Abstract We propose a novel design for a solar updraft tower, wherein the chimney that generates the updraft is a self-supporting, free-standing stack of hollow gas-filled tori. Considerations for the design stabilizing the structure via a combination of shape, overpressure, and buoyancy are presented. Filling the tori with air rather than with a light gas may be advantageous for stability. The chimney shapes are optimized for deformation under wind loading. We also present simple cost calculations and results of CFD modeling to confirm the viability of the design.