HHD_FUN develops vast sustainable high school in tianjin china

HHD_FUN develops vast sustainable high school in china
photography by wang zhenfei

the vast complex of binhai xiaowai high school designed by beijing-based studio HHD_fun is located in sino-singapore tianjin eco-city. developed as a low energy consumption high school with 36 classrooms, the national green building is label-3 rated. the scheme is comprised of a mixed-use building, including classrooms, laboratories, offices, libraries, presentation rooms, dining and exhibition halls.

the low energy consumption high school has 36 classrooms and is national green building label-3 rated

with sustainability and eco-strategies being the focus of the construction, the application of energy saving materials and energy saving infrastructures was indispensable. this included efficient systems used internally and externally throughout such as renewable energies, rainwater harvesting and purification system. furthermore, all of the standard classrooms are positioned on and above the second floor and orientated south. atriums installed in courtyard brings in more sunlight, making it possible for the classrooms to receive sunlight from both sides, and instilling a comfortable environment for students.

the library is situated on the south end, first level, accompanied with a well equipped presentation space and cafeteria. the zigzagged nature of the architecture is comprised of the two plazas, on the front and rear, where the front plaza acts as the entrance and the other for bike storage. in regarding to space coordination, to maximize accessibility and flow, the architect enlarged corridor spaces in partial areas, outdoor platforms, providing students with outdoor activity spaces for their convenience; cork boards are set up in the corridors to stimulate conversations between students.

the southwest side of the site is dormitory building, with five levels above ground and one level of basement underground, including a roofed playground and 25m swimming pool, offering students a place to exercise without having to exit the dormitories, sheltered from the weather. the roof playground has integrated a basketball court, directly reachable from the dormitory building.

south end of the dormitories is designed together with the stadium’s grandstand

running track

south end of the dormitories is designed together with the stadium’s grandstand, increasing volume and saving usage of land. the school is equipped with 400m standard track and international standard soccer field, the lower underground parking lot is able to accommodate an approximate of 500 vehicles, open for the community, in hope to alleviate parking congestion in the community.

the classrooms all face south

the large atrium brings light into the space