gmp wins competition for the Huaxia Bank Headquarters

In the international competition for the Huaxia Bank Headquarters in the Beijing MC district, von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) emerged as winners...

> gmp wins competition for the Wuxi Olympic Sports Center
> Pressehaus am Alexanderplatz by gmp Architekten

From the architect: In the international competition for the Huaxia Bank Headquarters in the Beijing MC district, von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) emerged as winners. The office complex is sustainably designed in compliance with the LEED Platinum Standard, China Green Building Label (CGBL) 3 Stars, and WELL Platinum. Following the completion of the Asia Financial Center & AIIB Headquarters in 2019, the new head office of the Huaxia Bank represents another prestigious bank headquarters in Beijing based on a design by gmp.

The meandering structure with two high points contains three atriums and aligns itself with a central transverse axis. This axis connects the area to the urban space in the west and to the headquarters’ rambling, C-shaped park that borders the building on three sides. The three-story, symmetrical base interlinks all functions and enables their flexible and equitable arrangement. The volume stacked on top of the base on the east side creates an entrance portal for the ensemble and interconnects the areas to the north and south.

Placed in a staggered, L-shaped arrangement, the 100-meter main tower to the north and the 50-meter tower to the west form a distinctive skyline, opening up the urban area towards the park in the southeast and towards the banks of the North Canal. The volumes are characterized by photovoltaic facades and roof surfaces. The regular facades of the meander are designed as climate-active, double-skin facades with integrated photovoltaic elements and ventilation inlets that can be opened manually. They are also provided with a projecting, vertical structure made of natural stone. The roof surfaces accommodate planted terraces suitable for a variety of activities. The three inner courtyards, two of which are glazed, supplement the shared meeting places for bank employees.

Architect: gmp Architekten
Client: Huaxia Bank Co., Ltd.
Location: Beijing, China
Year: 2023
GFA: 119,966 sqm
Design: Stephan Schütz with Stephan Rewolle
Competition Lead: Sui Jinying
Project Management in China: Li Ling, Xie Fang
Competition Team: Jan-Peter Deml, Tang Zihong, Wang Jiaxin, Xu Jing, Thilo Zehme, Zhai Chengcheng, Zhu Shiyou
Detailed Design Lead: Li Zheng, Song Xiajun, Sui Jinying
Detailed Design Team: Tang Zihong, Wang Jiaxin, Xu Jing, Zhai Chengcheng, Zhu Shiyou
Partner Office in China: China Academy of Building Research, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.
Images: gmp Architekten