Hard shell with soft membrane protects a house that is 80% semi-outdoor

On the Pacific coast of eastern Taiwan, verdant subtropical Taitung county is also the very place where strong summer typhoons often make landfall. The Beetle House is a weekend home for an insect-phobic homeowner to enjoy the outdoor life of Taitung’s Dulan region without the threat of typhoons or insects. Driven by the aspect of protection, the Beetle House observes the structure of a beetle whereby a hard outer shell protects the soft membrane wings and inner body underneath, the two parts unfolding separately when flying, and folding back into one upon landing. This integrated yet distinct functionality of the beetle’s shell and wings inspired the design of the house.

The Beetle House is made up of a semi-outdoor rigid fiberglass cage, underneath which is a soft inner shell of insect netting and sun shading. This outermost layer of the house has shutters that can be completely closed in the event of a typhoon to protect the living functions within it, and to prevent the inner layer of solar shading and insect nettings from being damaged by branches and detritus brought by typhoons.

The hard and soft double-layer structure thus forms the building envelope and its spatial organization. Within the envelope, the living room, kitchen/dining room, bedroom and bathroom are designed as four prefabricated weather-tight boxes laid out organically in plan, while the remaining 75% floor area of the 300m2 house becomes semi-outdoor spaces to take advantage of the pleasant climate of Taitung. To minimize the building’s impact on site, each prefab box structure measures 3x6m for ease of transport to site and has independent air conditioning systems, while the semi-outdoor spaces rely on natural ventilation to achieve effective temperature control.

The house expands towards the Pacific Ocean for vast sea views, the undulating roof lines echoing the Dulan mountains behind. At night, the translucent fiberglass cage and inner shell of nettings turn the house into a soft, glowing sculpture.

The Beetle House takes cues from the natural environment of Taitung and reinterprets the idea of a green building as a unique and organic architecture integrated with the land.