Lightwell House

Reimagining Traditional Taiwanese Residential Housing

The Lightwell House, designed by ZEarch+Zwork, is a residence that showcases the beauty of traditional Taiwanese architecture while incorporating modern design elements. Inspired by the concept of "Sanheyaun," the design team reimagined the traditional courtyard space as the central living area of the house. A lightwell, inserted from the roof to the living room, brings in natural light and creates a connection to the open sky.

What sets the Lightwell House apart is the magnificent glow of the lightwell, which vertically connects all floors of the house. The main living space for the whole family is located on the first floor, woven around the lightwell. The second and third floors are seamlessly linked to the lightwell, allowing for a fluid connection between family members, both physically and spiritually.

The design of the Lightwell House incorporates a combination of materials and technologies. The main structure is made of reinforced concrete and steel, providing a solid foundation for the house. The facade features a mix of close lightly pebble, tiles, metal louvers, and glass, creating a visually striking exterior.

With a site area of 200m2 and a gross floor area of 415m2, the Lightwell House maximizes the use of space in a compact area. Overcoming the challenge of a narrow site surrounded by neighboring houses, the design team focused on weaving the spaces together and maximizing natural light. The result is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements, creating a unique and inviting living environment.

The Lightwell House was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life. The Lightwell House is a testament to the power of innovative design in creating a better world.