The Ninghai Bamboo Tower is the world’s first and tallest seven-story engineered mass bamboo building, reaching a total height of 20.3 meters. It integrates six main stories and an attic and is constructed primarily with glued-laminated bamboo (glubam) and cross-laminated bamboo and timber (CLBT) slabs. Located on a revitalized industrial site, the tower sets a new benchmark for bio-based high-performance buildings, combining sustainability, architectural innovation, and educational purpose.

The project adopts a prefabricated modular approach, enabling rapid assembly (three floors in two days), reducing construction waste, labor, and carbon footprint. Smart building technologies, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, natural lighting, and energy-efficient systems, ensure near net-zero operational emissions.

The bamboo is sourced from responsibly managed forests; as a rapidly renewable and carbon-negative material, it significantly reduces embodied carbon compared to concrete and steel. Preliminary life cycle assessment shows carbon emissions during construction are only 25% that of a concrete building of similar scale. Bamboo components used include glubam columns, beams, and I-joists, with connections using steel plates and bolts. The structure also features recycled bricks and low-carbon materials, further enhancing its environmental performance.

Beyond structural efficiency, the building embraces landscape integration, using permeable paving and native plants to improve stormwater management and biodiversity. The site’s transformation from an abandoned factory to a sustainable landmark highlights adaptive reuse and the ecological potential of bamboo architecture.

The tower functions as an educational and demonstrative platform, supporting ongoing research in seismic response, structural health monitoring, and thermal comfort. Developed through close collaboration between Zhejiang University, international partners, and local enterprises, it showcases how community-driven design and traditional craftsmanship can blend with modern engineering.

As a financially viable model, the project optimizes bamboo’s high strength-to-weight ratio and prefabrication benefits to reduce material usage and long-term maintenance costs. Its biophilic aesthetics and minimalist design promote cultural continuity, reflecting a deep connection to place, history, and innovation. Recognized internationally, the Ninghai Bamboo Tower is a global symbol of sustainable construction and carbon-neutral architecture.