Salvaged Fragments: 1960

Salvaged Fragments: 1960 transforms a mid-20th-century Taiwanese residence into a guest house that exemplifies the confluence of historical preservation, modern design, and sustainability. Through the careful retention of the original structure and the reimagining of nostalgic elements, this project bridges the past with the present while honoring local craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.

The design draws from the unembellished yet profound lifestyle of 1960s Taiwan, with a focus on repurposing salvaged materials as central design elements. The approach emphasizes sustainability through the innovative reuse of historical fragments, integrating reclaimed items—such as wooden window frames, iron window grilles, and old electric poles—into the fabric of the space. For example, discarded wooden poles have been meticulously restored and repurposed as furniture pieces, including tables and decorative accents, ensuring that these historical elements find new relevance within the contemporary context. The project reinterprets these artifacts with modern techniques, giving them both renewed functionality and cultural significance.

The 150-square-meter guest house is spread across two floors, designed with an emphasis on spatial flow and tactile engagement. The ground floor integrates communal areas—living, dining, and kitchen spaces—with a multifunctional zone, enabling a seamless interaction between public and private realms. The upper floor features intimate spaces such as bedrooms and reading nooks, where salvaged materials serve as focal points, offering layered visual interest and a sense of history.

Sustainability is intricately woven into the project’s core. Original building components and collected fragments from across Taiwan are not only preserved but elevated through careful craftsmanship and thoughtful juxtaposition with contemporary finishes. The use of reclaimed wood, vintage stained glass, and reinforced steel structures exemplifies how sustainability and design can coexist, creating a harmonious balance between environmental consciousness and aesthetic refinement.

In Salvaged Fragments: 1960, past and present converge, demonstrating how heritage structures can be reimagined through sustainable practices, offering a nuanced narrative that reflects Taiwan’s evolving cultural identity while addressing the ecological demands of the future.