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Taiwan's smog-eating twisting tower will feature luxury apartments — take a look inside

Leanna Garfield
Wednesday 11 January 2017 19:39 GMT
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(Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

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A twisting, smog-eating tower is going up in Taipei, Taiwan.

On the outside, 23,000 trees and shrubs — nearly the same amount found in New York's Central Park — will fill the skyscraper's facade, roof, and balconies. And inside, it will feature 40 luxury condos.

The plants will absorb 130 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year — the equivalent of about 27 cars, lead designer Vincent Callebaut tells Business Insider.

Called the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower, it's set to open by September 2017. Take look inside.

(Vincent Callebaut Architectures
(Vincent Callebaut Architectures (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

The 455,694-square-foot structure, a double-helix twisting 90-degrees from base to top, is modeled on a DNA strand, Callebut says.

The 20-story skyscraper will sit in the XinYi District, in the heart of Taipei City.

The balconies will be covered in plants, which the firm claims will absorb 130 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Taiwan produced over 260 million tons of CO2 in 2008, the latest year data is available.

(Vincent Callebaut Architectures
(Vincent Callebaut Architectures (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

The plants will continue inside to the tower's hallways, complete with a glass floor.

(Vincent Callebaut Architectures
(Vincent Callebaut Architectures (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

Each unit will include a living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, and multiple bedrooms with walk-in closets.

(Vincent Callebaut Architectures
(Vincent Callebaut Architectures (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

Two penthouses will each stretch 5,920 square feet.

Residents will have a stunning view of Taipei from their terraces, and they can go for a swim in the skyscraper's indoor pool.

(Vincent Callebaut Architectures
(Vincent Callebaut Architectures (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

Other amenities will include a garage and a fitness center—both naturally ventilated and lit.

Though it won't take care of nearly all the smog in Taiwan, the beautiful tower will be a small step toward a more sustainable future.

(Vincent Callebaut Architectures
(Vincent Callebaut Architectures (Vincent Callebaut Architectures)

Construction started in 2013, and is expected to be complete in September 2017.

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.

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