Foshan, China

Commissioned by Grandblue Green Power & Solid Waste Treatment, the third phase of a sprawling industrial complex, Nanhai Waste-to-Power Plant Phase III by Hayer Design, coordinates with the ‘diamond’ concept of the former phases while also distinguishing itself with dynamic folding lines.

Nanhai Waste-to-Power Plant is situated beside Shishan University in Nanhai District, Foshan, China. 

Covering a gross floor area of 36,800 square meters and a plot area of 35,200 square meters, it is located in a solid waste treatment and environment protection industry zone occupying a land area of about 306,666 square meters.

For its inspired design for such a vast industrial complex, Nanhai Waste-to-Power Plant Phase III has recently been awarded a 2022 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The design extends the ‘diamond’ concept for the architectural design of Phase I and II and takes ‘light of diamond’ as the theme, creating a dialogue with Phase I and II buildings marked by both coordination and distinguishability.

The architectural design utilizes geometric lines to interpret the brilliant and graceful lights refracted and reflected by transparent ‘diamonds.’ 

The neat folding lines outline the overall architectural form, which showcases a pure and clear aesthetic, presents a stable image, and implies the growth of the company.

The folding lines are subtly separated or combined, and the lightweight transparent glass alternates with solid building components. 

The entrance is open, illuminated by linear light at night. 

The facades are predominantly composed of industrial-style profiled steel sheets, aluminum panels that are spliced together in an irregular manner, and glass curtain walls, together generating a simple yet exquisite architectural appearance.

The lower and upper volumes of the building complex adopt dark gray and white hues respectively, showing both steadiness and lightness. 

The design not only meets technical requirements but also innovatively reshapes the sense of scale in industrial buildings.

Project: Nanhai Waste-to-Power Plant Phase III
Architects: Hayer Design
Lead Architects: Hui Tongtong, Ye Peijun, and Ye Xiaoxuan
Design Team: Hong Zebin, Deng Jizhuo, and Chen Ningten
General Contractor: Shandong Zibo Construction Group Co., Ltd.
Client: Grandblue Green Power & Solid Waste Treatment (Foshan) Co., Ltd.
Photographers: Jizhuo Deng