The Island is a 21-story residential tower designed by MVRDV in Taichung, Taiwan, featuring 104 planted private balconies arranged across a fluid ceramic façade. The exterior is clad in irregular white tiles that shift in scale depending on curvature, echoing techniques associated with Antoni Gaudí. Larger tiles appear on flatter surfaces while smaller pieces articulate tight bends. In addition to the private terraces, the building includes five shared three-story balconies, 38 standalone planters integrated into the façade, street-level planting zones, and a rooftop garden terrace.
The tower contains 76 apartments positioned above two commercial floors at ground level. Shared interior amenities include dining rooms, lounge areas, and communal terraces distributed through the structure. Outdoor spaces are staggered vertically to give residents access to greenery at multiple heights. The project combines organic surface geometry with layered planting to integrate vegetation into the residential envelope.
Image Credit: MVRDV
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Biophilic Architecture
- Biophilic architecture merges natural elements with urban constructions, offering unique design opportunities that enhance residents' connection to nature.
- Curved Façade Design
- Innovative curved façade designs present new methods for incorporating aesthetic fluidity and environmental integration in urban residential buildings.
- Modular Green Spaces
- Modular green spaces on building exteriors create possibilities for urban biodiversity and enhance overall environmental sustainability.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Residential Real Estate
- The residential real estate industry can leverage novel architectural designs to attract environmentally-conscious buyers and provide enhanced living experiences.
- Sustainable Construction
- Sustainable construction practices integrate eco-friendly design elements, transforming how architects approach building efficiency and aesthetics.
- Urban Landscaping
- Urban landscaping evolves by incorporating vertical gardens and planters into architectural designs, broadening the scope of greenery in metropolitan areas.
