Virtuarch's Radici Suzhou Project Receives CREDAWARD Merit Award

We are thrilled to announce that we have won the prestigious CREDAWARD Merit Award in the Comprehensive Commercial Project Industry category with our Radici factory project in Suzhou. This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in architecture and design.

?CREDAWARD is renowned for its authority, comprehensiveness, and international reach, attracting participants from over 30 countries. Its panel of judges features top industry experts from China and abroad; it is known for recognizing outstanding achievements in architectural aesthetics, environmental sustainability, user experience, and cost efficiency. In its 10th edition, CREDAWARD received 746 project applications from 312 organizations worldwide. We are honored to be among the winners, in recognition of our innovative and sustainable approach to design.

Functionality meets inspiration

Radici, a leading Italian chemicals manufacturer, commissioned VIRTUARCH for the architecture, interior design, and project management of its new factory in Suzhou Industrial Park. The facility features a functional layout that optimizes production flow while integrating natural elements inspired by the traditional Suzhou gardens, setting a benchmark for efficient industrial building design and a comfortable working environment.

Outstanding design

Innovative Concept &?Technologies

VIRTUARCH developed a unique fa?ade system using L-shaped shading elements optimized for the slightly tilted North orientation of the main office building fa?ade and Chinese pattern windows, blending Chinese and Western cultural elements.?

The dynamic spiral staircase symbolizes Radici Group’s dynamic leadership, while the open ceiling working area provides direct access to a green courtyard. A cozy rooftop garden between the office and factory buildings offers a relaxing environment for employees.

Environmental Sustainability

The North-oriented curtain wall system, integrating glass with shading elements, significantly enhances indoor comfort by blocking excessive sunlight and heat. This design approach also contributes to energy conservation and enhances Radici's brand image through the distinctive blue glass. Additionally, advanced water cycle and irrigation systems minimize water waste and reduce the facility's carbon footprint. The rainwater collection system efficiently manages stormwater to ease peak loads on public sewers. A 1.4 MW photovoltaic system on the roof generates renewable energy.?

VIRTUARCH emphasized the use of local plants, preservation of existing vegetation, and careful management of soil resources, ensuring a sustainable approach from the project's start. These efforts led to the facility earning LEED Gold and GBL-2-star certifications, showcasing its high performance and commitment to environmental responsibility.?

User Experience

VIRTUARCH designed the building with a user- centric approach, creating an engaging and comfortable walk-through experience. The layout seamlessly connects public, semi-public, and private spaces, with sightlines linking the lobby to the showroom and roof garden, and from conference rooms to the staff lounge and courtyard. VIRTUARCH also integrated a visitor path for factory tours, where visitors can experience the large production hall from bridges crossing the main bay. This three-dimensional continuity enhances both functionality and user experience.

Cultural Heritage

The rooftop garden, inspired by traditional Suzhou gardens, honors Suzhou’s architectural heritage while blending seamlessly with the facility’s industrial aesthetics. This thoughtful design achieves a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting both cultural heritage and modern functionality. Carefully positioned skylights provide natural illumination of the office and R&D spaces located under the roof garden area.

Cost Efficiency

Locally sourced materials were used extensively, ensuring high-quality construction within a reasonable budget. VIRTUARCH meticulously optimized the design to deliver exceptional user experience, significant energy savings, and enhanced productivity, all while staying within the financial parameters set by the client.

Innovative, sustainable, user-centric design

Winning the CREDAWARD Merit Award represents a significant achievement for VIRTUARCH, underscoring our dedication to innovative, sustainable, and user-centric design. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of the industry and look forward to future projects that embody these values.

Chief Designer:?Daniel Heusser

Design Team:?Daniel Heusser, Zhang Haitao, Helen Jiang, Bianca Bai, Nancy Huang

Project Name:?RADICI Suzhou

Location:?Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China

Built Area:?23,400 m2

Design Timeline:?2020-2022

Construction Time:?February 2022 - April 2023

Services:?Architecture Design, Interior Design, Landscaping Design, Design Management, Project Management

2003 – 2024?VIRTUARCH | BUILDING BETTER FUTURES

ARCHITECTURE | INTERIORS | PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ZURICH | SHANGHAI | BANGKOK

VIRTUARCH is an international award-winning design and project management firm originating from Switzerland and with offices in Europe, China and Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience, we have successfully delivered more than 500 architectural and project management projects in China and across Asia.

If you are planning to build a new building, fit-out an office or would like to renovate your workspace environment, please feel free to book a call with us at [email protected].