In 2023, the X-Basic team considered reprinting and revising “Maturing Taipei” (2020), a special publication celebrating 20 years of old house renewal in Taipei. Through extensive discussions, we realized that many projects featured in the original book had fulfilled their purpose. Times had changed, as had the people and places involved. Our team’s role had also evolved – from observers and participants to hands-on practitioners of old house renewal. As we moved from being observers to facing the hands-on challenges of restoration, our perspective on old houses naturally shifted.

The idea of writing from a practitioner’s viewpoint began to take root: If we were part of a rebirth, why not create a completely new book? Could we create a collection of works based on first-hand restoration experience, the basis for a replicable model? We never imagined at the time that this simple idea would launch a two-year-long book-writing journey.

From a Collection of Works to a “Practical Guide”

Initially, the book was planned from X-Basic’s perspective, aiming to address common misconceptions about old houses, respond to current trends, and include stories from experts and scholars. However, as we visited renewal projects across the island and thanks to a reminder from our original publisher, Chia-ya Huang, we realized that a true “guide” could only emerge from the sites themselves, allowing the story of regeneration from every corner of the island to unfold organically.

The original grand narrative gave way to a pragmatic, grounded approach. We focused on over 32 diverse renewal projects across the island – varying in era, type, and scale, including some of our own. We re-examined the decision-making, resource integration, and the human element – the rights and considerations – hidden within the complex process of revitalization. Through dozens of hours of interviews, we uncovered the initial struggles and pivotal decisions of the homeowners. This process restored an authentic, detailed context that historical records, academic papers, and maps alone could not provide.

Figure 1: We conduct on-site interviews for each case, delving into the stakeholders’ decision-making processes. Pictured is an interview at Shui-An-Lo with Mr. Yang Ching-chih, owner of Chhit-tshù.
Figure 2: “Old House Maturity” involves on-the-ground field research to understand how historical spaces integrate into modern cities. Pictured is the Rongjin Gorgeous Time Life Park.
Figure 3: Before an interview at Baimiweng Fort, Lung-Ying Lee, founder of Kafka (second from left), visits our team’s dedicated park.
Figure 4: With gratitude to the book’s editor-in-chief, Chou I-wen (second from left), for his enduring support and guidance, accompanying us on visits to numerous old house renewal sites. Image of an interview with Lin Sheng-feng at the National Museum of Taiwan History.

To write this book, our team traveled to renewal sites across Taiwan. We saw Chang Fang-ting, owner of Ho-Ching-Tian, personally tending to his courtyard, transforming the guesthouse’s tranquil atmosphere into a warm tea culture brand. We learned how Ms. Cheng Chiu-hsiu, owner of the Ta-hsi Old House, resisted demolition despite lengthy negotiations and a complex restoration, thereby preserving the original streetscape and reviving the beauty of terrazzo. We also witnessed the journey of Siao Ben Aiyu•ArtDe•Corner•, led by architects Huang Chieh-erh and Chung Hsin-yi, and owner Lee Yi-chen. Before becoming the shared space it is today, the team navigated business model trials and explorations, ultimately finding a path to coexist with the neighborhood.

These on-site details and nuances, when cross-referenced with our own experiences, formed the conceptual framework for the first two chapters of “Old House Maturity” and the practical Q&A section at the end of the book. By distilling scattered renewal experiences into a coherent whole, this book aims to foster a broader public dialogue. We hope to shift the social perspective on old houses – moving beyond the “demolish or not” dilemma toward exploring creative reuse strategies for their entire lifecycle.

Figure 1: The “Old Houses Maturity” team with Chang Fang-ting (left), owner of Ho-Ching-Tian. (Image source: Provided by Ho-Ching-Tian)
Figure 2: Interview at Siao Ben Aiyu•ArtDe•Corner•, featuring architects Huang Chieh-erh (second from left) and Chung Hsin-yi (second from right), and owner Lee Yi-chen (right).

A Work of Collective Effort

Just as restoring an old house requires the dedicated collaboration of many, so does publishing a book. “Old House Maturity” is truly a product of collective effort.

▌Behind-the-scenes Team

We are grateful to our supervising editor, Huang Pai-jui, for his complete trust and support throughout this two-year interview and writing journey. Our co-writers, Ting Yi-ting, Huang Yu-ling, and Wu Hsin-cheng, traveled the length of the island to conduct interviews and write. The editorial team of the Old House Clinic not only adhered to the book’s framework but also contributed unique insights from the “Keelung Pazihmen Power Plant” book. Our intern, Tung Pin-chuan, provided valuable suggestions for the supplementary content. Liao Shu-wen shared her wealth of editing experience. Our photography team – Chu Yi-wen, Hsu Chen-tang, and Lin Yu-an – captured the authentic spirit of each old house through their lenses. Finally, we thank the original publishing team, who guided the project from its initial structure through proofreading and printing, ultimately delivering the finished book into our readers’ hands.

▌Special Appreciation

The soul of “Old House Maturity” lies in the 32+ renewal projects featured within its pages. We thank all the owners, restorers, and operating teams for sharing their stories, which allowed us to interpret the value and meaning of old house renewal in contemporary society from multiple perspectives.

□ Cultural Spaces | Baimiweng Fort, Ta-hsi Old House, ArtDe•Corner•, National Museum of Taiwan History, Taiping Theater, Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum

Commercial Spaces｜BackerHouse, Chu-Hsiang-Tung-Ching Suki na B&B, Qingtian 76, Hehe Qingtian, Former Residence of Pan Chin-ho in Hsinpu, Or Sin-Jhou House, Puli Nenggao Club, Lin Department Store, The old campus of Keelung Taiping Elementary School, Fourth Credit Union, KW2 Pier-2 Warehouse, Eki Mae Yamato Guesthouse

□ Educational Spaces｜Nanguo County Magistrate’s Residence, Xinhua Huisheng Hospital, Shih Chien University College of Human Ecology Teaching Building and Student Affairs Building

□ Residential Spaces｜Houbi Huang Family Historic House, Taipei Single-Car・Space・Station, Kaohsiung Simple-Basic Dormitory

□ Mixed-Use Spaces｜Changyuan Hospital – Lukang Historic Image Museum, Rongjin Gorgeous Time Life Park, Huwei Jianguo Military Dependents’ Village, Chiayi Old Prison Dormitory Complex, Jiguang Public Works Office, Miaoli Chuhuangkeng, San-He Tile Kiln, Cijin Technicians’ Quarters

Finally, we are sincerely grateful to Sheng-Lin Chang and Fang-Chieh Jung for taking the time to write the preface for this book, bringing the academic perspective into the book; Aquarius, Kuan-Hsing Lu, Hsiao-Wei Lin, Tsung-Yen Ling, Chun-Che Huang, Tzu-Hsuan Huang, Tsun-Chang Huang, Pei-Fen Hsieh, Hsin-Yi Chung, Ming-Hsiu Tsai, Min-Hung Yen, I-Hsuan Wu, and other seniors in various professional fields have also generously given their support.

“Old House Maturity” will be officially published on September 24, 2025. We sincerely dedicate the culmination of two years of work to everyone who cares about the future of Taiwan’s old houses. May it accompany all fellow travelers on the continuing journey to find a harmonious way to coexist with our times.

“Old House Maturity” Purchase Information

□ Publication Date | Officially launching on Wednesday, 9/24, across all platforms
❏ Online Retailers | Books.com.tw / Eslite / Taaze / Kingstone
❏ Book Price | NT$ 660

New Book Launch Series Events

❏ 10/4 ꜱᴀᴛ. Taichung Event｜Can I Operate an Old House Too? The Business Potential and Management of Old Houses
❏ 10/18 ꜱᴀᴛ. Kaohsiung Event｜Warm Houses with Great Stories: Grand Reveal of Classic Old House Renovation Case Study Map
❏ 11/1 ꜱᴀᴛ. Taipei Event｜From Revitalization to Restoration: Creating a Guide for ‘Old House Regeneration’

╰➝ Click here to register for the book launch event series