Iron Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2022
Clinic Zen Residential and Commercial
by Fabio Su
- A' Design Award 2022 Iron Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Zendo Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 20,102
- Verification code D611C95E2D · Verify this award
About Clinic Zen Residential and Commercial
In order to present the professional image of the dentist's clinic, the designer used clean lines to present its rationality and professional. And the internal space in addition to connecting the architectural appearance style, improve the brightness so that its clinic can present a clean, bright professional environment, but also the use of the way to bring the outdoor landscape into the room, which provides patients with a comfortable environment. Besides, wood textures and refreshing tones were used in the residential area to create a comfortable home feel.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This design not only focuses on practicality, but also through spatial planning and design, field style positioning and professional characteristics of the integration, surrounding a harmonious field environment. Compared with the general simple clinic space, this time in addition to commercial, more housing space needs, so how to improve the use of the building itself indoor and outdoor space, in the simple line shaped as a physician's professional and calm, and then gain the trust of patients become the ultimate goal of the study of this case.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The space is 5 floors, base area plus indoor area of 199.4 Ping. In addition to providing the clinic space required for the consultation planning, but also have the need for adequate living space.
- Tags
- clinic, residential, dentist, Taiwan, Local
- Production Technology
- Logs, Granite skins, Arctic gray stone, Fir, H-type steel, Steel plate paint, Cola stone, Stainless steel grille, Gray glass, Wood flooring, Glass, paint, Laminate, Fair-faced concrete, Aluminum screen, Smart door lock, Electric curtains
- Design Challenge
- This case is located in the urban alley , the base is adjacent to the old buildings, in the construction of how not to affect the existing buildings, the biggest challenge in this case.
And in the interior because it is a space shared by a clinic and a residence, in today's COVID-19 severe outbreak, the public and private areas of the separation . - Project Duration
- The project was designed to begin in November 2017 and be completed in Chiayi City, Taiwan, in April 2021.
- Operation Flow
- Present and run through the building in a minimalist manner, with clean lines and windows echoing the professionalism and calmness of being a physician. The residential area makes use of warm colors to make the home environment more warm.
- Research
- The building indoor and outdoor space, with simple lines to present as a physician's professional and calm, and thus obtain the trust of patients for the purpose of this case research, so that its works in line with the needs of the clinic.
- Inspiration
- The case is located in Chiayi city, for the home and the work of a single building, the exterior part of the simple but not gorgeous lines outlined, and surrounded by verdant green, shaped buildings like a square box placed in the community, simple lines make people feel happy, while helping to reduce the tension of patients when seeing a doctor. The through-through window links the greenness outside the window, giving patients and residents a quiet and comfortable and elegant space.
- Image Credits
- Image#1:Photographer Jian Ren-Yi, zendo, 2021.
Image#2:Photographer Jian Ren-Yi, zendo, 2021.
Image#3:Photographer Jian Ren-Yi, zendo, 2021.
Image#4:Photographer Jian Ren-Yi, zendo, 2021.
Image#5:Photographer Jian Ren-Yi, zendo, 2021.
Colors of Clinic Zen Residential and Commercial
Design Interview about Clinic Zen Residential and Commercial
This case is located in Chiayi city, for the residential building, as if the simple square box placed in the community. The exterior of the building is presented with simple, but not complex lines, and a large amount of green space in the courtyard is deliberately preserved in order to allow patients to enjoy greenery at the time of the visit, thereby reducing the tension caused by the visit. In the home section, the Nordic fresh and simple lines are incorporated, giving the physician a comfortable and elegant space to rest.
The building indoor and outdoor space, with simple lines to present as a physician's professional and calm, and thus obtain the trust of patients for the purpose of this case research, so that its works in line with the needs of the clinic.
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 November 2017 and be completed in Chiayi City, Taiwan, in April 2021.
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.
We use a large number of Lo-e glass to beautify the appearance and have the effect of environment protection. This case is a perfect combination of aesthetics and environment protection.
Present and run through the building in a minimalist manner, with clean lines and windows echoing the professionalism and calmness of being a physician. The residential area makes use of warm colors to make the home environment more warm.
Logs, Granite skins, Arctic gray stone, Fir, H-type steel, Steel plate paint, Cola stone, Stainless steel grille, Gray glass, Wood flooring, Glass, paint, Laminate, Fair-faced concrete, Aluminum screen, Smart door lock, Electric curtains
In order to present the professional image of the dentist's clinic, the architectural appearance with clean lines to present its rationality and professional, and the internal space in addition to connecting the architectural appearance style, improve the brightness so that its clinic can present a clean, bright professional environment, but also the use of the way to bring the outdoor landscape into the room let patients have a comfortable environment. The residential area uses wood textures and refreshing tones to create a comfortable home feel.
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.
We use the design of raft foundation and S.R.C structural design. In the part of earthquake assessment reports, we make the level 8 earthquake-resistance numbers. We use a large number of Lo-e glass to beautify the appearance and have the effect of environment protection. In the aspect of landscape, we deliberately heighten the building and the fence to create the waterscape. It can not only maintenance the privacy but also have function of reducing temperatures. This case is a perfect combination of aesthetics and environment protection.
The concept of big mountain is the main spindle of design in this case. The streak of eaves is similar to the ridge which has ups and downs. To hang the large span ranges of roof plank on the wall is a big challenge for us. Another big challenge for us is to stay the large area of glasses without causing the global warming.
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 Clinic Zen Residential and Commercial
The vision for Clinic Zen Residential and Commercial began with the duality of its program: a professional clinic seamlessly integrated with a private residence. Our design approach sought to balance the clinical precision required of a medical practice with the emotional warmth of a home. Clean, minimalist lines and elongated windows reflect the calm and confidence of the physician, while views of lush greenery help reduce patient anxiety. In contrast, the residential area is softened through warm tones and natural textures, providing the doctor a peaceful retreat after work.As the design evolved, the biggest challenge became zoning—especially in the context of the post-pandemic world. Clear separation between public (clinical) and private (residential) areas became essential. The final solution embraces simplicity and nature, achieving a thoughtful blend of rationality and humanity that redefines how healing and living can coexist harmoniously within the same architectural space.
From the outset, we were deeply aware of the anxiety and tension many patients feel when visiting a clinic. This inspired us to use transparency as a healing design element—connecting interior spaces with surrounding greenery through large, uninterrupted windows. Natural light and open views soften the clinical atmosphere, helping reduce stress and evoke a sense of calm and openness.Balancing transparency with privacy, however, was crucial. We carefully designed window heights, used vertical louvers, and strategically placed plants to create visual shielding without fully closing off views. This approach allows patients to feel visually connected to nature while maintaining personal discretion—achieving a subtle harmony of openness and separation.This semi-transparent design language stems from our commitment to human-centered healthcare environments, ultimately crafting a space that feels both professional and emotionally supportive.
Living in Argentina profoundly shaped my perception of space and its relationship with human behavior. The Argentine emphasis on openness, natural light, and the seamless flow between interior and exterior environments taught me to view architecture through a more fluid and human-centered lens.In designing Clinic Zen, I drew upon Eastern architectural philosophies—such as the appreciation of voids, subtle transitions, and the aesthetics of “in-betweenness”—while integrating Western principles of material expression and structural clarity. This fusion created a space where serenity meets order, and where natural softness coexists with architectural rigor.Ultimately, my cross-cultural experience helped me develop a design language that transcends geographical borders, focusing instead on the universal needs of healing, living, and quiet introspection.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rethinking of spatial boundaries between public and private domains. In Clinic Zen, we strategically addressed this by creating a clearly separated layout: the clinic occupies one side of the building with a dedicated entrance and circulation path, minimizing overlap with residential movement.Yet, spatial separation should not result in visual disconnection. To maintain aesthetic cohesion, we used a consistent architectural vocabulary—clean lines, natural materials, and lush greenery—to tie both zones together. Whether in the waiting area or living quarters, the design tone remains unified.This approach not only satisfies functional demands for health and safety, but also introduces a new paradigm where professionalism and domestic warmth coexist in a single architectural narrative.
In Clinic Zen, materials were not chosen solely for their structural role—but for their ability to shape emotional experience. We aimed to soften the often sterile nature of clinical spaces, transforming them into environments that communicate trust and warmth.Exposed concrete anchors the design with its raw honesty and composure, reflecting the clarity and professionalism of the medical practice. Granite facades convey durability and reliability—qualities essential to a space that serves the public. In contrast, natural wood textures introduce warmth and domestic familiarity. Used across ceilings, floors, and furniture accents, wood becomes the emotional thread that ties the residence to the clinic.Through this material dialogue, we created a space that balances authority with intimacy—where people feel both cared for and at home.
Located in a narrow urban alley in Chiayi and surrounded by aging buildings, Clinic Zen presented a key challenge: how to realize a modern architectural vision without disrupting the surrounding structures.We adopted a low-interference construction strategy, including phased operations, modular construction methods, and temporary protective barriers to shield neighboring buildings. During foundation works, we used top-down construction and micro-pile support systems to minimize soil movement and structural risk to adjacent properties.From a design perspective, we reduced visual and physical pressure by creating a vertically composed form with clean lines, implementing setbacks and green buffer zones to soften the interface between old and new. This ensured that neighboring structures retained their light, space, and structural integrity.This approach not only protected the historical context of the neighborhood but also allowed our design to blend harmoniously into the urban fabric—achieving a balance between innovation and preservation.
The five-story vertical layout of Clinic Zen reflects our core philosophy: professional medical practice and personal living should coexist without interference.The ground floor is dedicated entirely to the clinic, with a separate entrance and reception to establish a strong professional identity and streamline public access. The second and third floors serve as transition zones—housing extended clinic functions and private offices—bridging public and private realms.The fourth and fifth floors are exclusively residential, designed with high ceilings, natural lighting, and warm materials to foster a calming, homelike environment.This "clinic below, home above" concept ensures functional independence while maintaining a subtle architectural connection. The result is a thoughtful vertical ecosystem where trust, privacy, and well-being are all carefully respected.
In Clinic Zen, smart technology was integrated to enhance comfort and operational efficiency—but always guided by the principle that technology should be invisible, and serenity should be felt.Automated curtains, for instance, adjust lighting throughout the day to maintain privacy and create a soft, natural ambiance. Smart locks provide secure, seamless access for both the physician and their family. All systems are discreetly embedded into the architecture—minimal in appearance and quiet in function—so as not to disturb the project’s calm, Zen-inspired aesthetic.We treated technology as a silent assistant, not a centerpiece. Scene control systems allow lighting, air conditioning, and blinds to shift automatically according to time or need—ensuring the rhythm of the space remains tranquil and intentional. The result is a space where modern convenience and meditative beauty coexist in harmony.
The minimalist, box-like form of Clinic Zen was a deliberate architectural response to both the site's urban context and its hybrid medical-residential function.Functionally, the box shape allows for efficient interior zoning, clear vertical circulation, and simplified construction—crucial for integrating a clinic and a private home within limited urban space.Aesthetically, the clean lines and pure white facade reflect professionalism and order, reinforcing a calm and trustworthy atmosphere essential for a healthcare environment.To harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood, we introduced setbacks and lush greenery around the perimeter, softening the form’s impact and avoiding visual intrusion.This restrained geometry creates a quiet presence—professional yet serene, distinctive yet respectful—allowing the building to contribute meaningfully to the community without overwhelming it.
Clinic Zen’s recognition with the A' Design Award underscores a key shift in how hybrid medical-residential spaces can be reimagined—not as two conflicting functions, but as complementary experiences within one cohesive structure.As urban land becomes increasingly limited, Clinic Zen demonstrates the potential of vertical programming, clearly separating public and private zones while preserving architectural unity.By integrating natural light, greenery, and transparent boundaries, the project redefines clinical spaces as more human-centered, helping reduce patient anxiety while enhancing livability for residents.Furthermore, the combination of smart technology with minimalist aesthetics sets a precedent for how future healthcare environments can be both calm and connected, blending professionalism with comfort.These innovations provide a model for future mixed-use healthcare facilities to move beyond cold institutional typologies and embrace empathetic, integrated, and sustainable design.