The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower: Taiwan’s Smog-Eating, Eco-Friendly Architectural Marvel

Taipei, Taiwan, is on the brink of unveiling one of the world’s most innovative and environmentally conscious architectural structures: the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower. Designed by Vincent Callebaut Architectures, this twisting skyscraper promises not only to revolutionize urban living but also to make a significant contribution to the fight against urban air pollution. With its completion slated for late 2021, let’s delve into the remarkable features of this project that harmonizes luxury living with sustainable design.

A Visionary Design Inspired by Nature

The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower is a striking 455,694-square-foot structure that spirals 90 degrees from its base to the top, reminiscent of a DNA strand. This double-helix design is not just an aesthetic choice but a functional one, aimed at maximizing light and air flow while providing stunning panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline.

An Urban Forest in the Sky

One of the most captivating features of the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower is its extensive greenery. The tower will host 23,000 trees and shrubs on its facade, balconies, and roof, nearly equivalent to the number of plants in New York’s Central Park. This urban forest is designed to absorb 130 tons of carbon dioxide annually, effectively offsetting the emissions of approximately 27 cars each year. The lush greenery will not only enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal but also improve air quality and promote biodiversity in the heart of the city.

Luxury Living Redefined

Inside the tower, residents will experience unparalleled luxury. The building will house 40 high-end condos, each designed with spacious interiors and expansive terraces that offer breathtaking views of Taipei. Two penthouses, each covering 5,920 square feet, will provide an exclusive living experience with premium amenities and private outdoor spaces.

Sustainable Features and Amenities

The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower is more than just a residential building; it’s a model of sustainable living. The tower will feature naturally ventilated and lit garages and fitness centers, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the comfort of its inhabitants. A glass-floored hallway will bring the greenery indoors, creating a seamless connection between the exterior and interior environments.

Residents will also enjoy a range of luxurious amenities, including an indoor pool, which offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city below. The tower’s design ensures that each unit maintains privacy while allowing residents to enjoy the surrounding greenery and natural light.

Engineering and Environmental Resilience

The tower’s innovative design extends to its structural integrity. Built to withstand earthquakes, the tower features a fixed central core that houses vertical circulation systems and separates the two housing units on each floor. This central core not only enhances the building’s stability but also allows for flexible internal layouts, accommodating various living arrangements and preferences.

A New Landmark for Taipei

Located in the Xinjin District, the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower is set to become a green urban landmark. Its pioneering concept of sustainable residential eco-construction aims to limit the ecological footprint of urban living. Designed by San Francisco-based landscape firm SWA, the tower’s landscape design complements its spiraling form, further reinforcing its connection to nature.

The tower’s 90-degree twist ensures that residents enjoy panoramic views of Taipei, including the iconic Taipei 101 tower. Each storey is rotated by 4.5 degrees, creating a dynamic and visually striking structure that changes appearance depending on the viewing angle.

The Future of Urban Living

The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower represents a significant step forward in sustainable urban development. By integrating extensive greenery, energy-efficient systems, and luxurious living spaces, Vincent Callebaut Architectures has created a building that not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern urban living. This project demonstrates that sustainability and luxury can coexist, offering a blueprint for future developments worldwide.

In a world where urban areas are increasingly grappling with the challenges of pollution and climate change, the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower stands as a beacon of hope and innovation. As cities continue to grow, the need for sustainable and eco-friendly architecture becomes ever more pressing. The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower shows that it is possible to create beautiful, livable spaces that also contribute to the health of our planet.

As we look forward to the completion of this groundbreaking project, we can be inspired by its vision of a future where human living spaces are in harmony with nature. The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower is not just a building; it is a symbol of what is possible when creativity, technology, and environmental stewardship come together.

Building Basic Information 

Type: International Architectural Competition – First Prize Winner in November 2010

International architect: Vincent Callebaut Architectures, Paris

Location: Taipei Taiwan, Xinyi district, Song Gao Road & Song Yong Road

Site area: 8,160 m²

Total floor area: 42,705 m²

Zoning: Residential area (Taipei XinYi Development District)

Floor structure: 21 floors and 4 floors basement, Steel Structure & Earthquake Protection System

Client: BES Engineering Corporation, Taipei

Contractor: Taiwan Kumagai Co, Ltd

Current phase: Gardens planting, waterfalls construction and interior decoration of public facilities space are undergoing

Green certification: U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold + ;  Low Carbon Building Alliance Diamond Level

Local architect: LKP Design, Taipei

Structural engineer: King Le Chang & Associates, Taipei

Local MEP engineering: Sine & Associates, Taipei

International interior architect: Wilson & Associates (WA), Los Angeles

Local interior architect: Chu Chih-Kung + Metro Space Design, Taipei

International landscape architect: SWA, Sausalito, San Francisco

Local landscape architect: Horizon & Atmosphere (H&A), Taipei

International lighting designer: L’Observatoire International, New-York

Local lighting designer: Unolai Design, Taipei

Green consultant: Enertek, Taipei

VCA’s team: Emilie Diers, Frederique Beck, Jiao Yang, Florence Mauny, Volker Erlich, Philippe Steels, Maguy Delrieu, Vincent Callebaut

Awards & Certifications

2018 : German Design Award, « Excellent Design », Berlin

2017 : iF Design Award + Sustainable Cities, « Best Architecture », Taipei

2017 : Human Settlements Awards (SCAHSA), New York

2016 : Building Carbon Footprint « Diamond Certification », from Low Carbon Building Alliance, UK

2016 : Asia Pacific Awards « Five Stars Best Residential High-rise Architecture », in International Property Awards, UK

2015 : Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitant (CTBUH), Innovation Award, « Best Tall Building », Chicago

2014 : Intelligent Building « Diamond Class », Pre-Certification from Taiwan Architecture and Building Center, Taipei

2014 : International Architecture Award (IAA), « Best Tall Building », in Residential Category Award from Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, New York

2014 : Highly Recommended in the Future Projects in House Category by World Architecture Festival (WAF), Singapore

2013 : Seismic Building Pre-Certification from Taiwan Architecture and Building Center, Taipei

2012 : Taiwan National Golden Award for Architecture « Gold Stone Award in High Rise Building », Planning and Design Category, Taipei

2012 : Taiwan Green Building Gold Class Pre-Certification from Taiwan Architecture and Building Center, Taipei

2012 : Approved by National Taiwan University Center for Earthquake Engineering Research in external structure review, Taipei

2012 : LEED Green Building Gold+ precertification from US Green Building Council, New York

2011 : Approved by the Taipei Urban Design Review Committee, Taipei

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