JC architecture transforms a japanese army dormitory into a 'living lab' in taipei

what was a former japanese army dormitory in taipei has been renovated by JC architecture to create the ‘JCA living lab’. the project, which serves as a model for regenerating old houses in the city into family homes, still bares traces of the buildings 90 year history. the new design intends to explore the ratio between children and adults, streets and cities, and the notion of experiencing the streets outside from inside the home.

all images courtesy of JC architecture

the inclusion of traditional craftsmanship is central to the design of the JCA living lab. for example, the architect has carefully preserved the japanese hinko timber window-frames, marble flooring and old vines that grow in the backyard. these original features are contrasted against modern additions, such as the large halo pendant light hung from the rafters in the living room and an auspicious red front door.

the kitchen and living room form part of an extension to the original house, which was built sometime in the 1950s. the design team inserted glass walls and ceilings to further blur the boundary between interior and exterior space, and by limiting the number of interventions to the existing building, construction time was cut down to just six months. in 2018, it became part of an experimental project led by JC Architecture, which aims to build a model for regenerating old houses as family homes in taipei, and it has already been shortlisted to win several awards including the golden pin design award.

project info:

project name: JCA living lab 

location: taipei, taiwan

architect: JC architecture

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom