Engawa: A Modern Twist on Traditional Japanese Architecture

Residential Design Marries Tradition with Family Interaction

Engawa, a hallmark of Japanese architecture, traditionally serves as a liminal space that both connects and separates the inside of a home from the natural world outside. Dung Lin Tsai has taken this concept to new heights with a residential house design that not only respects this tradition but also adapts it to modern family needs. The design introduces 'middle rooms'—areas that fluidly link communal spaces such as the living room, dining room, and study, while also providing distinct zones for various activities without spatial interference.

The strength of this design lies in its structural elements, which are reminiscent of engawa and offer a unique blend of solid and void. These elements are not merely aesthetic; they serve practical purposes, such as storage, and create interfaces for different uses. The design encourages new forms of family interaction, turning mundane tasks into shared experiences. For example, a platform near the laundry area becomes a multifunctional space where a mother might fold clothes, or it could transform into a casual meeting spot for guests.

Realized over a 106 square meter area, the design employs layered structures to simplify the space. These layers create standalone yet interconnected rooms, offering a versatile home environment. The engawa-inspired platforms cater to diverse needs, from entertaining guests to providing a playful area for children, enhancing the home's visual appeal and user experience.

The project, which began in Taipei in October 2022 and concluded in January 2023, is a testament to the designer's commitment to integrating functionality with aesthetic design. The engawa concept has been reimagined to facilitate new ways of family interaction, addressing the challenge of incorporating ample storage space within a design that maintains interconnected yet distinct rooms.

Engawa's reinterpretation within this residential house has not gone unnoticed. The design was honored with the Bronze A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2024, a recognition of its outstanding creativity and contribution to enhancing quality of life. Dung Lin Tsai's innovative approach to traditional architecture through Engawa has set a new standard for residential design, where form meets function in the most harmonious way.

DOIT STUDIO, the creative force behind this project, holds the intellectual property rights to the Engawa design. Their work exemplifies the fusion of art, science, design, and technology, and this award-winning project is a clear indicator of their expertise in redefining family spaces for contemporary living.