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A diagram of DH House's prefabricated metal structure.

DH House floor plan

Behind the sliding door is the master bath with a glazed shower with views of the valley below.

The earthquake-proof home is filled with light and views of nature.

Eager to leave Taipei behind for a quieter life in the mountains, a retired Taiwanese couple took the recommendation of their son-in-law and hired Spanish architect Urdaneta Zeberio to realize their vision of an affordable retirement home in rural Nanzhuang, two hours north of Taichung. The open-plan living areas and outdoor terrace are located on the south side of the home.

Mr. Zhan, a retired Singapore Airlines worker, proudly stands beneath his new home.

The design of the house and the search for a suitable builder took Zeberio a year and a half. Construction was completed in five months.

The DH House is wrapped in a layer of 10-centimeter insulation and standing-seam metal cladding.

Located atop a mountain between two valleys, DH House frames views of Nanchang and the ocean on one side and views of the mountains on the other.

"Taking advantage of the astonishing views of the valleys, maintaining privacy from the public road, and strategically orientating the building in the hot and humid Taiwan climate became the major site factors for this project," explains Zeberio.

The elevated modular home is clad in locally sourced radiata pine treated with a stone-gray oil stabilizer.

The home’s lightweight Onduline roofing was selected for its ability to withstand strong winds, its environmentally friendly qualities, and its thermal characteristics.

Stairs lead up to a covered outdoor living space that divides the main living wing (on the left) from the visitor wing (on the right).