The Ideas Architect: Nian’s Residence / Chen Tien Chu

The Nian’s Residence is located in a residential area in Taichung’s west district, an area integrated with arts and culture such as the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, the Taichung Municipal Cultural Center, the Art Walk. The home rises four floors with an interior courtyard type space allowing the family members to gather within this dense metropolis environment. The interior levels shift in response to the courtyard spaces utilizing the transition of negative spaces to create surprises at each turn.

The fabricated structural system displays a simple building exterior that has created an elegant living scenario within the crowded disorderly environment. More photographs and drawings following the break.

Architects: Chen Tien Chu
Location: No.26, Wuquan New 2nd Lane, West District, Taichung City 403, Taiwan
Project Area: 253.55 sqm
Project Year: 2008
Photographs: Courtesy of Chen Tien Chu

axon

The foyer is equipped with sufficient amount of storage space, allowing outdoor shoes, rain gears, and fitness equipments to be stored; the work room is a multipurpose open space, it is presently the hostess’ painting studio, it can also be a living room for guests or a temporary room where small parties can be held; the guest room provides a temporary living space for elders, relatives and friends, it can become an independent room for the two children when they grow up.

Courtesy of Chen Tien Chu

The living room, dinning room, kitchen and a patio are visually connected by walkways and large openings. Presently the patio serves as the breakfast room, conversation room, and a place where the children do their homework, it is the heart of family life.
The living room, master bedroom, children’s room, comparatively are more private living quarter. Only the study and rooftop terrace are joint spaces providing a place for family members to read, stretch out and watch the stars.

Courtesy of Chen Tien Chu

Light, wind, rain flow into the interior through the courtyard allowing the people living within to feel the weather and seasonal changes. The rhythm of light in the courtyard composes different expressions from lights and shadows in the interior spaces.

courtyard diagram

The front door faces a narrow street and the distance to the neighbor across the street is small, low privacy, therefore, only a necessary opening is designed and utilized the landscape of the residential set back space on the same side of the street.

Courtesy of Chen Tien Chu

The porous space increases natural lighting (diffused light) and good ventilation.
Three-dimensional (level shift) courtyard design allows every floor level a chance to be in touch with greens.