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A Place Where Time Unfolds
Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Baoshan, Hsinchu, this residence is embraced by rolling hills and the shimmering expanse of a reservoir. The undulating terrain, rich in biodiversity, creates a setting of serene beauty—like jade embedded within the folds of the land. Over the years, the homeowner meticulously acquired parcels of land, cultivating the soil with native Taiwanese saplings, driven by a steadfast vision of creating a lasting legacy. In close collaboration with designer Abraham Lee, this vision took shape—an ancestral residence that harmonizes with nature and carries the essence of heritage into future generations through contemporary architectural expression.
As one drives along the winding mountain road leading to the residence, mist drifts through the dense forest, softening the landscape. With profound respect for the environment, Abraham Lee employed local materials, constructing retaining walls using traditional masonry techniques and laying stone-paved driveways that seamlessly connect the parking areas at both ends of the residence. The carefully positioned gaps between the stones provide a refuge for native flora, fostering a habitat for wild vegetation. The architectural flow draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese courtyard house, where spatial sequences unfold through horizontal and vertical layers. Interlocking volumes are meticulously staggered to echo the contours of the land, ensuring that, regardless of the point of entry, the structure remains in dialogue with its surroundings. A sense of gradual revelation defines the experience—walls enclosing the open-air parking area frame layered vistas, forming a visual threshold that captures the changing seasons. Before the entrance, a reflecting pool mirrors the delicate cantilevered structure above, supported by slender vermilion columns. The interplay of reflections instills a quiet, meditative ambiance. Just beyond, a secluded garden invites visitors to slow their pace, following a roji pathway inspired by the tea ceremony tradition. This sequence of spaces fosters introspection, while the teahouse itself is designed with contemporary elements, featuring shoji-like sliding windows that frame the natural scenery, creating an intimate yet open setting for gatherings.
A passageway along the shallow pool leads to the residence, where a two-part entrance sequence accommodates a foyer with a dressing area and restroom—allowing a moment of transition before entering the main living quarters. A perpendicular corridor delineates public and private spaces. The soaring seven-meter-high living and dining area opens onto the courtyard, inviting nature into the interior. Expansive Low-E glass facades, combined with a cantilevered eave, create a layered roof system that enhances natural ventilation and optimizes thermal insulation while flooding the space with daylight. An L-shaped core extends from the indoor flooring to the outdoor terraces, forming a traditional engawa—an ideal space for family conversations and engagement with the surroundings. A corner balcony further serves as an open-air dining area where four generations gather, their laughter interwoven with birdsong and the rustling of leaves. Children roam freely between the green expanses and the inner courtyard’s reflecting pool, immersed in a setting that nurtures both play and familial bonds.
Walls define the boundary between communal and private realms while maintaining a sense of openness. A transitional tea lounge, positioned between the living area and private quarters, allows for a balance of visibility and discretion. Along the perpendicular corridor, spaces unfold sequentially—study, bedrooms, staircase, and access points—each meticulously arranged. The staircase, an elegant glass-brick volume, reinterprets the conventional dark stairwell into a luminous, crystalline feature, transforming its presence throughout the day and night. Ascending the cantilevered steps, the second floor accommodates private family spaces, including a study and living areas that maintain a visual connection with the level below. The study’s shoji-inspired windows filter natural light, creating a tranquil retreat for contemplation, seamlessly linked to the surrounding landscape. At the corridor’s farthest end, a wooden cabin constructed with traditional mortise-and-tenon joints offers an idyllic vantage point overlooking the lake and mountains—a place where children can immerse themselves in nature, fostering a deep connection with the land. Outdoor staircases extend the experience further, linking inner courtyards with the surrounding environment.
In this "Place Where Time Unfolds," there are no fixed pathways—every movement through the space becomes an interaction with nature, adapting to the rhythms of family life. Abraham Lee’s design honors the ecology of the land, integrating architecture with the environment to create a home rooted in heritage yet expressed in a contemporary language. This residence is more than a dwelling; it is a living testament to the passage of time, where generations grow and memories are woven into the fabric of the landscape. In the years to come, as thousands of saplings mature into a lush forest, the home will stand as an enduring witness to the harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature.
