British architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled its plans for a sinuous 36-story glass skyscraper to be built in Hong Kong at Murray Road 2 on what is said to be the most expensive land in the world.
The 36-story skyscraper in Hong Kong's Central Business District will replace a multi-storey car park bought by developer Henderson Land for HK $ 23,3 billion ($ 3 billion) in 2017, making it the most expensive site in the world according to numerous newspapers.
The skyscraper of Zaha Hadid Architects it will have a glass facade made up of a series of curved segments that rise to form two sets of tree-filled outdoor balconies. Directly beneath the highest balcony, which is about two-thirds of the way up the skyscraper, there will be a planted sky garden that will also house a running track.
At the top of the skyscraper, a closed banquet hall will have a view of the city.
A “floral” skyscraper
According to the study, the shape of the building is based on that of a bud of the Bauhinia plant, whose flower is at the center of the city flag. “The design reinterprets the structural forms and layering of a Bauhinia bud about to bloom,” the studio said.
Known as the Hong Kong orchid tree, the bauhinia x blakeana it was first planted in the city's botanical gardens just above the Murray Road site where the building will stand.
The main body of the skyscraper will be raised above the ground and connected to the city's network of elevated pedestrian walkways, with a series of courtyards and gardens located beneath the building. It will echo the organic forms of the natural world. The redevelopment connects with the adjacent public gardens and parks.
“These quiet outdoor areas flow into the generous interior common spaces; the craftsmanship and precision of the curved glass facade enhance this seamless connectivity between the building's interior and surrounding gardens and the city beyond.”
Zaha Hadid Architects
Record in everything, even in sustainability (Chinese)
The skyscraper, which will be built with a high-strength steel structure, is designed to achieve a LEED Platinum sustainability rating and the highest 3-star rating in China's Green Building Rating Program. It will be clad with four-layer, double laminated, double curved insulated glass units and all floors will be naturally ventilated.
