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Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

From Alfawiki
Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre
Company typeMixed-use skyscraper
IndustryReal estate, Hospitality, Retail
FoundedOctober 2016; 10 years ago (2016-10)
FounderChow Tai Fook Enterprises
Headquarters
Guangzhou
,
China
Area served
Guangzhou, China
ProductsOffice spaces, residential units, hotel, shopping mall
OwnerChow Tai Fook Enterprises
ParentChow Tai Fook Enterprises
Websitewww.k11.com/en/guangzhou/ctf-finance-centre/

The Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre (), commonly referred to as the East Tower, is a mixed-use supertall skyscraper located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, which was finalized in October 2016. It holds the distinction of being the tallest finished structure in Guangzhou, ranks as the third-highest building in China, and stands eighth globally. The tower encompasses 111 floors above ground along with five subterranean levels, housing a shopping complex, office spaces, residential units, and a hotel. Its total gross floor area amounts to , with more than one-fifth attributed to the adjoining podium.[1]

Situated on a parcel along Zhujiang East Road within Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou’s primary business district, the tower is positioned east of the central axis and includes an underground shopping mall alongside direct access to public transportation.[2] It is part of the Guangzhou Twin Towers, paired with the tall Guangzhou International Finance Center—known as the "West Tower"—which stands on the western side of the axis. Both skyscrapers are comparable in height, scale, and purpose and lie close to the tall Canton Tower.[3][4]

Owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre boasts elevators that are among the fastest worldwide, reaching speeds of up to .[1][5]

Architecture

The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre consists of a main tower accompanied by an eight-story podium. The podium incorporates a tall atrium topped with a glass roof. Structurally, the tower is reinforced by a square core measuring per side, supported by eight large concrete mega columns connected through outriggers and belt trusses located at mechanical and refuge floor levels. The design includes four steel outrigger levels and six double-layer belt truss systems, with smaller columns positioned between the mega columns. These mega columns measure up to in length and in width; their increased thickness complies with Chinese seismic regulations and they rest on a mat and pad foundation above relatively elevated bedrock.

The building’s exterior features a glass facade accented by vertical white glazed terracotta mullions that extend outward from the windows to provide shading. Operable windows include vents shielded by aluminum fins embedded with white LED lighting to illuminate the terracotta mullions during nighttime. The use of terracotta mullions reduces the visual weight of the facade—a design decision influenced by environmental standards restricting reflective glass—and pays homage to Guangzhou’s traditional craftsmanship, as explained by architect Forth Bagley. He highlighted that this project distinguishes itself not only through its height but also through architectural elegance.

The tower’s form reflects its multifunctional purpose, incorporating setbacks at points where uses transition between office spaces, residential apartments, hotel accommodations, and the crown section. These angled setbacks are topped with parapets featuring sky terraces, except for the uppermost setback which lacks a terrace but remains angled. The parapet heights correspond visually with neighboring skyscrapers, creating a dynamic silhouette when viewed from various perspectives.

Sustainability measures integrated into the building include high-efficiency chillers, solar panels installed on the podium roof, and heat recovery systems utilizing chiller condensers. The office and retail sections obtained LEED Gold certification in 2018 following an initial pre-certification achieved in 2013.

Layout

The lower levels and podium of the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre accommodate the K11 Art Mall, a retail complex operated by K11, which is a subsidiary of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. This mall features an eight-screen 4DX cinema and extends across eight floors above ground plus two basement levels. The building’s base includes the main entrances for offices, residences, and part of the hotel. Connectivity is facilitated by outdoor pedestrian bridges and underground passages linking to Guangzhou Metro Lines 3, 5, and the APM system.

Office spaces are situated from the 7th through the 66th floors, with two mechanical floors interrupting this span, providing roughly of premium Class A office area. Amenities within these office floors include a sky lobby and an auditorium seating 150 individuals. Ownership of these office spaces lies with K11.

Above another mechanical floor and a setback lie 24 floors containing 355 serviced apartments under the "Rosewood Residences" brand, managed by Rosewood Hotel Group. Among these are 23 duplex units featuring private elevators and indoor courtyards, designed by Perception Design.

The uppermost sixteen floors are dedicated to a Rosewood Hotels & Resorts property comprising 251 guest rooms, each averaging at least , covering a total area of . Launched in late 2019, the hotel offers meeting facilities (), a ballroom accommodating 700 guests (), an indoor swimming pool, and seven restaurants. The sky bar and restaurant on the 107th floor boast an outdoor terrace. The interior design was overseen by Yabu Pushelberg. Additionally, the upper setback includes three terraces shielded from strong winds by sculpted parapets.

Elevators

The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is equipped with 95 elevators supplied by Hitachi, including two that hold the title of the world's fastest. Announced in 2014, these lifts achieve speeds up to , enabling travel from the first to the 95th floor within approximately 43 seconds. Primarily designated for hotel guests, their maximum speed was first tested in May 2016. By June 2017, enhancements allowed them to exceed their rated velocity of 20 m/s, reaching a peak speed of , surpassing the top speed of elevators in the Shanghai Tower, which is . In September 2019, these elevators earned a Guinness World Record for being the fastest globally.

These elevators utilize permanent magnet synchronous motors to attain such high velocities. To prevent ear discomfort during rapid ascents or descents, air pressure inside is carefully regulated. Smooth travel is ensured by roller mechanisms, while emergency braking systems are engineered to withstand heat up to . Besides these two ultra-fast units, the building contains 28 double-deck elevators operating between 150–450 m/min, 13 high-speed elevators at speeds ranging from 210–600 m/min, and 52 medium- and low-speed lifts. Double-deck elevators reduce the total number of shafts required, with separate elevator banks serving offices, apartments, and hotel areas.

Development and construction

Originally conceived to mirror the Guangzhou International Finance Center across Zhujiang New Town’s central axis, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre was later redesigned to be taller with a unique silhouette. The project was developed by New World Development, part of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. In 2009, American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox won the design competition and became lead architect. The Guangzhou Design Institute and Leigh & Orange acted as architects of record, while British engineering firm Arup Group provided engineering services. Construction began on September 29, 2009, with China State Construction Engineering as main contractor. The structure reached its full height in July 2014; exterior cladding was finished by late 2015; and overall completion occurred in October 2016.

The initial goal was to open during the first quarter of 2016. The project's budget was estimated at over RMB10 billion (roughly US$1.5 billion as of 2009).

See also

External links

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