HANGZHOU CETC HQ

When working on a project in an internationally known and celebrated city such as Hangzhou, we start by looking at its context, both at its built environment and urban identity as well as the cultural and geographic significance within China. Hangzhou is one of the most pros­perous cities in the country, with a very rich architectural and cultural heritage and a significant connection to its past as well as a strong link to Nature. The fundamental design strategy for this project was to accommodate Hangzhou’s identity into our site creating an iconic building that seamlessly fits into and completes the surrounding urban context.

Studies show that 54% of employees are concerned by stress in the workplace and 20% of this stress is caused by a bad work environment. By creating a dynamic and well planned workspace, we can increase workers’ well-being and indirectly their productivity. CETC employees will not only work in an iconic building but in a building that they can feel their own, experiencing a better workspace that fosters creativity and socialization among the staff.

The Knowledge Hub is the heart of the Headquarters and is located in the center of the site. Containing all the communal program, shared space, sports and cafes, it is where the employees can meet and exchange knowledge and socialize. The five wings incorporating the various office program such as Laboratories, Test Center, R&D Center, Conference Hall and Talents apartments are radially distributed around the central hub.

According to the local ‘Feng Shui’ tradition, a village is best placed with a mountain to its back and water nearby. We take this principle as a reference and inspiration for CETC Headquarters by creating a protective zone of water around the site.

The main buildings are crowned with a green roof system that not only will significantly increase the site green ratio and its capacity to absorb storm water, but it will also help to increase the sustainable rating of the building while providing an aesthetically pleasing look to the complex.