The Island, a residential project by MVRDV, uses organic shapes and a green vertical environment to bring nature into the city. The development of "The Island," a 21-story residential tower in Taichung, Taiwan, has received a construction permission, MVRDV announced. 

In addition to creating communal areas for optimal liveability, the design emphasizes integrating nature and vegetation into the city. 

Inspired by these aspirations, the tower adopts an organic expression: the façade is finished with a mosaic of irregular ceramic tiling inspired by Antoni Gaudí's work, and its numerous balconies and planters, as well as the building's edges and openings, are distinguished by their soft curves.

Above two levels, the building offers 76 apartments with business spaces and a shared dining room, lounge, and karaoke area. The development's design places a strong emphasis on public facilities, including a wide range of shared outdoor spaces, because it is targeted at middle-class inhabitants, particularly young couples. 

A shared garden terrace is located on the roof, encircling a layered green crown that serves as a multipurpose common area for inhabitants. 

The building's 21 stories are divided into five common balconies, each of which carves a three-story indentation into the façade to provide the impression of space.

Close up facade

The Island was created in response to Taichung's liveable construction standards, which encourage more flora and outdoor space. Situated at the boundary between Taichung's North District and Beitun District, the location was near the city's outskirts until the 21st century. However, due to a wave of urbanization in Beitun District, it is now in the center of a crowded business district.

Close up facade

The project establishes a green haven inside the city to combat this issue. Along with the previously mentioned rooftop and public balconies, the design also includes 38 independent façade planters, 104 private balconies with planted areas, and street-level planting, all of which include a variety of plants that represent Taichung province's natural richness.

Sustainability is an objective in relation to carbon emissions in addition to the project's biodiversity objectives. The 13-story commercial and office building now occupying the site must be removed since it was constructed before to the nation's most recent earthquake-related building requirements. 

Street view

When feasible, the construction of The Island would repurpose materials rather than disposing them as waste. For instance, the stone from the walls and floors of the current building will be saved and used as a floor finish in the new structure.

The organic contours throughout the design, made possible by the ceramic façade, compliment the vegetation to highlight the project's commitment to bringing nature back to the city. 

The technique best known from the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí allows the tiles to be tailored to every curve using a mosaic of tiny irregular forms. 

Street view

Larger pieces are applied to the flat regions using a range of different hues of white, while the tighter curves are finished smoothly with a smaller, more granular pattern. This method produces a high-quality finish that is very simple to maintain.

"The design of The Island brings a soft touch in a city full of boxes," said MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs. 

"As with other residential buildings in Taiwan, the building’s underlying layout had to follow a fairly standardised and highly efficient approach." 

"The building’s character therefore has to come from its details, from the soft curves, from the Gaudí-inspired façade finish, and from the way greenery is integrated as if the building is part of the same organic system," Van Rijs added.

Site plan

Floor plans

Floor plans

Floorplan Level 11

Balcony Catalogue

Recently, MVRDV revealed plans for "a monumental" spherical sports arena in Tirana, Albania. In addition, MVRDV together with HWC Architects unveiled design for the renovation of Jialeshui, a popular scenic spot in Taiwan's southernmost region that is renowned for its amazing rock formations sculpted by wind and water. 

Project facts

Project name: The Island
Location: Taiwan, Taichung City
Year: 2024
Client: Cheering Zu
Size and Programme: 9,000 sqm, housing units, commercial spaces

Architect: MVRDV
Founding Partner in charge: Jacob van Rijs
Director: Gideon Maasland
Head of Taiwan: Hui Hsin Liao
Design Team: Laura Petroncini, Mark van Wasbeek, Herng Tzou, Veronica della Ventura, Piotr Janus, Francesca Cambi, Olly Veugelers, Lorenzo Mennuti, Joyce de Louw, Nicola Panico
Visualisation: Antonio Luca Coco, Luana La Martina, Angelo La Delfa, Lorenzo D' Alessandro, Ciprian Buzdugan, Stefano Fiaschi; Teresa Papachristou (Graphic Design)

Co-architect: Sd-Haus, Taichung City, Taiwan 

Landscape architect: Ele-Garden Landscape Design 

Structural engineer: Dayan Engineering Consultant 

MEP: Songlin Engineering Consultant

Lighting Consultant: LHLD Lighting Design

All renderings © MVRDV.

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concept MVRDV residence residential tower