Standing atop the lifting platform at the project site, the first impression is of remarkable stability. This steel platform, weighing over a thousand tons, is being steadily elevated. Zhou Hongtao, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Tianjin Chow Tai Fook Financial Center Project at China Construction Eighth Engineering Division and the main designer of the intelligent lifting platform, explained, “The lifting process is precisely controlled by a computer, allowing multiple columns to be raised simultaneously with minimal error—almost imperceptible. That’s why, even standing on the platform, you hardly notice any movement.”
The Tianjin Binhai Center, also known as the Chow Tai Fook Coastal Centre, is a landmark super high-rise skyscraper being developed as part of a larger property project in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area, China. Situated at the intersection of Second Street and Xincheng West Road within the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone, this skyscraper is set to become one of the most iconic structures in the region. Upon its completion in 2014, it will stand as the tallest building in Binhai New Area.
The project is backed by an investment of approximately 8 billion yuan from Hong Kong’s Chow Tai Fook Group. Alongside the tower, around 30,000 square meters of podium space will be developed, including a four-story upscale commercial shopping center that will house world-renowned brands.
The Tianjin Chow Tai Fook Center boasts a unique architectural design and is currently one of China’s most challenging super tall building projects. The construction team is leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to enhance efficiency, precision, and coordination throughout the construction process.
Recently, updates from China Construction Eighth Engineering Division revealed that the foundation pit construction for the podium has been completed, with the bottom slab pouring now underway. The foundation pit for the 530-meter tower is nearing completion, marking the official start of the main structural construction phase. Due to its distinctive architectural features, the project is recognized as one of the most difficult super tall building constructions in China.
“Although the Tianjin Chow Tai Fook Financial Center isn’t currently the tallest building under construction in China, it is the most complex. This 530-meter, 100-story tower features an irregular spiral steel structure, making it one of the most challenging projects in the country and ranking it among the top three globally,” said Liu Peng, Deputy Project Manager. He added that the tower’s strong sculptural and three-dimensional design demands overcoming technical challenges at nearly every step of construction.
At the construction site, a massive foundation pit surrounded by hundreds, possibly thousands, of cement piles immediately catches the eye. The podium’s foundation pit is finished, and the tower’s foundation excavation is almost complete. A representative from China Construction Eighth Engineering Division noted, “Typical super high-rise buildings have foundation pits around 20 meters deep. However, the Chow Tai Fook Financial Center tower requires excavation down to 32 meters. The soft soil conditions in the development zone make this particularly challenging, necessitating extensive reinforcement measures. The difficulty increases significantly with every additional meter excavated.”
To ensure the timely and successful completion of this new coastal landmark, China Construction Eighth Engineering Bureau assembled a top-tier project management team of over 130 professionals early on. They also invited academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and leading domestic experts to review and validate critical construction plans and technologies. Additionally, the project employs Building Information Modeling technology to digitally simulate the building’s data, enhancing construction efficiency and ensuring precise coordination.
Once completed, the Tianjin Chow Tai Fook Financial Center will serve as a multifunctional landmark integrating retail, office, residential, hotel, and dining spaces. The podium will house a shopping mall, the lower 36 floors will contain Grade A office spaces, the middle 47 floors will feature high-end hotel-style apartments and a super five-star hotel, and the top will host a sky-view restaurant. This development is poised to become a major commercial hub in the core business district of Binhai New Area, driving regional tourism and elevating international influence.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up