Architecture

Vincent Callebaut's twisting tree-covered tower takes shape in Taipei

Vincent Callebaut's twisting tree-covered tower takes shape in Taipei
The Agora Garden Tower is due to be completed in September, 2017
The Agora Garden Tower is due to be completed in September, 2017 
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The Agora Garden Tower is due to be completed in September, 2017
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The Agora Garden Tower is due to be completed in September, 2017 
The Agora Garden Tower takes the form of a double helix
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The Agora Garden Tower takes the form of a double helix
The Agora Garden Tower has been under construction since 2013
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The Agora Garden Tower has been under construction since 2013
The Agora Garden Tower will rise to a total of 20 stories
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The Agora Garden Tower will rise to a total of 20 stories
The Agora Garden Tower twists 4.5 degrees each floor, to a total of 90 degrees
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The Agora Garden Tower twists 4.5 degrees each floor, to a total of 90 degrees
Vincent Callebaut's Agora Garden Tower will be covered in a total of 23,000 trees once complete
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Vincent Callebaut's Agora Garden Tower will be covered in a total of 23,000 trees once complete
Vincent Callebaut Architectures says that the Agora Garden Tower's 23,000 trees will absorb up to 130 tons of CO2 each year in Taipei
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Vincent Callebaut Architectures says that the Agora Garden Tower's 23,000 trees will absorb up to 130 tons of CO2 each year in Taipei
The Agora Garden Tower's 90 degree twist gives occupants a view of the Taipei 101 tower
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The Agora Garden Tower's 90 degree twist gives occupants a view of the Taipei 101 tower 
Top-down drone's-eye view of the Agora Garden Tower
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Top-down drone's-eye view of the Agora Garden Tower
Inside the Agora Garden Tower, there'll be a total of 40 luxury apartments
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Inside the Agora Garden Tower, there'll be a total of 40 luxury apartments
The Agora Garden Tower will comprise a total floorspace of 42,335 sq m (455,690 sq ft)
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The Agora Garden Tower will comprise a total floorspace of 42,335 sq m (455,690 sq ft)
The Agora Garden Tower will also include amenities like a swimming pool and fitness center
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The Agora Garden Tower will also include amenities like a swimming pool and fitness center 
The Agora Garden Tower will have a rainwater capture and recycling system and a roof-based solar array to cut down on grid-based needs
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The Agora Garden Tower will have a rainwater capture and recycling system and a roof-based solar array to cut down on grid-based needs
The Agora Garden Tower is due to be completed in September, 2017
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The Agora Garden Tower is due to be completed in September, 2017
As we reported back in 2013, the Agora Garden Tower takes the form of a double helix
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As we reported back in 2013, the Agora Garden Tower takes the form of a double helix
The Agora Garden Tower will also feature a total of 23,000 trees
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The Agora Garden Tower will also feature a total of 23,000 trees
View gallery - 16 images

We regularly cover Vincent Callebaut's sustainable architecture concepts, but have wondered how well his eye-catching renders would translate into a real, completed building. Well, we need not wonder for much longer, as the Belgian architect's twisting, greenery-clad Agora Garden Tower is beginning to take shape in Taipei, Taiwan.

As we reported when construction began back in 2013, the interesting form of the Agora Garden Tower (also known as the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan) is inspired by DNA's double helix shape. It rises to 20 stories and twists 4.5 degrees at each floor, to a total of 90 degrees. Vincent Callebaut Architectures says that this twist lets residents enjoy panoramic views of the nearby Taipei 101 super-tall skyscraper.

The residential tower will also feature 23,000 trees, located both in the grounds and the balconies, which Callebaut's firm calculates will absorb 130 tons of CO2 each year. This brings to mind the award-winning Bosco Verticale.

Top-down drone's-eye view of the Agora Garden Tower
Top-down drone's-eye view of the Agora Garden Tower

Inside, the building will include a total of 40 luxury apartments, each with its own greenery-clad balcony, and a total floorspace of 42,335 sq m (455,690 sq ft). Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center and rooftop terraces.

Vincent Callebaut Architectures is aiming for LEED Gold certification (a leading green building standard). To this end, a rainwater capture and recycling system on the roof feeds the toilets (surprisingly, irrigation use isn't mentioned). In addition, a large 1000 sq m (10,763 sq ft) roof-based solar panel array will reduce the building's energy reliance on the grid.

We'll have more to report on the sustainable tech and overall design once the building is completed, which is expected by September, 2017.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

View gallery - 16 images
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