Island Rural Renewal: A Dream House by Tianqi Guan

Revitalizing Rural Architecture with a Focus on Environmental Harmony

Conceived for a TV program, the project aimed to heighten awareness of the relationship between the environment and structures. The 'Dream House' encourages a shift in focus from the exterior aesthetics of a building to its internal dynamics and the views it offers of the surrounding landscape. It is a call to appreciate the quiet charm of houses that are integral to daily life, yet often overlooked in favor of more ostentatious structures.

The 'Dream House' project was completed in just one month, despite the challenges of limited living and manufacturing supplies. The design's strength lies in its ability to capture multi-angled views from inside the house, creating a dynamic interaction with the outside world. The new part of the house, located on the east of the old structures, serves as a social gathering space, compensating for the scale that the old houses lacked.

The choice of materials for the project was influenced by the local environment. Tianqi Guan used local granite, reinforced concrete, and steel to ensure the structure could withstand the sea climate. The two old houses near the seaside, unoccupied for 70 years, were solidly constructed with stone sourced from the local area. Their gables faced the east and west, providing protection from typhoons and orienting them towards the sea.

The 'Dream House' project faced several challenges. 70% of the houses in the village were hollow, and the roofs of the old houses had partly collapsed. However, the solid stone structures, built with locally sourced material, were integral and robust. Despite these challenges, the project was successfully completed, transforming the old houses into a modern, environmentally harmonious dwelling.

Tianqi Guan's 'Dream House' project was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. This prestigious accolade is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. The award recognizes the exceptional excellence of the 'Dream House' and its significant impact on the world of architecture and design.