A'tolan House Residence is an exemplary architectural masterpiece located on the eastern seaboard of Taiwan, embodying a harmonious integration of indigenous cultural heritage and contemporary design principles. The residence, which earned the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design category in 2016, derives its name from the indigenous term a'tolan, meaning a place with many rocks or building wall with rocks. The structure's distinctive design follows the natural contours of its coastal setting, with a rectangular foundation spanning approximately 90 meters in length and 30 meters in width, positioned along the north-south axis before making a 130-degree eastward turn at 60 meters. The architecture demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to its environment through a terraced design that transforms the natural west-to-east slope into three distinct levels. Occupying a site area of 991 square meters with a residential space of 50 square meters, the house exemplifies minimalist living while maximizing its connection to the surrounding landscape. The design philosophy centers on humility towards nature, allowing the architecture to blend symbiotically with its environment through the extensive use of local stone, a material choice that pays homage to indigenous building traditions. The project, completed between July 2014 and August 2015, showcases innovative spatial organization, structural integrity, and cultural sensitivity, while maintaining a profound respect for the physical characteristics of its Pacific Ocean-adjacent location. The residence stands as a testament to sustainable architecture that successfully balances aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency, creating a timeless dwelling that honors both natural and cultural heritage.
coastal architecture, indigenous building techniques, sustainable design, minimalist living, stone construction, terraced architecture
CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'A'tolan House Residence.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=445748 (Accessed on September 05, 2026)"
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