A new global headquarters for battery manufacturer KDL integrates R&D, workspaces, hospitality and collective environments through a series of inhabitable portal spaces

Architect Ole Scheeren and his practice Büro Ole Scheeren have unveiled KDL PORTAL, the new global headquarters for KeDaLi Industries (KDL) currently under construction in Shenzhen, China. Rising 120 metres and spanning 36,380 sqm, the project is conceived as a compact vertical campus integrating offices, research facilities, short-stay apartments, a lecture hall and a corporate gallery.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_01
KDL PORTAL is reflected by Luhu Lake and engages with nature

Located beside a reservoir park in Shenzhen’s Longhua District, KDL PORTAL is positioned within one of the city’s emerging business clusters. The project aims to establish a distinctive architectural identity for both the company and the rapidly developing district. Founded in 1996, KDL is a global leader in precision structural components for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. The company has recently expanded into robotics, reinforcing its position within China's advanced manufacturing sector.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_02 KDL PORTAL sits between park and city skyline, forming a clear presence.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_03 Portal Spaces extend outward across multiple levels

Portal Spaces as Urban Connectors

The defining feature of the project is a series of large inhabitable "Portal Spaces" that project from the tower’s stacked volumes. These curvilinear openings establish visual and spatial connections between the city and the adjacent landscape. More than architectural gestures, the portals function as collaborative workspaces, social environments and alternative workplace settings. Portals facing the urban plaza accommodate informal meetings, workshops and collaborative activities, while those overlooking the lake incorporate stepped platforms and circulation spaces designed to encourage interaction and spontaneous encounters.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_06
Building is situated on beautiful Luhu Lake with expansive
views to greenery and water.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_04 Portals and stacked volumes are illuminated at night, forming a lakeside landmark.

Rethinking the Headquarters Tower

KDL PORTAL departs from the conventional central-core office tower typology. By relocating services and vertical circulation to one side of the building, the design creates large flexible floorplates with direct access to the portal environments. Transparent glass façades maximise daylight and panoramic views, while landscaped terraces and interior greenery provide a healthy environment for employees, researchers and international visitors.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_08
The architecture is defined by a distinctive sculptural presence.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_05
Multi-level façade openings reveal Portal Spaces within.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_07
Portals across different levels broadcast activities of the
building to the public realm.

Architecture for Innovation

According to Ole Scheeren, the project is conceived as a vertical ecosystem where research, production intelligence and everyday life are brought together within an integrated urban experience. Rather than functioning as a singular corporate object, the building creates opportunities for openness, exchange and collective engagement. Scheduled for completion in 2027, KDL PORTAL is expected to become a significant architectural landmark for one of the most strategically important companies in the global battery industry and a symbol of Shenzhen’s continuing transformation as a centre for innovation and advanced manufacturing.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_11
Portal Space: Stepped seating with panoramic views allows
for collective events and casual meetings.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_10 Portal Space: A three-dimensional stair network promotes connectivity and exchange.

KDL PORTAL by Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS_09
KDL Portal stands by the water at night.

About Büro Ole Scheeren

Büro Ole Scheeren is an international architecture and urban design practice with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, London and Berlin. The studio has completed more than one million square metres of projects worldwide and continues to develop major architectural and urban initiatives across multiple continents.