Vanke Center
(Horizontal Skyscaper)

Designed by Stevel Holl with partner Li Hu, the center includes apartments, hotel, and headquarters for the Vanke Real Estate Co. A conference center, spa, parking, restaurants, and a 500 seat auditorium are located under the structure under a large green tropical landscape. It was decided to float one large structure under the 115 ft. (35 m.) height limit to generate the largest green space open to the public at ground level. Suspened on 8 cores, as far as 164 ft. (50 m.) apart, the building consists of cable-stay bridge technology with record loads of up to 3280 tons merged with high strength concrete frames.

Integrating several new sustainable aspects to the site, a microclimate is created by cooling ponds fed by a grey water system. The building has a green roof with solar panels and uses local materials such as bamboo. The glass façade of the building will be protected against the sun and wind by perforated louvers. The building is claimed to be tsunami-proof and is the first LEED platinum rated building in Southern China.