DMA Group Architects has won an international design competition for a new office building for the Dalian Electric Power Bureau in the port city of Dalian in northern China.
The 53,000 sqm building will house the administrative and operational requirements of the power bureau and is located at the edge of the Dalian CBD on reclaimed harbour side land.
The building embraces low energy initiatives in the form of a twin wall facade system to the tower structure which insulates the building and captures air to be used in the building’s HVAC system.
In winter, the captured air will be used to heat the building and in summer this same air will be run via a heat exchanger and used to cool the building.
Other green initiatives include passive solar orientation to minimise heat load, a narrow building depth to maximise natural light penetration, rainwater collection to service toilets and landscape irrigation and a green roof to the podium structure providing thermal insulation and active and passive recreation spaces for staff.
Natural ventilation will be available with openable windows to most areas, while low energy light fittings and water saving technology will be employed throughout.
The architectural form and detail conveys an appropriate municipal character as required by the client authority.
The low rise podium structure and generous entrance forecourt creates a welcoming public space, with the office tower set back to minimise overshadowing. The 'light box' facade section of the office tower expresses the company’s purpose via power transmission grid imagery.
The site's previous harbour side heritage is also acknowledged with a large water feature 'wharf' element leading in from the street, across the forecourt and through the entrance lobby.
