Proposed for an area in the heart of Hong Kong, the Takshing House Redevelopment project replaces an existing mid-block house with an office tower and lower level retail space. Inspired by the natural architecture of trees, the proposed office tower is lifted 90 meters out of the dense mass of existing buildings, allowing southern sunlight to reach ground level and exposing the once-covered facades of adjacent historic buildings. Above 90 meters, office floors are cantilevered from the building core, like branches.
The unique design approach is supported by a central reinforced concrete core (or “trunk”) that carries gravity loads and resists lateral forces. The core walls follow a “braided stream” concept that uses more material to match the greater loads lower in the building and less material at the top, where building stresses are lesser. This system of joined, undulating columns directs structural force flows to the ground, allows windows and natural light to permeate the building, and creates internal column-free spaces.
Enclosed by a double-glazed skin with internal ventilation and horizontal sunshades, the building’s skin is designed to perform well in the hot, humid climate while maintaining clear views of Victoria Harbour to the north and Tai Ping Mountain to the south.
