Infinity Ground : Thailand and Taiwan Contemporary Architecture

House of Roofs
Learning from the ordinary.
We can often recognise from a region’s roofs
how its architecture has developed to adapt to
its natural conditions and culture. The ordinary
buildings in Pintung exhibit a wide variety of
roof structures to deal with the volatile weather
conditions which average 30-34 degree celsius
temperature during most of the year and a
tropical wet climate all year long.
Community life is enjoyed mostly in shaded
zones between interior space and uncovered
street. It takes the form of loggias, canopies,
tree foliage, pavilions and temples.
The omnipresent additive temporary metal roof
structures might seem unauthentic, yet they
are true to a regional building solution that is
versatile, interchangeable and pragmatic.
Located in the tropical region of the Pintung
Township at the southernmost tip of Taiwan,
this building for 2 multi-generation families
(each made-up of 8 units) unfolds in a long
linear volume with 16 stacked and shifted
roofs/terraces.
The shape, depth and light filtering of each individual
overhang depends on the interior space
behind it. Large living rooms have garden
terraces on the ground floor. Master bedrooms
above have terrace-gardens whereas reading
rooms have large bay windows for great views
but shade provided by deep overhang. Bedrooms
are provided with green balconies while
the TV room canopies only accommodates a
ribbon window.
60 degrees is the most efficient slope for sun
shading in Taiwan. Falling rain slides down from
one canopy to the next all the way down to
the garden, watering the vegetations and finally
seeping down to the water collector that
recycles the water back to the building.
The overhangs protect the interior from rain
and reduce heat admission (further achieved
by usage of white Portland cement). They also
allow the inhabitants to open their windows
anytime to let through cross ventilation and
cool down the rooms.
In addition, it provides them with that precious
shaded zone for a greener, healthier way of
living. Finally, the shifting of these canopies
encourages for communication across the
levels/units.
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