The centerpiece of this competition entry is a 268-meter-tall supertall tower designed to serve as a distinctive visual landmark within the core of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s coastal tourism city in China.
This 11,450 square meter coastal site is part of a comprehensive leisure and entertainment development that includes cultural and entertainment venues, exhibition spaces, residential units, retail outlets, and educational facilities. Positioned in the city’s cultural and tourism core, the project stands at the confluence of rivers and the sea, offering excellent transportation connections and a prime visual presence opposite other key riverside developments.
The design includes a supertall tower housing offices, a hotel, and hotel-style apartments, topped by a four-story podium. Drawing inspiration from the local tradition of the dragon dance—performed to pray for rain and blessings—the building’s form spirals upwards like a dragon rising from the sea into the clouds.
“This high-rise design responds naturally to the surrounding environment and local culture,” said Nick Cordingley, Design Partner at 10 Design. “The dragon form not only symbolizes auspiciousness and spirituality but also reflects the region’s unique maritime culture and community identity.”
The building’s orientation maximizes sea views while minimizing impact on the residential buildings behind it. Rounded corners provide a visually comfortable experience, while a slightly tapered midsection imparts an elegant silhouette. The curved aluminum exterior frame creates a dynamic, undulating facade that unifies the design.
Jason Easter, Co-Partner at 10 Design, explained:
“We conducted a detailed study of the building’s exterior to strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and construction feasibility. Using graduated rounded corners and spiral forms allows us to limit the number of complex, non-standard floors, preserving the building’s striking appearance while controlling costs.”
The tower’s lower floors accommodate office spaces, strategically placed for easy commuting. The hotel occupies the midsection, featuring active spaces on the first three tower floors that connect seamlessly to the western podium. Facilities include a restaurant, a spacious banquet hall, and a rooftop garden on the fourth floor accessible to all.
Upper floors contain hotel-style apartments offering panoramic views of the tranquil sea. The rooftop provides a viewing platform with an outdoor pool and exclusive club amenities.
The overall curved form and softened edges echo the nearby cultural center and pay homage to the city’s rolling sea views. An all-weather skywalk extends from the building’s second floor, connecting to adjacent pathways and future development sites, ensuring seamless integration with the surrounding urban fabric.
Edmond Lau, Co-Partner at 10 Design, remarked:
“As the tallest structure in this area, the tower enjoys unparalleled geographical advantages and stands as the most prominent landmark in the city. We believe it will become a vibrant communal hub for residents, enriching the cultural and tourism district and energizing the entire city.”
Project Information
Project Name: Gulf Super High-Rise Commercial Landmark Design Competition
Location: Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, China
Scope of Design Services: Architectural Design, CGI Computer Imaging
Project Type: Retail, Public Service, Hotel, Serviced Residences
Site Area: 11,450 square meters
Building Area: 184,065 square meters
Height: 268 meters
Status: Designed for completion in 2022
10 Design Team
Design Partner: Nick Cordingley
Project Partners: Jason Easter, Edmond Lau
Project Manager: Yushan Wu
Architecture Team: Jason Song, Changjian Jia, Christie Yeung, Leanne Guo, Jackie Cheung, Ivy Zhuo, Alan Yip, Shuo Zhang, Mia Zang
CGI Team: Peter Alsterholm
Advisory Team
10 Design – Lead Architect
Inhabit – Curtain Wall Consultant
Lera – Structural Engineer
Rendering provided by Frontop
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