To emphasise the project’s dedication to bringing nature back to the city, its greenery is complemented by the organic curves throughout the design, made possible by the ceramic façade. Using a mosaic of small irregular shapes, the tiles can be adapted to every curve, in a technique best known from the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Using a variety of different shades of white, larger pieces are used on the flat areas and a smaller, more granular pattern gives a smooth finish to the tighter curves. This technique not only provides a high-quality finish but also one that is easy to maintain.

“The design of The Island brings a soft touch in a city full of boxes”, says 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.”