Stefano Boeri completes first Vertical Forest in China with new typology

Stefano Boeri Architetti has completed the Easyhome Huanggang Vertical Forest City Complex in Huanggang, China, the first Vertical Forest in the country and the studio's first project for its Chinese division. Unlike the Milanese precedent, the five-tower complex (two residential towers at 80 meters each, plus hotel and commercial spaces) features a mix of open and closed balconies that create a continuous movement effect, with trees and shrubs allowed to grow freely in height following the facade design. Local species were selected: 404 trees (ginkgo, osmanthus, maple, privet), 4,620 shrubs (hibiscus, euonymus), and 2,408 sqm of perennials, flowers, and climbers. The vegetation absorbs 22 tons of CO2 and produces 11 tons of oxygen annually. Project director Pietro Chiodi hopes to trigger a comprehensive urban redevelopment for Huanggang. Partner Xu Yibo stated the project signals a future where everyone can live close to nature in private residences. Other Vertical Forests are under construction in Lausanne, Paris, Tirana, Shanghai, and Utrecht, with completion expected this year in Nanjing, China, where new restrictions since autumn 2021 limit height to between 150 and 250 meters and prohibit construction in dense traffic areas or historic districts. The first social housing Vertical Forest, Trudo Tower in Eindhoven, opened October 1, with 30 of 125 apartments reserved for disadvantaged groups at a controlled rent of €633.20 per month.