![Brother's House by 5X Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_hero-1-852x480.jpg)
Glazed extension to Taiwan home by 5X Studio provides views of plants and the sky
This extension to a house in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, contains independent living spaces for two brothers, which are connected by a glazed corridor that traverses a narrow plant-lined courtyard.
![Brother's House by 5X Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x569.jpg)
Architects Joe Wang and Alfie Huang of local office 5X Studio designed the extension for clients who wanted their sons to have a sense of independence as they grow up.
![Brother's House by 5X Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x1278.jpg)
The 73-square-metre addition to the rooftop of the existing property is designed to promote a strong connection with nature, despite its setting in a dense urban context.
The structure is predominantly closed off from its surroundings to maintain a sense of privacy, but opens up towards a compact garden.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_5-1-852x1276.jpg)
Large glazed surfaces accommodated into the internal walls provide views of the central void, as well as of the changing sky.
Plants placed in front of the windows create a natural screen and introduce some greenery that provides a focal point for the muted interiors.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_7-1-852x1278.jpg)
"The natural environment and interaction between each other aims to increase the richness of this living space," said the architects.
The two bedrooms each feature built-in storage, as well as a desk, bed and space for a lounge area.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_3-1-852x568.jpg)
The passage connecting the rooms is topped with a glass roof and incorporates sliding glass doors that can be retracted to provide access to a pair of small open-air courtyards.
![Brother's House by 5X Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_17-852x569.jpg)
The courtyards culminate in walls of white-painted corrugated metal that match the roofs of the structures.
Climbing a ladder that leans against one of these walls allows a view across the rooftops towards the nearby mountains.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_1-1-852x569.jpg)
Simple plywood joinery used throughout the two bedrooms introduces a warm tone and natural texture to the otherwise neutrally decorated spaces.
![Brother's House by 5X Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/01/brothers-house-5x-studio-architecture-residential-extensions-taiwan_dezeen_2364_col_13-852x1278.jpg)
The extension also accommodates a bathroom with a walk-in shower. A door in the shower area is fitted with translucent glass to allow natural light to enter the space.
Photography is by Ice Lo.