Hours on the Slope: A Unique Office Building Design

Creating a Fusion of Nature and Architecture

The design of Hours on the Slope revolves around the concept of integrating the building with its surroundings. The use of natural materials, such as granite and a green building coating system, creates a rock-solid spirit for the enterprise while ensuring a seamless fusion with the environment. The office building's curved surface is adorned with a mosaic of natural stone, further enhancing its connection to the natural world.

One of the standout features of Hours on the Slope is its thoughtful consideration of the relationship between the environment and the building's orientation. The entire area is divided into three buildings, with the west side, exposed to excessive sunlight, featuring dark windows and reduced window area in an ordered arrangement. This design choice not only highlights the building's volume but also helps regulate the interior temperature, minimizing the need for excessive cooling.

Hours on the Slope also prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency. The factory plant, the largest area of the project, utilizes a coating system with the Green Building Mark. This system is free from formaldehyde, TVOC volatile organic compounds, and hazardous substances, making it environmentally friendly. Additionally, the coating system's characteristics, such as being gapless and having low water absorption, allow for self-cleaning during rainfall, reducing maintenance requirements.

The project's technical specifications include a total area of 63,767 square meters, accommodating various functions within the office and factory spaces. The design team, led by Design Director Wen Tong Hsieh and Designer Kang Cheng Liu, collaborated with Yung Chi Huang, Sheng Xiang Lin, Cheng-Tsung Chen, Ming-Hsing Su, Pei-Yu Lin, and Yu-Chien Huang to bring this vision to life.

Hours on the Slope goes beyond traditional office building designs by incorporating innovative features that enhance the overall user experience. The main factory plant section, for example, utilizes a buried pipeline wind-guiding system to introduce external air at a lower temperature. This air, together with the potted plant section, is then cooled via the deep soil 10 meters underground, providing natural and energy-efficient air conditioning.

The project, completed in December 2018, is located in Taichung, Taiwan. It is a testament to the extensive research conducted by the design team, which focused on utilizing solar energy for power generation and heat insulation. A large area of solar panels on the roof not only generates electricity but also acts as a heat insulator for the parking lot. The air-conditioned factory plant, located beneath the parking lot, effectively blocks heat transmission, reducing energy consumption.

Overcoming various challenges, the design team successfully implemented sustainable solutions in Hours on the Slope. The project features a rainwater recycling pool, collecting roof water for watering potted plants. Additionally, an eco-pool in the greenbelt area recirculates water, contributing to the conditioning of the microclimate within the base.

Hours on the Slope has received recognition for its exceptional design and sustainable features. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the project's outstanding creativity, technical prowess, and contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Hours on the Slope is a testament to the power of innovative design in creating functional and sustainable spaces. With its fusion of nature and architecture, this office building stands as a symbol of creativity and environmental consciousness.