XOR Creative Research: Revitalizing Tradition with Modern Design

Blending the Past and the New Era in Taiwanese Terraced House

The building, constructed in 1972, serves as a symbol of the fusion between the past and the present. The facade, adorned with white lattice windows, offers a glimpse into the modernized interior that is infused with cultural undertones. The design concept revolves around the ideas of "twist" and "newborn," representing a fresh take on traditional architecture.

One of the standout features of the XOR Creative Research project is the spiral staircase on the ground floor. Built on the golden ratio, this staircase not only serves as a functional element but also makes a symbolic statement about the space. Each step offers a unique perspective on the spatial movement, creating an engaging experience for the inhabitants. The deep blue backdrops accentuate the long-narrow plan, creating a minimalist contrast with the building's historical elements.

To preserve the building's original structure, the slope ceiling incorporates a vernacular wooden truss framework. The chamfer floor mirror reflects the lush greenery from the backyard, creating a harmonious connection between the indoors and outdoors. The exposed masonry of the brick wall serves as a reminder of Taiwan's colonial influence from Japan in the past.

The XOR Creative Research project covers a construction area of 134 square meters. It showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the design team, led by Hsin-Ting Weng, Jen Chen, and Meng-Hsun Li. The project aims to revitalize the local community by renovating old buildings, addressing the concerns of an aging population and neglect in the area.

Functionality and interaction are key aspects of the design. The bold geometric patterns on the stairway walls, framed by gilded metal, serve as a prelude to the workplace upstairs. The removal of interval walls allows natural light and street scenes to be seen, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The meeting area and swatch library are compartmentalized by folding doors, providing flexibility for the inhabitants to engage in both spaces.

The XOR Creative Research project was completed between September 2018 and March 2019 in Taichung city, Taiwan. The design team drew inspiration from traditional material techniques of the 1970s, preserving authentic Taiwanese tile flooring. The combination of geometric mosaic tiles and wood parquet creates a tapestry effect, bridging the gap between old and new creativity. The flooring is complemented by terrazzo table tops, further enhancing the connection between classic and contemporary elements.

Overcoming creative, technical, and research challenges, the XOR Creative Research project successfully eliminates stereotypes associated with retro elements. Indigenous materials such as white marble from Hualien city and emerald marble from Taitung city were selected for the flooring. By deconstructing natural stones and combining them with modern tiles and retro bronze metals, a progressive herringbone array was created, adding a touch of modernity to the design.

The XOR Creative Research project is a testament to the power of design in revitalizing traditional spaces. By blending the past with the new era, Hsin-Ting Weng and her team have created a unique and culturally rich interior that breathes new life into an old Taiwanese terraced house.

Image Credits: Hey!cheese Photography

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Ris Interior Design Co., Ltd.

Awards and Accolades: The XOR Creative Research project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.