speckled windows illuminate TYarchistudio's 'house OO' in taiwan

a contemporary renovation by tyarchistudio

House OO, located in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, stands as the renovation of a forty-year-old structure into a contemporary home by locally-based practice TYarchitestudio. Prioritizing light, warmth, and family connection, the project showcases the impact which thoughtful renovation can have on a living space. The narrow house features three bedrooms, two baths, two living rooms, and a kitchen — all tucked within a slender six-meter-wide alleyway and enclosed by a facade speckled with small glass-block windows.images © Yuchen Zhao

embracing natural elements

With the House OO renovation, the team at TYarchistudio employs a careful selection of materials to achieve both a contemporary style and sustainable result. The architects explain: ‘Japanese cypress, magnetic glass coating, bamboo carbon paint (formaldehyde-free), LVT waterproof floor, and green-key laminate hard plastic sheet have been artfully employed, embodying a commitment to both sustainability and sophistication.‘ To ensure warm and welcoming interiors, the team incorporates natural elements. Sunlight floods the living spaces through strategically placed skylights and windows, lending luminous living spaces even with the upper levels’ relatively closed-off facade. The use of timber finishes furthers this inviting atmosphere.

a 40-year-old house is transformed into a sunlit sanctuary by TYarchistudio in Taiwan

house oo: a modern retreat in the city

TYarchistudio’s House OO renovation involved a reorganization of the interiors to accommodate a residential program. From the one-meter-deep reading sofa by the entrance to the open-plan kitchen, each room tells a story, ‘each room tells a story.’ The project celebrates family life, with a design that revolves around the concept of togetherness — the dining table, crafted from Japanese cypress wood, is a focal point for the home where the family shares everyday meals.

Japanese cypress and bamboo paint express the architects’ commitment to natural finishes
strategically placed skylights and windows flood House OO with natural light
TYarchistudio reorganizes the interiors to ensure privacy without sacrificing natural light