Shihlien New Energy Battery Plant & Office

This project is a brand-new production facility for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, representing a total investment of RMB 1.25 billion, with an annual total capacity of 4.0 GWh to supply the electric vehicles market as well as the energy storage market.

Energy storage batteries play a vital role in ensuring the safe and stable operation of power systems and have the added value of facilitating solar/wind power storage. The industry represents one of the key components within China's strategic development of an advanced energy system and the transition toward green, low-carbon energy.

The design for the whole factory and office complex reflects a paradigm shift now occurring in advanced manufacturing – that it is smarter, cleaner and more efficient than ever before. Production and R&D activities take place within insulated clean rooms with strictly controlled air particle levels, temperature and humidity, with a high degree of automation and a significant body of staff dedicated to technical / management roles, as well as to research and development for new materials, processes and products.

The architecture reflects the corporate emphasis on discipline, clean production and safety. A consistent architectural language of elegant white volumes, with minimal flush facades is adopted. Buildings' envelopes are composed of highly insulated composite aluminium. A second production hall is designed specifically for R&D testing and refinement, and operates at an even higher standard of environmental control than the main production line, facilitating the constant evolution of production technology and product design.

Production offices and conference spaces occupy the ends of the production halls, enjoying optimal lighting and natural ventilation. Linking bridges with abundant strip windows, and protruding staircases encased in floor to height glass – offer a range of ancillary 'break-out' spaces for staff. The environment integrates a touch of greenery and landscaping comprising of local species, fostering as much as possible a modern, comfortable working environment for users.

The office occupies the highly accessible north side of the Shihlien factory complex, adjacent to the main gate and the guarded gatehouse. It is a deliberately compact single-story volume, accommodating workspaces for a small administrative team and some of the key management personnel, as well as a product showroom, a spacious staff canteen, and guest reception spaces.

Internal functions are inter-linked and arranged concentrically in a single gesture around an inner garden. Office spaces and a product showroom occupy the South-East quadrants. A spacious canteen, kitchen and a guest dining room occupies the North-West quadrants.

The singular, connected form communicates the key idea of a team, a 'unity', while the quiet central garden is a highly accessible a 'green heart' of the entire complex – a reminder of the company and the industry's commitment to a greener future. Greenery surrounds all sides of the building.

Accessible both from two semi-covered entrances, the inner garden is a recreational space for staff during lunchtimes and breaks, deliberately buffered from the busy industrial surroundings.

This building subtly re-imagines the architecture of advanced manufacturing environments. Embracing a human-centric and environmental thinking now increasingly pertinent to industrial development, the focus of design is re-orientated from rigid mechanization and utility concerns to designing for sensory experience and comfort. Within this paradigm, architecture may play a role in supporting the human capital necessary for technological development, while contributing to a more refined imagery of our often under-appreciated industrial landscapes.