Kaohsiung City, China

Taiwan-based architect Keng-Fu Lo of Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute designed this impressive residential skyscraper not only respecting the local environmental rules but also creating an impressive residential structure following strict construction rules due to the earthquake fault zone it is located in.

Hence, it was short-listed for a 2021 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

Skyscrapers are structures that are associated with any city. They are tall, often without function, and try to make the best use of the space they are constructed on. Habitat 29 wanted to be different, and with so many challenges because of its location, it had to be different.

The property is located on the banks of the Love River, overlooking the mountains and rivers of the port of Kaohsiung. It is located in an important and unique urban landscape. Due to the geographical conditions, a sustainable building was needed to address the many issues of the location. Walking around the project, you will notice it is surrounded by the U-shaped glass wall on the first floor allowing the residents to connect with the outside but still maintain some aspect of privacy and isolation. This wall reduces both visual and auditory noise. The exterior overhang is pillarless and stands out, creating a feeling of suspension for pedestrians and residents of the building.

The building is primarily white, and this layer continues from the base to the outer frame of the high-rise floor. The white layer contrasts with the low-reflective black aluminum metal plate. Stö paint was used to protect against the infamous weather and sunshine in the south of Taiwan. It is also hoped that this paint will decrease the maintenance costs of the building and reduce the impact of sunlight on the inhabitants. When light hits the framework at different times, light and shadow appear differently in each space.

At the same time, it expresses people’s demand for habitat in the natural environment and highlights the concept of habitat protection for all things. In any habitat, you have to have greenery, foliage, and shrubbery, and Habitat 29 tried to be as green as possible. The green plants connect with the geographical surroundings. The pathway on the first floor contains a natural green slope. The mid-section and the roof also integrate with the green theme, so that the building conforms to nature and integrates into the entire Kaohsiung harbor. The entrance and exit to the property are close to a wide leading road.

The surrounding environment highly contrasts with the building. The entire road junction extends from the indoor landscape pool to the exterior. This viewpoint had to be outstanding since it is the only connection with the world outside the building. Therefore, plentiful greenery and trees were added despite the pushback from the client. Eventually once this foliage is fully grown, it will form a natural canopy shading the resident’s vehicles as they enter and exit the property.

On the whole, almost all the structures embrace an organic shape and try to coordinate with the building and the green plants as much as possible The lobby on the first floor adopts the dark metal black plating that contrasts with the white appearance of the building.

The U-shaped glass with straight stripes causes the entire indoors and outdoors to only contact with light and shadow, which reduces external interference. This interference could either be traffic noise, pedestrians, or other visual disturbances. A large window is on the right side of the reception and opposite the entrance. A landscaped pool is located in the lobby and extends out to the driveway on the first floor, showing that the building is connected to water while also featuring rich green foliage.

Once the building is completed, the green plants on the side of the driveway outside the window will have a calming visual effect on people entering the public area on the first floor.

The architect wanted to create a vibrant simplistic space incorporating nature to create an environment that people want to come home to in this fast-paced and often stressful world. A place that can take you away while being aesthetically pleasing to all who come upon it.

Project: Habitat 29
Architects: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute
Client: King’s Group
Contractor: HUA TEN Interior Decoration Design
Photographers: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute