Beside sacred tree

In the suburbs of Caotun, Taiwan, there is a 1600-year-old camphor tree which has a crown spread of 30 meters. People call it the "Qigu sacred tree", a tall and magnificent landscape. Rebuilding from a farmhouse, this project located behind the "Qigu sacred tree" only occupies 1/4 of the land, and the remaining space is kept mostly green in order to conserve the environment.

The design concept is to honor the green space and to borrow the scenery which is a strategy often used in Chinese garden. Following the concept, the house is shaped simply and neat with white color and big openings for different views. This white building becomes a stage which sets off those trees and shows the wavering shadows. The fence around house is designed as tall as the bottom of the tree crown, allowed people enjoying the landscape outside and the garden inside.

The interior space focuses on dialogue with the borrowing scenery. Using wood furniture, white wall, and materials with warm wood color, the indoor space has a harmonious relationship with the outdoor space which makes people feel cozy and natural. Trees and sunshine are brought into rooms through the big openings and cast a shadow on the white wall. The dinning, living room and common space are separated by scattered hollow shelf which integrated the whole space.

On the second and third floor, the aisle which connects with private rooms is design as a gallery with the owner’s collection. Recessed down light, grille ceiling, culture stone wall are used for creating a comfortable and meaningful walking experience along with a big opening in the end of the aisle which not only bring natural light into the space but also act as a frame of scenery.

Inside master bedroom, the TV wall is made of pieced sicamone wood using curve cutting design, and creates a smooth visual sense. Similarly, the second bedroom has the same material for the back of bed with different cutting. The other walls are built up with creamy marble which look conformity with the entire space.