Companionship of Wellbeing: A Harmonious Integration of Old and New

Creating a Living Space for Caregivers and Recipients

Companionship of Wellbeing stands out from other designs with its unique approach to multi-generational housing. The original courtyard, complete with a majestic Jabuticaba tree, has been preserved and now sits at the corner of a lush green lawn. This allows residents to enjoy the changing seasons from the comfort of their home. In the post-epidemic era, this space has become even more valuable, offering a sanctuary for mixed generations to coexist amidst nature and thriving greenery.

The design's realization technology is centered around the use of concrete, which not only adds to the aesthetics but also serves functional purposes. The integration of inner and outer walls, as well as hidden beams and columns, creates a seamless flow throughout the space. This approach maximizes the living area on the limited construction base, providing ample room for residents to thrive.

With a site area of 264㎡ and a building area of 144.51㎡, Companionship of Wellbeing offers a spacious and accessible living environment. The design team, led by Lin Wei-Chun, carefully considered the needs of multi-generational households, eliminating floor height differences and expanding the space of accessibility. This allows family units from different generations to coexist harmoniously, providing both care and the freedom to live autonomously.

The main concept of the space revolves around flexibility, flow, and fittingness. The design allows for the integration of new accessibility facilities as future needs arise. An open space Washitsu, designed in a new fashion, stretches out radially to accommodate the variable needs of residents. The result is a safe and convenient environment where caregivers and attendees can live and care for each other comfortably.

Situated on the slope of Dadu Plateau in Taichung, Taiwan, the Companionship of Wellbeing project was designed and constructed from 2019 to 2021. Throughout the process, the design team conducted extensive research on aspects such as sunlight, air, water, and materials. The placement of windows, storage cabinets, and air conditioning systems were carefully considered to optimize natural lighting and airflow. Water supply and plumbing systems were rerouted and concealed under the floor, while water storage systems and groundwater utilization were implemented to address potential water shortage issues.

The integration of the old and new structures posed a significant challenge for the design team. Reinforcing the original structure, addressing water leaks, and ensuring a seamless connection between the two required meticulous planning and execution. Additionally, all electrical and pipeline systems had to be recalculated and replaced. Despite these challenges, the team successfully created a cohesive and functional living space.

The Companionship of Wellbeing design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that showcase technical and creative skills, contribute to quality of life improvements, and make the world a better place.

Companionship of Wellbeing is a testament to the power of design in creating spaces that foster companionship, wellbeing, and accessibility. Lin Wei-Chun's innovative approach to multi-generational housing sets a new standard for harmonious living.