The Tower of Light is a 40-meter-tall structure that supports and envelops the chimney of Manchester’s new low-carbon energy center. This biomimetic architectural marvel is the result of over a decade of innovation and research by the firm, featuring the ‘Shell Lace Structure’ developed in collaboration with Arup engineers. Drawing inspiration from natural geometry, the tower’s form embodies its strength. It is constructed using an ultra-light, ultra-thin single-sided structure, achieving maximum impact with minimal material use.
The tower’s rugged, ripple-like surface is formed by custom 6mm and 8mm thick flat steel plates that are laser-cut, welded, and assembled. The design and construction process leveraged advanced digital modeling, analysis, and manufacturing technologies, combined with the principle of “cutting,” to realize this groundbreaking “shell hollow structure.” Notably, the Tower of Light is the largest “shell hollow structure” completed to date.
The Energy Wall is a 63-meter-long street facade system wrapping around the new energy center, standing between 4 and 6 meters tall. Its glass tiles reflect the shifting clouds above and the bustling street life below, including the sounds of pedestrians and passing cars. The interlocking, tightly fastened diamond-shaped tiles resemble the ripples left by waves on a beach, symbolizing the dynamic energy of the earth’s movements. A total of 1,373 tiles across 31 distinct types were used, varying in height to capture the environmental energy field. Inside the energy center’s hall, a nature-inspired structure is visible through a long ribbon window, offering passersby a glimpse into its mysteries.
The Tower of Light is designed to consume minimal energy for illumination. By day, its polished reflectors gently sway with the wind, channeling sunlight into the interior spaces and bathing them in dynamic light. At night, LEDs and reflective devices create an inventive floodlight display inside the tower, activating every 15 minutes to mark the passage of time. Meanwhile, the Energy Wall mirrors the shifting clouds and the vibrant street lights during the day, and at night, an integrated lighting system recreates this lively scenery on its facade. On special occasions, both structures are illuminated with colorful lights to celebrate cultural events.
The Tonkin Liu architectural firm partnered with local manufacturers to bring both the Tower of Light and the Energy Wall to life. Shawton Engineering fabricated the tower, with skilled welding completed by two experienced welders. The terracotta tiles were supplied by Darwen Terracotta, one of the UK’s oldest and most respected manufacturers.
As the centerpiece of Manchester’s Civil Quarter Heat Network (CQHN) and its central energy center, the Tower of Light and Energy Wall provide low-carbon energy sourced through a 2-kilometer network of buried insulated pipes and power cables. The energy center houses an efficient 3.3MWe combined heat and power (CHP) engine alongside two 12MW backup gas boilers. Looking ahead, the facility plans to integrate low or zero-carbon technologies such as green gas, hydrogen fuel, and heat pumps to ensure a continuous energy supply. Heat generated by the CHP engines is distributed via insulated regional pipelines to provide hot water throughout the city, enhancing the energy infrastructure and supporting Manchester’s goal to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2038.
The completed Tower of Light and Energy Wall form a striking gateway to historic Manchester. Together, they stand as a landmark energy building that engages with the community through innovative technology, advancing the city’s low-carbon vision and climate action plan.
Project Drawings
△ Perspective View
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Isometric Diagram
△ Wind Load Diagram
△ Explosion Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Shell Process Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Tonkin Liu
Area: 373 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: David Valinsky
Manufacturers: Darwen Terracotta, Shawton Engineering Limited, Tryka UK
Lead Architect: Mike Tonkin
Floodlight Program: ECS Limited
Floodlight Installation: ProGen
Owner: Manchester City Council and Vital Energi
Energy Wall Area: 349 m², 63.4 meters long
Material Usage: 1,373 tiles across 31 categories
Main Use: Energy center flue tower and facade wall
Structural Engineer: Oyana
Lighting Design: SEAM Design
Ironwork: Shawton Engineering Ltd
Facade Contractor: Axis Envelope Solutions
Planning Consultant: Turley
Location: Manchester, England
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