Singapore-based architecture firm WOHA has completed its first project in Taichung, Taiwan. The first development of its kind in the city, Sky Green sets a new benchmark for sustainability and green landscaping in high-rise living.

Named Sky Green, the tower features tiny balconies that are filled with green infills, trees and plants to contribute to pollution and facade of the tower. 

In 2012 WOHA was invited by the Taichung City Government and Feng Chia University to bring its exhibition "Breathing Architecture" to Taichung. 

This exhibition was part of a program initiated by the city government’s Gateway Project Masterplan which focused on the design principles of sustainability, low carbon emissions and smart cities. The government was in the process of drafting new regulations to make Taichung a greener, more liveable city in its next phase of development.  

The developer Golden Jade, with Feng Chia University as an advisor, commissioned WOHA to design a green and sustainable mixed-use development in the heart of the city, the first of its kind in Taichung. Sky Green comprises of residential apartments and retail shops, as well as generous recreational facilities in two towers.  

"We are very happy to have been a part of this collaboration between policy makers, academia and the private sector to design the future of sustainable housing in Taichung," said Mun Summ Wong, founding director of WOHA. "One building can’t change a city but we hope that Sky Green is the first of many more."

Green landscaping is a key material palette in creating building envelope for the rising residential towers as well as bringing nature into the high-rise living. Tower A apartments have extended balconies with trees and Tower B apartments have a soft, green creeper mesh screen on their facade. 

Skygardens at every 5 floors within the block dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior as the residents enjoys nature and fresh air in a high-rise environment. 

"Working with WOHA on Sky Green has brought a global perspective to our company vision and sustainability goals," said David Zhang, chairman of Golden Jade Corporation. 

"Sky Green was first conceptualised seven years ago and WOHA came on board a year later. Now, after 5 years of construction, we are happy to present the outcome of this collaborative effort to you."

WOHA has developed their designs over 25 years and many prototypes have been successfully built in Singapore and other regions. The design of Sky Green has been adapted to suit the local culture and subtropical climate, as well as to ensure safety during earthquakes and typhoons. 

As the first high-density development in Taichung that also provides high amenity with its generous recreation facilities and ample integrated green spaces, Sky Green will be influential in defining the new benchmark of sustainability and skyrise greenery for the city’s future developments.  

Site plan

Ground floor plan

4th storey plan

Typical floor plan

Section

East elevation

West elevation

WOHA was founded by Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell in 1994. Rather than being overwhelmed by the challenges of climate change, population growth and urbanisation, the Singapore-based practice researches and innovates new architectural and urban solutions to tackle the problems of the 21st century. 

The practice currently has projects under construction in Singapore, India, Bangladesh, China, and Australia.

All images © Koumin Lee

All drawings © WOHA 

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