Location: Guangzhou, China.

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects.

Infinitus Plaza is the new global headquarters of Infinitus China, built on the site of the decommissioned Baiyun Airport. It is designed over eight storeys as a series of infinite rings that enhance interaction and communication between all departments. It has been designed and constructed to LEED Gold certification and the equivalent 3-Stars of China’s Green Building Program with its life cycle carbon emissions calculated at 15.3% embodied carbon and 84.7% operational carbon emissions. Annual solar irradiation analysis has determined the width of the outdoor terraces to self-shade the building and the external perforated aluminium shading panels to optimise reductions in solar heat gain. The project’s system of rainwater collection, filtration and reuse provides effective shading and heat insulation, reducing solar heat gain and energy consumption.

Sprinklers spray atomised particles of collected rainwater onto the ETFE membrane roof to dissipate heat. Rooftop solar water heating also reduces energy requirements. Infinitus China’s new headquarters in Guangzhou combines innovative design and construction technologies with proven sustainability strategies to create new work environments that unite all departments and enhance communication.

Photo credit: Liang Xue.