Taipei C House: A Post-Modern Retreat

Creating a Healing Sense of Home

When envisioning the concept of "home," the design team behind Taipei C House aimed to create a space that goes beyond mere functionality. They wanted to craft an environment where clients could completely unwind and rejuvenate their bodies and minds. To achieve this, they eschewed traditional design techniques focused on form expression and style fabrication, instead focusing on the relationship between materials in the structure.

The designers opted for several cool-tone building materials, which outline a sense of volume in the interior. This departure from traditional design norms allows for a unique and refreshing atmosphere within the residence.

One of the standout features of Taipei C House is its irregular design, breaking away from the typical square impression found in most spaces. The interior is transformed into a forest-like image, merging concepts of honeycombs and caves to create a harmonious relationship with the natural ecological environment. Large glass windows further blur the boundaries between the interior and the outside world, allowing the surrounding scenery to become an integral part of the design.

In terms of realization technology, the design team utilized terrazzo cylinders and laser-sculpted wave panels to create a post-modern and irregular space expression in the public areas. Beams and pillars are intentionally exposed, with the columns taking advantage of terrazzo to shape arc-shaped corners. Indirect lighting at the ceiling joints adds a touch of elegance. In the guest and dining rooms, the beams present an interlacing geometric linear vision of polished cement wavy boards and black steel brush veneer.

The layout of Taipei C House includes an entrance, dining room, living room, kitchen, master bedroom, child bedroom, two bathrooms, and a study room. With a floor area of approximately 92.5624 square meters, the residence offers ample space for comfortable living.

By adopting the principles of Wabi-sabi design, post-modern style, and simple aesthetics, Taipei C House stands out as a unique and visually striking residence. Its curved surfaces, cylindrical designs, and special building materials contribute to its distinct character.

When interacting with the space, visitors will find that the entrance area, surrounded by columns and corrugated steel sheets, provides visual privacy and a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior. The curved facade created by the corrugated steel sheet, along with integrated cabinets, offers clean and traceless storage solutions. The extensive use of stone in the space adds a sense of enlargement, but to prevent excessive indifference, the designers balanced the cold texture with arc lines in the exterior.

The Taipei C House project was completed in February 2020 in Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan. The design team drew inspiration from the ancient Japanese culture of Wabi-sabi, incorporating terrazzo, laser-cut corrugated steel sheets, and grayscale paint to create a simple artistic conception of silence and retreat. The bedrooms continue the main design concept of the exterior, utilizing transparent lighting techniques and natural wood veneers to enhance comfort and create a closer connection to nature.

The design of Taipei C House faced several challenges, including the need to accommodate a child in early childhood development. To address this, the designers incorporated facilities that allow for activities and play within the space. The use of stones to pave a consistent and continuous floor in both the interior and exterior creates an unconfined field without obvious distinctions or corners. Floor-to-ceiling windows in each bedroom bring in natural light and create an open and bright atmosphere.

Taipei C House is a testament to the power of simplicity and elegance in design. By employing minimal techniques and focusing on the interplay of materials, Chu Cheng Chang has created a visually stunning space that offers a sense of tranquility and retreat. The residence's unique blend of post-modern aesthetics and natural elements sets it apart as a true sanctuary.

Image Credits: HEY! CHEESE, 2020.

Awards and Accolades: Taipei C House was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life.