Pingtung, Taiwan

The project is designed specifically to suit the building lot and its surrounding area. We aim to create an environment of ease and a peaceful atmosphere, rather than the bustle and hustle of urban life, by surrounding ourselves with nature.

We design a slope at the back of the main building to block the traffic noise, using it to prevent severe direct sunlight. The unique geographical location allows the project to take advantage of the higher land foundation and dig the building 1.7 meters lower than the original base. We design the main office and meeting room on the ground floor and place private spaces on the basement level to create a quieter living area and a safer place for children to play around without being threatened by the surrounding trucks. The higher foundation level allows a trace of natural light into the basement floor when there is a slope around, merging the interior with nature.

We also try our best to improve the air circulation and water resources in this area. With trees as our first frontiers, the drainpipes and gutters on the roof ensure the airborne particles on the leaves are brought directly into the ground through water, limiting the pollution brought by air circulation. At the same time, water returns to the groundwater system and provides trees with the water they need from underground. In this case, even though the ground floor is lower than the original foundation, the higher horizontal level than the neighboring area and the proper cistern design under the building maximize the efficiency of water management and prevent flooding when rain pours. The architecture is constructed with white frames to invite the seasonal fresh wind in to lower the temperature. Each level of the building is placed with different sizes and heights for air circulation.

It is an ecological building with lots of renewable and sustainable materials during construction. By furnishing the interior with recyclable materials and smart design, the project proves that ecology and small-scale building can go hand in hand with comfort and a wise space design.

Architects: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute
Lead Architect: Keng Fu Lo
General Contractor: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute
Client: Private
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects