Construction of the zither-shaped Tianmu Qintai on an artificial island in the center of Hengqin's Tianmu River is in full swing. Upcoming is a complex encompassing a headquarters office zone, conference and display areas, an urban planning exhibition hall, star hotel, experience-oriented business district, and entertainment wharf.

The 18-story Tianmu Qintai (16 above ground and two underground) will be 70 m (230 ft) in height and has floorage of 246,000 sq m (60.8 acres). Inspired by the name Hengqin, which translates as "horizontal zither," the graceful design honors the traditional musical instrument, with the building and its reflection in the water designed to appear like a complete zither.

Rendering of Tianmu Qintai [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The building will feature a large span of ultra-high space, continuous steel roof structure, and large glass curtain walls, which means the constructors have to overcome great difficulties, said the project's executive manager Zou Zhiwei.

For instance, the height of the first underground floor is 7.4 m (24 ft), and that of the sunken square, courtyard, atrium, exhibition halls, and hallways all exceeds 8 m (26 ft), imposing high risks for construction. 

To ensure construction safety, BIM technology and PKPM security calculation software are used to determine the layout of tall formwork support and optimize the configuration of vertical rods. The overall construction progress is in line with the original plan, and floor waterproofing is the focus at this present stage, Zou added.

The main structure of the complex is expected to be capped in July 2023, while the whole project will be finished by August 2025.