Ascending along Yangde Boulevard, nestled halfway up the lush, greenery-shrouded Yangmingshan, stands an eco-friendly residence that blends seamlessly with nature\u2014the home of Dolly Lin, principal architect of DL Design. Four years ago, drawn to Yangmingshan\u2019s perfect balance of being \"secluded yet accessible\"\u2014away from the hustle and bustle yet retaining urban convenience\u2014Dolly decided to settle here. She purchased the land and began her design journey. Retaining the beams, pillars, and floor slabs of a 40-year-old house on the site, she reinforced the structure and widened the doors and windows to invite in sunlight, fresh air, and more of the natural landscape.\n\nDolly believes: \"A building is alive. It can be like a tree or a flower, rising from the soil. It needs sunlight, air, and water. Blending into the natural environment without a hint of discordance, it remains upright and resilient in the wind and rain. It stands there in the most elegant posture.
Revitalizing an old house is a highly challenging creative endeavor; if one considers only time and financial costs, complete demolition and reconstruction would be the easiest path. However, Dolly disagrees with this shortcut approach: \"This old house has stood here for forty years. It has formed an ecological tacit understanding with the surrounding environment, a living ecosystem that must not be destroyed. I must do my best to let it coexist in balance with nature.\" Consequently, preserving the historical backbone of the old house, alongside three ancient trees that have long resided in the courtyard, has become the most captivating feature of this design project.
Many believe that the biggest drawback of living on Yangmingshan is its damp and cold climate. To this, Dolly smiles and remarks, \"The living conditions in Nordic countries are far more severe!\" In fact, by effectively applying green building concepts, one can enjoy a comfortable indoor climate on Yangmingshan that is warm in winter, cool in summer, and well-ventilated. Dolly added a layer of granite to the existing exterior walls, creating a 40-centimeter-thick double-skin wall. The air cavity between the layers acts as an insulation barrier, blocking summer heat from entering while retaining warm air inside during the winter. Additionally, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese wisdom, the deep-set windows paired with double-glazed glass effectively shield the interior from temperature fluctuations and UV radiation, achieving optimal energy efficiency.
The building\u2019s exterior maintains Dolly\u2019s signature minimalist and stylish aesthetic, featuring rectilinearly cut stone that aligns precisely with the window placements. For the masonry, granite with distinct vertical veining was deliberately selected, utilizing the linear proportions to visually elongate the structure. After nightfalls, LED lighting gently illuminates the ancient trees in the courtyard and the exterior walls. When Dolly returns home after a long day of work, she is welcomed by a warm, grounded, and comforting domestic ambiance.
Interior design is a discipline in its own right. From the initial stages of the project, Dolly simultaneously integrated the architecture, interior space, and visual design. From the selection of stone and timber to furniture curation and material choices, every detail was considered to enhance the convenience and comfort of its residents. The living room features expansive windows that welcome the surrounding lush greenery, while the dining area preserves the old house's original traditional fireplace, bringing the family together for shared moments accompanied by a dry, warm airflow throughout the house. Ascending to the upper floor, an airy, open-riser wooden staircase replaces traditional solid enclosed structures, allowing natural light from the operable skylight to seamlessly permeate every corner of the lightwell. Adjacent to the staircase, wooden screens allow light and breeze to flow playfully and effortlessly through the interior.
In Dolly\u2019s philosophy of home, the bedroom and bathroom play pivotal roles. The bedroom is defined strictly as a tranquil and grounded sanctuary for sleep, making low lighting and a clutter-free environment the focal points of its design. The bathroom, on the other hand, is conceived as the ultimate realm for relaxation and stress relief. Dolly intentionally expanded the scale of the bathroom, ensuring that bathing transcends mere functionality. Instead, residents can fully unwind in a freestanding bathtub, perhaps read a book, or lie back to admire the scenic views outside, savoring a deeply personal bath time.
Creating an ideal living space has always been Dolly\u2019s dream. Beyond building a renowned reputation for department store and shopping mall architectural design both at home and abroad, her childhood vision has finally been realized in her own home. Through every detail, ingenuity is revealed; within its refinement, true value comes to light. In this castle of her own, the dweller finds ultimate serenity and absolute freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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