Save
Projects Commercial Offices Beijing Sundate Office Sustainability

Sustainability Report

A transformable renovation focused on reuse, light, and everyday adaptability by milanesi | paiusco

Embodied carbon

Low Carbon

The project demonstrates moderate embodied carbon reduction, primarily through:

  • Retention of existing structure (primary strategy)
  • Reuse of mechanical systems where functional
  • Minimal demolition, reducing waste and new material demand
  • Preservation of industrial elements (ceilings, columns, brickwork)
  • Use of recyclable materials (e.g., wood panels)
  • Material repurposing:
    • Leftover bar counter materials reused to produce small tables
  • Light-touch renovation approach instead of full reconstruction

These strategies align with adaptive reuse and material conservation principles, which significantly reduce embodied emissions compared to new-build projects.

Operational Emissions / Energy

Efficient

Operational carbon reduction is addressed passively and modestly:

  • Maximizing natural daylight via large façade openings
  • Transparent partitions (glass) to extend light penetration
  • Retention of existing systems (avoiding new high-energy installations)
  • Spatial organization improving usability rather than energy systems

Service and maintenance emissions

Efficient

The project incorporates practical low-impact maintenance approaches:

  • Durable material palette (concrete, brick, wood)
  • Exposed services and structure, reducing need for replacement finishes
  • Simple construction systems, easier to repair
  • Organized equipment storage, improving lifespan of technical tools
  • Avoidance of overly complex systems that require frequent servicing

Afterlife

Adaptive Reuse and Flexible Design Considerations

Yes, adaptive reuse is a core strategy in the project

  • Industrial building reused within the existing structural framework
  • Spatial reorganization instead of rebuilding
  • Existing facade and structural identity maintainedz

Highly flexible interior planning:

  • Movable curtains as partitions
  • Multi-functional spaces
  • Dedicated but adaptable content production floor
  • Spaces supporting different uses (work, childcare, filming, meetings)
Disassemblable Elements for Circular Economy
  • Reuse of existing building elements
  • Repurposing leftover materials
  • Use of recyclable wood panels
  • Soft partitions (curtains) → easily removable
  • Loose furniture and modular elements
  • No explicit design for the disassembly system or no mechanical fixing strategies