Huaku Sky Garden

The beauty of Huaku Sky Garden lies in the twin towers’ architecture that seems at once delicate (due to their slim forms) and strong in the symmetrical structural frame (referencing traditional Chinese latticed screens) done in multiple scales, the repetition articulating the structural delight.

The project’s location at the base of the foothills of Yangming mountain range means that the building design could leverage the scenery as its backdrop. The towers’ symmetrical, interlinked forms with thick columns came about due to earthquake and typhoon-proof requirements. This structural expression has led to the Chinese-inspired screen manifested in different scales, from the oversized structural frame to the delicate metal filigree. 

Aesthetically, the façade, featuring the rectangular asymmetry of traditional Chinese joinery and screen designs, stands out from the other heavy, solid blocks in the neighbourhood. This is enhanced by the depth of the recessed gardens on the double-volume terraces of each apartment. To ensure privacy between each unit, the slender east and west elevations are veiled with ornamental screens. They also act as sunshades during summer.

As the load is borne by the external walls, the interiors are column-free, spacious and uncluttered. The interlocking section serves three functions: dual frontage apartments with views to the city and the mountains; natural cross ventilation; and spatial excitement. The interlocking allows a double-height terrace and entryway despite a single-level apartment.

In keeping with WOHA’s interest in sociable architecture, the ground level design provides continuity of the street blocks and an appropriate scale in view of the adjacent buildings and surrounding neighbourhood, with gardens, green walls and retail shops that interact with the streetscape.

PROJECT DATA

Project Name	Huaku Sky Garrden, Taiwan
Location	No. 8 Tainmu east Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Completion Date	April 2017
Site Area	5,717.48 square meters
Gross Floor Area	47,132.7 square metres
Client/Owner	Huaku Development Co Ltd
Architectural Firm	WOHA Architects
Project Team	Wong Mun Summ; Richard hssell; Chee Siew Choo; Pearl See Jian Fa; Goh Muk Hsiung; Francis Wu Kansheng; Lin Liping; shaad HAssan Zaidi; Yang han; Lan Wan Nie
Mechanical &Electrical Engineer	Heng Kai Engineering Consultants inc
Quantity Surveyor	Huaku Developnmetn Co Ltd
Landscape Consultant	S&G Design Landscape Architecture
Lightning Consultant	Chroma33 Architecture Lighting Design Inc
Civil &Structural Engineer	New Structure Group
Images/Photos	Patrick Bigham-Hall; WOHA Architects