Location: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

Architect: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute.

The location of a dining space in relation to the urban business district is important, and a long distance from the city center provided an opportunity to create an architectural environment that subverts the symbiosis between tradition and the natural environment. The building has a large amount of greenery, providing an excellent dining experience and serving as a recreational space for relaxation. The function of the commercial space was considered, as well as how to reduce its impact on the environment. Over 100 trees were planted to create a relaxed atmosphere and help absorb CO₂. The species chosen are resilient against high winds and excessive rain, reducing the need for replacement and transportation, and thereby reducing carbon emissions. A landscape water pool at the entrance of the restaurant reduces the ambient temperature and helps to reduce pollutants and dust in the air. The building appears simplistic, but a lot of attention was paid to the materials used and their location to maximize re-usage. Window blinds and overhangs provide better coverage, and a large number of metal steel plates were used and modularized to avoid resetting and maintenance of the indoor space in the future. The space ratio is based mainly on the service function line and natural light that enters the indoor space. The use of indoor materials, recycling, and plants in the interior space help to illustrate traces of light and shadow movement. The mechanical equipment required for energy generation has been placed in the mezzanine space of the building, and the efficient flow of air manages to save energy and create an environmentally sustainable operation. The building is paving the way in terms of sustainability and doing its best to reduce its carbon footprint on Kaohsiung and Taiwan.

Photo credit: Moooten Studio / Qimin Wu.