The Most Expensive Building Around The World That’ll Stun You
It comes as no surprise extravagant buildings become the landmarks of a country. With vast luxury exteriors and interiors, the world’s most expensive buildings need investments of billions. In general, the cost of constructing skyscrapers goes way beyond its construction, considering the total costs including the maintenance, repairs, and other ongoing expenses.
From skyscrapers, luxury hotels and resorts to residential buildings, here are some of the most expensive buildings in the world. Scroll through the photographs below and get ready to be blown away.
8. Lotte World Tower, South Korea, US$3.11 Billion
Lotte World Tower is a skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea that was constructed in 2016. It was built at a cost of about 3.1 billion USD. At 561 metres (1,838 feet) in height, it is the tallest building in Korea, and the tallest building ever in Northeast Asia. It was built in Seoul’s Songpa District, where the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center and the Seoul Convention Center are located.
Lotte World Tower was designed to be the first eco-friendly high-rise tower in Korea. The tower’s observatory is expected to be a major tourist attraction. It is now a mixed-use skyscraper with a hotel, office space, park, and retail space. Moreover, it’s also one of the most expensive buildings including the world’s fastest elevator, which can whisk people to its top in one minute.
7. One World Trade Center, United States, US$3.80 Billion
One World Trade Center is opened on October 2013 in Lower Manhattan in New York City. The tower was built on the site of the original One World Trade Center, which was completed in 1973 and demolished in 2001 by the 9/11 terrorist attack. It is standing a symbolic 1,776 feet tall, making it America’s tallest building. The total cost of the construction of the WTC was $3.8 billion, which makes it one of the most expensive buildings in the world.
Initially expected to be an icon for the United States as well as an economic engine for the city, it now provides 71 floors of office space, 270000 sqft space for the U.S General Service Administration and magazine publisher Conde Nast.
6. The Cosmopolitan, United States, US$4.10 Billion
The Cosmopolitan was built in 2011 at a cost of around $4 billion. It is a luxury hotel and residential building located in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The tower rises 39 stories above the famous Las Vegas strip, in addition to 1,158 guest rooms and suites, each with floor to ceiling windows, as well as marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. The tower also has a casino, a restaurant, a pool, and a private parking garage.
5. Wynn Palace, Macau, US$4.2 Billion
It is the most expensive hotel in the world and one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed. It is a luxury hotel and casino located on the waterfront of Macau, China. This five-star property opened its doors in October 2014, with 582 rooms and suites, and a total gaming space of 60,000 sq ft, making it the largest casino in Macau. The Wynn Palace cost $4.2 billion to build and was financed entirely by Wynn Resorts, with the cost of each room starting at $1100 per night. From the extra-wide corridors, mirrored walls, and high ceilings to imaginative culinary experiences, it makes everyone feel like living in royal palace.
4. Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, US$4.93 Billion
Resorts World Sentosa is Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort, located on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa. The company behind this project has spent about $4.93 billion to build this casino. It has become one of the most expensive buildings in the world. RWS features 6 luxurious 5-star hotel, Asian-themed attractions, and more than 300 gambling games. It is a must visit for all the tourists visiting Singapore.
3. Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay, Singapore, US$5.5 Billion
Marina Bay Sands is also named as the “Most Iconic Hotel in the World” by TripAdvisor. This luxurious hotel is located on the Singapore waterfront and hosts the famous infinity swimming pools on the roof of the hotel, which are among the highest in the world, offering stunning views of the city. The hotel has a total of 2,711 rooms, spread across three towers. It features several art exhibition halls, a theatre modelled on Broadway houses productions from Singapore and the rest of Asia, and a 12-acre (49,000 m2) indoor waterfront shopping mall.
2. Abraj Al Bait, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, US$15 Billion
The Abraj Al-Bait is not one but seven towers constructed in the Gulf city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, just meters away from the Great Mosque of Mecca. Standing at 321 meters ( 1,196 feet) tall, Abraj Al Bait is one of the tallest buildings in the Middle East. The tallest tower in the complex is the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, which is known to house the largest clock face in the world. The primary purpose of these seven skyscraper hotels is to serve the pilgrims and modernize the city, while it’s now a mixed-use tower with hotel, commercial, and residential units.
1. Masjid al-Haram, Saudi Arabia, US$100 Billion
Masjid al-Haram is located in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is considered as one of the most sacred shrines for the Muslims. The building of this Masjid started in 1670 and took almost 100 years to be completed. The total cost of this Masjid is estimated to be around $100 billion.
Another significant fact about this Masjid is that it does not have any nails used in its construction. All the materials used in its making were prepared on site. The architecture of this Masjid and its decorations are a reflection of the richness of Islamic culture. From the outside, this Masjid looks like a glittering jewel box. Moreover, this mosque is one of the holiest sites for Muslims and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.