located on the eastern side of taiwan, the atolan house by taipei-based create + think design studio sits at the border of the pacific ocean and borrows traditional native architecture. the word a’tolan derives from the indigenous language of natives on the east coast of taiwan, meaning ‘a place with many rocks’ or ‘ piling of rocks’. 

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
outdoor view: the roof top is planted with various herbs and serves as a walkway on a plateau
image © kuomin lee 

 

 

for create + think design studio, the essence of this project stems from the use of traditional native techniques of a’tolan — where rocks are excavated from the site to be used for the east-west walls spanning over three levels like rice patty terraces. the bottom level (+20 meters) includes the tree house and lawn; mid-level (+23 meters) consists of the main structure; top level (+28 meters) is designed with a driveway entrance/ front yard. with a humble posture in front of the majestic sea, the structure extends at a relatively low profile along the contour of the coastline — following its bend as if opening itself to the sea at an angle of 130 degrees. 

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
cooking area
image © kuomin lee

 

 

surrounded by the serene mother nature, the studio has chosen the least invasive design that satisfies basic shelter and food preparation needs. hence, the interior consists only of cooking areas and sleeping quarters defined by accordion glass doors which allows light and air to flow in freely. a few other areas enhance the egalitarian function of the interior such as the skylight-covered shower, the outdoor bathtub facing  sleeping areas, the al fresco dining area with a long table to the side of the foyer, and a multi-purpose platform that can be used for yoga or star-gazing.

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
the design satisfies basic shelter and food preparation needs
image © kuomin lee

 

 

technically, the foundation is a narrow rectangular shape of approximately 90 meters in length and 30 meters in width sitting on the north-south axis. following the coastline, at approximately 60 meters down the axis from the north, the structure turns 130 degrees east; the downward slope from west to east is transformed and represented in three levels.

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
the kitchen area directly faces the infinity pool thanks to large accordion glass walls
image © kuomin lee

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
front courtyard: the steel frame is cladded with native rocks 
image © kuomin lee

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
sleeping quarters defined with large glass façades that allow air and light to filter through
image © kuomin lee

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
warm and natural material are cladded to create a more inviting and native quality
image © kuomin lee

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
evening view
image © kuomin lee 

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
stone, steel, wood and concrete blending into a native-contemporary architecture
image © kuomin lee

create + think design studio terraces atolan house in taiwan
an infinity pool with an opening of an angle of 130 to embrace the sea
image © kuomin lee

 

 

project info:

 

designers: arthur ho and create+think design studio team
design company: create+think design studio
location: eastern taiwan
site area: 992 sq.m
residence area: 50 sq.m
completion time: 09.2015
photographer: kuomin lee
main materials: stone, steel, concrete, wood, glass, marble

 

 

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: lea zeitoun | designboom