While other buildings around the world are concerned with being the tallest or the most geometrically interesting, a 397-foot-tall building in China decided to create a sui generis feature to set itself apart from every other building in the world: a 350-foot waterfall.
The 397-foot-tall Liebian Building, located in Guiyang, China, uses four 185-kilowatt pumps to lift water from a four-story underground storage and drainage system up to the waterfall’s crest near the top of the building. The falling water, which is a combination of recycled tap water, rain water, and water from other channels, is collected in a tank at the base of the tower.
See Also: ‘Forest cities’ could help solve China’s air pollution problem
The waterfall is a sight to behold, but it isn’t something residents should get used to seeing every day. In order to run the waterfall for just one hour it costs about $117 in electricity, so it will only be turned on for special occasions in spurts of 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Guizhou Ludiya Property Management Co. manages the waterfall and hopes it will become a popular tourist attraction in the city’s central business district.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Sep 23, 2015
Richard Meier unveils design scheme for residential high-rise in Taipei
The sleek and minimalist luxury tower will offer guests and residents views of the iconic Taipei 101.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 16, 2015
Kengo Kuma proposes ‘carved tower’ for downtown Vancouver
The 40-story residential tower, to be built in downtown Vancouver’s West End neighborhood, will have 188 residential units, "with many units within the carved deductions possessing substantially sized patios," according to Vancity Buzz.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 16, 2015
Quarter-acre of land is enough space for an upscale Chicago apartment complex
The building will hold 90 micro apartments, 40 pre-furnished extended-stay hotel rooms, and a small retail space on the ground floor.
High-rise Construction | Sep 15, 2015
Developers tap crowdfunding investors to finance construction and renovation projects
The world’s first crowdfunded skyscraper is near completion in Colombia.
High-rise Construction | Sep 10, 2015
New York’s Central Park Tower loses its spire but still adds some height
This building, the tallest under development at the moment, is the latest manifestation of the city’s luxury residential construction boom.
High-rise Construction | Sep 3, 2015
Rafael Viñoly's 'Walkie-Talkie' tower named U.K.'s worst new building
The curved, glass tower at 20 Fenchurch Street in London has been known to reflect intense heat onto the streets below (in one instance damaging a car) and cause severe wind gusts.
High-rise Construction | Sep 2, 2015
Nashville officials and residents weigh the pros and cons of taller, thinner skyscrapers
One developer proposes building a 38-story tower on a half-acre of land.
Retail Centers | Aug 31, 2015
Urban developers add supermarkets to the mixes
Several high-rise projects include street-level Whole Foods Markets.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 27, 2015
Architects propose shipping container tower to replace slums
The firm says approximately 2,500 containers would be needed to complete the design, which aims to accommodate as many as 5,000 people.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 25, 2015
London multifamily building to have transparent swimming pool designed by Arup
Residents and visitors will be able to swim 10 stories above ground, and see views of London.
