Located in Ningwu City, Shanxi Province, this project involves the construction of an oat factory specializing in the deep processing of raw oats into products such as oat rice, oat flour, and blended oat flour. The factory operates two separate production lines equipped with extensive mechanical equipment to support automated processing. Additionally, the design includes public spaces like shops, cafes, and offices.
The surrounding environment poses challenges, characterized by recently built industrial plants, dry landscape conditions, and nearby coal mines. To address this, the factory is designed as an inward-looking building that reimagines its natural surroundings. Beyond fulfilling functional needs, the design aims to inspire visitors and provide moments of surprise.
The concept involves enclosing and concealing the factory’s technical areas within brick walls, forming an opaque base. Above this, a simple, voluminous concrete structure houses all public spaces. Courtyards and gardens penetrate the building, offering natural light and a sense of spaciousness. The central production workshop receives bright northern natural light through a uniquely shaped concrete roof structure.
The brick wall design begins at the main factory entrance where a landscaped area is dedicated to the local community, featuring benches and a pool for children to play. The brick wall starts as a bench and gradually transforms into a suitable enclosure for the factory, eventually forming the entire building’s exterior facade.
This brick wall shapes and defines multiple factory entrances, each serving specific functions such as raw material delivery, product loading, and staff and visitor access. Employee and visitor pathways are separated to avoid intersections within the factory, promoting an organized work environment and a curated visitor experience. At one point, visitors standing on an elevated corridor can overlook the entire production line.
The employee dormitory is situated behind the factory and is designed as a discreet structure. It features thickened brick walls and an internal courtyard that provides natural lighting while ensuring privacy. The space between the factory and dormitory has been reimagined as a garden, equipped with a long concrete table and square seating.
The choice of building materials reflects a practical and contextual approach. Using green bricks and local construction techniques fosters a strong connection to the site, while the use of plain concrete highlights the building’s modernity and integrates structure with architecture.
Landscape design is fully integrated, with rainwater collected from the roof redirected through cast-in-place concrete drainage outlets to various water pools, making rainwater circulation a key part of the spatial experience. This water flows smoothly to the factory entrance, where it forms a waterfall feature. A 12-meter suspended concrete logo wall complements the entrance, inviting visitors into the building.
Throughout the design process, regulatory requirements were carefully addressed. For instance, fire safety regulations mandate a fire water tank on the roof. This element was designed as a protruding stainless steel box, a distinct and independent feature that appears to float lightly on the roof, resembling a modern sculpture.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Partial Sectional View
Project Information
Architect: Zhuohan Suwen Architectural Firm
Area: 9,400 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Schran Images
Lead Architects: Johan Sarvan, Florent Buis
Structural Design: Jiang Jie
MEP Design: Jiang Jie
Location: Ningwu County
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