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Silver Winner of the Design Skill Awards 2025

Urban Quietude

Architecture

Best Residential Architecture

Concept / Professional

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Architect / Designer:

Shang Ming Jerry Tseng

Studio:

smt design

Design Team:

Shang Ming Jerry Tseng

Country:

Taiwan

This architectural project is thoughtfully situated in a vibrant locale where urban functionality gracefully intertwines with the beauty of natural landscapes. It offers the distinct advantage of being ā€œclose to the bustle yet not far from nature,ā€ creating a unique living experience. At the heart of this design lies the concept of ā€œcontextual integration,ā€ which skillfully transforms the abundant native greenery surrounding the site into an architectural language. In doing so, it elevates the natural scenery, making it an essential part of the overall composition. By focusing on three critical elements—rhythm, proportion, and material texture—the design not only introduces the purity of nature into the urban fabric but also highlights the unique character of this community within the neighborhood.

The development of a large-scale site presents a unique challenge that involves skillfully balancing the intimate feel of human scale with the broader dynamics of urban scale. To address this, the design embraces a thoughtfully crafted courtyard layout that fosters a welcoming sense of enclosure and community. Simultaneously, it incorporates visual corridors and green axes, which enhance natural lighting, improve ventilation, and provide stunning scenic views. This innovative concept revitalizes the essence of traditional courtyards, merging it seamlessly with contemporary architectural language. In doing so, it establishes a meaningful dialogue between the imagery of Eastern settlements and the sleek forms of modern high-rises.

The foyer design draws rich inspiration from the Aman Tokyo hotel, skillfully prioritizing tranquility over mere opulence. It achieves this serene ambiance through a harmonious interplay of layered light and shadow, alongside a captivating array of textural contrasts. Furthermore, the designer emphasizes spatial flexibility, which not only enhances the residence’s long-term value but also fosters a sense of refuge for residents. Upon entering, one will be enveloped in a soothing environment that feels akin to arriving at a peaceful harbor.

The external facade design draws inspiration from successful vertical segmentation techniques seen in prominent international residential projects. This strategic simplification of the towers’ mass effectively diminishes their imposing presence, allowing them to blend harmoniously into the skyline. Featuring clean lines, natural stone, and warm-toned metals, the facade artfully interacts with light and shadow, creating a visually striking and layered effect. At the street level, the emphasis shifts toward transparency and connectivity. With inviting transparent facades and lush greenery, the design cultivates a pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages positive interactions between the development and its surrounding neighborhoods. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a vibrant community atmosphere.

smt design

The Design Director of smt design, Shang Ming Jerry Tseng, holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Technology Sydney in Australia. He also completed his postgraduate study in Sydney, Australia, and earned his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Sydney. Mr. Tseng has taken charge of various international architectural and interior design projects and he used to work as a lecturer at Ultimo TAFE College, the largest vocational education and training provider in Australia, grooming its students to be job-ready through hands-on learning.

After completing his overseas study and gaining many years of working experiences in the field of architectural and interior design, Mr. Tseng came back to his home country, Taiwan, and started his own design studio, smt design. Honorably, Mr. Tseng used to serve as the member of the Judging and Counseling Committee of the Green Building of Taoyuan City Government in Taiwan.