Taipei, a city in Taiwan, is where the old and new coexist with remarkable ease. Among its skyscrapers and modern glass facades, one can still find charming low-rise buildings from the ‘70s, their arcaded forms echoing a slower, more community-focused era. Located in Zhishan, part of Tianmu in the Shilin district, a high-end residential building dubbed The Lattice finds itself in a culturally rich area known for its historic openness to foreign influences and its current status as a hub for international schools. Designed by Shanghai-based architecture firm Neri&Hu, the structure expertly fuses tradition and modernity and is reflective of where it is situated. The neighbourhood’s ethos of cross-cultural engagement and a relaxed lifestyle has significantly influenced Neri&Hu’s modern design approach to the interiors for the apartment design, as well as the form of the building.

The ground and first floor of the structure are reserved for amenities such as the lobby and the library whereas second floor onwards, there are 38 two to four-bedroom apartments. Altogether, the structure covers a built-up area of 8485 square metres. The architectural form of The Lattice is a study in contrasts. Its massing is designed to address the constantly evolving urban context. The north corner features a strong squared edge that asserts a commanding presence along the street, while the southern façade adopts a softer, saw-toothed profile that integrates more gently with its surroundings.

Talking about the massing strategy, Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu of Neri&Hu tell STIR, “The team inherited the site conditions and structural scheme from a previous design and the initial stages of Neri&Hu’s involvement included a ‘clean-up’ of that design, to square off the edges and make clean legible geometries that would have a strong presence on the busy street.”

The facade is articulated through a grid of columns and beams clad in light grey stone, which provides a streamlined appearance. This gridded structure is punctuated by open corner details that introduce a sense of lightness and transparency, subtly enhancing the building's visual appeal.

Within the gridded framework, Neri&Hu introduced inverted catenary arch-shaped screens made of copper-toned metal, an inventive design feature that encloses the balconies, adding an extra layer of depth and texture to the facade. The choice of the material and pattern is evocative of a modern reinterpretation of the traditional "flower grid" screens seen in historic Taiwanese architecture. By scaling up this familiar motif and using contemporary materiality, the Chinese architects created a dialogue between the past and the present, integrating historical references into a contemporary design vocabulary.

“The two opposing elements of structure and screen are working in harmony to achieve a delicate balance between masculine and feminine, historic and modern, cool and warm, rational and expressive,” adds Neri&Hu.

Expanding on the dualities that take shape in the residential interiors, the architects explain, “The double-height arched entry space, clad in warm grey terrazzo, evokes a sense of grandeur and openness, while the material's tactile quality brings warmth and a human scale to the space. This balance between the grand and the intimate is a reflection of the masculine and feminine dichotomy. The use of bronze and blown glass in the custom pendant installation adds a luxurious yet crafted element, continuing the dialogue between modernity and tradition.”

The juxtaposition of the structural grid and the decorative screens achieves a delicate balance. The grid represents the rational, masculine side of architecture, while the screens contribute a softer, more expressive element. This interplay between the two fosters a dynamic visual rhythm, blending the cool precision of modernist forms with the warmth and intricacy of traditional patterns.

The interior design of The Lattice continues the theme of harmonising archetypal forms with rich materials. Black walnut timber furniture, accented with bronze details and complemented by neutral textiles, enhances the sense of understated luxury. The choice of materials and their thoughtful arrangement contribute to an atmosphere of refined comfort and sophistication.

On the second floor, a library space overlooks the lounge area and features an arching proportion that recalls the arcades of traditional buildings. This residential design choice not only provides a visual connection between the spaces but also creates a cosy, contemplative environment for reading and relaxation.

The rooftop amenities of The Lattice offer a variety of experiences that include a gym, an outdoor kitchenette, a yoga platform and a pet area, all surrounded by lush plantings. The spaces are arranged to take full advantage of the panoramic views of the majestic Yangming Mountain and beyond, providing a serene retreat from the city below.

The Lattice by Neri&Hu is a thoughtful response to its urban and cultural context. By integrating elements of traditional architecture in Taiwan with contemporary design strategies, the building creates a nuanced and sophisticated statement. Its careful balance of structure and ornamentation, along with its use of tactile materials and forms, reflect a deep understanding of the local context while pushing boundaries.

Project Details

Name: The Lattice | Zhishan Residences
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Typology: Residential
Client: Continental Development Corporation
Architect: Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
Design Team: N.A.
Site Area: 1,309 SQM
Gross Area: 8,485 SQM
Collaborators:
Art: The Artling
FFE: Design Republic
Local Architect of Record: C.T. Chen & Partners
Construction: Continental Engineering Corporation
Year of Completion: 2023