The Ant Farm Residence was developed by Taipei-based Xrange Architects, with the aim of preserving an existing stone property whilst giving it an intense edge. The original residence was wrapped in narrow, two-storey tall living spaces, producing the feeling of being in a maze, hence the home’;s name. We’;d enjoy to get lost in the halls and rooms of this property, which provide surprises at every single turn. Check it out!
Much better visible by night, the “ant house” concept comes alive with the illuminated maze of windows zigzagging across the facade. According to the architects, “The ad-hoc openings of the old residence, including that of defunct air conditioner openings, are preserved as the ‘found elevation’;. Views of surrounding mountains and the city beneath are revealed via the overlapping of new/external and old/internal windows. The resultant irregularity offers an unexpected spatial signature to the property.”
Just like an ant farm, the wood detail flanking the double-height front entrance location is an intricate and earthy element that begs you to explore the depths of this style further. The exterior door of glass blends in with a two-storey glazed panel running form the ground up to the rooftop, flooding the front foyer with organic light.
Inside, a set of soaring, 6-meter higher wood doors lead into the small but sweet, 1.2-by-2.6-meter study just off the front entrance. Measuring the width of a desk, this room attributes an “upholstered floor.”
Deeper into the den, this living area is spacious and airy, finished in a cool modern style but warmed up with wood floors and a striking, substantial custom seater of wood and loaded with cushions.
This 1-of-a-sort sitting area defines an intimate hub inside this vast open space, the best place for lounging in style. A big wood feature wall works with the wood floor and furnishings, and sets the stage as the entertainment center with a film, some music and excellent conversation.
The home’;s original exterior walls, now inside, still function the original door and window openings, which are now incorporated as new interior windows, doorways and show nooks for the revamped construct. Even the old air conditioner opening finds a inventive use in this new style!
The pantry is a sliver of space measuring 80 cm wide.
Just off the living region, a .8-by-5-meter bathroom could be tiny in terms of floor location, but the double-height ceiling floods this space with sunlight. A wood wall and floor are flanked by two white walls – 1 smooth and 1 textured, adding interest to this tiny nook. Look up, and you are going to see a surprising feature, a suspended glass guest shower overhead.
The home’;s dark facade is a dramatic addition to this residential neighborhood, spilling down the hillside which is dotted with lush trees.
And in the center of it all, the property boasts its personal private courtyard, concealed behind a wall that keeps prying eyes out from lets the sun shine in. A single-third of the deck is a sliding roof that opens to reveal the garage beneath.
Here’;s a deconstructed view of this fascinating house strategy, whilst illustrates how it all comes together. From the architects, “The Ant Farm Home is an outrageously proportioned addition to an indigenous rusticated stone home where newly added spaces are 80cm to 180cm wide and two storeys tall. The new house functions as a structural envelope that bolsters the seismic functionality of the otherwise weak rubble structure.”
Xrange Architects
via Contemporist
