People's Architecture Office (PAO) has renovated the Positive Energy House in Shenzhen, China.

The Positive Energy House is inspired by nature's resilience and rejuvenation. Serving as a net-positive energy building, this dwelling not only diminishes its environmental impact but actively contributes to regeneration by producing surplus energy.

The design, a transformation of an existing property, showcases how older buildings can be revamped for peak efficiency without starting from scratch.

Renovating existing properties aligns with environmental sustainability principles, contrasting with the resource-intensive process of demolition and reconstruction.

"Our renovation strategy involved adding two additional layers to the existing structure," said PAO.

As a result, during moderately severe weather, the atrium can be sealed and mechanically ventilated to cool the house efficiently, reserving the need for air conditioning for most extreme weather conditions.

This project has been shortlisted in the residential project category of Dezeen Awards China 2024.

Studio: People's Architecture Office (PAO)
Project: Positive Energy House
Credits: Principals: He Zhe, James Shen, Zang Feng, Xu Jiaqi, Wang Chengchen, Yuan Yingzi, Anouchka van Driel, Lin Mingkai, Zhang Meng, Yang Quanyue, Hou Yingqi, Huang Jia, Xie Ruoying, Liu Su, Beijing Shouan Architectural Structure Studio, Beijing Institute of Residential Building Design & Research, Guangzhou Ruihua Architectural Design Institute, Shenzhen SEG Longyan Energy Technology, and Shenzhen Bosheng Industrial