Old Taiwanese Home Gets a Contemporary Face-Lift by J.R. Architects

This project from Tainan City in Taiwan saw the refurbishment on a two-story building. The first floor of the property functions as the owners studio, while the second story serves as the living space.

Local architecture firm, J.R. Architects, overseen the program of works and were responsible for the redesign. The renewed building was finished back in 2016.

The property contains a total area of 1216.32-square-feet (113-square-meters) spread over two floors. The client wanted the refurbishment to include the home’s history and requested that architectural symbols and other items of significance be preserved where possible.

As such, the designers set out to create a contemporary home that would pay homage to its historical roots. Elements like the Chinese window arch, use of the material terrazzo, and the floral steel handrails were all maintained. The chunky round timbers of the roof were also touched up and left on display.

The interior is quite parred down. White is the color of choice for the walls and ceilings. A few colorful furniture pieces and the wooden elements provide relief the white backdrop. The living spaces, like the decor, are a relatively simple affair, spread out loosely across the floor plan.

The ground floor contains an assortment of spaces and functions including a studio, shop, office, meeting room, toilet and an exterior deck area. This “business end” of the property gives way to the actual home on the upper level. The self-contained apartment features an open plan kitchen and lounge, a bathroom and a bedroom.

From the architects: “People living here will experience the changes of seasons. Finally, the new element-nature has been created onto the elevations of this old building reborn with the architectural spirit from the perspective in our project.”

For more apartments check out this tiny art deco property that serves as a calming holiday retreat. Or, Work and Live, a renovation by Rust Architects. See all apartments.

Via ArchDaily
Photos: Yu-Chen,Tsao