Project name: Tempered Legacy
Interior design: STUDIO/ WU INTERIOR
Designer: Daniel Wu
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Photo: Hey! Cheese
Area: 145m2
Project description from design firms
Yung Yu Steel & Iron Co., LTD. – “Yung” symbolizes eternity, and “Yu” represents generosity. The spirit of generosity, coupled with steadfast service, embodies the brand essence of a company that has been locally operated for longer than half a century.
This project centers on a local Taiwanese enterprise founded in the 1960s, which initially specialized in the sale of steel frame materials. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to encompass various building engineering technologies, including architectural structural construction. With over 60 years of local service, the company is undergoing a transition to a third generation. Our design theme draws inspiration from the deep-rooted local commitment of the enterprise, incorporating both traditional and modern elements. Like steel, tempered through rigorous processes, the aim is to blend these elements to forge into the next century.
Because the original spatial layout no longer meets the requirements of modern office needs, and the cluttered environment creates a sense of spatial oppression, we rearranged the layout. We placed the employee work area at the center of the space and installed discussion islands to facilitate efficient work and communication among employees. The meeting rooms are positioned by the windows where natural light is most abundant. This allows for a clear separation between public and private areas. Additionally, we have abandoned the traditional overly high partitions and excessive cubicles of the past, addressing the issue of narrowness of the original space and enhancing the overall sense of openness and visibility.
In the choice of materials, we are emphasizing the austere temperament of a steel & iron company by incorporating an abundance of neutral tones such as iron components, stainless steel, stone, and marble-patterned flooring. Alongside, we integrate warm wooden materials to complement the company’s blend of strength and flexibility.
In the overall renovation of the space, we intentionally preserve traces of the era. For example, we maintain the contrast between the staircase vestibule and the hallway. This serves as an acknowledgment of the intertwining and merging of time and space. We also refurbished the existing clock-in/out board by repainting it to extend and preserve the footprints of work completed in the past. These details showcase the company’s respect and appreciation for its history.
