After the pandemic, the elderly parents and their daughters, previously living in southern and northern Taiwan, began considering future care needs and decided to live together in Taipei.

Located in a 40-year-old public housing complex, this 72-square-meter apartment navigates two opposing conditions: the tranquil greenery of the Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab to the south, and the bustle of a major commercial boulevard to the north.The low ceilings and original layout with three small bedrooms intensified the narrow proportions and the sense of enclosure. Moreover, iron window grilles and fixed AC units obstructed the openings, severely compromising natural light and ventilation.

The renovation removed these obstructions and selective brick walls, inserting a birch plywood "central block" as the spatial anchor. The kitchen, dining area, daybed zone, and rooms are arranged in sequence around this core, establishing a fluid, circular circulation.

A glowing 'light box' was the intuitive idea. Reimagined as a luminous volume, its bespoke composition of fluted and frosted glass refracts and diffuses light throughout the residence.

Reinterpreting the Japanese noryo-yuka (literally "cooling platform"—a traditional setting for relaxation and tea), the window-side daybed resonates with the family’s cultural heritage. Constructed from solid wood planks, cylindrical supports, and stainless-steel triangular beams, this versatile anchor fosters spontaneous moments of togetherness and gathering.

By crafting a “living scenario” focused on elderly care and mental well-being, we envisioned everyday scenes where family members interact in a space deeply connected to the outdoors—supporting one another and preparing for the next chapter. The design is guided by three core pillars: meeting phased spatial needs, optimizing natural light, ventilation, and storage; and enabling life to unfold in a continuous flow, all expressed through the “central block”.

Our plan incorporates three phases of spatial flexibility: during the transitional phase, the daybed area serves as a temporary bedroom for the daughter. Once the relocation stabilizes, the storage room is reserved for a future caregiver. Furthermore, both the master bedroom and the daybed space are designed to accommodate a hospital bed with minimal adjustments, ensuring the home is ready for long-term care.

Reflecting the family’s lifestyle and the priority to maximize storage, wardrobe space is consolidated into “central block” rather than individual bedrooms. This core features an open washbasin that enhances visual continuity, allowing light, air, and sound to flow freely through the house while bridging the shifting outdoor conditions between the north and south.

A diverse palette of colors, materials and geometric elements enrich the spatial depth, creating a stimulating environment for elderly residents who spend extended periods at home, while providing a vibrant and energetic backdrop for family gatherings.

In Taiwan, air conditioning accounts for the largest share of household energy consumption during summer. Leveraging the apartment's dual-façade exposure, the design maximizes cross-ventilation potential. By removing window barriers and strategically positioning a “central block”, southeast summer breezes are channeled through multiple interior pathways—enhancing thermal comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.

Health and sustainability guided the material palette: all paints and adhesives are low-VOC, 70% of construction materials are certified green products, and decorative panels incorporate recycled plastic.

The layout integrates a fully wheelchair-accessible environment. By anticipating future caregiving needs, the space allows for the installation of medical equipment and spatial adjustments with minimal intervention. Beyond environmental performance, the project responds to Taiwan’s demographic shift. As the nation transitions into a “super-aged society” (with over 20% of the population aged 65+), this project demonstrates how compact public housing can be reorganized to support adaptable, cross-generational living.