The Mountain Residential House

Fabio Su

Interview about The Mountain Residential House, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2020

About the Project

The establishment is built and designed under the philosophy of mountains. The outlook of the villa is an imitation of Mountain Alishan. The French casements allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountain Alishan in any season of the year and Low-e glass is used for the eco-friendly residence. The main wall in living space used the nature stone with different depths in a clear and colorful way which connects to the view of Alishan mountain.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    Fabio Su
  • Design Name:
    The Mountain Residential House
  • Designed For:
    Zendo Interior Design
  • Award Category:
    A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2020
  • Last Updated:
    November 9, 2024
Learn More About This Design

View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.

View Design Details
Your innovative approach to The Mountain Residential House as an architectural metaphor of Mount Alishan is striking - could you elaborate on how this connection between built form and natural landscape shaped your design philosophy and decision-making process?

In this project, the majestic landscape of Alishan is the core of inspiration for the design. We hope that the building is not only a simple living space, but also an expression of harmonious symbiosis with the natural landscape. Using mountain dwellings as a metaphor for Alishan architecture, we deliberately emphasize the architectural form It captures the ups and downs of the mountains and uses natural images to guide the design concept. It attempts to incorporate elements such as mountains, wind, trees, and clouds into the building, making the building itself a part of nature.During the specific design process, we chose to imitate the appearance of a ridgeline, making the outline of the building undulate like a mountain, creating a sense of hierarchy, and used a variety of natural materials to symbolize the natural landscape. For example, the main wall is made of Different depths of natural stone add richness of texture and color, making it more vital and creating a deep connection with the Alishan landscape.The design of French casement windows provides residents with mountain views in all seasons, and Low-e glass is selected to reduce the entry of solar heat, maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and meet environmental protection requirements. At the same time, the application of glass in the space is also cleverly arranged. : Through the separation of transparent materials, we expanded the view of the living area and sleeping area, creating a sense of openness but still retaining privacy.This way of integrating the concept of mountains into the architectural design makes every corner full of nature, especially the dining area, where the custom-made wooden tables and the rich application of stone make the space atmosphere natural and simple. Our design not only pays attention to the beauty and function of the space, but also creates an emotional connection between the residents and the natural landscape. Every detail reflects the concept of harmonious coexistence with nature, making the building like a part of Alishan, vividly integrated into the mountain forest, giving residents a peaceful and comfortable living experience.

The Mountain Residential House features an impressive integration of Low-e glass throughout - what inspired your commitment to environmental sustainability, and how does this technology specifically enhance both the occupant experience and ecological footprint of the residence?

In this mountain residential project, the commitment to environmental sustainability comes mainly from a deep respect for and awareness of the protection of the natural landscape. Alishan’s majestic scenery and rich ecosystem are the most precious resources in themselves, so we wanted the building to coexist harmoniously with the natural environment rather than burden it. The choice of low-emissivity (Low-e) glass is to achieve this goal. It can effectively reduce heat transfer inside the building, reduce air conditioning and energy consumption, and ensure that residents enjoy indoor comfort in different seasons.This material also protects the health of residents, reduces direct exposure to western sunlight, and allows natural light to flow softly into the space, achieving a bright and warm effect without bringing too much heat energy. In addition, the transparency of low-emissivity glass also ensures the integrity of the field of view, allowing residents to enjoy the changing scenery of Alishan at any time, thus enhancing their connection with nature.Through such material selection, we not only want to achieve the energy-saving effect of the building, but also hope to convey a sustainable lifestyle to the residents. This is not only an environmental consideration, but also a commitment to the future. We believe that allowing residents to live in such an environment will not only feel comfortable and beautiful, but also cultivate a care and protection for nature. This is our in-depth understanding and practice of sustainable design concepts.

The natural stone wall in the living space of The Mountain Residential House creates a powerful visual connection to Mount Alishan - could you walk us through the technical challenges and artistic considerations in achieving this dramatic interior feature?

In this design project, we used the natural stone wall as the core element to introduce the natural beauty of Alishan. It not only serves as a visual connection, but also profoundly expresses the harmonious symbiosis between architecture and nature. The design of the stone wall is inspired by the majestic ridge of Alishan. Lines and layers of mountains, from material selection to detail presentation, we use multi-layered natural stone to give the wall a rich variety of shades, just like the natural texture of the mountain, making it an important focus in the living space.Technically, in order to achieve the stability and beauty of the stone wall, the team is particularly meticulous in the selection and arrangement of the stone. Through precise installation processes, we ensure that the texture and color of each stone achieve the ideal effect, so that it will Different visual levels are shown in the changes of light and shadow. Structurally, in order to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the wall, we chose the SRC structure, which not only improves the earthquake resistance, but also makes the wall stronger and more durable.Artistically, we hope that this stone wall can capture the magnificence and depth of Alishan’s natural landscape, so that residents can feel the natural atmosphere of Alishan indoors. Careful lighting design allows the stone to display different atmospheres as the light changes, making the entire space attractive during the day and night. This not only adds to the artistry of the space, but also satisfies the residents’ desire for natural emotions.

Your experience living in Argentina clearly influenced The Mountain Residential House's fusion of Eastern and Western design elements - how did your international perspective inform the way you approached this project's cultural narrative?

My experience living in Argentina has enriched my understanding of multicultural design, which is clearly reflected in the design of The Mountain. Argentina’s open space, sunshine and lifestyle inspired me to create an open and private atmosphere in the design, and Connecting people and nature more closely, for me, this building is not only a residence, but also a symbol of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.In this project, I used Argentinian and oriental design aesthetics, combining Argentina’s open space with Alishan’s natural inspiration to create a living space that coexists harmoniously with nature. Especially through the selection of natural materials and the guidance of sight lines, I hope to make residents feel the peace of the East and the tolerance of the West, thus bringing a unique living experience. The international perspective I adopt in my design not only provides architectural It injects cultural narrative and gives it a special meaning of connecting East and West.

The Mountain Residential House presented significant engineering challenges, particularly with the large-span roof design - could you share the innovative solutions your team developed to achieve this distinctive silhouette while ensuring structural integrity?

In designing a mountain home, we faced significant engineering challenges in achieving long-span roofs while capturing the natural landscape of Alishan. Optimizing the clock strategy finally overcomes these problems.First of all, we use SRC (steel-reinforced concrete) structure to enhance the building's gravity-bearing and earthquake-resistant capabilities, which is extremely important in low-altitude areas prone to earthquakes and ensures the support of the overall structure. Building materials not only reduce the overall burden, but also make the appearance of the building lighter, forming a harmonious visual connection with the natural environment.In terms of design, in order to make the roof fit with the ridgeline of Alishan, we simulated the natural ups and downs to give the roof a natural and smooth shape. We used digital modeling and structural analysis tools to conduct multiple simulations and continuously elaborated the design. , ensuring that every detail meets the dual requirements of safety and beauty. The hidden drainage system can effectively guide the return of rainwater to avoid overall impact on the structure and increase roof failure.These innovative designs not only perfectly present the natural beauty of Alishan, but also provide scaffolding protection for the building to enjoy long-term quality of life.

The thoughtful integration of exhibition spaces within The Mountain Residential House's storage solutions is intriguing - what led to this dual-purpose approach, and how does it enhance the daily living experience for the residents?

In the design of the mountain house, we integrated the dual uses of exhibition space and storage function. This innovative approach comes from our deep thinking about the versatility of living space. Such a design not only solves the needs of space use, but also enriches the space. It improves residents’ daily life experience and makes the home environment more personalized and artistic.We believe that modern homes should have both aesthetics and practicality, so we designed a cabinet that can both display collections and provide storage space. These designs cleverly combine functionality and aesthetics without taking up too much space. Allowing residents to display their collections of art, souvenirs or daily items not only adds to the warmth of the family atmosphere, but also allows the residents' personal tastes to be reflected. Each display area has been carefully planned to match the different properties of the items. size for flexible adjustment and storage.In addition, such a design can also improve the utilization of space, avoid the accumulation of clutter, and keep the home clean and orderly. With the emergence of display space, residents can adjust and replace the displayed items at any time, so that the home environment can change with the seasons or changes. Mood changes, keeping things fresh and dynamic. This design method not only meets the actual storage needs, but also brings visual pleasure and encourages residents to display the beautiful moments or hobbies in their lives, further enhancing the richness and personalization of the living experience.Overall, this dual-purpose storage space design, by combining display and storage functions, not only improves the functionality of the residence, but also enables residents to enjoy more artistic atmosphere and humanistic care in their daily lives, making the space and People's emotions and tastes are closely connected.

The Mountain Residential House's relationship with its environment extends beyond visual connections through its sophisticated water features - could you explain how these elements contribute to both privacy and temperature regulation?

In the design of this mountainous residence, the introduction of water features not only enhances the visual beauty, but also effectively enhances the functions of privacy protection and temperature regulation. As a landscape element, water features are closely integrated with the surrounding natural environment and architectural forms to create a A harmonious and multiple-benefit space experience.First of all, water features play a positive role in protecting privacy. The setting of pools, streams or small water features effectively separates the house from the external environment, forming a soft barrier. The reflection and flow of the water surface provide a visual buffer zone for the residents, making it difficult for the outside world to enter directly. This enhances privacy inside the home, and the sound and flow of the water feature also creates a private and quiet atmosphere, allowing residents to better enjoy time alone.In terms of temperature regulation, water features help reduce the temperature of the surrounding air, especially in hot summer. The water surface can reflect sunlight and take away the surrounding heat through evaporation, forming a natural cooling effect. This not only keeps the interior of the house comfortable It also helps to improve air quality and provide fresh airflow, thereby reducing reliance on energy consumption such as air conditioning. This natural and effective way not only helps improve the quality of life, but also plays an important role in environmental protection.The design of the waterscape complements the surrounding mountain environment, so that the ecological function of the house is not limited to aesthetics, but also enhances the comfort and sustainability of the overall living environment. It not only improves privacy and temperature regulation, but also introduces natural elements into daily life , forming a living experience that is closely integrated with nature.

Your Bronze A' Design Award for The Mountain Residential House recognizes its innovative architectural approach - how do you see this project influencing future residential designs, particularly in contexts where nature and architecture intersect?

"The Mountain" won the A' Design Bronze Award, which is a strong affirmation of its innovative architectural approach, which regards architecture as a part of nature, rather than just being in nature. Create a space that coexists harmoniously with nature.In addition, as the global demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable buildings grows, we have incorporated advanced environmentally friendly technologies into our designs. These designs not only demonstrate the coordination between architecture and the environment, but also set an example for future residential design, demonstrating Learn how to reduce the burden on nature while maintaining beauty.Finally, this project reminds us that future residential design should pay more attention to the balance between human needs and the natural environment. It provides inspiration for future residential design and has positive guiding significance for contemporary and future designers.

The Mountain Residential House's interior spatial flow seems to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces - could you elaborate on your strategy for maintaining privacy while maximizing visual connectivity to the landscape?

In the design of The Mountain Residential House, we focused on creating a space that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, maximizing visual connectivity to the natural landscape while ensuring residents’ privacy. Central to this strategy is the balance of openness and privacy, achieved through careful layout and material selection.First of all, we use a lot of glass materials, especially in large-area windows and glass walls, so that residents can connect with the external natural landscape at any time. The design of French casement windows not only provides an unobstructed view , also allows residents to easily open windows and enjoy fresh air, enhancing the sense of connection between indoors and outdoors. However, rather than relying solely on glass to create visual transparency, we used glass partitions in key areas to separate living and private areas, such as the glass wall design between the living and sleeping areas, which maintains To create a sense of open space and effectively protect privacy, these glass partitions are treated with opaque or frosted effects, so that while providing visual connectivity, they can still block the direct line of sight to the outside world and protect the private space of the residents.In addition, we deliberately heighten the buildings and walls in the landscape design, and introduce water feature elements, which not only provide a visual barrier for the interior, but also help create a sense of privacy. The design of the water feature not only enhances the overall aesthetic effect, but also It can help adjust the indoor microclimate and further improve living comfort. In this design, the interior blends seamlessly with the natural landscape outside, while ensuring privacy and comfort for residents. This balance of indoor and outdoor circulation provides residents with a living space that is both open and private.

The Mountain Residential House demonstrates remarkable attention to sustainable practices - how did you balance the client's lifestyle requirements with your commitment to environmental responsibility throughout the design process?

In the design process of "The Mountain", sustainability and the lifestyle needs of residents are the core elements of our design. We believe that sustainability is not only an environmental responsibility, but also the key to creating a high-quality living experience. And it can be seamlessly integrated with the needs and habits of the residents. For this reason, we carefully selected every element in the design to not only meet the requirements for comfort and aesthetics, but also maximize environmental benefits.First of all, when it comes to material selection, we give priority to sustainable resources. For example, we use local natural stone and logs. These materials not only comply with the local ecological environment, but also reduce the carbon footprint of long-distance transportation. In addition, all glass The materials are all made of Low-e glass, which not only effectively controls the entry and exit of heat energy, but also helps improve the energy efficiency of the building and reduce reliance on air conditioning and heating.In terms of space planning, we fully considered the residents’ desire to bring outdoor natural landscapes indoors. We made extensive use of open glass walls in the design to enhance the visual connectivity between indoors and outdoors, and used glass partitions to cleverly divide the space, ensuring privacy without losing the sense of space. A sense of openness. This design strategy not only allows residents to enjoy ample exposure to natural light, but also reduces the need for artificial lighting and achieves energy savings.In addition, the design of water features is also one of the manifestations of sustainability. It not only adds to the aesthetic value of the living space, but also helps to adjust the indoor and outdoor microclimate, further improving living comfort and reducing energy demand.Overall, the design of "The Mountain" achieves a harmonious balance between residents' needs and environmental responsibility, creating a living space that is both sustainable and in line with modern lifestyles.

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