China Resources Headquarters / KPF / Shenzhen

China Resources Headquarters

• Architects:  Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, CCDI Group
• Location:  Shenzhen, China
• Client/Developer:  China Resources (Holdings) Company Limited
• Structural Engineer:  ARUP, CCDI Group
• Structural Materials:  Composite (Core: Reinforced Concrete; Columns: Steel; Floor Spanning: Steel)
• Building Type:  Headquarters, Master Plan, Supertall  
• Project Area:  210,000 m2 / 2,260,500 ft2  
• Building Height:  400 m / 1,312 ft  
• Project Dates:  2012-2018
• MEP Engineer:  WSP, CCDI Group
• Main Contractor:  China State Construction Engineering Corporation
• Facade Consultant:  ARUP, Lerch Bates
• Fire Consultant:  ARUP
• Lighting Consultant:  Brandston Partnership, Inc.  
• Quantity Surveyor:  WT Partnership  
• Sustainability Consultant:  Atkins
• Vertical Transportation:  WSP
• Elevator Consultant:  Hitachi Limited
• Steel Consultant:  China Construction Steel Structure Corporation

The China Resources Headquarters tower anchors the burgeoning Houhai District with a design distinguished by its innovative structure and geometric precision, relaying a cultural message about the company's history and growth. The supertall tower anchors the master planned China Resources Business District, which is bordered by Shenzhen Bay to the east, the Shenzhen Sports Complex to the north, and a linear greenbelt to the south.

Inspired by the spring bamboo shoot, the 400 meter tower features a light, stable and fast-to-erect tube and diagrid system that is expressed in its tapered, sculptural form. Rendered in pre-fabricated column and steel units, the system affords column-free interiors, in turn allowing greater expression of the tower's radial symmetry and more boutique floor-plates as it rises. The 56 vertical columns converge into 28 columns at the tower and upper section of the tower, forming a series of entry portals at the tower's base and merging to a singular point at its peak. At these junctions, faceted, triangular glass panels illuminate at night with a jewel like brilliance across Shenzhen's waterfront business district.

In particular, the tower's "sky hall" is as a conical, cathedral-like space offering visitors stunning views of the diagrid spire - it is one the few high-rises in the world in which people can occupy its absolute highest point. In the vein, China Resources Headquarters also crowns the larger, KPF planned development that stitches retail, residential, and office amenities with 2,000 square meters of public space and the city's greenbelt and waterfront. Together, the tower and complex invigorates Shenzhen's urban fabric while providing one of the country's premier companies with a visual icon for its historic growth and stature.

The local government is developing the Shenzhen Bay into a "super magnet" for headquarters of large Chinese and international companies; and CR HQ is one of the flagship projects.

Unique Structural System -

The building has a sculptured form of 56 external slender columns stemming from the diagrids at the bottom and converging into a crystal cap at the top. To fully reflect the architect's intent, ARUP developed a close-column frame and core structure system without strengthened storeys.

Compared with traditional mega-column and sparse column frames, this system is more efficient in vertical force transmission and better fits the slender form of the building. It's also more cost-effective and requires a shorter construction period.

Improving Occupant Comfort - 

Tall buildings in typhoon area has to be designed with wind consideration. ARUP carried wind test for the CR HQ and its design has been fine-tuned to improve its behavior under different wind loads. The wind-induced vibration can also be disconcerting for occupants. Viscous outrigger dampers are adopted to reduce these vibrations and create comfortable environment for occupants.

The tapering tower form facilities a variety of office types, with an organizational structure that allows for smaller and more boutique office floor plates. The "sky hall" located at the very top of the tower is where various corporate functions will be held. There, occupants get an interior view of the spire as well as views of the surrounding city.