An Eastern Realm

With “low-carbon circular design” as the core, this abode aligns with the global architectural trend toward net-zero carbon emissions. By renovating an old residence instead of demolishing and rebuilding, the design breathes new life into the building and significantly reduces carbon output. Embracing circular principles, the home adopts spatial strategies that prioritize “minimal resource consumption and optimal efficiency.” Aesthetically, the design draws inspiration from the Eastern Zen philosophy that celebrates “simplicity, tranquility, and the beauty of emptiness” to echo the homeowner’s calm and composed way of life.

By reorganizing the layout, the design meets the needs of a family of three. An open floor plan connects the living room, dining area, and tea room, where the warm wood tone sets a calming backdrop. Within this cohesive palette, bold gray marble is introduced as a focal point, adding contrast and depth. Facing the tea room’s floor-to-ceiling window, the dining room captures a view of lush greenery, bringing nature into the space. A display wall unfolds horizontally with solid wood shelves, interspersed with vertically arranged bamboo elements and set against a stone-textured wall, evoking the tranquil ambiance of a bamboo forest.

The floor in the tea room is gently elevated to define the zone, with wooden partitions and perforated metal screens creating a boundary between stillness and movement. The living room and tea room remain separated yet visually connected, preserving spatial continuity while allowing each space to retain its distinct character.

The entryway delivers the first impression of the home, setting expectations for what lies beyond. The use of the “circle,” a symbol of Zen, evokes harmony. An amber-hued glass plate and curved stone inlays on the floor ooze a sense of tranquility and invite the residents into moments of reflection. The round glass plate, with patterns resembling ripples spreading across still water, is set against a wooden backdrop, evoking a quiet moment of introspection. The stone floor with its arcing patterns symbolizes the harmony of movement and stillness and echoes the Buddhist philosophy — everyday life is indeed considered a form of practice.