Great Wall: Reviving Tradition with Modern Design

Meng-Ling Chiu’s club space blends heritage and innovation in Taiwan

The Great Wall project by Meng-Ling Chiu transforms a 40-year-old structure into a vibrant design club, honoring both the building’s history and the evolving needs of its users. The design draws inspiration from the desire to maintain traditional culture and the surrounding environment, retaining original terrazzo flooring and vintage window gratings. By weaving in Japanese-style heritage house elements, the three-story space achieves a delicate balance between nostalgia and modern comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Distinctive features set this renovation apart, most notably the innovative skylight in the first-floor washroom. Vintage window gratings embedded in the skylight cast intricate patterns of sunlight, while a ‘skylight-like’ ceiling uses lighting to mimic natural daylight. The staircase, inspired by ink-wash painting, becomes a dramatic visual centerpiece with cascading hues extending to display windows and tiles. A bold orange door punctuates the white façade, injecting energy and ensuring the building stands out in its historic neighborhood.

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and cultural depth. Large tiles, iron accents, and wooden grilles are combined with repurposed solid wood lintels, used for baseboards and door frames. The first floor’s special white coating enhances brightness, while upper levels feature warm wood tones and classic terrazzo. Accents of mint green and beige gold add freshness, blending vintage and modern elements seamlessly throughout the space.

The 188.4-square-meter site is thoughtfully arranged for flexibility and comfort. The first floor houses communal spaces, while the second floor adapts as a club or master suite. Two bedrooms and a bathroom occupy the third floor, and the rooftop, equipped with a rain-canopied terrace, serves as a reception area. Each level is designed to maximize space, supporting both work and living in a multi-functional environment.

The renovation’s impact is deeply felt by employees and clients alike. The preserved original elements evoke nostalgia, while the creative use of old materials inspires admiration. Older visitors, in particular, have expressed emotional responses to the thoughtful restoration. This fusion of past and present not only bridges generations but also sets a benchmark for future living concepts, fostering meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.

Despite significant challenges, including structural issues and limited access due to a narrow alleyway, the design team’s ingenuity prevailed. Manual labor replaced heavy machinery, and creative solutions addressed wiring, reinforcement, and skylight leakage. These obstacles ultimately fueled innovation, resulting in a space that is both technically sound and artistically compelling.

Recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2025, Great Wall stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation. Meng-Ling Chiu’s approach demonstrates how blending tradition with innovation can create spaces that honor history while embracing the future, offering inspiration for sustainable and artistic living environments worldwide.