China’s WeBank completes its wellness-centered HQ in Shenzhen
WeBank, China’s first digital-only bank, has completed its new headquarters in Shenzhen, the country’s third most populous city.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), WeBank’s 30-story HQ offers a wellness-centered workplace. The tower features staggered floor plates and double-height openings that promote airflow and daylight.
The expansive open-plan offices have direct access to outdoor terraces and natural light. At more than 4,000 square meters (about 43,056 sf), the large floor plates enable flexible configurations, while multi-level indoor atria support connectivity among departments.
The building’s ventilation system uses both operable facades and the stack-effect atria to draw fresh air into the building. As air moves into the tower, it passes through landscaped terraces planted with native species, helping to filter pollutants. Environmental sensors monitor the outdoor air quality and temperature, so that the building activates natural ventilation only under optimal conditions.
“WeBank’s headquarters introduces a new paradigm for workplace design—where nature-based strategies and advanced technology come together to create a healthy, high-performance environment,” Scott Duncan, SOM Partner, said in a statement. “The architecture mirrors the bank’s mission, fostering connection through open-air terraces, shared atria, and digitally integrated workspaces.”
The building’s leisure- and wellness-focused amenities include a basketball court, gym, outdoor pool, cafeteria, and auditorium. In addition to providing space for relaxation, the rooftop’s landscaped garden captures rainwater for irrigation and manages stormwater runoff. The roof can support solar integration.
Certified LEED Platinum, the tower incorporates both passive and active environmental strategies geared to Shenzhen’s subtropical climate. Solar-responsive facades filter glare and reduce heat gain, while overhangs and recessed balconies cut solar radiation by over 50 percent. This design lowers cooling demands and creates a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
On the building team: WeBank (owner); Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) (design architect, MEP engineer, and structural engineer); Huasen Architectural & Engineering Designing Consultants Ltd. (architect of record); China Construction First Group Corporation Ltd. (general contractor).
