More than a decade ago, a couple living in Wuchi, Taichung asked us to design a single house in Nanzuan, Miaoli. They read a book written by Ms. Shih Jih-Chin, a feminist activist, whom we designed so-called “Valley Dwelling I at Nanzuan”. The book advocated this “other” type of living provides physical, mental, and even spiritual advantages. They followed the lead and completed their own Walden that was finished in 2008. 

Last year, it was their son showing up, who has been working and married with a new baby. He bought a piece of land in Wuchi, and wished to build a single house. The prevalent buildings are 4-story row houses while his lot is of two such units. He did not aim to use up FAR but instead has unique requirements of his own. The house would be mainly used by his own new family while may accommodate visits by parents; A semi-traditional house shared by three generations.

The Family pays tribute to Fung Shui, which dictates that door opens toward northeast and shall be a worshipping shrine on top (4th) floor. The concept is to interrelate two atriums, and roof garden into a spatial sequence that provides both common uses of whole family and privacy. The first atrium spans among first and second floor, with proximity of living, dining, grandparents’ suite, and a tatami room overlooking backyard. The second atrium is the young couple’s quarter with bedroom, work space, pantry, and living room. Worshipping shrine flows into roof garden. The stair not only provides vertical circulation, but also brings natural light and ventilation into various spaces. The design aims to create a new courtyard house while also provide new interpretation for a traditional big family dwelling.