Architecture of Pei Gui Hall
The Meiji Restoration (1868-1889) brought modernization to Japan. Western culture influenced all aspects of life, including architecture. The Japanese Colonial Government brought in both Japanese and Western styles to the island, introducing new techniques and materials such as concrete and rebars.
In 1932, the complex of Pei Gui Hall was jointly designed by Dr. Lin Kai-tai and craftsmen, incorporating elements from Hokkien, Japanese and Western styles and reflecting changes in the trend under the Japanese rule.
On the central north-south axis and facing south, the main house of Pei Gui Hall is a three-kai chien（bay; space in between) architecture, which is built on a brick foundation to keep away moisture. The front porch is terrazzo-floored with two pairs of pebble-dashed columns with Doric capitals.
This is exactly where Lin Hwai-min gave his first performances. As a little boy, he would invite family elders to be his audience. After dinner, they often came sit in the courtyard and enjoyed his stories, dancing and acting.
The facade of the main structure features the traditional design of san guan liu shan (three hinges and six paneled doors) to let in light and provide ventilation as Dr. Lin preferred. The pairs of paneled doors on both sides are fitted with glass windows that may fully pull down. All six panels open for festivals and celebrations.
The central room in the main house is a living room in which the ancestral tablet is placed in a shrine and calligraphic works by Dr. Lin and his father are displayed on the walls. The left room, a tatami room, serves as the living quarter and resting area at night while the right room the study. Both side rooms are also fitted with windows that may fully push up; under the windows one may catch a pair of pebble-dashed geometric patterns.
Behind the main house, the back porch connects to two wings of side houses embracing a small courtyard. All houses and rooms feature no extra decoration but reflect a simple and rustic brick residence with solid wood and white-washed walls.