Belle Epoque – [Under construction site]
Located in the lively Xitun district in downtown Taichung, Taiwan, the Belle Epoque tower is a 27-storey, 110m high tower of 18,000 sq. meters (GFA).
The Belle Époque tower is a project for which RDAI designed both the architecture and the interiors: the reception and entrance lounge, the apartments, as well as the shared facilities. Inspired by the urban density of this Taichung neighborhood and the lush landscape of the surrounding mountains, the building’s telluric and organic architecture was conceived with a double, massive, and mineral structure, punctuated by balconies, loggias, and terraces. The slender building consists of two adjacent volumes, respectively 20 and 29 stories tall.
For its façades, the midnight blue granite, with its rough grain and natural vibrations, was naturally chosen to express refined monumentality. The varying shades of the façades shift from intense blue to ultramarine depending on the sunlight. The splayed jambs and curved lintels framing the large windows with navy blue frames reveal thick depths and smooth, sharp lines that create a sculptural ensemble. Through this unique geometry, the tower stands out as a true landmark in the city.
The interiors were designed in contrast to the exterior, featuring curved forms in soft tones and inviting natural materials. The lobby, entirely mineral and triple-height, offers an imposing and unique volume. The floor is travertine with a stone parquet pattern, while the tall stucco walls are engraved with interlaced motifs. A 6-meter-high woven bamboo lantern sculpture, created by Taiwanese artist Cheng Tsung Feng, hangs at the center of this space.
Facing the imposing entrance door with intertwined decorative metalwork inspired by Parisian art decoratif gates, the organically shaped reception desk is carved from solid wood and topped with a leather-covered surface. The elevator lobbies and corridors, made of wood and stone, were designed as walking spaces with warm, smoky tones and natural light.
The interior spaces are sophisticated and refined; they evoke a certain “art de vivre à la française.” The building’s 20th floor is dedicated to shared spaces: a lounge, a fitness room, and a café. The ambiance of the café draws inspiration from French winter garden pavilions. The floors and walls, in blue-green tones, are adorned with geometric patterns. The café extends onto a low terrace equipped with an outdoor bar.
A swimming pool is installed on a large landscaped rooftop terrace. From this rooftop, unobstructed views offer a spectacular panorama of the city and its surrounding landscapes.
@Continental Development Corp @Continental Engineering Corp
