Sinochem Headquarters in Xiong’an is a useful ceramic-shading precedent, not a LOPO supply case. Official reporting describes the 150-metre tower as a “golden reed” beside Baiyangdian and identifies folded glass, shading ceramic rods and photovoltaic components within its layered envelope. The warm vertical rhythm and peony-like crown turn environmental devices into part of the architectural identity.
This review separates published project facts from specification guidance. It does not identify the ceramic manufacturer, profile dimensions, fixing system or measured solar performance; those items are not established by the public sources reviewed.
Start with a source-checked project record
The clearest current account is the official Xiong’an report, which also names China Construction Shenzhen Decoration as the facade works contractor and says the headquarters moved into the building in October 2025. A second report gives an approximate gross floor area of 110,000 square metres. These facts provide context; they are not a substitute for issued project specifications.
| Published identity | Sinochem Headquarters, Start-up Area of Xiong’an New Area |
|---|---|
| Published scale | 150 m high; approximately 110,000 m² gross floor area |
| Envelope record | Folded glass, shading ceramic rods and photovoltaic components are among the reported facade technologies |
| Boundary | No reviewed source attributes the ceramic elements to LOPO or publishes a buildable ceramic-rod schedule |
Translate the reed idea into buildable vertical rhythm
A metaphor becomes useful only when the design team converts it into controlled geometry. For a comparable tower, map facade orientation, floor zones, mullion grid, louver centreline, profile, projection, spacing, rotation and termination. Corners, setbacks, podium transitions and the crown should have named types rather than improvised site solutions.
Repetition magnifies small discrepancies. Set-out information must share one survey datum, and tolerance studies should include structure, unitised curtain wall, secondary steel, brackets and ceramic units. A change in one vertical line may affect several floors, so a coordinated model, zone schedule and revision trail are more valuable than a visually persuasive elevation alone.
Visual intent
Define the important views, rhythm, depth, colour range and permitted variation.
Product schedule
Code each profile, length, finish, hole or insert, orientation and quantity.
Interface model
Coordinate curtain wall, steel, access, lighting, drainage and replacement clearance.
Keep ceramic rods, crown steel and curtain wall distinct
The published project record notes sixteen inclined perimeter columns and a double-curved crown assembled through detailed modelling and segmented installation. That coordination principle transfers to ceramic screens, but the components retain different jobs. The primary frame carries building loads; the curtain wall controls the enclosure; external rods provide the intended visual or shading layer; their supports transfer project-specific actions safely.
Responsible engineers must verify wind, seismic and maintenance loads, deflection, fatigue where relevant, ceramic strength and restraint, connection capacity, movement, corrosion compatibility and safe replacement. Drawings should show where water drains, how fire and smoke-control requirements are maintained, and which trade owns every bracket and interface. A manufacturer’s typical detail cannot approve the complete high-rise load path.
Evidence boundary: the images and public descriptions establish design character, not a tested terracotta assembly. Specify performance through project calculations, samples, mock-ups, tests and signed approvals.
Calculate shading instead of reading it from photographs
The presence of ceramic rods does not establish a particular energy saving. Model each orientation using local weather data, neighbouring obstructions, glass properties, louver profile, spacing, depth and angle. Compare solar gain, useful daylight, glare, outward view and lighting demand across occupied hours. East and west exposures often require special attention to low-angle sun, while other elevations may prioritise continuity or view.
Then test the selected geometry against wind, weight, fabrication limits, cleaning access and cost. A full-size visual mock-up should include glass, seals, framing, supports and representative production ceramic. Review it in direct sun, overcast light and from planned viewing distances. Where performance testing is required, the tested specimen must match the proposed assembly and boundary conditions.
Coordinate lighting, access and interior context
At night, close-spaced vertical elements can produce bright stripes, hard shadows or glare. Lighting studies should include fixture position, beam, colour temperature, dimming scenes, reflection in glass and views from nearby public and residential areas. Provide concealed yet maintainable cable routes and access to drivers and fixtures without unnecessary removal of facade components.
Inside, screen density affects daylight, outlook and the perceived depth of the perimeter. The interior image below is retained because it was part of the source article, but it should not be read as evidence that a particular exterior ceramic product continues indoors. Coordinate ceiling edges, blinds, sprinklers, partitions, perimeter heating or cooling and cleaning access against the same facade grid.
Release a comparable louver package with evidence
- design intent, solar and daylight study, elevations, set-out model and zone schedule;
- profile drawings, colour range, tolerances, control samples and batch traceability;
- supports, anchors, movement joints, enclosure, fire, lightning and maintenance interfaces;
- project-specific engineering, test scope, mock-up criteria and approval responsibilities; and
- packing, lifting, survey, installation, inspection, spares, cleaning and replacement plans.
For current product-family discussions, review Terracotta Baguette profiles and the broader Terracotta Rainscreen approach. Selection still depends on the project’s geometry, exposure, codes and responsible designers.
Develop a project-specific terracotta shading screen
Send the project location, elevations and model, intended shading role, preliminary profile and finish, quantities by zone, support concept, exposure, required tests and programme. LOPO can review ceramic manufacturing feasibility and prepare relevant current samples, drawings and documentation without implying participation in the Sinochem Headquarters project.