Taiwanese architecture studio Bio-Architecture Formosana has taken important steps towards sustainable living with the design of Taisugar Circular Village (TCV) in Tainan, Taiwan. This innovative residential complex is built around circular economy principles that integrate residential living with agricultural practices. TCV offers 351 apartments strategically organized around an urban farm, an eco-pond and a waste management area, allowing residents to meet their basic needs on-site. This project not only meets housing demands, but also promotes environmental sustainability and community engagement.
- Holistic Approach: TCV provides a model for future developments, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that promote both community and ecological health.
- Sustainable Living: TCV is designed around circular economy principles that integrate housing with agricultural and ecological practices.
- Community Focus: The layout encourages neighborhood interaction and a sense of community through shared spaces and facilities.
- Innovative Design: The use of prefabricated modules and material passports emphasizes the commitment to reduce waste and promote reuse.
- Modular Flexibility: The buildings are built with a layered approach, allowing for future adaptability and easy repair.
- Renewable Energy: The combination of solar panels and natural ventilation strategies underlines the project’s commitment to sustainability.
Circular Economy Principles
TCV is the first residential project in Taiwan to be designed around the concept of circular economy. Bio-Architecture Formosana emphasizes that the design creates a sustainable framework that fosters a strong sense of community.
The project redefines the relationship between its inhabitants and their environment, transforming them into integral parts of a shared local ecosystem. This approach promotes a more responsible and caring way of life, encouraging a reconnection between people and nature, as well as between consumption and production processes.
Architectural Design
Order and Structure
The architectural layout of TCV consists of three L-shaped buildings, each consisting of two separate residential units. These units are connected by external bridges that encourage a sense of openness and interaction between residents. Thoughtful organization of space not only improves accessibility, but also fosters neighborly relationships, which are vital for building a cohesive community.
Shared Facilities
A smaller building adjacent to the site entrance houses essential communal facilities for residents, including
- Laundry: A communal area for laundry needs, reducing the need for individual machines.
- Gym: A fitness area that promotes health and wellness among residents.
- Library: A resource center for reading and study, promoting a culture of learning.
- DIY Market: A communal workshop space for DIY projects and repairs.
- Café: A social hub where residents can come together, share meals and build relationships.
Common Areas
At the heart of TCV, smaller triangular volumes clad in translucent corrugated polycarbonate panels provide communal kitchens. These kitchens allow residents to prepare meals using fresh produce harvested from the surrounding urban farm, strengthening the connection between food production and consumption.
Construction and Materials
Sustainable Construction Practices
Prefabricated modules were used in the construction of TCV to significantly minimize waste and shorten construction time. The buildings are made from a mix of hollow core concrete slabs and steel, providing durability while maintaining a focus on sustainability. The design incorporates materials that are intended to be reused by assigning each element a unique ID or “material passport”. This innovative tracking system contributes to a more sustainable built environment, allowing future generations to efficiently reuse materials.
Modular Design
While the residential buildings share the same floor plans, they have different exterior colors – pale pink, brown and gray – creating visual variety within the complex. Each building is different in height, further reinforcing the village-like aesthetic of the project. This diversity is complemented by sloping roofs and gentle rotations of each building, contributing to dynamic facades that attract interest and encourage exploration.
Sustainable Features
Balconies and Facades
The apartment blocks are designed to overlook a central courtyard and the surrounding landscape. Mounted with nuts and bolts, the grated metal balconies allow for easy dismantling and maintenance in the future. This thoughtful design feature not only increases the longevity of the buildings, but also provides residents with open spaces where they can enjoy fresh air and views.
Layered Construction Approach
Bio-Architecture Formosana states that buildings are designed in six different layers: foundation, structure, facade, system, partition and devices. This layered approach allows for isolated repairs without compromising the integrity of other components. This kind of design flexibility ensures that the buildings can adapt and evolve over time, meeting the changing needs of residents while maintaining a simple yet dynamic aesthetic.
Solar panels strategically placed on the roofs of each residential block harness renewable energy to reduce the complex’s carbon footprint. In addition, the lower resort block features a steel-framed roof with cutouts, creating terraces on its upper floors. These terraces not only provide additional outdoor space for residents, but also improve the environmental performance of the buildings by facilitating natural ventilation and reducing heat absorption.
Taisugar Circular Village represents a pioneering approach to residential design, effectively combining sustainability, community and a deep connection to the environment. Prioritizing circular economy principles, TCV not only meets the immediate housing needs of residents, but also fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the ecosystem. This project is a model for future developments, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create vibrant and sustainable communities.
Bio-Architecture Formosana’s work demonstrates that architecture can play an important role in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and urbanization by promoting sustainable practices and fostering strong community bonds. Taisugar Circular Village is not just a place to live; it is a holistic environment that encourages residents to actively engage with each other and their surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Taisugar Circular Village?
- Taisugar Circular Village is a sustainable residential complex located in Tainan, Taiwan. It was designed by Bio-Architecture Formosana and the apartments are organized around an urban farm, ecopond and waste management area.
- When did the construction of Taisugar Circular Village start and when is it expected to be completed?
- The construction of the structure started in 2020 and is currently complete. However, it is planned to continuously develop the project for its sustainability and community development.
- What is the architecture of Taisugar Circular Village?
- Taisugar Circular Village is designed with three L-shaped buildings. Each building connects two separate units with external bridges. The structure is built using organic forms and sustainable materials that are in harmony with nature.
- What do the interiors of Taisugar Circular Village look like?
- The interiors offer a bright and spacious atmosphere; each apartment is designed to let in natural light. Common areas are equipped with social spaces that encourage community interaction.
- Why does Taisugar Circular Village stand out as a sustainable project?
- The project allows people to reconnect with nature through an urban farm and ecopond around the apartments. In addition, each material has been assigned a unique ID (material passport) for traceability of usable materials.
- When is the best time to visit Taisugar Circular Village?
- Any time of the year is suitable for a visit. However, visiting during local events or harvest periods can enrich the experience.
- What activities does Taisugar Circular Village offer to visitors?
- The project regularly hosts community events and also organizes educational programs such as agricultural workshops at the urban farm. Visitors can take guided tours on ecopond and environmental sustainability.
- What are the entrance fees for Taisugar Circular Village?
- The project is generally open to the public, but a small fee may be charged for some special events or workshops. There may also be discounted ticket options for children and students.
- Should I buy tickets in advance to visit Taisugar Circular Village?
- Tickets can usually be purchased on the same day, but for special events it is recommended to book in advance. This increases your chances of attending the events you want.
- Is there an appropriate dress code when visiting Taisugar Circular Village?
- Visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing should be worn for outdoor activities.
My thoughts about Taisugar Circular Village
Taisugar Circular Village is an excellent example of sustainability and community-oriented design. Bio-Architecture Formosana’s vision is to reconnect people with nature while increasing social interaction and solidarity. Sustainability and social benefit are considered in every detail, making this project unique. The combination of the building process and social interaction will inspire future housing projects.
What do you think about Taisugar Circular Village? How does this project’s relationship with nature and its aim of building community resonate with you? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us. If you want to learn about other sustainable architecture projects, you can check out our related articles.
Architect: Bio-Architecture Formosana
Architectural Style: Sustainable Architecture
Year: 2020 (Construction start) – Completed
Location: Tainan, Taiwan