Since the completion of Bosco Verticale by Stefano Boeri Architetti in 2014, the greening of high-rise buildings has become a prominent architectural trend—and arguably one of the most successful. A new project by MVRDV continues this movement, introducing a residential tower that is quite literally immersed in greenery.

Inspiration and Architectural Concept

The project, named The Island, is planned for Taichung, Taiwan. Its architectural form draws inspiration from the work of the renowned Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudí, best known for his nearly finished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. While the building is not as extravagant as some other MVRDV projects, it will stand out as a vibrant alternative to the typical gray city skyscrapers, thanks to its flowing lines and abundant greenery.

Facade and Landscaping Features

MVRDV emphasizes that the desire to bring nature back into the city is reflected in the building’s organically curved facade, made possible by the use of ceramic cladding. A mosaic of small, irregularly shaped tiles allows the finish to adapt to any curve of the structure—a technique well known from the works of the Catalan architect Gaudí. On the flat sections of the facade, larger elements in various shades of white are used, while the steeper curves feature fine-grained mosaic, creating a smooth surface. This approach ensures not only high-quality finishing but also ease of maintenance.

Layout and Infrastructure

The Island will be a 21-story building with 76 apartments and two floors of commercial spaces. Residents will have access to shared amenities, including a dining area, lounge, and karaoke room. A rooftop garden terrace will crown the building, and five communal balconies will be distributed throughout the tower. At street level, there will be landscaped greenery, as well as 104 private balconies with plants and 38 separate facade planters featuring local flora.

Eco-Friendly Construction Approach

Currently, the site is occupied by a 13-story commercial and office building, which is slated for demolition. Notably, materials from the old building, including stone from the walls and floors, will be reused in the new project wherever possible, minimizing waste and supporting sustainable development.

Current Project Status

While the completion date for The Island has not yet been announced, the project has already received approval for implementation. This development comes during a busy period for MVRDV, following recent presentations of the Grand Ballroom and Sax projects.