The Site
The apartment complex is based in Qiyan, located on a mountain slope at the outskirts of the Taipei Basin. As its name suggests, qiyan means “strangely-shaped rocks.” Half of the base is filled with strangely shaped rocks while the other half is covered by primeval forests. To the west, the site overlooks the Guandu Plain and the mouth of the Danshui River. In the northeast direction, one can get a great view of the Qixing and Datun mountain ranges in the distance; this location has a special natural terrain and a rich ecological landscape.
Concept 1: Strangely-Shaped Rocks
Instead of calling the property as just a complex with 59 apartments, it can be referred to as a structure made by repeatedly stacking granite stone blocks along the hillside, which conforms to the existing landscape with an elevation of approximately nine meters. In addition to paying respect to the local topography, the structure also presents an image of a base fully covered by rocks. Various sizes of beige-colored rocks provide unique characteristics and functions for the apartment units, the main lobby, and the gym based on their stacking locations and positions.
Concept 2: A Forest in Taipei
Fifty percent of the original forest located to the west of the base has been preserved in its original form, and this connects directly with the property’s atrium. The building’s greenery in the form of terraces and rooftop gardens blends perfectly with the Guandu Plain, maintaining a large-scale integration between the original forest and the mountain forests of Taipei Basin
Concept 3: The Residential Building and its Feng Shui
Along with the surrounding terrain, mountains at its back, and the Guandu Plain in the front, the residential building sits east and faces west. Each residence is enveloped in stone, providing privacy and stability. The entire area from the Tatun Mountain range to the Guandu Plain will remain open, allowing each apartment to interact closely with nature. Gaps between stones have been converted into balconies for residents to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The use of natural construction materials such as wood and glass not only completes the look of the entire structure and provide additional privacy, it also makes returning to nature the best reason for coming back home.
