The main construction contract has been awarded for Z8 Tower, a 140-metre mixed-use building designed by international architecture practice ZHA in Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD).
China Construction First Group Fifth Construction will deliver the main works under a contract worth approximately RMB1.32 billion ($195m).
Early construction was underway by February 2025, with geological investigations and foundation-pit works being carried out on the site. The project, also known locally as Chuangxiang Building, is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Being developed by Beijing Kuntai Holding Group’s subsidiary Beijing Kuntai Jiawen Real Estate, the project is financed entirely through the local state-owned company’s own funds. Z8 Tower will stand on an 8,468m² site at the intersection of Jianguo Road and Jinhe East Road, facing the CBD’s central park. Its design responds to the historic alignment of Chang’an Avenue.
Planned as a mixed-use ‘vertical city’
ZHA describes the project as a “vertical city”, with open office floors arranged alongside shared atria and civic amenities. The internal layout provides an adaptable framework intended to accommodate the changing requirements of businesses occupying the tower.
Alongside its offices, the building will contain shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and leisure facilities. It will also connect with the Beijing Subway and China’s national rail network.
The development will have approximately 170,300m² of gross floor area, comprising about 130,000m² above ground and 40,300m² below ground. Five basement levels will be constructed within a foundation pit extending 29 metres below ground.
During the early construction phase, Z8 shared earthworks, excavation-support operations, reinforcement-processing areas, facilities, machinery, and labour with the neighbouring Z9 development. The two projects were due to proceed separately once work began on their respective main structures.
Planted terraces rise through the western façade
Along the western façade, verandas and atria will extend the neighbouring park’s landscape into the building. They will form a series of planted terraces rising through the full height of the tower and connecting with a sunken courtyard at its base.
The building is intended to provide office and supporting spaces for businesses in finance, technology, life sciences, and cultural media.
Z8 is included in Beijing’s “3×100” key-project programme, which comprises three groups of 100 major municipal projects.
Façade designed for Beijing’s seasonal climate
Z8 Tower will have a unitised glazed façade fitted with vertical external fins. Extending from the mullions that support the glazing system, the fins are designed to provide solar shading during Beijing’s summer months.
The building envelope has also been designed to limit heat loss during winter, when average temperatures in the city fall below freezing. Public galleries and atria throughout the tower are intended to improve natural daylight and ventilation.
Z8 Tower design and engineering team
Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, an architecture and engineering practice, is the local architect, while the China Academy of Building Research is providing structural engineering services.
Inhabit Engineering Consultancy’s Beijing office is responsible for façade engineering, and BON Engineering Consultants is providing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing consultancy.
Light Design is responsible for the concept lighting design, with Brandston Partnership also part of the lighting team. Environmental Market Solutions is the green building consultant, and Beijing Jingchuang Xingye Investment Consulting is advising on traffic planning.
Images: ATCHAIN
