greater dog architects adorns mixed-used building with feather-shaped reliefs

é é é | BSH Headquarters by greater dog architects

Completed by Greater Dog Architects, the é é é | BSH headquarters presents itself as a mixed-use complex in the industrialized city of Shaoxing, China. It features a retail space, an office, an R&D and production unit, several restaurants, and a factory that produces bedding made from high-quality goose down (the bird’s soft under plumage). Inspired by the velvety white material, the architects fitted the façade with a curtain of white aluminum plates that drapes over the main building’s concrete form. Across that sculptural draping, the plates morph into curving, rhythmic lines that bulge to create feather-shaped reliefs. The soft-looking structure strongly contrasts with its surroundings, where high-density factory buildings pop out.

all images © Qingwei Meng, Yilun Xie

‘The façade is the interface between indoor and outdoor. It is the attractive part of a elevation; it not only protects the building from external damage but brings opportunities for a comfortable indoor environment,’ begins the practice. As such, Greater Dog Architects split the é é é | BSH headquarters into two parts: a solid gray concrete base hosting all the programs, draped in a curtain wall made of gradient, translucent glass, and white curved aluminum plates. Wanting the all-white façade to stand out as a floating body, the architects retreated the concrete volume further back.

As night falls, the rhythmic curtain wall changes from dynamic to static. The LED light clearly outlines the white curved aluminum plate, adding another touch of softness to the sculptural relief.

‘Curved aluminum plate has become architecture’s main feature, emphasizing the freedom of white linear form and presenting the potential rhythm by the curve. It seems simple to use the dynamic cutting method, but it shows the infinite possible rhythm of building skin. In addition, it also forms a dialogue with light: during the day, while the glass reflects the outline of the surrounding trees, buildings, and rivers, the curved aluminum plate constantly changes with the projection of sunlight, forming a rich rhythm of light and shadow on the facade, rather than being in a static and isolated combination. The ‘white goose down’ is in such a poetic way, walking in the gentle breeze, perched on the building,’ writes the practice.

In the southwest factory area, the architects applied foggy glass to blur out the chaotic activities inside while sparking passersby’s curiosity. In the southeast corner hosting retail, office, and restaurant programs, gradual translucent and transparent glass were used across the façade to meet the different daylight requirements of each interior function.

The all-white aesthetic extends indoors, where a matrix of lines populates the daylit factory space. At its center sits an atrium around which machines operate — creating a light and calming ambiance for employees at work. Furthermore, the architects designed an external corridor connecting the factory to the offices on the third floor. The corridor suspends on the façade like a semi-outdoor volume, providing a seamless circulation flow and co-working space. ‘Meanwhile, the external corridor brings balance between two different materials: white glass curtain wall and concrete,’ adds Greater Dog Architects.

The factory entrance is located west and connects to the main entrance by the shortest distance to produce efficient access. Finally, leading to the southeast side, at office & retail, is an outdoor landscaped ‘guide’ that softens the industrial setting.