Wulin Star: Where Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

Historic Hangzhou factory transformed into a dynamic cultural landmark

Wulin Star stands as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse, where history and the future converge within the walls of Hangzhou’s former Oxygen Plant Complex. The ZPDI Design Team approached the project with a philosophy that honors the past while embracing contemporary needs, ensuring the original spatial character and intricate details of the factory buildings remain intact. This careful preservation is paired with bold new interventions, such as large corrugated aluminum revolving doors and expansive LED folding screens, creating a dialogue between old and new that defines the space’s unique identity.

Central to the renovation is the integration of industrial elements and advanced technology. The exhibition hall features an 8.5-meter-high revolving door, notable for its trackless design and dual electric-manual operation, allowing for seamless 360-degree rotation. Each door, weighing approximately two tons, is engineered with a robust steel column and upper circular track, ensuring both stability and flexibility. In Building 4, a nine-ton folding screen is suspended from an upper steel truss, eliminating the need for ground tracks and preserving the integrity of the original factory foundation through innovative cantilevered support.

The transformation of these spaces extends beyond technical prowess. Wulin Star’s design fosters public engagement, positioning the venue as a platform for cultural exchange and aesthetic education. The open, accessible nature of the Expo Center encourages community participation, enhancing the social value of the site and fulfilling the designers’ vision of a “cultural living room” for Hangzhou’s citizens. This approach not only preserves architectural heritage but also breathes new life into the city’s cultural landscape.

With a total area exceeding 9,600 square meters, the project exemplifies sustainable design by repurposing existing structures and integrating modern amenities without compromising historical authenticity. The Expo Center’s role as a model for industrial heritage protection and urban renewal has set a new benchmark for similar projects in Hangzhou and beyond. Its completion in November 2024 marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing journey toward internationalization and cultural enrichment.

Recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in 2025, Wulin Star is celebrated for its technical excellence, artistic innovation, and positive community impact. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform idle industrial spaces into dynamic, multifunctional environments that inspire wonder and foster dialogue between generations.

The Wulin Star Expo Center not only preserves the memory of Hangzhou’s industrial past but also shapes its cultural future, serving as a bridge between eras and a beacon of creative possibility for the city and its people.