© Moooten Studio / Qimin Wu
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Life in the city is something that everyone struggles to escape. It is full of cars, commotions and things that violate our senses. Most people born in a city or who have lived there for a long time quickly grow tired of the hustle and bustle. By stepping out of our comfort zone, people gain the ability to try a new experience. Moving away from the city, and embracing the natural environment.
This project quite far away from the city is what most people in Taiwan would call the countryside. The property is adjoining to the low-density residential area of the Agongdian Reservoir in the mountains of Kaohsiung. At a glimpse it looks like an orchard with lots of hills. In front of the property, there is a private 6 meter road that takes into account: privacy and the safety of vehicles entering and exiting. The building is 6.5 meters away from the road. A green slope was created under the suspended wall on the second floor of the main building facing the southward hilly land. The natural grassy slope in the courtyard echoes the greenness of the hillside slope. A number of Taiwanese beech trees were likewise planted to further enhance the greenness of the property. All of this favors the inhabitants to easily view the change of seasons while creating a rare atmosphere that is impossible to achieve in a city-like environment.
With this project, the aim was to go further with its connection to the environment. Due to the location of the residence, it was known there would be numerous local wild animals and insect species. A typical project like this would usually cause a lot of disruption to their habitats. The size of the building also affects the combination of internal and external lighting. What was done, was to reduce the effect of the internal physical lighting. This lighting has been positioned in such a way that it doesn’t disturb the habitats in the area.
Many projects try to control the environment, here, the typical south-westerly wind direction was a big consideration during the summer. This wind combined with the facade is why the building is much cooler and needs less usage of electricity to keep it cool. The hills block the cool winds in the winter. The direction combined with the suspended nature of the building means there is greater air circulation which benefits the residents in a hot climate like Taiwan.
Nature doesn’t have to be the second thought for an architect in 2020, it must always be his or her first. The earth isn’t getting any better and everybody needs to do all they can to undermine the emissions of their projects. That being said, a large number of green trees were arranged around the building taking into the location of the property and seeking to address carbon neutrality. At the same time, this manages to create shade and filter the ambient air quality. The exterior of the building is made of breathable and environmentally friendly paint with galvanized steel. The interior design is not extravagant and tries to remain ethical and sustainable. Environmentally-friendly recycled materials have been extensively used so the structure is easily alterable. The reduced carbon emissions are expected to preserve more of the planet for the next generation.
The living room has always been the focus of the family. By substantially reducing the cost of construction, critical resources were brought to bear on the spaces inside. The south-facing hilly green slopes situated in the courtyard advances the public space for the family. Over time, the development of the trees creates light and shadow in the yard which brings a brio to the residents. Everyone desires a sanctuary away from the stress of city life and this is the space that has been created. Ample of natural light enters the room through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. This means that a limited number of artificial light sources are required. As time goes by, the owners can directly feel the difference of light, reminding them to cherish the beauty of the moment.