elements is one of the most challenging tasks in the design of "Quiet House". Starting from the core spirit of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics, we emphasize simplicity, nature and traces of time to create a spatial atmosphere that can resonate with the soul.First, we abandon unnecessary decorations and focus on the texture and texture of the material itself. We use natural materials such as mineral paint, stone, and logs. These materials have warm and imperfect textures, symbolizing the reality and changes of life, so that residents can feel a natural sense of relief and settlement.Secondly, the layout and movement line design of the space deliberately guide the slow pace, through the soft arc structure and blank space, to create a sense of coverage and visual extension, so that people can relax and settle in the space. The use of light is even more critical. We use the natural light of the patio and the adjustable lighting system to create the rhythm of light and shadow flow, symbolizing the passage of time and the tranquility of the moment.Most importantly, we communicated deeply with the owners during the design process to understand their inner feelings and life needs for "peace", so that the space is not only a visual enjoyment, but also an emotional and spiritual sustenance. This design concept allows "inner peace" to be concretely presented in the building through every detail and atmosphere.