Nature Meishan Commercial Space

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Using the 40 years old house as the base, the designer wished that guests could rest their weary souls here in the arms of nature after the renovation. With the height difference of the windows bringing in more natural light, the rustics and simplicity of concrete, and the softness and freshness of wooden furniture create a space for heart to communicate with the environment. As for the connection between public and private areas, the staircase from the back of the building was moved to the center, changing the flow of the indoors. By increasing the number of French windows, the living space was brightened with natural light.

Dimensions & Packaging

While being an architecture located in the midst of nature, the indoors area is approximately 433 square meters, including a lobby, a kitchen, an island area and five double suites.

Tags

Dialogue with Nature, Connected space, New life for old buildings, Minimalistic structure, Visual perception

Production Technology

Main materials: Aluminum doors and windows, Sanitary ware, AC, Heat pump system, Curtains, Wall fence, Drain, Outdoor landscape roughcast, Paint, KD panels, Ironwork, Glass, Wear-resistant wooden flooring, Hardened concrete topping

Design Challenge

The core value of design is to troubleshoot all problems, no matter big or small, in living spaces. Not to damage the 40 years old structure was a key point during the execution, so the team decided to cover it with concrete and give it a new look. Changing the location of the staircase gives way to a clearer flow in the indoor space, and leaving an open in the center leaves more room for imagination. In order to reflect the outside environment to indoors, a great amount of wood-grained textures, furniture and lighting fixtures were utilized to create a modern tavern where modern people could be at rest.

Project Duration

The project finished in April 2019 in Chiayi, Taiwan.

Operation Flow

Both the client and designer hoped for a more tranquil sight while the site itself has a great geographical location. But due to the restricting of the previous windows, the view and daylight was obstructed. The designer chose to lower the windowsills, letting light pour in. By moving the stairs and leaving an open in the center, a diverse space thus appeared. The white color stairs coupled with the blue walls and the supplement of wooden light fixtures resonate with the natural environment outdoors, creating a place for people enjoying the beauty of nature in serenity.

Research

Surrounded by luscious nature, the 40 years old house has a new purpose to become a shelter for busy humans. With the help of sleek lines of concrete, soothing wooden furniture, and brilliant soft pieces, the building was presented in a crisp yet gentle light. The team achieved a fresh, minimalistic look by covering the original building with concrete. By moving the staircase to the center of the space, the division of rooms became more defined. On the side of the structure, the designer installed outward-extended French windows to revitalize the area.

Inspiration

The challenge of renovating this 40 years old house includes how the layout of the structure was set in stone and very difficult to alter. With the site located right in the middle of nature, The designer focused on the coexistence of architecture and the environment. In order to create a space that embraces both life and nature, and under the precondition of minimizing the layout and structure, the team improved on the overall space by pairing the modesty of concrete with French windows, using simple walls and soft pieces in bright colors, thus bringing people closer to each other with the accessibility of the space.

Image Credits

Wei-Tong Chen

Colors of Nature Meishan Commercial Space