Houtong Visitor Center Introduction
The Houtong Visitor Center is located near the Jinzibei Ancient Trail on the North Dahan Ancient Road and was completed in June 2022. The design emphasizes sustainability and integration with the surrounding environment, featuring a partially open roof and an open corridor that allows natural light and airflow to move freely through the atrium. The roof is covered with a red membrane system that harmonizes with the red brick houses in the nearby village and the greenery of the natural environment. The low-hanging roof defines the interior and exterior spaces while guiding rainwater to a rain garden, reflecting the local natural environment and emphasizing ecological cycles, creating a landmark effect of a spot of red amidst the lush greenery of the forested hills. The new design not only continues the functions of the visitor center station but also provides more resting and shaded areas for hikers and cyclists to take a break and recharge. The exhibition space on the right wing of the building promotes the century-old Dahan Ancient Road and the intertwined cultural history of the Keelung River's century-old mining through curated displays, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of the local cultural history.
