Technology and nature are the two defining elements in this project. These core characteristics are embodied in the owner’s flagship product, the dendrobium beverage. The R&D building serves not only as a research and development office but also as a brand showcase center. Our goal was to create a spatial atmosphere that truly reflects the brand’s identity.
Upon my first visit, sunlight filtered through the patterned scaffolding in the courtyard, casting shadows on the exposed concrete surfaces. The breathtaking view of the Yandang Mountains outside the window left a strong impression, inspiring a desire to bring the landscape indoors.
After deciding on the theme of landscape design, aluminum panels naturally came to mind. The R&D office space demands a smooth, clean aesthetic, with white becoming the preferred dominant color. Aluminum panels, with their mirror-like surface, blur the boundaries between the landscape and the pristine white interior by reflecting sunlight and human activity. This choice not only aligns perfectly with the theme of technology but also brings a sense of dynamism that complements nature.
The first layer features a hyperbolic shape that requires materials with high plasticity. Anodized aluminum panels were selected for their metallic luster and the advantage of needing no secondary decoration. However, machining the double-curved surfaces involved stretching that damaged the surface oxide layer. As the process progressed and challenges arose—combined with budget and time constraints—we considered replacing the materials. Fortunately, we discovered a technique of shaping first, then anodizing, which gave us the confidence to proceed. On-site resizing, modeling, partitioning, numbering, and processing followed. Assembly was the most challenging phase, often taking an entire day to fit four or five panels, then dismantling and reassembling them. Multiple trials ensured that hidden seams fit tightly while visible seams remained smooth and clear, maintaining a precise geometric form.
If the first layer represents an abstract landscape, then the second layer above immerses you in nature. Sunlight streams through the skylight, surrounded by greenery. Mirrored aluminum plates reflect the plants, which are shaped into folded surfaces to scatter sunlight, enhancing the feeling of being enveloped by nature. While the mirror finish enriches the visual experience, perforations add transparency without overpowering the space.
Both acrylic and aluminum panels are cold and rational artificial materials, yet they actively engage in dialogue with the environment, ultimately conveying warmth and emotion.
In the cinema, material expression takes a backseat to functionality. We chose to design with light, where the geometric relationships inside and outside the cinema are unified through lighting. A series of intelligently controlled lighting scenes create a ceremonial atmosphere for moments such as entering, watching, and leaving, while reinforcing the technological theme.
The shared office area occupies the top two floors, featuring plants and a sunlit atrium. The design opens up each office fully to allow the natural environment to permeate without excessive decoration. This minimalistic approach not only balances the overall project budget but also enables extraordinary design within tight financial constraints. Additionally, bamboo wood fiberboard was used for decorative wall panels in areas like bathrooms and columns for the first time. Its smooth surface, ease of cleaning, excellent waterproof performance, simple construction, and affordability made it a key choice for budget management.
The park’s landscape plays a crucial role in this project, bridging the transition from the natural environment to the indoor space, both spatially and visually. We aimed to strike a balance between the relaxation found in nature and the order of the built environment.
Project Information
Project Name: Tiefengtang R&D Building
Project Type: Office, Research, Retail, Exhibition
Interior/Landscape Design: Landscape Architecture
Company Website: www.atmosarchitects.com
Contact Email: chunchunyang@atmosarchitects.com
Project Design Year: 2021
Completion Year: 2022-2023
Design Team: Yang Chunchun, Chen Liping, Li Jiaying
Project Address: Yandangshan Dendrobium Technology Park, Shuangfeng Village, Dajing Town, Yueqing City, Wenzhou City
Building Area: 6,000 square meters
Photography Credit: Wang Ning
Client: Zhejiang Tiefengtang Health Technology Co., Ltd
Collaborators:
Architectural Design: Zhejiang University Architectural Design and Research Institute
Construction: Wenzhou New Sun Landscape Art Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd
Indoor Landscaping: Hangzhou Qingze Greening Engineering Co., Ltd
Acrylic Supplier: Hangzhou Art Exhibition Advertising Co., Ltd
Materials Used: Aluminum oxide plate, punched aluminum plate, acrylic, bamboo wood fiberboard, micro cement
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