PINGDI LOW CARBON RENOVATION

The design scope is the transformation and low carbon renovation of a workers dormitory into a apartment hotel and a warehouse into a startup hub. In recent years the Shenzhen government has established Pingdi District as a showcase for low carbon development. Part of this initiative is the regeneration of existing parts of the area with the goal of reducing carbon footprints significantly and attracting talent to the area. In this aim the two buildings play a key role – both in showcasing what can be achieved in terms of energy efficiency and how new work and living environments can look like.

Following a thorough analysis of the climate challenges and the impact of sunlight, the design proposed uses basic, easy to install and maintain technologies to achieve an energy saving of more than 60% compared to standard construction. Especially increased shading is a key element in the energy strategy, significantly reducing cooling loads in the hot and humid climate of Shenzhen.

Besides the improved energy performance, great emphasis has been put in creating a new image for the buildings, located in a highly visible place of the area. Colored facades, transparent entrance zones and a mix of uses all contribute to a new understanding of what contemporary working and living can be like.

The second building object of the refurbishment is the “Idea Factory”, a former factory transformed into a research and development incubator. The open plan and high ceilings of the building allow a very flexible interior layout that is ideal for a cooperative working environment.

In order to improve the natural light distribution, air circulation and enhance the vertical connectivity from floor to floor, a number of atria have been added both in facade and inside the building.