► Evolution of Taiwanese Housing

With the influence of different cultures and ethnic groups, Taiwan's residential architecture has developed various forms and spatial characteristics. Taiwanese architecture can be broadly categorized into the following periods:

1.Dutch Colonial Period

During this period, the foundation, structure, roof, and details of buildings were predominantly made of red bricks, with very few incorporating other building materials. Mass production of red bricks began during this time, although a small number of houses used stone exclusively.

(Representative Dutch Colonial Architecture: Fort Santo Domingo)

2.Ming Zheng Period

Due to the influence of Dutch and Spanish rule, houses during the Ming Zheng period incorporated Western styles. Buildings began to use some stones and tiles for decoration, but the main structure of the houses still relied on red bricks.

(Representative Architecture: Tainan Confucius Temple)

3.Qing Dynasty Period

Due to military needs, a large number of defense structures were built. Additionally, with the influx of Han Chinese immigrants from China to Taiwan, many new temples were constructed. As interactions with the West began, a fusion of Minnan-style architecture and Western influences emerged.

(Traditional Minnan-style houses combined with Western-style buildings (Image courtesy of the Kinmen County Government Tourism Bureau).)

4.the Japanese Colonial Period

During the Japanese colonial period, the main structure and roof of houses were made of red bricks. However, the walls of the houses were coated with cement, and some houses were transformed into Japanese-style wooden structures with tatami mats. Windows were made of glass.

(Japanese-style houses in Taipei City)

5.Early Republic of China Period

Transitioning towards modern construction methods, traditional architecture saw a diversification in styles and building materials, including reinforced concrete, rocks, bricks, wood, glass, and more. Apartment buildings, townhouses, and villas emerged gradually, gradually replacing red brick buildings and traditional courtyard houses.

(Representative Architecture: The National Palace Museum)

6.Modern Era

Reinforced concrete is widely used, and buildings combine various materials. Almost all residences are apartments or high-rise buildings of 20 floors or more, and red brick architecture has been replaced.

(Representative Architecture: Taipei 101)

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► Traditional Han Chinese Housing

Traditional Han Chinese housing is influenced by the natural environment, with materials typically sourced locally. Bamboo, wood, or earth and stones are commonly used for construction. If the household is affluent or has a large family, they may use hand-fired bricks and tiles to build courtyard houses (known as "sanheyuan").

(Residents use bamboo as the structural framework for construction and then apply mud to build "bamboo tube houses.")
(Residents use stones as a foundation to stabilize the house, then make adobe bricks using straw, mud, and water to build "adobe houses.")
(Houses built by residents using bricks and tiles.)

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► Advantages and Characteristics of Brick Houses

Bricks, as building materials, have several advantages and characteristics that make them highly desirable for construction. They are capable of isolating moisture and cold, dissipating heat, withstanding high temperatures, and are fire-resistant. Additionally, they are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to pressure. Compared to modern building materials, their construction is relatively straightforward. Furthermore, they offer a warm color tone, a stable texture, and simple aesthetics. The combination of bricks also allows for creative patterns, making them both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Here is a brief explanation of the characteristics of bricks:

1. Fire Resistance: Unlike wood, bricks are non-combustible and do not warp or melt under high temperatures like metal or plastic materials used in exterior walls.
2. Termite Resistance: Brick houses are not susceptible to termite damage, unlike wooden structures.
3. Resistance to Dents: Bricks are less prone to denting compared to wood, aluminum, steel, or plastic panels.
4. Corrosion Resistance: Unlike aluminum or steel panels, bricks do not corrode or rust.
5. Low Maintenance: Due to their corrosion resistance, bricks used in ground-level constructions like courtyards and walkways do not require additional protective measures.
6. High Strength: Bricks have excellent strength, making them suitable for special architectural details like arches and sunscreens without support structures.
7. Weather Resistance: Brick houses are not affected by weather conditions such as strong winds, hail, heavy rain, or sunlight. They are also resistant to mold penetration.

(Thin Roof Tiles Used to "Cover the Roof")
(Thick Red Bricks Used for "Stacking Pillars" and "Building Walls")

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► Brick Kiln Houses in Linkou Old Street

1.Overview:

The earliest commercial center in the Linkou area was the Old Street on Zhongzheng Road, which features many shops rich in historical and cultural significance. Through interviews on the street, we discovered that many of the old houses along Zhongzheng Road were built with a foundation of red bricks. These low-rise buildings have managed to survive to the present day, albeit with significant changes in appearance due to the incorporation of materials such as corrugated iron, stone, and cement. However, only a few buildings made of red bricks remain, and they are all in a state of disrepair, with no identifiable owners.

More than half of the red brick buildings on the old street have been replaced, with reinforced concrete and iron pillars becoming the primary materials for construction. However, due to past military considerations, the construction of tall buildings would have risked detection by enemy forces. Therefore, both old and new buildings on the old street adhere to traditional styles, typically consisting of only three to five stories. Additionally, the two local Land Deity Temples, Dongfu Temple and Xifu Temple, located at both ends of the old street, retain traditional red brick architectural features and are worth visiting for tourists.

2.Turning Point for Centennial Houses on the Old Street:

Although this old brick house is uninhabited and has become a ruin, it serves as a record of the history of the houses on Linkou Old Street. Therefore, if the district office could collaborate with residents to renovate and properly plan this house, it could potentially become a small museum showcasing the history of Linkou Old Street or a shop with a historical ambiance, rather than remaining a security blind spot.

(A few traditional shophouses from the past can still be seen on Lin Kou Old Street)
(Exploring the old street)
(The only remaining red brick house in the old street)
(A group photo of the members with a hundred-year-old red brick house)
(A group photo of the members at Lin Kou Old Street)
(The Land Deity Temple on Lin Kou Old Street)