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Pyramid-Shaped Apartment Building in China Stands Out with 18 Floors, 45-Degree Inclined Facade, and Terraced Design Inspired by Traditional Rice Paddies

Author profile image Fabio Lucas Carvalho
Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho Published on 26/06/2026 at 21:05
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Located in the Huaqiao district, in Kunshan, the Kunshan Pyramid became one of the city’s most well-known attractions for bringing together apartments in an unusual format, with two inclined facades, units at a 45-degree angle, and large terraces, despite the practical challenges of the project.

The apartments of the Kunshan Pyramid transformed an 18-story residential building into one of the curious constructions of the Chinese city of Kunshan. Located in the Huaqiao district, the building became famous for its pyramid-like shape.

Completed in 2013, the construction began to attract attention for breaking away from the residential standard. Since then, it has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, due to the visual effect created by its unusual facade.

Cascade apartments have large terraces

Despite the nickname, the Kunshan Pyramid is not a true pyramid. The building has two vertical outer walls, while the other two are inclined, with apartments organized at a 45-degree angle.

This arrangement creates a cascading facade and ensures a large terrace for each unit on this part of the building. The staggered design is one of the main reasons for the construction’s fame.

The project is attributed to the Masters’ Architectural Office. The office is said to have been inspired by traditional Chinese rice terraces, a reference visible in the inclined shape of the residential facade.

Apartment format also brings challenges

The different visual, however, does not eliminate practical difficulties. The peculiar format of the Kunshan Pyramid creates challenges related to ventilation and lighting of the internal spaces, important points in the daily use of the building.

The complex design also impacts fire safety, making the building more challenging than conventional residential constructions. Even so, the work stands out in a country known for unusual apartment buildings.

What do you think of this type of residential construction: is it worth betting on apartments with such a different look even when the project brings challenges in ventilation, lighting, and safety, or should buildings prioritize simpler solutions? Leave your opinion in the comments as well.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide variety of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, naval industry, geopolitics, renewable energy, and economics. Active since 2015, with prominent publications on major news portals. My background in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10,000 articles published in renowned outlets, I always aim to provide detailed information and relevant insights for the reader.

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