KK100, the eighth tallest tower in the world and the tallest tower ever realised by a British architect is nearing completion in Shenzhen, China. At a height of 441.8 metres and 100 storeys, the new landmark tower, which has been designed by Farrells, will be one of the world’s tallest buildings. Farrells were commissioned to design the iconic tower after winning an international design competition in 2004.
The building follows the same principles of mixed use, high density masterplanning that were established within Farrells Kowloon Station Development in Hong Kong. It is a city within a building – an urbanistic solution like the Rockefeller Centre in New York. The rich mix of uses includes a six star hotel with sky lobby, offices, residential apartments and retail in the podium which is all connected to a new metro station.
Panoramic views
Situated on Hong Kong’s doorstep with a population of over 8 million, Shenzhen is perhaps the fastest growing city in the world and China’s biggest port. The tower’s position and orientation give panoramic views over all of Shenzhen as well as views to Hong Kong.
The design and development form a key urban landmark of exceptional architectural quality befitting Shenzhen’s key role in China’s economic and cultural development. The tower’s fluid, elegant shape and reflective skin are an allusion to a fountain representing the wealth and prosperity springing from the economic success that is Shenzhen. It is also non bi-symmetrical which is extremely unusual for a tower of this height.
Sir Terry said: “We are extremely proud to have designed the tallest tower ever by a British architect. This is a key landmark for Farrells and a befitting way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of setting up our office in Hong Kong.”
Farrells has recently been commissioned to design the Z15 tower which will be the tallest in Beijing at 120 storeys and over 510m high.