RSHP completes Hetao Alpha in Shenzhen

Measuring 96,223m² with a height of 212m, Hetao Alpha is a naturally ventilated office tower featuring a striking butterfly layout with fully glazed east (37 floors) and west (44 floors) wings. Internally, the curved double-height corners provide curated viewpoints of the Shenzhen Bay Wetlands to the west and the Hong Kong Mai Po Wetlands to the south. Fully glazed panoramic lifts on the north and south facades offer a scenic journey with views of the public podium and surrounding park while animating the building's exterior.

The characteristic layout is supported by a concrete central core with mega trusses located every 12 levels on refuge and service floors. As a result, spectacular vistas are made possible through flexible, unobstructed floorplates and cantilevered external bays. The tower’s entrance lobby is nestled within the podium at street level, a double-height welcoming space with slim columns supported by the mega triangular trusses above on the podium roof which transfer the load of the tower’s east wing to the buildings central core.

The publicly accessible roof terrace and viewing platform on the tower’s west wing make this development an exceptional vantage point to observe passing birds on their migratory path – a popular activity for Shenzhen citizens. 

From October to April, over 100 species of migratory birds stop off in the surrounding wetlands, adding value to RSHP’s curation of multiple viewing points that can be enjoyed by public visitors and private tenants alike.

The scheme brings the nature of the surrounding wetlands to the podium itself with over 50% of the roof dedicated to green public space. Extensive vegetation, a feature wall, and water elements contribute to biodiversity while delivering a calming atmosphere for socialising. The 13,640m² cultural-led public podium offers 6-levels with sports facilities, a library, retail, and a double height arts exhibition space. At the ground floor, a public corridor runs underneath the floating podium to connect the north and south of the site, creating a high degree of permeability.

The scheme achieves China’s 3-star Green Building Evaluation Standard, equivalent LEED Gold. The entire building incorporates natural ventilation through a façade system of louvred panels in every office space and the glazing incorporates vents to allow external air to circulate, allowing tenants to reduce energy consumption substantially while meeting Shenzhen's sustainability requirements. Transport is facilitated by the Futian Bonded Zone metro station, integrated into the basement area and complemented by a sunken plaza with retail.

Richard Paul, Director, RSHP said: "Spacious, open, and welcoming, the tower and podium integrate seamlessly to form an elegant composition that maximises connectivity with the wider public realm and the park to the east. With glazed office wings overlooking Shenzhen’s wetlands and a public podium offering diverse activity, the development achieves a serene, flexible environment that accommodates a wide range of uses."

Ben Warner, Managing Director in Asia, RSHP, said: “The interlocking tower and podium present a highly visible and commanding position. Sitting above and adjacent to major bus and metro connections, the tower is a visual anchor, representing and reinforcing this vibrant neighbourhood.”

Marco Tessaro, Associate, RSHP, said: “Centred around a concrete core with suspended corner bays, the tower minimizes its perimeter structure, creating slender edges and expansive double-height views, forming the distinct structural system that defines the tower’s identity.”

Wenchao Zhou, Associate, RSHP, said: “The building’s natural ventilation, green rooftop spaces, and energy-efficient façade define a truly sustainable development that reduces consumption while enhancing wellbeing for both occupants and the wider community.”