Breathing Houses in Taipei City, Taiwan by ROEWU architecture

Article source: ROEWU architecture 

ROEWUarchitecture based in London, UK have recently completed 7 villas on a tight urban site on the edge of Taipei, Taiwan.

Taiwan is a densely populated island with a population of 23 million squeezed onto an island, about one-sixth the size of Great Britain. As most of the island is covered by mountains and rainforest buildable area is at a premuium and extremely tightly packed dense development is not only allowed, but is actively enforced -both by regulation and market conditions. These houses are located in one of a series of new districts being developed along the route of a new high speed rail link from the airport to Taipei city centre. The site for this project is located on a bluff at the edge of the urban area with spectacular views across a thickly forested valley below.

A Private Courtyard within one of the houses, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

• Architects: ROEWU architecture
• Project: Breathing Houses
• Location: Taipei City, Taiwan
• Client: Nien Feng Construction
• Local Architect: Tai Architect & Associates, Taichung
• Structural Engineer: Kevin YC Chang, Envision Engineering Consultants, Taipei
• General Contractor: Nien Feng Construction
• Cost: NT$ 230 M; £5.7 M; €6.5 M; US$7.5 M
• Area: 3,208 M2
• Construction: Apr 2016 – May 2018

View from the street, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

With an area of just 0.6 HA, the site was zoned to have 7 large houses in close proximity to each other. This creates issues not just of privacy and overlooking but also environmental issues to do with natural light and ventilation. To alleviate this, the flow of air around the external form and internal spaces of the houses was digitally simulated. The external form and internal layouts were then adjusted to maximize natural ventilation. Roofs that tilt up to induce low pressure, internal voids and staircase stacks that allow warm air to rise along with openings at low level all ensure a constant flow of cool forest air through all levels of the houses. These strategies also generate the unique forms and spacious interiors of the houses.

Close up of the street facade, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

View into the shared garden between the houses, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Despite the close proximity of the houses to each other it was important to bring natural light into all spaces. Courtyards and double height voids, with skylights above, bring light into the hearts of the houses but it is in their facades that the natural lighting strategy produces the most distinctive design solution. Continuous metal screens modulate the light and control views both into and out of the buildings. Computer algorithms were used to vary the density of the pattern across the facade creating a seemingly random but carefully controlled ‘blizzard’ of material which is actually precisely controlled to locally respond to privacy, views and lighting needs.

Aerial View looking over forest below, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

The double-height living spaces can be opened up to outside to encourage natural ventilation, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

These houses propose a new model for Taiwanese residential architecture -moving away from the dark, artificially lit and cooled typology which has dominated since the mid-20th century to a new typology; A typology which is bright and breezy and has stronger connections to the weather and nature outside. Though densely packed and structurally solid they create an atmosphere of lightness and privacy -a welcome refuge from the busy city outside.

The houses have already been recognised by the ABB Leaf Awards, 2A Continental Architecture Awards and the Perspective A&D Awards 2018

Internal spaces are intimate and screened for privacy, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Natural materials and planting increase the connection to nature, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Roof decks give views out over the landscape, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Evening light filters through the screen, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Lower Ground Floor gallery leading to the swimming pool, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Second Floor Bathrooms overlook the internal courtyard, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Early conceptual model, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Formation of the building masses in response to air circulation simulations, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Perspectival Section showing swimming pool and courtyard, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Diagram of potential air pressure, Image Courtesy © ROEWU architecture

Tags: Taipei City, Taiwan

Categories: House, Residential

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