This project is a corner structure situated among the winding alleys of Pingtung. The old-style building of around 15 ping features the classic two and a half-story floor plan design of early Taiwan. Because the mezzanine indirectly interferes with both the fluidity of staircase flow and lighting, the intermediate floor is usually either completely removed, or rebuilt to showcase an elevated ground floor with additional attic space.
HAO Design strives to achieve an optimal balance between space and lighting, which is why we chose to employ design methods that address the various limitations of the building. First, the partition walls of the mezzanine were removed, so that the 1.5-story floor height became the visual divide of the entire interior space. The upper floor was transformed into an open library, so that light that is introduced by taking away the partitions can stream into the ground-level living room. The large window framing the dining area affords maximum lighting, while the rescaled and leveled window ledge naturally evolved into seating for the dining table.