China Trade Museum In YiWu | GRC Cladding

The China Commodity Museum in Yiwu, a new iconic structure, takes the shape of an open "giant stone." Designed by TJAD Atelier L+ and featuring GRC façade claddings, based on AALBORG WHITE cement, manufactured by Shanghai Tongchuang New Material. After several years of construction, it was finally completed and opened to the public in 2022.

This project comprises two main components: the China Commodity Museum and the Yiwu Art Museum, with a combined floor area of 62,310 square meters. Out of this, 44,165 square meters are situated above ground, while the rest is seamlessly integrated into the underground space.

The architectural layout was thoughtfully designed to reflect principles of environmental thermodynamics. By analysing the wind patterns and landscape of the site, a hexagonal shape was chosen. The museum is positioned in the northwest corner of the site, while the art museum occupies the southeast corner. Both structures, resembling open giant stones, align with the prevailing urban wind direction, enhancing natural ventilation and optimizing airflow within the buildings.

The first floor of the building features a steel-reinforced concrete arch structure, offering column-free, flexible exhibition spaces to accommodate the evolving needs of the museum. These spacious arches create impressive semi-outdoor areas and effectively enhance ventilation on the ground level.

The building façade was made of GRC panels. The panels are assembled in a staggered pattern with a gradient of light-yellow color, covering an area of nearly 18,000 square meters. The use of 30mm thick concrete façade claddings add to the building's regional charm and historical significance. The claddings are designed to open gradually in response to wind direction and ventilation requirements, forming a graceful architectural texture resembling the flow of silk.