Headquarters of Zhejiang Wuchan Group / gmp architekten

Architects: gmp architekten
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Architect in Charge: Meinhard von Gerkan
Project Manager: Volkmar Sievers
Project Year: 2010
Project Area: 12,700 sqm
Photographs: Hans-Georg Esch

The eleven-story high-rise building with a four-story base forms an in-scale transition to lower neighboring buildings and is nonetheless a large entity twisting and turning in vertical and horizontal dimensions. Towards the north, the building is recessed three times, in keeping with sun-exposure guidelines for neighboring buildings.

Vertical screen elements on all facades generate a vivid pattern of color and light and offer an effective sunscreen, which, together with the highly effective insulating glass, con-stitutes an important contribution to reducing the building’s energy consumption. The composition of the interior materials is derived from the facade concept: white dominates inside as well, giving the rooms ample openness and lightness. White natural stone and transparent glass contrast with black surfaces.