Within Peace

“Within Peace” (pronounced “wēi-lāi tsin hó” in Taiwanese) means “it’s truly good within these walls,” expressing a heartfelt hope for peaceful local living. The site, once the private study of a former village mayor, carries over a century of history and a strong cultural legacy. To preserve this cultural memory, the Pingtung County Passion Samba Drum Association initiated a revitalization plan that integrates community building, local development, and low-carbon tourism. The space was gradually transformed into a multifunctional hub for artistic performance, social gatherings, and environmental education. “Within Peace” symbolizes a new beginning for the community and the gathering of good things.

The revitalization was carried out in two phases. Phase one focused on outdoor restoration—landscaping the front yard to backyard path, adding stone walkways, outdoor seating, and improving circulation. Phase two restored and reactivated the century-old house. Damaged walls were replaced with translucent glass to introduce natural light, while original furnishings were retained and carefully refurbished to create a traditional tatami-style atmosphere for cultural gatherings.

Inside, the space features a solid wood tea table, bar counter, sink, mural wall art, and a bamboo partition—blending history with a contemporary sensibility. The outdoor space also includes a bike rest area and an installation highlighting low-carbon tourism, linking Kanting Township’s transportation routes with nearby attractions. A key challenge was achieving design coherence and community consensus, as some residents initially favored mismatched furniture for functionality. To address this, the project team held workshops led by designers and artists to involve locals in decisions about materials and color schemes—ensuring unity and shared ownership.