biomanufacturing facility by xing design lies under shallow water ponds in china

lightness and transparency define Bluepha BioFAB’s office space

Bluepha BioFAB, situated in the Binhai Coastal Industrial Park of Yancheng City in China, stands as a testament to the biomanufacturing innovation, envisioned by XING DESIGN for Bluepha. Focused on fostering breakthroughs in biomaterials and molecular advancements, Bluepha seeks to revolutionize facets of everyday life, spanning clothing, food, housing, transportation, and medicine. At the heart of Bluepha’s mission is the development of Bluepha PHA, a naturally synthesized microbial polymer poised to replace plastic and champion a sustainable, green future. Bluepha BioFAB mirrors a petri dish, symbolizing the nurturing ground for novel biomaterials. Shallow ponds atop the office building, formed by temperature-controlled fermentation water, symbolically reflect life and matter.

The exhibition hall, reception, and executive conference room emerge, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of water and sky. Submerged beneath the water’s surface lies the main workspace, including offices, meeting rooms, a canteen, a kitchen, and a multipurpose hall. This submerged space, marked by spatial flatness and transparency, allows scientists and engineers to collaborate in an environment bathed in diffused lighting.

all images by Su Shengliang – schranimage

XING DESIGN draws from organelles’ morphology for the design

The design, drawing from organelles, scatters structural elements freely, intertwining with planting pools and printing cabinets to create a sculptural aesthetic with roof openings. Light and water ripples cast dynamic shadows, serving as a constant reminder of the noble mission beyond daily routines. Recognizing the potential sense of solitude in the expansive surroundings, a linear courtyard on the south side intertwines with the factory’s security wall. This green area houses guard rooms, contemplation spaces, lecture halls, gyms, and MEP facilities, fostering connectivity and inspiration in daily work. Addressing challenges posed by saline-alkali land, the design team opts for an elevated structure and adds soil for swift tree planting to the courtyard. The building’s temperature control utilizes a water circulation system and floor air vents, optimizing space beneath the floor slab and maximizing ceiling height.

conference room and showroom protrude above the water’s surface

shallow ponds atop the office building reflect the sunlight

the body of water reflects the buildings’ lights creating a soft ambiance

functional spaces with different shapes are scattered in the courtyard

large widows achieve visual connection with the green courtyard

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the green area fosters connectivity and inspiration in daily work

workspace bathed in diffused lighting

lobby waiting area

staircase to the meeting room above the water

exposed structure above the central meeting room

tilt–shift photography of the factory zone

tilt–shift photography of the factory zone

tilt–shift photography of the factory zone

section model © XING DESIGN

first floor plan © XING DESIGN

elevations © XING DESIGN

sections © XING DESIGN

siteplan © XING DESIGN

project info:

name: Bluepha BioFAB

architect: XING DESIGN

lead architect: Xiong Xing

design team: Chen Boliang, Hu Jia, Wu Chuchu, Lin Weiqiao, Liu Xiaofan, Deng Shaoyi, Cheng Ningxin, Huang Yunxuan, Cao Hui, Cao Danrui, Di Jiafeng, Zhang Qi, Zhu Qiniu, Chen Yu, Zhen tian, Jin Ling, Wu Su

client: Beijing Bluepha Microbiology Technology Co., Ltd.

engineering: TIANS Engineering Technology Group Co., Ltd.

area: 3000 sqm

location: Coastal Industrial Park, Binhai County, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China

photography: Su Shengliang – schranimage | @schranimage

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom