As the first residential project in Taiwan to fully adapt circular economy principles, Taisugar Circular Village (TCV) comprises three housing blocks, 351 rental units, an urban farm and an eco-pond
Photography by Studio Millspace
Taiwan-based firm bio-architecture Formosana (BaF) has unveiled Taisugar Circular Village (TCV), the first residential project in Taiwan to fully embed circular economy principles. Comprising three housing blocks, a Circular Demo House (C-House) functioning as the kitchen, and an Eco-House (E-House) connected to the garden, it accommodates 351 rental units and is also home to an urban farm and eco-pond.
Nestled around a green courtyard designed to bring the TCV community together, this open-air oasis helps to create a harmonious union between the contemporary architecture of the buildings and surrounding nature. Moreover, this community-led sanctuary serves as a large-scale meeting place, giving TVC a sense of connection; the presence of green space has long been associated with positive health thanks to the calming effects of nature.
The three main housing blocks use modular elements to minimise on-site material waste and to establish a sustainable framework. Featuring a repetitive balcony façade, the exterior of the building was made using pre-casted modularised panels, allowing for quick disassembly and future reuse.
Photography by Studio Millspace
Every material used in TCV is assigned a unique ID in a material passport that compiles comprehensive information about the materials used throughout its lifecycle; doing so helps ensure the life cycles of building components continue post-demolition. Interestingly, TCV’s energy use in 2022 was approximately 50% less than predicted, thanks to its renewable energy systems.
Bringing changes to the conventional practice of manufacturing specific appliances for each building, the designers created a service-based approach; this means manufacturers retain ownership of products, which enables a continuous product life cycle after dissembling. To pioneer this change, TVC worked with suppliers to tailor a sustainable service-based supply contract.
Embracing a circular economy and holistic approach, TCV is an exemplary project that challenges and rethinks how we build. Serving as an example of sustainable urban development and future circular cities, it puts the needs of the people and planet at the heart of the project. By helping cultivate a sense of community, TVC transforms residents into integral parts of a shared local ecosystem, fostering a reconnection between people and nature.
Photography by Studio Millspace
Bio-architecture Formosana (BaF) is a Taiwan-based firm with expertise in architecture, interior design, and sustainable architecture. As of 2024, the firm has been recognised over 110 times for its diverse portfolio across private and public sectors. Noteworthy projects include hotels, public libraries, research facilities, data centres, health care facilities, art centres, and galleries.
Sustainability forms the firm’s core, and the studio believes in a design module inspired by biological intelligence. As an industry-leading firm in Taiwan, BaF received over 60 EEWH Certifications (Taiwan), more than 20 Intelligent Building Certifications (Taiwan), and 2 LEED Certifications. In 2020, BaF initiated the Taiwanese Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, hoping for a more sustainable built environment. One of their projects, the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, is the first building in Taiwan to receive a Diamond Level EEWH Certification.
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Photography by Studio Millspace
Photography by Studio Millspace
Photography by Studio Millspace
Photography by Studio Millspace
