Lockdown Shelter: A Progressive Retirement Home

Creating a Relaxing Residence for the Post-Epidemic Era

The Lockdown Shelter, designed by Shu-Yuan Chang, is a unique residence that prioritizes the ability to exercise at home in case of future lockdowns. Situated halfway up a mountain, this progressive retirement home offers a spacious and relaxing environment that harmonizes with the surrounding mountains and forests.

The circular layout of the Lockdown Shelter provides intuitive and diverse options for the occupants. The wrap-around walkway draws natural light into the room, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. When there are only two people in the space, the window side sliding door can be opened to enjoy the view and enhance the interior lighting. This design ensures that the spaciousness is not limited to the outdoors but can be felt inside as well.

Flexibility is a key feature of the Lockdown Shelter. The sliding doors allow for a highly adaptable space, perfect for when visitors drop in. The circular walkway maximizes space utilization, accommodating a varying number of people with ease.

The materials used in the Lockdown Shelter contribute to its unique character. Architectural concrete, large chamfered wood floors, cypress, quartz tiles, marble, metal tiles, wallpaper, and stainless steel are carefully selected to create a natural and harmonious aesthetic. Light-colored wood grain and architectural concrete walls create a rustic yet modern feel, while dark quartz tiles and wood flooring add depth and texture. The design team used herringbone and 1/3 flooring to present multiple layers, adding visual interest to the space.

In terms of functionality, the Lockdown Shelter offers a spacious dining room and kitchen equipped with modern amenities. A bar area with a juice machine, a customized cypress table, and an electronic screen for hanging pictures enhance the overall experience. The master bathroom has been expanded to provide a more comfortable bathing experience, allowing the clients to enjoy the scenery of the bamboo forest outside the window.

The Lockdown Shelter is not just a retirement home; it is a space that can adapt to the changing needs of its occupants. It can serve as a space for exercise, with the circular walkway providing ample room for yoga and fitness activities. Additionally, the open-plan public area can accommodate more than 20 people, making it a perfect place for family and friends to gather.

Completed in August 2022 in Taiwan, the Lockdown Shelter is a result of careful research and design. The interior design prioritizes natural lighting and amplifies the fresh air and abundant daylight available at the site. By reducing decorative trims and unnecessary materials, the design team has created a space that is both functional and visually appealing.

The Lockdown Shelter, with its emphasis on physical health and the natural environment, offers a calm and relaxing retreat for its occupants. The use of pure materials and the removal of unnecessary decoration create an atmosphere that promotes mental and physical well-being. This progressive retirement home is a testament to the importance of creating spaces that contribute to a better quality of life.

Image Credits: Fontal Interior Design Co., Ltd.

Awards and Accolades: The Lockdown Shelter was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding and creatively ingenious design of the Lockdown Shelter, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The design exhibits strong technical and creative skills and contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Shu Yuan Chang
Image Credits: Fontal Interior Design Co., Ltd.
Project Team Members: Shu Yuan Chang
Project Name: Lockdown Shelter
Project Client: Shu Yuan Chang


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