Background: This is a story of a dream come true. The owner is a passionate individual who loves traveling and outdoor activities such as triathlons, skiing, and sailing.
Years ago, one day, he approached us and shared his ideal retirement life. He wanted to build a restaurant in the southernmost part of Taiwan, in the beautiful coastal resort of Kenting, to serve as a sailing club for leisure time and as a residence after retirement.
I suggested, "Why not build a guesthouse instead? It can operate as a business on weekdays, serve as a sailing club for members, and also be a place for leisure and retirement." We quickly reached a consensus and established the framework for this project.
Initially, we hesitated because the location seemed distant. However, he told me, "I came to you with my dream, hoping you can help me fulfill it!" He was thrilled and expressed that he had been searching for many years, finally finding someone who could help him achieve his dream.
His words deeply touched me, and I wanted to do everything in my power to make his dream come true. After all, designers are meant to be the catalysts for fulfilling people's dreams. So, I gathered our team and held a meeting, determined to successfully complete this project!
Thus, the dream project began...
After much time, the restaurant guesthouse project located in the southernmost part of Taiwan, Kenting Nanwan, has finally reached the completion phase of self-built design.
When constructing a building, it is essential to understand the local climate, sunlight, wind direction, and other factors to determine the construction methods and materials, so as not to become a superficial non-professional structure.
To better integrate with the local environment and climate in Kenting, we implemented several strategies in the design:
Adjusted the building's orientation to avoid direct sunlight angles.
Used high-density foam on the surfaces and roof of the building structure to insulate and reduce indoor temperature, similar to the principle of a thermos.
Installed stainless steel railings with steel cables for outdoor balconies to withstand the erosion from sea breeze and ensure long-term usage, considering the proximity to the seaside.
Implemented aluminum doors and windows with fluorocarbon paint on the surface to withstand sea breeze and corrosion while being easy to maintain.
Chose a white color scheme for the building, with a modern minimalist architectural style. The exterior walls were coated with European wall paint to reduce the temperature under the southern sun. Wooden grain bricks and a small number of black bricks were used to enhance the architectural proportions.
Created a courtyard to allow natural light to flow into the interior, enriching the spatial expression.
Incorporated numerous windows for airflow and temperature reduction inside the building. The glass used was energy-efficient glass. The overall layout and materials were designed with the concept of green architecture.
The design featured two interconnected main buildings, with different facades and a connecting passage between them, creating an internal landscape and fulfilling the owner's desires.
Overall, it exudes a refreshing feeling, with the white structure blending into the sky and earth, echoing the lush green mountains and azure sea, creating a harmonious coastal scenery.
Thanks to the multiple windows, the captivating outdoor views can be enjoyed inside, including the starry sky at night.
On the summer nights, one can relax in the pool or sit by the poolside, listening to the sounds of insects and birds, hosting a stargazing BBQ party. Everyone can enjoy themselves with wine and lively conversations, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
In terms of interior layout, the ground floor is planned to include a living room, a social space, a dining area, and three guest rooms. Throughout the ground floor space, one can see the owner's personal touches and decorations, which reflect his love for travel, outdoor activities, wine tasting, coffee drinking, reading, and enjoying music. He shares these experiences with the guests in this space.
The second floor is designed to have three guest rooms, with one of the larger rooms directly facing the pool and green scenery. It is equipped with a balcony, allowing individuals to relax and enjoy the breeze after taking a bath. They can savor a glass of red wine while gazing at the stars, embracing the joys of life.
The outdoor garden landscape embraces a tropical style of planting and landscaping, exuding a strong vacation ambiance. It blends seamlessly with the beautiful surrounding lake and mountain views, integrating into the entire environment. The design includes a transparent pool, enhancing the overall ambiance of the venue. As night falls, the lights shining from the bottom of the pool resemble a valuable emerald, embedded in the land of Nanwan Beach.
We believe that a good design is not just about creating a visually stunning form or using expensive and rare materials. It is about integrating the user's life experiences, listening, communicating, and striving to achieve a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal in order to become a good design.