Unbounded: Redefining Balcony Spaces for a Harmonious Living Experience

Award-winning design by Tzu-Chi Su

In 2017, the Port of Keelung was recognized as Asia's best home port for cruise liners. However, the surrounding area was filled with old buildings dating back to the Second World War, giving it an antiquated feel. Tzu-Chi Su saw an opportunity to transform these spaces and rethink the positioning of balcony areas.

Unbounded focuses on opening up the originally closed-off old housing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The project also addresses the issue of urbanization and its impact on our relationship with nature. Through energy conservation design, Unbounded aims to restore harmony between humans and the natural environment.

The design utilizes materials such as basalt, timber veneer, and masonry to reflect the natural elements of the surroundings. Corrosion-proof and damp-proof bricks and aluminum alloys were chosen to withstand the site's geographic characteristics. Reflective mirrors on the internal wall elevations bring the beautiful exterior vista into the interior, creating a sense of unity.

The original layout of the project featured an elongated housing design, which was not ideal for movement within the space. Tzu-Chi Su concentrated the public areas, such as the living room and dining-kitchen, in the mid-back section of the interior. This relayout effort optimized spatial utilization and created a well-lit and free-flowing space.

By enlarging the balcony inwards into the interior, Unbounded redefines the functionality of balconies. The design consolidates the public areas, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The result is a space that offers unobstructed views and promotes a sense of harmony with nature.

Unbounded was completed in July 2017 in Keelung District, New Taipei City. The design incorporates panoramic harbor views, short shrubs, and plantation to create a collage of backgrounds. The neutral tones of black, white, and grey, along with Oriental styling and Western open-plan island bench tops, fuse Eastern and Western design elements seamlessly.

The window opening design at the balcony allows for effective connection between the exterior and interior. Electrically operated energy-conserving shutter louvre windows provide protection against typhoons and western sunlight, while adjustable louvre grilles allow for the infusion of vista, sunlight, and air, while maintaining privacy.

Unbounded faced challenges in achieving the concept and experience of a boundary-less space connected to nature. The spatial layout planning and material utilization were carefully considered to optimize spatial utilization after transferring some internal space to the balcony.

Tzu-Chi Su's Unbounded project has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. This award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

Unbounded is a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and create a harmonious living experience. By redefining the functionality of balconies and reconnecting with nature, Tzu-Chi Su has created a space that is truly unbounded.