In 2024, Haven Space Design officially relocated its office to this relaxed yet vibrant historic district: Central District, Taichung City.
This street house, co-designed by the artist Professor Yan Shui-Long, was originally intended to operate as a combination of a sun cake shop and restaurant. However, it never officially opened for business, quietly standing on what was once the bustling shopping street of Zhongshan Road.
After over 40 years, the building still retains its original appearance and charm. The unique mosaic-tiled facade and numerous arched windows make the building itself a large-scale public artwork. The abstract simplification of the French Mansard roof allows this building to stand out among the many other distinctive old structures in the Central District.
In respecting the building’s historical context and local emotional ties, we maintained the original exterior, only addressing the issues of dirt, damage, and waterproofing on the facade.
The side entrance was designed without damaging the wall, creating a framed entrance that blends with the original architectural language.
We extended the stainless steel cladding originally present on the first floor to the side, allowing a continuous stainless steel band to encircle the entire L-shaped street block. Floor number signs and mailboxes for each floor were installed to meet the commercial needs of the building.
Stainless steel, being a durable and weather-resistant material, often gives off a cold and industrial feel. To soften this impression, we incorporated the natural rusting process of iron, applying rust-red paint to the entrance frame to create contrast. In the juxtaposition of smooth and rough, cold and warm, present and past, a rich design narrative emerges.
At night, the building's arched windows are illuminated, highlighting its form and features, offering a reading of the structure that differs from daytime. This lighting transforms the site into one of the most elegant and romantic scenes in the Central District.
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