

Arch Design Award
in
Architectural Design Category
Winner
Lofty Villa
Designed by
Wei-Chung Hsu, Min-Hui Chuang / HWC Architects & H&H DESIGN CO., LTD. Associates and
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Lofty Villa
Residential Architecture
New Taipei, Taiwan
Wei-Chung Hsu, Min-Hui Chuang / HWC Architects & H&H DESIGN CO., LTD. Associates and
Chia-Pin Hsu, Yueh-Shan Chen, I-Chin Lin










Photo Credits:
Shawn Liu Studio, 2024
Copyrights:
Wei-Chung Hsu / HWC Architects & Associates
Nestled in a hillside community on the city's southern edge, this residence overlooks a lush conservation area, offering a secluded retreat. Inspired by timeless Oriental aesthetics, particularly Huizhou architecture, the owner, an art gallery operator, sought to capture its enduring beauty. Eschewing trends, the design focuses on black-tiled white walls and Ming Dynasty-inspired window adornments, evoking ancient dwellings. Large white walls create a canvas for play of light and shadows, with windows resembling scrolls, framing picturesque views like dynamic ink paintings.
Accessed via a winding mountain road, the site enjoys an elevated position, providing unobstructed southern exposure and panoramic views. To mitigate the subtropical climate's challenges, double-glazed windows and operable vents regulate temperature, while outdoor elements like pergolas and bamboo groves provide cooling and wind moderation. Internally, underfloor heating combats winter cold and humidity.
The architectural site is organized into two platforms connected by lift, indoor and outdoor stairs, featuring a U-shaped layout reminiscent of traditional Chinese courtyard houses. Expansive panoramic windows on the southern side showcase stunning mountain views, while narrow windows ensure privacy and create a serene environment. The villa serves not only as a residence but also a living gallery, attracting gatherings and enhancing commercial value. With its timeless aesthetic and harmonious integration with nature, it embodies the modern beauty of Huizhou architecture.