This Twisting Tower Was Designed to Reduce Carbon in the Air

Located in Taiwan, Paris-based architect Vincent Callebaut’s 20-floor residential building will be an oasis within one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

Belgian-born, Paris-based architect Vincent Callebaut designs with the future in mind. His projects—from Brussels to Brazil—incorporate green elements to counteract air pollution from their urban surroundings. Construction is under way in Taipei City, Taiwan, on a residential tower to be planted with 23,000 trees, nearing the amount of those found in New York’s Central Park (26,000 over 843 acres), making it somewhat of a vertical garden.

The building, called Tao Zhu Yin Yuan, features a double-height lobby on the ground floor, to maximize views and a feeling of connectivity with the property’s outdoor gardens. The rooftop is covered with a nearly 11,000-square-foot photovoltaic pergola that converts sunlight to energy. The project’s design, a central helix-shaped core, was inspired by DNA. There’s a 90-degree twist from base to top, and 42 apartments are contained within 20 floors (there’s also the option to combine units). The central core houses a staircase and multiple high-speed and high-capacity elevators. Amenities include “sky garage” parking in each unit, a swimming pool, and a fitness center—all naturally lit and ventilated.

Set for completion in September 2017, Callebaut’s latest feat will be a breath of fresh air for one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

TEXT BY LESLIE ANNE WIGGINS