vincent callebaut's residential tower inspired by DNA forms vertical forest in taipei

leed platinum-certified Tao Zhu Yin Yuan sits in urban taipei

Located in a prime area of Taipei, Tao Zhu Yin Yuan is a residential tower designed by Vincent Callebaut Architectures. The building’s distinct double-helix form, inspired by the DNA structure and reminiscent of a butterfly spreading its wings, integrates advanced green technology and passive systems, with a primary focus on carbon absorption and climate resilience.

Occupying over 8,000 square meters, this LEED Platinum-certified project promotes the coexistence of nature and architecture, featuring 21 floors that rotate 4.5 degrees, transforming terraces into lush private gardens. Becoming a vertical forest in the city, the project houses over 10,000 plants while absorbing up to 130 tons of carbon dioxide annually, establishing the building as an urban air purifier.

all images © BES Engineering Corporation, unless stated otherwise

Vincent Callebaut Architectures stacks rotated green terraces

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese figure Tao Zhu Gong, known for his wisdom and altruism. The project’s name signifies these ideals, linking the past with a vision for a more sustainable future. Paris-based Vincent Callebaut Architectures has across 21 floors, each rotated 4.5 degrees, spread units including two apartments where terraces transform into 167-square-meter private gardens.

Aligned with LEED standards, the team maximizes the connection between human and natural spaces, both indoors and outdoors. The building’s carefully chosen flora, managed by ‘tree doctor’ arborist Dr. Feng-Chun Jan, reflects the team’s commitment to biodiversity. By selecting native, high-carbon-absorbing tree species suited to Taipei’s climate, the design ensures both ecological balance and a distinct visual appeal in the city, even attracting various species like blue magpies and squirrels, fostering an urban ecosystem. To support this greenery, a rainwater harvesting system stores up to 500 tons of water, reducing outdoor water use by 100%. It also makes a significant contribution to carbon reduction, absorbing up to 130 tons of CO2 annually.

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan sits within a prime area of Taipei

Given Taiwan’s frequent typhoons, the team conducted wind and rain tests on vegetation, simulating extreme weather conditions to select wind-resistant and drought-tolerant species. Additionally, they optimized anchoring methods to ensure tree stability, protecting the building and minimizing disaster-related losses. With 68 deep foundation piles and 48 EPS curved seismic isolation pads, Tao Zhu Yin Yuan is built to withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes. Its wind-resistant design includes high-performance windows and flood barriers, ensuring protection against extreme weather events.

Inside, the residences are equipped with advanced air filtration systems, voice-controlled elevators, and 270-degree views from floor-to-ceiling windows — improving indoor air quality while enhancing the connection between residents and the surrounding nature. The column-free design offers flexible interior spaces, with units arranged to maximize usable floor area.

the residential tower features a distinct double-helix form

Energy efficiency further plays a pivotal role in Tao Zhu Yin Yuan’s operations. Hollow laminated glass and aluminum thermal break materials reduce air conditioning energy use, while LED lighting systems and dual-effect heat pumps contribute to overall energy savings of 30-40%. Solar panels and wind turbines on the building’s roof generate renewable energy, supporting the building’s public facilities.

Designed to be durable for centuries, Tao Zhu Yin Yuan’s structure minimizes its long-term carbon footprint by reducing the need for future reconstruction. The project also makes extensive use of green building materials, furthering its sustainability goals. Through its fusion of ecological design, resilience, and energy efficiency, Tao Zhu Yin Yuan represents a model for future urban developments that seek harmony between humans and nature.

designed by Vincent Callebaut Architectures

the project integrates advanced green technology and passive systems

21 floors are rotated 4.5 degrees, transforming terraces into lush private gardens | image © HsiangYun Mai

integrated is a rainwater harvesting system reducing outdoor water use by 100% | image © Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc

the team maximizes the connection between human and natural spaces, both indoors and outdoors

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan is built to withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes | image © HsiangYun Mai

project info:

name: Tao Zhu Yin Yuan

architect: Vincent Callebaut Architectures | @vincentcallebautarchitectures

location: Taipei, Taiwan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom