Beijing Nutrichem Research Center

Located at plot No. 23 in Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing Nutrichem Research Center takes up an area of 21,929 square meters. It has a total floor area of 36218.27 square meters, equipped with multiple functions: office space, R&D center, and other supporting functions on the four floors above ground; parking and supporting service facilities on the two floors underground. A sunken courtyard is integrated to bring more spatial diversity. In terms of architectural materials, traditional red bricks and dark copper manifest the company’s qualities of calmness and discipline, while modern-style titanium-zinc sheets and glass curtain wall imply the spirit of innovation. The main objective is to create a space in the Science Park that not only represents the corporate image but also gives company staff an amiable and warm feeling. As a result, the spatial diversity in the Research Center “blurred the lines” and instead created a nice balance between place and environment, tradition and modernity, as well as cultural and individuality. Different functions such as office and research are efficiently organized in this H-shaped building with clear horizontal and vertical circulation. The roof top is concatenated with titanium-zinc sheets to present a unified and grand spatial atmosphere which is in tune with the corporate image. The color and texture of handmade red bricks possess incomparable delicacy and warmth that accommodate the staff with a cozy working environment. The main body uses red bricks as the main building material, thus the masonry of brick is a key element in this project. The brick-blinds to the side of the R&D building was a real challenge during construction but was finally tackled with careful design and strict control of key details: With the overhanging corbels as the weight-bearing structure, every four overlapping bricks are fixed to the corbel by reinforcing steel bars and enhanced with steel mesh every 60cm. Longitudinal reinforcing steel bars are welded to the corbel after piercing through each brick. It’s both visually pleasant and structurally solid and stable. The designer is meticulously with every detail including the arranging of titanium-zinc sheets. In order to render a unified façade, sheets with a size of 5.4m*0.9m is selected. The honeycomb panels in the back eased the deformation of the sheets. Dry-hanging technique completes the final façade. Brick columns: Eighteen 20-meter brick columns cross-section shape of a spindle created a colonnade aligned in a curved row at the main entrance. The two columns through the canopy at the entrance require particular technical and structural sophistication. The brick column uses 800*800mm square steel as the core and combines the slanting braces to build up the internal three-dimensional frame system. The bottom is integrated with the foundation to enhance its stability. Cantilever slabs and reinforcing bars are embedded every two meters, and the ends are threaded with Φ8 steel bars to form a towering brick column with strong visual impact.Brick-blinds: With the overhanging corbels as the weight-bearing structure, every four overlapping bricks are fixed to the corbel by reinforcing steel bars and enhanced with steel mesh every 60cm. Longitudinal reinforcing steel bars are welded to the corbel after piercing through each brick. The 20-meter tall brick-blinds cascading down from the top is the result of meticulous structural consideration and earthquake resistance test. It’s both visually pleasant and structurally solid and stable.The designer gave fully consideration to the connection between the building and the space&site. Within limited land area, the designer successfully created an R&D center building with rich layers, explicit functional division, clear circulation and iconic image.The red bricks used in the facades have both a historical heaviness and a modern expression, which is the result of its combination and interaction with new materials. The overall richness and detail reflects a strong cultural atmosphere. It is a space that opens up to everyone who passes or stays, giving them a sense of belonging. A work day in such an environment is something exciting.