The Remarkable Connection Between Taiwan Cedar and Sustainable Farms – Cedar Fields

From the Edge of the City to a Symbiotic Pasture for Free-Range Chickens
"Suyejia" is a free-range chicken farm located in the Guandu Plain agricultural area, a rare green space near Taipei City. However, due to urban development and the decline of agriculture, this green area has been gradually encroached upon by the urban landscape. Inspired by the beauty of nature and a deep love for animals, the owner of Suyejia decided to create a free-range chicken farm. The goal was not only to provide a comfortable living environment for the chickens but also to promote food and agricultural education, helping more people understand and care about the sources of food and the importance of agriculture.

In their effort to create a better living space for the chickens, they decided to renovate the existing chicken coop. Before the renovation, the coop itself was functional, but the surrounding areas were problematic, including the entrance to the farm, classrooms used for events, office spaces behind the classrooms, and areas near the restrooms. These areas had aesthetic issues, such as unattractive metal walls and poor ventilation, as well as underutilized spaces.

The Sustainable Materials Renovation Project – "Cedar Fields"
To address these issues, the "Cedar Fields" project was launched, symbolizing a precious connection between humanity and nature. In this project, Taiwan Cedar (Taiwania cryptomeria) was given new value. The wood, which is light, straight-grained, and has a subtle fragrance, was carefully cut into 1/4-circle shapes, preserving the original bark texture and cut surface. This approach was not only a technical breakthrough but also ensured that the natural texture and grain of Taiwan Cedar were fully maintained. Taiwan Cedar was then widely used for the ceilings, exterior walls, and interior walls, transforming the cold, metal-clad space into a warm, natural environment that embodies the spirit of nature.

Even the leftover wood materials from the construction process found new life, turning into various objects throughout the space. From small wooden frames for automatic feeders and stools to large items like chicken coop fences and work tables, the use of a single material brought a sense of visual depth and richness to the space, fully realizing the vision of "Cedar Fields." At the same time, waste was minimized during the construction process, showcasing a new approach to integrating Taiwan’s forestry into design applications.

With eggs featuring prominently in Taiwanese meals—whether as a fried egg for breakfast, soy-braised eggs for lunch, or garden-fresh eggs for dinner—the farm owner's choice of free-range, sustainable farming methods and eco-friendly building materials reflects a commitment to creating a "low-energy, low-pollution" circular farm. This not only respects ethical treatment of animals but also demonstrates a deep care for the sustainable development of the environment.


References
https://www.designwant.com/article/10291
https://www.wowlavie.com/article/240024229

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