BIG, in collaboration with arup and transsolar, was awarded first-prize in an international competition to design shenzhen international energy mansion, the regional headquarters for the shenzhen energy company.

shenzhen international energy mansion by BIG architects

the purpose of the international design competition was to find a sustainable and efficient solution for the shenzhen energy company office headquarters. located in the centre of shenzhen, the 96,000 square meter project will be integrated with the surrounding environment and designed to withstand the tropical climate of the city.   the headquarters which rise 200 meters above ground will be a landmark for the city.  the façade was conceived as a folded skin that shades the office complex from direct sunlight and integrates solar thermal panels, reducing the overall energy consumption of the building.   BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion – view from highway

‘we propose to make the shenzhen energy mansion the first specimen of a new species of office buildings that exploits the buildings interface with the external elements – sun, daylight, humidity, wind – as a source to create maximum comfort and quality inside. the shenzhen energy mansion will appear as a subtle mutation of the classic skyscraper – a natural evolution rather than a desperate revolution.’ bjarke ingels, founding partner, BIG.   BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion

the traditional glass façade has little insulation leaving the offices overheated by direct sunlight. this results in excessive energy consumption for air conditioning and the need for a heavy glass coating that makes the view seem permanently dull and grey.   by folding the façade in an origami like shape they achieved a structure with closed and open parts. the closed parts provide a highly-insulated façade, while blocking the direct sunlight. on the outside the closed parts are fitted with solar thermal heat panels that power the air conditioning and provide dehumidification for the working spaces.  

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion – facade

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion – facade

the folded wall provides a free view through clear glass in one direction creating a condition with plenty of diffused daylight by reflecting the direct sunlight between the interior panels. even with direct sun from east or west, the majority of the solar rays reflect off the glass, due to the flat angle of the window. the reflected rays increase the efficiency of solar thermal energy panels. the combination of minimal passive solar heating and active solar panels reduce the energy consumption by more than 60%.

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion – section view

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion – section view

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion shenzhen international energy mansion – floor plan

BIG: shenzhen international energy mansion

shenzhen international energy mansion – floor plan

shenzhen international energy mansion credit list: architect: BIG client: shenzhen energy company collaborators: arup, transsolar size: 96.000 m2 location: shenzhen, china status: 1st prize   partner-in-charge: bjarke ingels project leader: andreas klok pedersen team: cat huang, alex cozma, fan zhang, kuba snopek, flavien menu, stanley lung