Introducing Hyaku Yama: A Fusion of Art and Architecture

The Hyaku Yama project, crafted by zhaobo.architectural design studio and L&CS studio, emerges as a testament to artistic expression blended seamlessly with architectural design. Commissioned by an artist couple who envisioned the space as an exhibition venue for antiques and fine arts, the building embodies a handcrafted allure and a distinct personality.

Conceptualization

Named “Hyaku Yama,” meaning “Hundred Mountains” in Japanese, the project symbolizes the diversity of artifacts housed within its walls. Each item, akin to a mountain rising from the earth, finds its place in this artistic sanctuary. The facade, meticulously hand-chiseled with rough-textured cement walls shaped in a “ㄇ”-form, mirrors the rugged beauty of mountains.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

Drawing inspiration from nature, the architects employed bamboo, wood, soil, and stone to organically blend with the surroundings, evoking the natural landscape. Bamboo, a quintessential material of Nantou, adorns the gate and forms a woven wall, harmonizing with the cement exterior and encapsulating the essence of the locale.

Interior Aesthetics

The interior exudes warmth and authenticity, with walls adorned in paint mixed with soil, white cement, and rice stalks, imparting a tactile texture reminiscent of traditional Taiwanese earthen houses. A charming tea house tucked away on the first floor invites visitors to immerse themselves in tranquility, accessed through a humble doorway leading into a two-story space beneath a gently sloping roof. Skylights strategically placed between the eaves and walls infuse the interior with natural light, casting dynamic shadows that dance along the walls as time passes.

In essence, Hyaku Yama transcends the realm of architecture, emerging as a poetic ode to art, nature, and the profound connection between the two.