Two futuristic wedge-shaped towers against a mountain range backdrop — a render of the future complex
Kazakhstan has begun building two pyramidal skyscrapers that look more like a scene from a science fiction movie than a real architectural project. But these are not computer-generated images filed under “someday later,” because preparatory work is already underway, and full-scale excavation is scheduled for May. The Alatau Iconic Complex and Gateway District will become the architectural heart of the entirely new city of Alatau, being built in Kazakhstan between the cities of Almaty and Konaev.
Alatau Iconic Complex in Kazakhstan
The project was designed by the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) — one of the most renowned architectural companies in the world. SOM is the firm behind the tallest building on the planet — the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, as well as the World Trade Center in New York. Now the firm is taking on one of the most ambitious urban projects in Central Asia.
The complex includes two towers with an unusual wedge-shaped form, tapering upward in steps. The total area of the complex will be 276,800 square meters. The main tower will rise to 272 meters (56 floors) and will become the tallest building in the Almaty region and southern Kazakhstan. The second tower — 80 meters tall — will house a five-star hotel and branded apartments.
At the base of both towers, there will be a three-level podium with an area of 58,000 square meters. It will transition in terraces into a public space with retail areas, cultural venues, and event platforms. Essentially, this is not just two buildings but an entire vertical district within a city, where offices, housing, a hotel, shops, and cultural spaces are combined across different levels.
Design of the New Skyscraper in Kazakhstan
The stepped pyramidal form of the towers is not merely an aesthetic choice. SOM architects drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape: the Zailiysky Alatau ridge — part of the Tien Shan mountain system, which stretches 350 kilometers along the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The valleys, glaciers, and layered terrain of this massif are directly reflected in the architecture: the conceptual project is aptly named “Mountain Landscape.”
The stepped silhouette of the towers creates space for balconies and terraces at various heights, while central atriums allow natural light to penetrate deep into the floors and open panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The facades are equipped with integrated sun protection systems that reduce overheating from the sun — this is important in the continental climate of the region.
Stepped structure of the Alatau Iconic Complex. Image source: newatlas.com
The skyscrapers will have amenities for temporary living. Image source: newatlas.com
How to Build Earthquake-Resistant Skyscrapers
The area where the complex is being built is characterized by high seismic activity — Almaty has experienced strong earthquakes on multiple occasions. This imposes serious constraints on the design of high-rise buildings and simultaneously defines their engineering logic.
According to reports, engineers are currently choosing between two approaches to seismic protection. The first is the Japanese seismic damping model, which works on the principle of a car suspension: the building can “sway” in a controlled manner, absorbing earthquake energy through special shock absorbers. The second is the American approach, where stability is ensured by a reinforced steel frame that directly resists loads.
Both approaches have proven their effectiveness in highly seismic regions like Japan and Taiwan. The fact that the final decision has not yet been made while preparatory work on the site is already underway may seem unusual, but in large-scale projects, detailed engineering work is often refined in parallel with the initial construction phase.
Alatau City: Why Kazakhstan Is Building a New City from Scratch
The pyramidal towers are just part of a much larger story. The Alatau Iconic Complex will become the core of the new city of Alatau, being built on a territory of 88,000 hectares between Almaty and Konaev. The city is located along the Almaty–Konaev highway, a key section of the “Western Europe – Western China” transport corridor.
Master plan of the new Alatau city with transport corridors and green boulevards
This is not just a new residential area — Kazakh authorities position Alatau as an “advanced development territory” based on the charter city model. The master plan was developed by Singaporean company Surbana Jurong and is designed through 2050. By that time, the city is expected to become home to approximately 2 million residents. Construction of the towers has been entrusted to the Chinese corporation CSCEC (China State Construction Engineering Corporation) — one of the largest construction contractors in the world, which has worked on projects such as Beijing Daxing Airport and the “Water Cube.”
The Gateway District, at the center of which the towers stand, is being designed as a pedestrian-friendly, dense, and transit-oriented neighborhood. Plans include an express railway, metro lines, green boulevards, and even infrastructure for electric air taxis.
When Will the Alatau Iconic Complex in Kazakhstan Be Completed
Preparatory construction work on the site is already underway. Full-scale ground excavation is expected in May 2026. Both skyscrapers are planned to be completed by the end of 2029. The main tower, at 272 meters, will be nearly 110 meters taller than the current regional record holder — Almaty’s Esentai Tower (162 meters).
The complex is conceived not only as an architectural landmark but also as a signal to international investors. Currently, the investment portfolio of Alatau city includes 44 projects with a total value of approximately 1.8 trillion tenge, and their implementation is expected to create more than 30,000 jobs.
