Forestry Agency's Restored Historic Dormitory Group Wins International Gold Award

Central News Agency (CNA) reported on June 18 in Taipei that the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture successfully restored and repurposed the Japanese colonial-era Forestry Department Dormitory Group. The site has become a popular destination that combines history, culture, and aesthetics, leading to its receipt of the top 'Gold Award' in the cultural heritage category of the 2026 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards.

The agency announced that the awards ceremony took place on June 11 in Vienna, Austria. The project, titled 'Restoration and Revitalization of the Forestry Department Dormitory Group (0km),' received international recognition.

The Dormitory Group, built during the Japanese colonial period, was designated as a Taipei City-designated historic site and historic building in 2006. It represents one of the few surviving Japanese-style housing complexes in Taiwan featuring connected dual-dwelling structures with double entrances.

Over an eight-year period, the agency managed the restoration, overcoming challenges related to wood construction, urban construction environments, and cultural asset preservation. By combining traditional methods with non-destructive testing technologies, the agency successfully preserved this invaluable forestry asset in the heart of Taipei. In March 2024, the management was entrusted to CMP Group's DabuWuchang Co., Ltd., which named the site '0km Mountain House,' serving as an urban portal to the forest.

The agency explained that the name '0km Mountain House' symbolizes returning to the origin of the land and forest. The area is divided into five green spaces, each featuring forest themes and incorporating collaborations with the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute to plant unique and endangered native flora. With a spirit of 'Nature, Life, and Rediscovery,' the site integrates forest-selected goods, dining, exhibitions, and education, allowing citizens to reconnect with Taiwan's forestry culture and natural resources.

The 'Conservation Station,' restored in 2017, has hosted over 10 exhibitions related to forestry culture and nature conservation. Additionally, the 'Wood Power N' experience center showcases locally sourced furniture and cultural products.

In 2025, the agency hosted a special exhibition titled '0km: Revisiting the Forestry Department,' introducing the public to the lives of staff who resided there a century ago and exploring the achievements of their forestry surveys.

Having previously won the 'Excellence Award' for Best Environmental Culture at the National Excellence in Construction Awards in 2025, this global Gold Award serves as high recognition for the agency's dedication to cultural preservation. The agency aims to continue its mission of preserving historical memories and deepening the bond between humanity and nature to foster sustainable development.

The project is located at Jinshan South Road, Lane 203, Section 2, Daan District, Taipei City.