SubscribeSign In
Taipei Public Library in Beitou, Taiwan-The Beitou branch of the Taipei Public Library system was the first building in Taiwan to receive the highest EEWH rating possible—the diamond rating—making it the most eco-conscious building in the country. Built with wood from sustainably managed forests, the library also uses photovoltaic cells to generate power, has an insulating 20-centimeter layer of soil on the roof, and uses collected rainwater to flush the toilets. And books. They also have books. Photo: LWY
Taipei Public Library in Beitou, Taiwan-The Beitou branch of the Taipei Public Library system was the first building in Taiwan to receive the highest EEWH rating possible—the diamond rating—making it the most eco-conscious building in the country. Built with wood from sustainably managed forests, the library also uses photovoltaic cells to generate power, has an insulating 20-centimeter layer of soil on the roof, and uses collected rainwater to flush the toilets. And books. They also have books. Photo: LWY
National Stadium (Kaohsiung, Taiwan: 2009) Japanese architect Toyo Ito’s coiled dragon of a design, with solar panels for scales, was a bold statement for sustainable design when it was inaugurated for the World Games. Nearly 75% of the building’s energy needs are met with solar power, and the woven grid of pipes calls to mind not so much a reptilian coldness but a fabric wrapped around the crowd. Photo by Yuting Hu via Creative Commons
National Stadium (Kaohsiung, Taiwan: 2009) Japanese architect Toyo Ito’s coiled dragon of a design, with solar panels for scales, was a bold statement for sustainable design when it was inaugurated for the World Games. Nearly 75% of the building’s energy needs are met with solar power, and the woven grid of pipes calls to mind not so much a reptilian coldness but a fabric wrapped around the crowd. Photo by Yuting Hu via Creative Commons
Luce Memorial Chapel in Tunghai, Taiwan, 1963, by I.M. Pei.
Luce Memorial Chapel in Tunghai, Taiwan, 1963, by I.M. Pei.
Taiwan apartment renovation by Hao Design includes a new floor with a wooden bridge-like corridor that connects a master bedroom to a walk-in wardrobe on the mezzanine level.
Taiwan apartment renovation by Hao Design includes a new floor with a wooden bridge-like corridor that connects a master bedroom to a walk-in wardrobe on the mezzanine level.
A Taiwanese expat couple purchased a 1,352-square-foot apartment near the river in the Taiwan’s New Taipei City, and reached out to interior design firm KC Design Studio to help them turn it into a stylish, modern home. Industrial elements like steel, brick, and exposed concrete harmonize with vintage accents: in the open kitchen, wood-paneled sliding doors conceal dark cabinetry. These combine with a sleek, dark counter and a shiny, bronze-clad island for a luxe effect.
A Taiwanese expat couple purchased a 1,352-square-foot apartment near the river in the Taiwan’s New Taipei City, and reached out to interior design firm KC Design Studio to help them turn it into a stylish, modern home. Industrial elements like steel, brick, and exposed concrete harmonize with vintage accents: in the open kitchen, wood-paneled sliding doors conceal dark cabinetry. These combine with a sleek, dark counter and a shiny, bronze-clad island for a luxe effect.
The renovation uses 70% recycled materials, both from the original building and other sources. The floors in the kitchen/dining area are made of marble slabs that were damaged during Taiwan’s last earthquake. This damaged marble was further broken down and mixed with concrete to create a terrazzo-like tile for the floors.
The renovation uses 70% recycled materials, both from the original building and other sources. The floors in the kitchen/dining area are made of marble slabs that were damaged during Taiwan’s last earthquake. This damaged marble was further broken down and mixed with concrete to create a terrazzo-like tile for the floors.
Taiwan's central mountains are framed in the east-facing windows in the dining room.
Taiwan's central mountains are framed in the east-facing windows in the dining room.
Reveals at the ceiling highlight the wooden roof detail in this Taiwan apartment remodel.
Reveals at the ceiling highlight the wooden roof detail in this Taiwan apartment remodel.
Across from the curved structure is a wall clad in Taiwanese cypress panels.
Across from the curved structure is a wall clad in Taiwanese cypress panels.
The minimalist kitchen features Slate Lite counters, timber cabinetry, and even a built-in oven, which is a luxury in Taiwan.
The minimalist kitchen features Slate Lite counters, timber cabinetry, and even a built-in oven, which is a luxury in Taiwan.
Two of chef André Chiang’s restaurants have appeared on the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. So it makes sense that at his new home in Taiwan, which he largely designed himself, the kitchen takes center stage. To outfit it, André worked with Vipp, the maker of everything from the black steel island and stainless-steel countertops to the faucets, cabinets, shelves, pendant light fixtures—even the tea kettle and trash bin.
Two of chef André Chiang’s restaurants have appeared on the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. So it makes sense that at his new home in Taiwan, which he largely designed himself, the kitchen takes center stage. To outfit it, André worked with Vipp, the maker of everything from the black steel island and stainless-steel countertops to the faucets, cabinets, shelves, pendant light fixtures—even the tea kettle and trash bin.
The couple are avid toy and art collectors. Most of large paintings and sculptures seen around the house are designed by Taiwanese artist No2Good 不二良 .
The couple are avid toy and art collectors. Most of large paintings and sculptures seen around the house are designed by Taiwanese artist No2Good 不二良 .
"Taking advantage of the astonishing views of the valleys, maintaining privacy from the public road, and strategically orientating the building in the hot and humid Taiwan climate became the major site factors for this project," explains Zeberio.
"Taking advantage of the astonishing views of the valleys, maintaining privacy from the public road, and strategically orientating the building in the hot and humid Taiwan climate became the major site factors for this project," explains Zeberio.
We had several overseas tour groups visit zHome. This Taiwanese group included a number of academics and architects.
We had several overseas tour groups visit zHome. This Taiwanese group included a number of academics and architects.
Eager to leave Taipei behind for a quieter life in the mountains, a retired Taiwanese couple took the recommendation of their son-in-law and hired Spanish architect Urdaneta Zeberio to realize their vision of an affordable retirement home in rural Nanzhuang, two hours north of Taichung.
Eager to leave Taipei behind for a quieter life in the mountains, a retired Taiwanese couple took the recommendation of their son-in-law and hired Spanish architect Urdaneta Zeberio to realize their vision of an affordable retirement home in rural Nanzhuang, two hours north of Taichung.
A painting by Taiwanese artist James Jean is a focal point in the main living area, where low ceilings, common to architecture of the era, led interior designer Jennifer Masters to select furniture that sits at a lower height “without sacrificing comfort.” Bonus: unimpeded views of the pool.
A painting by Taiwanese artist James Jean is a focal point in the main living area, where low ceilings, common to architecture of the era, led interior designer Jennifer Masters to select furniture that sits at a lower height “without sacrificing comfort.” Bonus: unimpeded views of the pool.
In a seaside holiday home in Taiwan, two goals were the focus of the design: a dominant pink palette, reflecting the homeowner's favorite color, and a feline-friendly interior for her three cats. The pink hues are offset by the easy-to-clean, dynamic terrazzo surfaces, and the pink is given depth and texture thanks to a mineral paint.
In a seaside holiday home in Taiwan, two goals were the focus of the design: a dominant pink palette, reflecting the homeowner's favorite color, and a feline-friendly interior for her three cats. The pink hues are offset by the easy-to-clean, dynamic terrazzo surfaces, and the pink is given depth and texture thanks to a mineral paint.
Eager to leave Taipei behind for a quieter life in the mountains, a retired Taiwanese couple took the recommendation of their son-in-law and hired Spanish architect Urdaneta Zeberio to realize their vision of an affordable retirement home in rural Nanzhuang, two hours north of Taichung. The open-plan living areas and outdoor terrace are located on the south side of the home.
Eager to leave Taipei behind for a quieter life in the mountains, a retired Taiwanese couple took the recommendation of their son-in-law and hired Spanish architect Urdaneta Zeberio to realize their vision of an affordable retirement home in rural Nanzhuang, two hours north of Taichung. The open-plan living areas and outdoor terrace are located on the south side of the home.
Immense models of the Taichung Metropolitan Opera House in Taiwan display the organic concept of intermeshing horizontal and vertical tubes in Toyo Ito's pavilion.
Immense models of the Taichung Metropolitan Opera House in Taiwan display the organic concept of intermeshing horizontal and vertical tubes in Toyo Ito's pavilion.
The sliding front door is made of glass panels, and its bright red color was inspired by the red doors (symbolic of fortune and prosperity) found in traditional villages in Taiwan. “We wanted the front door to be transparent so that light filters into the interior even when the door is closed,” says Chu. “It was very important to have a constant relationship between inside and outside.”
The sliding front door is made of glass panels, and its bright red color was inspired by the red doors (symbolic of fortune and prosperity) found in traditional villages in Taiwan. “We wanted the front door to be transparent so that light filters into the interior even when the door is closed,” says Chu. “It was very important to have a constant relationship between inside and outside.”
“Throughout the renovation, it was important to understand the cultural heritage of the Japanese elements and bring them back to life, and also understand what Taiwanese contractors can do,” says Chu. “There is an amazing relationship between the house, the contractors, and us.” The multipurpose family room connects, through a sliding wall, to the master bedroom, which leads out to the garden courtyard.
“Throughout the renovation, it was important to understand the cultural heritage of the Japanese elements and bring them back to life, and also understand what Taiwanese contractors can do,” says Chu. “There is an amazing relationship between the house, the contractors, and us.” The multipurpose family room connects, through a sliding wall, to the master bedroom, which leads out to the garden courtyard.
An undulating, S-shaped interior wall guides the programs within this Brutalist-inspired concrete abode. In the city of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan, Taipei-based firm Yuan Architects designed a four-level dwelling with a Brutalist-style, raw concrete shell. An S-shaped wall weaves through the interiors, carving up public and private spaces shared by three generations of a family.
An undulating, S-shaped interior wall guides the programs within this Brutalist-inspired concrete abode. In the city of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan, Taipei-based firm Yuan Architects designed a four-level dwelling with a Brutalist-style, raw concrete shell. An S-shaped wall weaves through the interiors, carving up public and private spaces shared by three generations of a family.
Hidden storage and flexible living are prioritized in this modern apartment of just 500 square feet in Taipei. Clever space-saving strategies and smart style choices by Taiwanese firm KC Design Studio created a chic, multifunctional home. The pegboard wall makes it easy for client Mr. Xiao to reorganize whenever needed. Anchoring the office is a chic Paulistano lounge chair by Objekto in the corner.
Hidden storage and flexible living are prioritized in this modern apartment of just 500 square feet in Taipei. Clever space-saving strategies and smart style choices by Taiwanese firm KC Design Studio created a chic, multifunctional home. The pegboard wall makes it easy for client Mr. Xiao to reorganize whenever needed. Anchoring the office is a chic Paulistano lounge chair by Objekto in the corner.
The forms are inspired by the canopies of traditional banquet, transforming Taiwanese memories with a local fun of "dining under the canopy" along a circular path.
The forms are inspired by the canopies of traditional banquet, transforming Taiwanese memories with a local fun of "dining under the canopy" along a circular path.
Anemone is a temporary installation in Taipei, Taiwan made of 30,000 rubber tubes to create an undulating surface that invites interaction and public engagement.
Anemone is a temporary installation in Taipei, Taiwan made of 30,000 rubber tubes to create an undulating surface that invites interaction and public engagement.
Located on the fifth floor of an unassuming building in Datong district, Play Design Hotel is a hidden gem with only a small sign to announce its presence. Polished concrete walls and floors coupled with large, black, metal-framed windows create an elegant backdrop for the hand-picked design objects sourced from over 100 local Taiwanese designers.
Located on the fifth floor of an unassuming building in Datong district, Play Design Hotel is a hidden gem with only a small sign to announce its presence. Polished concrete walls and floors coupled with large, black, metal-framed windows create an elegant backdrop for the hand-picked design objects sourced from over 100 local Taiwanese designers.
Taiwanese brand RÜSKASA features minimalist wooden furniture which is all locally designed and hand-crafted using traditional Taiwanese techniques.
Taiwanese brand RÜSKASA features minimalist wooden furniture which is all locally designed and hand-crafted using traditional Taiwanese techniques.
With mid-century modern meets Taiwanese design aesthetic and traditional Taiwanese dishes have been updated. Family style, creative meals on beautiful dishes.
With mid-century modern meets Taiwanese design aesthetic and traditional Taiwanese dishes have been updated. Family style, creative meals on beautiful dishes.
Taiwan’s last Chinese letterpress and one of the last remaining lead-character makers in the world. Chinese does not have an alphabet--it consists of words made up of one to two characters. Rixing has one of the largest collections of three-dimensional Chinese characters in Taiwan, with 120,000 molds of different characters and over 10 million lead character pieces.
Taiwan’s last Chinese letterpress and one of the last remaining lead-character makers in the world. Chinese does not have an alphabet--it consists of words made up of one to two characters. Rixing has one of the largest collections of three-dimensional Chinese characters in Taiwan, with 120,000 molds of different characters and over 10 million lead character pieces.
Sanzhi Houses in Taiwan
Sanzhi Houses in Taiwan
SY WATER 勝洋水草休閒農場 - Yilan County, Taiwan
SY WATER 勝洋水草休閒農場 - Yilan County, Taiwan
SY WATER 勝洋水草休閒農場 - Yilan County, Taiwan
SY WATER 勝洋水草休閒農場 - Yilan County, Taiwan
SY WATER 勝洋水草休閒農場 - Yilan County, Taiwan
SY WATER 勝洋水草休閒農場 - Yilan County, Taiwan
The Future Lab room shows off avant-garde Taiwanese design.
The Future Lab room shows off avant-garde Taiwanese design.

56 more photos