pey lung opens up narrow taiwanese lane house to create vivid fluid spaces

architect pey lung recently renovated a typical residential typology in taiwan, the lane house. located in the old neighborhood of hsinchu, taiwan, the commonplace narrow, long site building was redesigned to transform the initially compact, dark spaces into open and airy connected areas. 

the buildings are usually cut through by the staircase in the middle, and rooms are left isolated in different corners of the house. however, the designers linked the rooms, creating apertures within the house that brought connection and natural sunlight into the spaces. the mix of natural and artificial lighting resulted in a cozy ambiance both during the daytime and nighttime. 

by tearing down unnecessary division walls in the common area, and lighting up the staircase volume, the architect converted the back of the house into a vivid, fluid space. this new area encourages interaction within the users as well as a more comfortable living environment. through the use of mirrors and angled ceilings, light is redirected into previously dark spaces. this way, each corner of the house became illuminated and welcoming. 

the lane house keeps a raw material and color palette, with neutral tones and natural textures. the light grey of the hollow cinder blocks arranged in the entrance, bring in light and create patterned shadows in the house. the rough concrete floor in the ground floor pairs well with the choice of the dark wood furnishings, which emphasizes the minimal aesthetic. in the upper floor, a lighter wood is used and is highlighted though the many platers and green accents incorporated through the spaces. 

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: cristina gomez | designboom