△©shiromio studio
From the time of West Lake to today, Wulin has remained an irreplaceable heart of Hangzhou. While the city’s vibrancy expands outward like ripples on water, this area continues to symbolize the origin — embodying a nostalgic historical context with a refined, understated urban character. Given this unique texture, our approach was to ensure the building stands out while harmoniously blending into its surroundings.
△©shiromio studio
Location Characteristics
The site is situated in the Wulin district, historically the bustling core of Hangzhou. Facing east toward the Grand Canal, it evokes scenes of old sailing ships unloading and department stores opening, still vivid today. With the rise of new commercial hubs, this area is steadily returning to its simple, everyday roots, rich with layers of vibrant urban life. Nearby, a mix of old and new residential neighborhoods weave tightly together, offering glimpses into the city’s developmental history.
△©gad
△©gad
Design Strategy
Responding to the urban context and seamlessly integrating an office building into the diverse surrounding community was central to our design approach. We adopted a simple, clear strategy: to create a smooth transition between the building and city streets, the site is bordered by Hushu South Road to the west, with an internal green square forming a calm spatial retreat. The two buildings together create a relaxed, inviting landscape for the city.
△©gad
The form relationship was carefully shaped by considering the boundary impact of large-scale buildings on the broader area. After exploring various configurations, we chose a symmetrical layout of two high-rise towers along Hushu South Road. This design emphasizes a soft, balanced architectural dialogue, maximizing spatial efficiency and harmony.
△©shiromio studio
The sunken courtyard between the two buildings complements the adjacent public square, creating a unified social space and extending the outdoor landscape vertically. Upright columns bridge the upper and lower levels, reducing any sense of heaviness and allowing the building’s simple, distinctive form to remain uncluttered.
△©gad
At the entrance lobby, nearly 10 meters of transparent glass and a 13-meter-wide column-free canopy extend the vibrant business atmosphere from the park directly into the indoor space.
△©shiromio studio
Construction Technology
Balancing tradition with modernity, local context with overall vision, we infused meticulous care into every step of the design process. The facade features a consistent vertical texture—orderly and well-structured—while the subtle volumetric shifts shape a building that is simple, modern, elegant, and dignified.
△©gad
△©gad
To achieve a humble yet refined architectural expression, the building skin primarily uses glass aluminum panels. A careful balance is struck between stability and lightness through appropriate glass wall proportions, precise structural detailing, and layered materials.
△©shiromio studio
△©gad
Conclusion
Buildings gain their unique character through interaction with their environment, and the Binlv Building is no exception. In an age where rapid urban growth often leads to formalism, this design reconnects with its roots, prioritizing service to the city over self-promotion. Its personality—equally fitting for moments of activity and calm—is reflected in the city’s daily rhythm of day and night.
△©gad
△©gad
△©gad
△©gad
△©shiromio studio
Project Drawings
△ Shape generation diagram
△ Location Map
△ First floor plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Node model of building curtain wall
Project Information
Project Name: Binlv Building
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Address: 66 Hushu South Road
Type: Comprehensive Office Building
Design Start: June 2013
Construction Start: October 2019
Project Area: 108,440 square meters
Design Firm: Gad
Project Director: Jiang Yu
Lead Designer: Su Ling
Complete Team
Architecture: Jiang Yu, Li Wei, Su Ling, Zhao Liang, Xie Yongliang
Structure: Fang Xunke, Li Baozhong, Wang Guangman, Peng Zhi, Guo Jun
Water Supply & Drainage: Qi Yi, Wu Wenjian, Shen Xiaowei, Xie Lianglin
HVAC: Cui Daliang, Qi Yi, Shen Fengqiang, Yao Guocai
Electrical: Zhuo Zuhang, Sun Shurong, Liu Chuanpu
Additional Contributors
Owner: Hangzhou Binlv Real Estate Development Co., Ltd
Photography: Shiromio Studio, Gad
Structural System: Steel tube concrete frame core tube structure
Building Materials: Metallic glass
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