RSHP Completes Hetao Alpha Skyscraper Featuring Unique Butterfly Layout in Shenzhen
The 212-metre office tower integrates sustainable design with a public-facing mixed-use podium.
1Innovative Butterfly Structural Design
RSHP has completed the 212-metre Hetao Alpha skyscraper in Shenzhen, China. The structure features two angled wings connected by a central core, creating a distinct butterfly layout. This configuration allows for 70,410 square metres of office space, supported by cantilevered bays that extend from the concrete core to form the building's wings.
2Strategic Structural Engineering Elements
The tower utilizes mega trusses on every 12 levels to provide essential structural support for the refuge and service floors. These triangular trusses on the podium roof also transfer the load of the east wing to the central core. This system minimizes perimeter structure, resulting in slender edges and expansive, unobstructed panoramic views.
3Sustainable Facade and Ventilation
The building incorporates louvred panels and vents within the fully glazed facade to facilitate natural ventilation. This design choice significantly reduces energy consumption throughout the office tower. Consequently, the project successfully achieved China's 3-star Green Building Evaluation Standard, which is equivalent to the international LEED Gold certification for sustainable commercial developments.
4Integration of Public Amenities
A six-level public podium connects to the east wing, housing sports facilities, a library, and a double-height arts exhibition space. The podium features a roof terrace with extensive greenery and water elements. A metro station is integrated into the basement, which also includes a sunken plaza with retail stores for public access.
5Curated Views and Connectivity
Curved double-height glazing at the four corners of the wings offers views of the Shenzhen Bay Wetlands and Hong Kong Mai Po Wetlands. Lifts located on the north and south facades are also fully glazed, providing panoramic vistas. This design ensures that office workers maintain a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape.
6Addressing Complex Project Briefs
One of the primary challenges for RSHP was merging two separate briefs from different clients into a single development. The studio aimed to create both an uplifting mixed-use space and a coherent office building. The final design achieves a seamless transition between public and private areas while maintaining a bold, unified architectural identity.
7Public and Private Engagement
The podium roof terrace and a dedicated viewing platform on the west wing invite both public visitors and private tenants to engage in outdoor activities. These spaces are specifically designed for observing migrating birds, a popular local hobby. This approach fosters a serene environment that balances professional office needs with community-focused leisure activities.
8Project Scope and Execution
The project involved a gross floor area of 96,223 square metres on an 11,118 square metre site. Construction was managed by the China Railway Construction Engineering Group with a cost of £120m. RSHP collaborated with the local design institute CCDI Group to deliver this complex, multi-functional development within the Shenzhen-Hongkong innovation zone.