Can Powerful Architecture be Low Cost?

The New Modern Factory of VIGEL

An Iconic Building Corner Marks VIGEL’s Advancement in the Chinese Market

VIGEL is a world leader in advanced manufacturing technology since the 1980s, specializing in developing modular CNC production systems. As Vigel expands its business in China, the need for a new, modern facility in the region was urgent.

Relying on VIRTUARCH's design and project management skills, VIGEL commissioned the Swiss architecture firm to design its new modern production facility in Jintan, Jiangsu Province. With a total area of approximately 10,248 sqm, the project had to be realized within a limited budget. VIRTUARCH was able to rely on its strong team to deliver a well-thought-through design and demonstrate excellent project management skills to achieve a satisfactory outcome that met client's requirements for a new building facility.

A Design with a Powerful Appearance

The first thing that catches the eye is the new VIRTUARCH fa?ade, where Virtuarch introduces the iconic “V” element of the logo of VIGEL on the street corner. This design gives the whole building a powerful appearance.

At the same time, VIRTUARCH's use of transparent glass allows the internal spiral staircase connecting the office floors to be seen from the outside. The gentle curves of the design are contrasted by the "V" of the fa?ade, highlighting the dynamic beauty of the contrasts. In the building, curves and straight lines, circles and squares, and the use of large blocks of colour combine the tension and softness of the building. The building symbolizes the dynamic of VIGEL’s machines with the key elements of the logo, giving the building a strong identity.

Low-cost Sustainability Approach

Environmentally friendly buildings are based on 'optimizing energy using' as a starting point for reducing dependence on?fossil fuels. VIRTUARCH developed, in coordination with?user requirements, a building form which is both compact and energy-saving, reducing the surface-to-volume ratio. The production building implements a consequent natural ventilation approach, with ventilators reducing the felt temperature to comfortable levels even during hot summer days.

Erection of the Steel Structure on Site

Given the relatively tight schedule of the project, VIRTUARCH decided to build the factory site in a steel frame construction. The steel frame construction chosen by VIRTUARCH met the requirements for the assembly of sophisticated machine tools and the need to provide sufficient column-free space for two cranes weighing up to 30 tonnes. Steel frame construction is ideal for industrial plants, large-scale structures, and buildings with high energy requirements.?

The advantages of steel frame construction are the high strength of the steel, its plasticity, and toughness, and its lightweight and ease of fabrication, which makes it suitable for projects with short construction times. And its full recyclability when the building reaches the end of its lifespan.

The steel-framed roof structure designed by VIRTUARCH allows for north-facing skylights in its depth and, together with the wall windows, provides the factory with plenty of daylight. The large South-oriented roof is ideal for the installation of Photovoltaic Cells, allowing it to produce a large portion of the energy consumed in the building on its top in future.

Industrial Look, Dynamic Workplaces

Reception, showroom and meeting rooms on the first floor are connected with an iconic spiral stair to the second-floor offices

In keeping with the modern style, the office environment transforms the industrial character of the building into an interesting, bright workplace. The striking colour scheme drawn from the corporate colours of VIGEL gives the space a young, dynamic feeling.

The prominent spiral stair at the building corner links the reception and showroom space to the open space office on the second floor.

Skylights and high ceilings create a three-dimensional, naturally illuminated room continuum for the employees of VIGEL.

On the 3rd floor, a generous canteen and social room dominated and generously illuminated by the big shed skylight of the factory building provide space for communication, relaxation, and interaction.

From the exterior to the interior of the building, VIRTUARCH has developed a concept of environmental friendliness and great workspaces at low cost. Thanks to its extensive experience, it perfectly combines the power of architecture with dynamic aesthetics and promotes interaction between architecture and people.

Project Name:?Vigel, Jintan

Client:?VIGEL Group

Location:?Jintan, Jiang Province, P.R. China

Type:?Industrial

Project Area:?10,248?㎡

Project Date:?2022-2023

Services:?Architecture Design,

Interior Design, Project Management