Gasea: A Cliff House Masterpiece by Keng-Fu Lo

Blending Architecture and Nature in a Unique Residential Design

Located on the Pacific cliff, Gasea offers an excellent view of the sea to the east and the coastal mountains to the west. The building's facades are made of different types of glass to maximize the amount of light entering the building and to create a visual penetration with the natural environment. The design also incorporates a large number of trees, both outside and inside the building, to provide shade and enhance the connection with nature.

The building's unique features include its location between the Pacific cliff and the coastal mountains, and its use of different types of glass to maximize light penetration. The roof layer is fitted with an energy-saving board waterproof coating and small gravel, and a large number of trees are planted at the construction base to provide shade and respond to the natural environment.

The landscape of the base is presented in a height difference natural landscape style. The second floor is designed with the idea of overlooking, expressing a geometric shape. The two floors are connected by a large atrium space indoors, challenging the regular outlook and closed floors of modern architecture. This design approach creates a fusion of indoor and outdoor life patterns, making the interior feel the natural environment.

The building is constructed using RC concrete structure and steel structure, with Aluminum as the main metal material. Iron materials are used inside to enhance the structure's strength, corresponding to the typhoon and the northeast monsoon. The exterior uses powder coating to resist corrosion from the sea breeze. This careful consideration of materials and construction techniques ensures the building's resilience against the harsh coastal environment.

The design process posed several challenges, primarily due to the building's location on the east coast of Taiwan. A lot of windows face the east side of the building to maximize the sea view, while a lot of trees are planted on the west side to mitigate the impact of the afternoon sun. The north side of the building, the short side, has plants extending to the roof following the slope, which not only blocks the cold north wind but also blurs the demarcation line between land and architecture.

Gasea's unique design and innovative approach to blending architecture and nature have earned it the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. This award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Gasea is indeed a testament to Keng-Fu Lo's remarkable architectural prowess and his ability to create designs that inspire awe and wonder.