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New skyscraper in Bhutan
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Druk Green Tower (Dzongkha: འབྲུག་སྤང་ཁ་རྩེགས་མ) is a planned 20-storey high-rise complex in Thimphu, the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The project is designed according to sustainable architecture principles and incorporates traditional elements of Bhutanese architecture. A key feature of the concept is the multi-level ECO-yard — an internal landscaped space with natural ventilation systems and resource recovery technologies.
== History ==
The idea of constructing a high-rise eco-complex was introduced in 2025 as part of the national programme "Bhutan 2030: Sustainable Development". According to preliminary reports, the project was initiated by private investors with advisory support from the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement of Bhutan{{Cite news|title=...|url=...|newspaper=Kuensel|date=...}}.
The project received preliminary approval subject to compliance with requirements on carbon neutrality, use of local materials, and preservation of visual harmony with the surrounding landscape{{Cite web|url=...|title=...}}.
== Architecture and design ==
The building, with a projected height of +-80 metres, will comprise 18 above-ground and 2 underground levels. The architectural style combines modern structural solutions with elements of traditional Bhutanese architecture: decorative window openings in the "jim" style, sloping walls, carved wooden balconies, and a multi-tiered pagoda roof.
The central element of the composition is the ECO-yard — a multi-level public space on floors 8–12, featuring vertical greening, waterfalls with a closed-loop water circulation system, and meditation areas. The space is illuminated by natural light through light shafts and glass domes.
Facade solutions include the use of recycled timber, bamboo, and natural stone sourced within the country. The roof will host solar panels with a total capacity of 2 MW.
== Functional zoning ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Floor range !! Purpose
|-
| 1–4 || Cultural and exhibition centre, traditional craft workshops
|-
| 5–7 || ECO-yard, food and beverage outlets
|-
| 8–10 || Office spaces for international and local organisations
|-
| || Boutique hotel with 120 rooms
|-
| 10-17 || Residential apartments
|-
| 18 || Observation deck, restaurant, Buddhist chapel
|}
== Environmental features ==
The project is designed to meet Bhutan's carbon neutrality standards.
* Carbon balance: Through vertical greening covering more than 3,500 m², the building is expected to absorb more CO₂ than it emits during operation.
* Energy supply: Powered entirely by renewable sources — solar panels, micro-hydro systems based on rainwater collection, and geothermal heat pumps(95%)
* Water management: A rainwater harvesting, filtration and reuse system is designed to meet up to 80% of the building's water demand.
* Materials: At least 70% of construction materials are locally sourced (bamboo, timber, stone).
* Waste management: A zero-waste approach is implemented, including composting of organic waste and recycling of up to 85% of refuse.
The project aims to achieve certification under international standards such as Living Building Challenge and LEED, as well as national certification aligned with the Gross National Happiness framework.
== See also ==
* Architecture of Bhutan
* Gross National Happiness
* Thimphu
* Green building
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Bhutan]]
[[Category:Thimphu]]
[[Category:Environmental architecture]]
[[Category:Proposed skyscrapers]]
== History ==
The idea of constructing a high-rise eco-complex was introduced in 2025 as part of the national programme "Bhutan 2030: Sustainable Development". According to preliminary reports, the project was initiated by private investors with advisory support from the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement of Bhutan{{Cite news|title=...|url=...|newspaper=Kuensel|date=...}}.
The project received preliminary approval subject to compliance with requirements on carbon neutrality, use of local materials, and preservation of visual harmony with the surrounding landscape{{Cite web|url=...|title=...}}.
== Architecture and design ==
The building, with a projected height of +-80 metres, will comprise 18 above-ground and 2 underground levels. The architectural style combines modern structural solutions with elements of traditional Bhutanese architecture: decorative window openings in the "jim" style, sloping walls, carved wooden balconies, and a multi-tiered pagoda roof.
The central element of the composition is the ECO-yard — a multi-level public space on floors 8–12, featuring vertical greening, waterfalls with a closed-loop water circulation system, and meditation areas. The space is illuminated by natural light through light shafts and glass domes.
Facade solutions include the use of recycled timber, bamboo, and natural stone sourced within the country. The roof will host solar panels with a total capacity of 2 MW.
== Functional zoning ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Floor range !! Purpose
|-
| 1–4 || Cultural and exhibition centre, traditional craft workshops
|-
| 5–7 || ECO-yard, food and beverage outlets
|-
| 8–10 || Office spaces for international and local organisations
|-
| || Boutique hotel with 120 rooms
|-
| 10-17 || Residential apartments
|-
| 18 || Observation deck, restaurant, Buddhist chapel
|}
== Environmental features ==
The project is designed to meet Bhutan's carbon neutrality standards.
* Carbon balance: Through vertical greening covering more than 3,500 m², the building is expected to absorb more CO₂ than it emits during operation.
* Energy supply: Powered entirely by renewable sources — solar panels, micro-hydro systems based on rainwater collection, and geothermal heat pumps(95%)
* Water management: A rainwater harvesting, filtration and reuse system is designed to meet up to 80% of the building's water demand.
* Materials: At least 70% of construction materials are locally sourced (bamboo, timber, stone).
* Waste management: A zero-waste approach is implemented, including composting of organic waste and recycling of up to 85% of refuse.
The project aims to achieve certification under international standards such as Living Building Challenge and LEED, as well as national certification aligned with the Gross National Happiness framework.
== See also ==
* Architecture of Bhutan
* Gross National Happiness
* Thimphu
* Green building
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Bhutan]]
[[Category:Thimphu]]
[[Category:Environmental architecture]]
[[Category:Proposed skyscrapers]]
