Ulaanbaatar’s Eco Tower One, designed by Aedas Executive Director Kelvin Hu and Founder and Chairman Keith Griffiths, is set to become the tallest building in Mongolia upon completion, rising to a height of 243 metres and redefining the city’s skyline. Recently, Hilton Group announced that its luxury brand Conrad will anchor its first project in Mongolia within Eco Tower One, marking the debut of the Conrad Ulaanbaatar and establishing a new architectural and hospitality landmark.
A Dialogue Between Nature and Culture
As a synthesis of advanced engineering, cultural expression and sustainable design, the architecture reflects a contemporary interpretation of the city’s natural landscape and human context, establishing a refined landmark that balances ambition with environmental and urban sensitivity.
Located at the heart of the Mongolian Plateau and encircled by mountain ranges, Ulaanbaatar’s dramatic natural setting served as a key source of inspiration for the design of Eco Tower One. Drawing from this expansive landscape, the design adopts a dynamic, windmill‑inspired plan that reinforces the tower’s role as a new urban focal point with the surrounding mountain silhouettes. The massing maximises panoramic landscape views and strengthens the tower’s presence as a distinctive skyline landmark.
The streamlined façade has been meticulously refined through wind‑tunnel testing, enhancing the structural stability against strong winds. The windmill configuration introduces four vertical recesses that create a rhythmic façade articulation while forming natural vertical air channels, significantly improving ventilation efficiency and seamlessly integrating the architecture with the environment.
Cultural Expression: Architecture as a Contemporary Translation of Tradition
The façade of Eco Tower One unfolds gracefully from top to base, its flowing lines transcending pure geometry to offer a contemporary interpretation of the fluid movements found in traditional Mongolian dance. By translating intangible cultural heritage into architectural language, the tower engages with a global architectural discourse while remaining deeply rooted in its local cultural context, emerging as a sculptural landmark that embodies collective identity and place.
A Vertical City: Integrated Mixed‑Use Living
Eco Tower One brings together a diverse mix of functions, including luxury residences, serviced apartments, a five‑star hotel, Grade‑A offices and high-end retail. The tower’s gradually expanding form from base to crown provides optimised spatial proportions tailored to each programme, ensuring clarity, efficiency and comfort throughout the building.
The Conrad Ulaanbaatar, set to occupy Levels 25 to 39, forms a key component of the development. The sky lobby on Level 37 offers sweeping views across the city, delivering a dramatic arrival experience. The podium accommodates banquet facilities and signature dining venues. With a total GFA of approximately 41,400 sq m, the hotel will feature 227 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, four distinctive dining concepts, approximately 1,800 sq m of meeting space, and comprehensive wellness amenities including an indoor swimming pool and spa.
As the newest member of the Conrad portfolio, Conrad Ulaanbaatar will uphold the brand’s philosophy of purposeful design and inspired experiences, serving global business and leisure travellers. The architectural design adopts a fully integrated approach, ensuring that every touchpoint – from arrival and guest experience to back‑of‑house operations – meets Conrad’s exacting standards through seamless spatial planning and operational efficiency.
Upon completion, Eco Tower One will stand not only as a new skyscraper, but as a symbol of Mongolia’s forward‑looking aspirations – an architectural milestone that reflects the nation’s confidence and presence within an increasingly globalised world.
Project: Eco Tower One
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Client: Eco Construction LLC
Design and Project Architect: Aedas
Gross Floor Area: 127,138 sq m
Design Directors: Kelvin Hu, Executive Director; Keith Griffiths, Founder and Chairman
