![Xiang River Tower / RRC STUDIO - Cityscape](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/521d/6fe3/e8e4/4e7b/af00/0030/large_jpg/02_Xiang_River_Tower_Changsha__China_1280px.jpg?1377660891)
Milan-based RRC Studio's latest undertaking, the Xiang River Tower, will be an office and residential project in Changsha, a city under heavy development in China. Located near the Xiang river in a prime area of the city’s downtown, the tower will dominate the city's horizon and bear a strong presence on the skyline.
Read on for the architects' description...
![Xiang River Tower / RRC STUDIO - Facade, Windows, Handrail](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/521d/6ff1/e8e4/4e7b/af00/0031/large_jpg/04_Xiang_River_Tower_Changsha__China_1280px.jpg?1377660905)
The concept for the Xiang River Tower stemmed from the idea of Chinese boxes contained in a single bigger box - each box, stacked on top of another, containing several programs. Luxury residences occupy the upper half of the tower while a hotel is located below, followed by premium office spaces that occupy the tower's lower portion.
![Xiang River Tower / RRC STUDIO - Image 6 of 6](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/521d/6fff/e8e4/4ef6/bf00/0033/large_jpg/06_Xiang_River_Tower_Changsha__China_1280px.jpg?1377660921)
On the top levels, amenity floors joining the three programs include recreation rooms and a spa. Additional amenities are on the landscaped roof of the tower and include a pool, pavilion and a belvedere.
![Xiang River Tower / RRC STUDIO - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/521d/6ff1/e8e4/4e16/4800/0031/large_jpg/03_Xiang_River_Tower_Changsha__China_1280px.jpg?1377660904)
At the base, different types of leisure spaces create an extension of the square and of the public parks that surround the tower. The large entrance hall serves as a point of distribution of the entire tower and creates a meeting place for different types of users.
![Xiang River Tower / RRC STUDIO - Image 5 of 6](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/521d/6ffe/e8e4/4e7b/af00/0032/large_jpg/05_Xiang_River_Tower_Changsha__China_1280px.jpg?1377660917)
The Xiang River Tower incorporates sustainable building practices into its design through advanced building systems, a double skin and natural ventilation. Due to its considerable height, it has a natural temperature gradient and a higher wind speed that both reduce the need for artificial cooling. This strategy is reminiscent of a wind tower and is a sustainable way to cut down on the building's energy consumption.