2025 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Silver Winner

Ruifang Animal Shelter

Entrant

C.W.H. Architect

Category

Architectural Design - Civic & Government Buildings

Client's Name

New Taipei City Government Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office

Country / Region

This reconstruction plan outlines a transformative vision for an animal shelter that has proudly served its community for over 30 years. However, after decades of operation, many of the facilities have become outdated, and the current spatial layout no longer accommodates the evolving needs of the animals. Recognizing this challenge, our team has placed animal welfare at the forefront of our design, embracing the concept of “home” as the guiding principle. To enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal, the design features a building characterized by a charming gabled roof and low floors, which harmoniously adapts to the slopes of the hillside. This thoughtful architectural approach not only blends seamlessly with the natural landscape but also minimizes environmental impact, ensuring that the shelter coexists beautifully with its surroundings. Moreover, we have prioritized sound absorption and noise reduction within the facility. By thoughtfully designing the interior spaces, we aim to create a peaceful environment that mitigates disturbances between the shelter's internal atmosphere and the outside world. Ultimately, our vision is to foster a warm and inviting shelter where animals can thrive in safety and comfort. By reshaping the building and its spaces, we aspire to enhance the overall experience for both the animals and potential adopters, thereby increasing the likelihood that visitors will choose to give these deserving animals a loving home. In this way, we hope to create a community hub that not only supports animal welfare but also nurtures meaningful connections between people and pets.

The project's site, nestled on a picturesque hillside, features gentle slopes with inclines of 4 and 6 degrees. In order to honor and preserve the natural environment, the design team has strategically planned for a verdant open green space and capped the building height at a maximum of 12 meters. Moreover, the implementation of a gable roof design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also minimizes the environmental footprint of both the building and the surrounding park. This thoughtful approach transforms the inherent challenges of the terrain into remarkable opportunities for ecological harmony.

Credits

C.W.H. Architect
Wei-Han Chen
C.W.H. Architect
Chia-Yu Chen
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