We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Fabio Su about their original and creative Residential design work. Fabio Su is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original residential works.
Fabio Su ("FS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Quiet Contemplation Residential. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
FS : 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
FS : 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.
FS : 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.
FS : The project was designed to begin in January 2023 and be completed in Taichung City, Taiwan, in November 2023
FS : I like the opus with streak and combines with local culture.
FS : My design is not used by another company, I intent to produce my work by myself.
FS : 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.
FS : 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.
FS : The design is a Residential House.
FS : 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.
FS : 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.
FS : 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
FS : 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
FS : Without doubt, I collaborate with people with specialized skills, this is one of important part in complete this design.
FS : 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.
FS : 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
FS : 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
FS : By submitting my design to an international design competition, I want to enhance my abilities, and to push my design to the international.
FS : Keep taking challenges and never restrict yourself. The most important is having enthusiasm.
FS : 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.
