Tao Zhu Yin Yuan, literally meaning “Retreat of Tao Zhu” leaves many in awe as they pass by this modern day wonder. Located in the heart of Taipei Taiwan in the Xin Yi District, this giant building with its double helix structure is literally a smoke eater. With over 23,000 trees and shrubs, it is estimated that the shrubbery on the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan will absorb over 130 tons of carbon dioxide every year, therefore help making the air in Taipei cleaner and safer.

The brain child of archibiotect Vincent Callebaut, known for his beautiful, technological as well as environmentally friendly works and projects, Taipei’s jungle skyscraper as it is also affectionately called is said to contain over 40 condo homes as well as 2 penthouse apartments each equipped with the stunning view of the Taipei skyline and lush beautiful greens, essentially making it a modern day and highly innovative tree house.

How the twisting Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower idea was conveyed and the history.

An architectural design of Tao Zhu Yin Yuan tower with its actual view from the bottom of the building. | Copyright: Vincent Callebaut Architecture.

The Vision of Tao Zhu Yin Yuan tower

The winner of an architectural international competition in November 2010 Vincent Callebaut architectures began construction in 2013 and scheduled to be complete by September 2017. The building from conception is a wonder and according to the creator it is inspired by the helix structure of the DNA strand which symbolises renewal. The building is expected to house a massive forest of trees as well as help in cleaning of the environment.

Architectural master-class

Breaking the norm for what we know as conventional architecture, the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan consists of 25 floors with 4 of those being located underground. The building itself is made to climb while gradually twisting on its central axis at an increment of 4.5 degrees until it makes a full 90 degrees turn right at the very top. This is not some random flaw or just an artistic gimmick but also a well thought out response to some issues pertaining to the building and its construction. This twist satisfies the four major targets of the creators of the project:

1. Purposefully concepted

The pyramidal orientation of the pyramid is preserved perfectly. The objective here is to be perfectly integrated in the North/south pyramidal profile of the building volume.

Full view of Tao zhu yin yuan tower from one of its sides. It was designed by Vincent Callebaut Architecture.

2. The creation of extra space for the open air garden to be hosted on the building.

Aerial view of the giant Tao Zhu Yin Yuan greener environment focused building desgned by Vincent Callebaut Architecture.

3. Tourist-focused scenery

Offering individuals residing or visiting the building a panoramic view of the stunning scenery and beautiful skyline.

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan city structure from the neighboring condominium around the environment.

4. Preserving the privacy of the residents of the tower.

The high compacted central core, which is an integral component of the spiral structure, is also important to the dynamic nature of the building not just supporting the building but serving other important functions as well. Surrounded by foyers that aid accessibility the core is fully equipped by level with 2 stair cases that makes it possible to move from floor to floor as well as 4 high speed elevators that is capable of carrying 24 people, a car elevator which is also useful for transporting giant objects ranging from furniture to works of art as well as 2 sky garages for cars of the tenants or condo owners.

The apartments in the building are of stunning design with each unit including a living room, kitchen, dining room, family room and multiple bedrooms. An outdoor pool and fitness centre are also part of what the construction team has in store for the building.

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan from afar off with full landscape view from a nearby tall building.

Perhaps the most intriguing of fact about this building is that it has been equipped with up to 23,000 trees. This trees and shrubs placed on terraces and by walls will be able to consume 130 tons of the carbon dioxide found in the Taipei air in one year. That is equivalent to the amount of gas produced by 27 cars. This architectural marvel blazes a trail for others in eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable technology.

How the Twisting Tao Zhu Yin Yuan looks like from the next condo when we look much closer.

It is also armed with natural lighting to compliment the beauty of the trees, natural ventilation and an extensive array of rooftop solar panels to ensure it is self-sufficient and self-sustained.

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A beacon for the Future

In a world where global temperatures are on the increase, rapid climate changes, deforestation and atmospheric imbalance of gases in our atmosphere as well as ozone layer depletion. New and much more efficient alternative means of lifestyle choices ranging from the choice of fuel to consume to the architecture we choose to adopt are being explored by leading scientists, innovators and contemporary thinkers.

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan is greenish in nature. The structure was perfectly constructed with the environment on major consideration. The architect had factored in the environment and how the building would not just provide housing solutions, but it also housed the world’s largest green plantation aim at protecting the community.

The Tau Zhu Yin Yuan is a beacon or symbol of perfect balance between technology architecture and very progressive environmental protection strategies, is it sustainable? Is it a bit over ambitious and over the top? Or do you think Mankind has taken a step towards a grand and better future with a safer planet. Please, feel free to let me know your thoughts via the comments section below.