The KingKey (KK) 100 skyscraper is the product of a plan to turn Caiwuwei Village from a low-rise, uninteresting residential village into a dynamic, high-density urban area. It is one of six buildings that make up the Joint Development Initiative project, which is located on a 3.6-hectare plot. The villagers were made stakeholders in this project, and Farrells architectural company was tasked with designing a mixed-use skyscraper that would not only generate cash for the community but also serve as a symbol of new advances in high-density urban development.
The KK 100 towers 442 meters above ground and was the highest building in Shenzhen when it was completed, as well as one of the world’s top 15 tallest structures. Its dominance in Shenzhen will shortly be challenged by the Ping An International Finance Centre, which will stand 648 meters tall and is scheduled to be finished in 2016. However, the activity it generates for the growth of this hamlet will not be reversed anytime soon.
The building has 100 stories comprising over 210,000 square meters of accommodation. It houses a mall that is located on the first 4 floors; thereafter, floors 4 to 75 shelter Grade A office spaces. A six-star hotel known as the St. Regis Hotel occupies 25 floors above that with a completely glazed sky-garden at the very top.
The glazed curtain wall façade curves at the base to create an interesting canopy at the entrance to the offices. The shopping centre branches out from the other end.
The architects created the flowing curve of this skyscraper to resemble a spring or fountain intended to symbolize Shenzhen’s prosperity and success. The columns in the structure have been deliberately positioned around the perimeters of various sections to offer an uninterrupted working environment. The configuration also allows building occupants to enjoy stunning views of Shenzhen as well as the nearby Lizhi and Renmin Parks. Instead of typical roofing technologies, the roof incorporates a curved, smooth, transparent curtain wall and a steel framework.
The entire project comprises of five residential towers and two business structures. Each villager received a new home as well as extra property that could be used to generate revenue. The tower was incorporated into the city’ transportation network. The site’s concept also includes many layers of connection amongst the component buildings to allow inhabitants to move around easily.
Project Information
Architects: Farrells
Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Client: Kingkey Group
GFA: 210,000 sq-m
Completed: September 2011
Photography: Kevin Ho, Jonathan Leijonhufvud, Tollan Renner
