When a city is enveloped by towering buildings, can a quiet trace of memory remain? Located in the heart of Taipei, the DYH House responds to the layering of time and the regeneration of space through a dual-structure design that balances historical presence with contemporary language. Originally built during the Japanese colonial period by a merchant and later home to renowned jurist Dai Yen-Hui, the residence features traditional Japanese timber construction with a blend of Japanese and Western architectural elements. It is now designated as a historical monument.
The design team employed a “restoration-as-original” approach to preserve the structure’s authenticity—repairing the original roof trusses, walls, and the iconic Hiroen veranda. Functional systems such as air conditioning, lighting, and accessibility ramps were discreetly embedded to ensure minimal visual disturbance while achieving harmony between utility and aesthetics. To accommodate operational needs, a new steel-framed structure with a sloped glass roof was added in the backyard to serve as a kitchen. Circulation was reoriented to guide entry from the side alley, transforming the courtyard into a transition zone where the old and new converge. At night, the glass volume glows like a lantern, illuminating the corner and creating a subtle urban landmark. Now, the space functions as a dining venue while also hosting exhibitions, lectures, and literary activities—ensuring the monument is not only preserved but actively inhabited. It exemplifies the philosophy of “preservation through activation,” offering a sustainable model for heritage revitalization.