Visitors flock to Taipei’s Dihua Street to feel the vibrant atmosphere and friendly hospitality. This area’s historic buildings showcase a blend of architectural styles, many over a century old. Among these, exposed aggregate concrete stands out as a unique Taiwanese feature.
Exposed aggregate concrete appears on external walls alongside red bricks, perfectly complementing European-style facades. Unlike the warm tones of brick or the starkness of béton brut, offers a rich texture that resembles natural stone. This material provides diverse shapes and shows the craftsmanship behind its creation, adding charm and character to buildings.
Exposed aggregate concrete works as a practical alternative to stone. Builders apply a mix of cement and small stones to surfaces, then wash away the top layer before it dries. This process reveals the stones beneath, creating a textured finish that mimics natural stonework. The material offers durability while reducing costs compared to quarried stone.
This surface finish didn’t originate in Taiwan but was introduced from Japan. However, Taiwan adopted and developed it extensively. As architecture expert Yeh Jun-lin explains, craftsmen use exposed aggregate concrete for both flat surfaces and intricate shapes. They sometimes sculpt it by hand using wire frameworks or molds to create repeating designs. This versatility makes it popular for decorations, columns, and steps.
Historically, gained popularity between 1910 and 1970 across Taiwan. Important public buildings, such as Taipei’s Beimen Post Office and the former Taihoku Hospital, feature this material. Additionally, many historic streets and bridges, including Sanxia Arch Bridge and Dihua Street, display exposed aggregate concrete as part of their charm.
The Sin Hong Choon Tea Museum in Taipei also highlights. Here, balustrades and drainpipes use the material in symbolic shapes, blending Chinese and European styles.
Ultimately, represents more than just construction. It tells Taiwan’s story through its texture, design, and craftsmanship. Next time you walk through an old Taiwanese neighborhood, try touching the walls or staircases to connect with this living piece of history. truly embodies Taiwan’s architectural soul.
