Frontal view of a silo building with vertically structured cylindrical chambers, continuous window fields and a clearly articulated base zone.

Conversion of the Jinyu Xingfa Science Park Silos Beijing

Exterior view of a revitalised silo building with elevated volumes, vertical façade openings and adjacent circulation routes within the campus.

Living in the former cement storage towers

The 18 silos define the appearance of the Jinyu Xingfa Science Park in Beijing, developed from a former cement plant. Today, they form one of the most prominent landmarks of the new science campus. Their conversion into living spaces for international research teams brings residential life directly into the industrial fabric. Their presence, height, original materiality, and alignment along the historical north–south axis create a residential cluster with a distinct identity.

At a Glance

Part of the transformation project of a former cement factory into the Jinyu Xingfa Science Park

Conversion of the 18 cement silos as the tallest and longest built structure within the industrial heritage

Reactivation of industrial infrastructure as high‑quality living and communal space for research teams

“New within the old” additional levels inserted into the existing structure and a transverse building linking the silos enable the new use

From production facility to living environment

The silos once served as central utility structures of the Jingy Xingfa cement plant. Today, within the overall area of the new science campus, they accommodate a residential cluster for researchers, professors, and international experts. Below the massive cylinders, a public base level has been created with lounge areas, cafés, shops, and conference rooms, activating the campus. Levels two to five contain apartments or living spaces for the researchers.

New levels restructure the existing building

The conversion follows the principle of extending the existing volume. Two additional floor slabs were inserted inside the former cement silos, allowing the spatial volume to be organised three‑dimensionally and used optimally. Above the plinth zone, a newly added transverse block connects all cylinders horizontally on one level, enabling continuous circulation and a coherent residential arrangement.

Architecture between rawness and transparency

The silos retain their distinctive raw exterior and are complemented by new elements such as transparent glazed surfaces, lightweight circulation structures, and bright interior spaces. The combination of visible history and contemporary usability creates a dialogue that strengthens the character of the place and shapes the atmosphere of the residential areas. The vertical organisation mediates between public zones on the ground floor and the private spaces above.

Anchor-Point along the historic axis

Located along the former north–south railway axis, the silos form a striking point of orientation on the campus. Their presence shapes sightlines and transitions between residential, research, and communal areas. As industrial heritage that has been visibly carried forward into the future, they make a significant contribution to the identity of the entire site.

Project Profile

Project: Conversion Silos Jinyu Xingfa Science Park
Location: Beijing
Client: Beijing Jinyu Xingfa Science Co., Ltd
Partners: Beijing Institute of Architecture Design (BIAD)
Completion: 2024

Historic exterior view of an industrial silo building featuring exposed steel structures, attached elements and an unpaved foreground area.

Angled view of an industrial silo complex with continuous cylindrical chambers, exposed load-bearing structures and surrounding construction area.

Wide-angle view of a large-scale silo building featuring a continuous window axis, an added rooftop structure and extensive landscaped space in front.

Die Silos sind Teil des neu entwickelten Jinyu Xingfa Science Park, einem 36 Hektar großen Campus aus Forschung, Wohnen, Freizeit und Landschaft. Mehr dazu erfahren, wie aus einem ehemaligen Zementwerk ein vernetzter Wissenschaftsstandort wurde? Zum Gesamtprojekt: Jinyu Xingfa Science Park

Aerial view of a large science and industrial campus featuring laboratory buildings, production zones, landscaped corridors and surrounding infrastructure.