The Dawn: A Sculptural and Sustainable Residence in Hualien City

A Minimalist Design by Wu Chih Kang

This project is a residential space in the old district of Hualien City, Taiwan, which serves as the retirement home for its owners. With a focus on incorporating abundant light and spaciousness into the new home, designer Wu Chih Kang has created a comfortable and enjoyable living space through a simple yet resourceful strategy.

As far as the exterior is concerned, The Dawn stands out with its simplified appearance, resembling a sculpture towering over its base. The face of the main building is outlined by two gracefully curved lines, while the solid construction is gradually covered and unfolded by softly curved surfaces, reminiscent of a calla flower blooming quietly from the street block. This unique design approach creates a visually striking and harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

One of the notable strengths of The Dawn is its emphasis on storage space. By abandoning excessive furnishings, the design maximizes storage options, ensuring a clutter-free living environment. This minimalist approach not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for unnecessary purchases and minimizing resource waste.

The realization of The Dawn involved a careful consideration of the building's skin. The gradual stretching of the exterior surface connects the indoor area with the outdoor surroundings while maintaining a separation that effectively eliminates excessive heat energy from the sun during the summer months. This design feature ensures a comfortable and energy-efficient living experience for the residents.

Inside The Dawn, the focus on accessibility is evident. To meet the owner's needs for barrier-free facilities, an elevator has been installed, providing access to each floor. This thoughtful inclusion enhances the functionality of the residence and ensures a seamless experience for all occupants.

With its completion in June 2022, The Dawn stands as a testament to the successful integration of art, architecture, and sustainable design principles. The project's minimalist style, combined with its focus on functionality and resourcefulness, creates a sustainable and friendly living space that enhances the quality of life for its residents.

The Dawn was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2023 in the category of Architecture, Building, and Structure Design. This prestigious accolade recognizes the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life through the incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Pei Lin Ho
Image Credits: Wu Chih Kang
Project Team Members: Pei Lin Ho
Project Name: The Dawn
Project Client: Pei Lin Ho


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