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A TWISTING, SMOG-eating tower is being built in Taipei, Taiwan.

On the outside, 23,000 trees and shrubs — nearly the same amount found in New York’s Central Park — will fill the skyscraper’s facade, roof and balconies. And inside, it will feature 40 luxury condos.

The plants will absorb 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year — the equivalent of about 27 cars, lead designer Vincent Callebut tells Business Insider.

Called the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower, it’s set to open by September 2017.

The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower by Vincent Callebut Architectures in Taipei, Taiwan. Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

The 455,694-square-foot structure, a double-helix twisting 90-degrees from base to top, is modeled on a DNA strand, Callebut says.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

The 20-story skyscraper will sit in the Xindian District in the heart of Taipei City, between mountains and the Tamsui river.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

The photo on the right is what the tower will look like once the trees and shrubs are planted.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

The balconies will be covered in plants, which the firm claims will absorb 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Taiwan produced over 260 million tonnes of CO2 in 2008, the latest year data is available for.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Source: International Energy Agency

The plants will continue inside to the tower’s hallways, complete with a glass floor.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Each unit will include a living room, dining room, family room, kitchen and multiple bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Two penthouses will each stretch 5,920 square feet.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Residents will have a stunning view of Taipei from their terraces…

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

…and they can go for a swim in the skyscraper’s indoor pool.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Other amenities will include a garage and a fitness center – both naturally ventilated and lit.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Though it won’t take care of nearly all the smog in Taiwan, the beautiful tower will be a small step toward a more sustainable future.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Construction started in 2013 and is expected to be complete in September 2017.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

- Leanna Garfield, Business Insider 

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