China

ABOUT

In the province of Zhejiang in China, the Huzhou Zhili cultural and sports centre welcomes the local population under a light roof made of Tenseo Xtrem Tx30-III Serge Ferrari.

A cultural activity centre with a meaningful design

Located just south of the town hall for Zhili borough in Huzhou, the Zhili Culture and Sport Centre covers 68,800 sqm for a total floor space of 100,000 sqm. The programme consists of four areas: a youth activity centre, a library, a fitness centre with a pool, and a conference and exhibition centre. Drawing inspiration from the city’s long heritage as a major silk production hub, the building’s design was based on a ‘silk cocoon’ and incorporates a woven outer envelope — a nod to the name Zhili itself, literally the ‘weavers’ district’. The resulting architecture links together the various elements of the Centre, and provides a cultural landmark deeply rooted in local history.

A roofing membrane adapted to technical issues

The pedestrian street that runs through the Culture and Sport Centre has been covered with a fabric manufactured by Serge Ferrari. In this case, the architects chose the Tenseo Xtrem Tx30-III membrane, a unique product, flexible, light and translucent, that combines longer lifetime, homogeneous colours and easy maintenance. In addition to ensuring a consistent supply of natural light all along the street, the product also delivers 100% rainproof performance, offering protection to strollers, both from the rain and the sun’s glare.

An easy maintenance

Stretched over the buildings of the Culture and Sport Centre, the fabric takes on a pure white aspect when hit by direct sunlight: the CROSSLINK TX 30 surface treatment allows an easy maintenance through good resistance to soiling and much less frequent cleaning than standard surface treatments.

Project participants :

Owner : Zhili Cultural and Sport Center – Huzhou – China
Architect: Shanghai Jiangong Architect
Conception: Shanghai Construction Group
Installation : Suzhou Zhongyijing
Copyright: Serge FERRARI Shanghai
Photographer: Miss HUANG Mi