'chen house' by c-laboratory
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory

situated on an old cherry farm in the datum mountains of north taiwan is 'chen house',
created by finnish firm c- laboratory. the structure was designed to react on the demanding
wind, flooding and heat conditions on the site.

built on poles the house is raised above the ground in order to let the flood waters run
under it. the different spaces are connected to a flexible movement within the axis of
outdoor and indoor functions. the smaller bathroom and kitchen unit acts as a kicker
stabilizing the wooden structure during the frequent typhoons and earthquakes.

the bio-climatic architecture has been created to catch the cool breeze from the datun -river
during the hot days and to let in the small winds circulating on the site between the fresh
water reservoir pond and the farmlands. a fire place is used during the winter for heating
and for cooking tea.  the house gives farmers a much needed shelter.



'chen house' exterior
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house' roof
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house' living area
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house' living area
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory


'chen house'
photo © adda
image courtesy c-laboratory

architects c-laboratory: marco casagrande, frank chen
construction work: marco casagrande, frank chen, shi-ding chen,
nikita wu, shu-gi bai
local knowledge: missis lee

location: sanjhih, taipei county, taiwan
site: 3890 m2 farm land, datun mountains
building foot print: 138 m2
interior space: 62,5 m2
materials: mahogany, concrete
completed: 2008