Taichung Tanzi Farmers' Association Century-Old Granary Showcases Moisture-Proof and Rodent-Proof Architectural Technology

In the modern architectural wave pursuing net-zero carbon emissions and sustainable development, the answer might be hidden in century-old warehouses. The Cultural Affairs Bureau explained that the "Tanzi Farmers' Association Granary," a city-designated historic site located in Tanzi District and built during the Japanese colonial period, is not only one of the few remaining granaries in Taiwan that combines bulk and bagged storage functions, but its interior also remains cool even in the scorching summer, which aligns perfectly with the concept of contemporary sustainable green buildings.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the building itself was designed with functionality as its starting point. It features a Japanese-style "sawtooth roof" and "Prince Tower" on the exterior, and Western-style "paired column wooden trusses" and Minnan-style穿斗 (chuan-dou) on the interior. In terms of equipment, it boasts "central conveyor belts" and "inclined chutes," which were considered automated equipment at the time.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau pointed out that each rice storage warehouse has "ventilation columns" hanging from the roof trusses, allowing the moisture from the rice in the granary to be quickly discharged through these columns, functioning much like modern air conditioning systems. The Tanzi Farmers' Association Granary possesses moisture-proof and rodent-proof architectural technology. Such an advanced building in its historical context holds high architectural, artistic, and scientific value.

The Taichung City Cultural Heritage Department completed the restoration of the Tanzi Farmers' Association Granary in 2024, allowing its appearance to be re-presented to the world and passing on the architectural wisdom of previous generations. With the completion of the historic site's restoration, its natural air conditioning function also allows the concept of a "low carbon footprint" to continue.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the space will currently be entrusted by the Tanzi Farmers' Association to a private institution for operation and revitalization, and will be combined with the surrounding green corridor to become a cultural green lung for Tanzi District. The main granary complex includes three buildings, initially planned as a SOHO area, a leisure area, and a dining area, while the outdoor area is planned as a space for markets.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau invites the public to step into this "breathing building" to explore the cool mystery of its century-old wooden structure, learn about local cultural heritage, and experience timeless sustainable wisdom at the Tanzi Farmers' Association Granary. (Editor: Li Shuhua) 1150409