Green Island reimagines Jialuo 110kV Power Station in Shanghai

 

The Jialuo 110kV Power Substation in Juyuan New District, Jiading, Shanghai, has been reimagined by Ten Studio as Green Island, a project that integrates infrastructure, ecology, and public space. The design introduces a double-skin facade system that allows the utility building to function as both an energy generator and a civic amenity.

 

On the south and east facades, photovoltaic panels are installed to capture solar energy. Several of these panels are mechanically operable, adjusting their angle according to the season. During winter, they remain vertical to optimize solar gain, while in summer, they tilt open, creating shaded and rain-protected pedestrian areas. The north and west facades, which face residential zones, employ perforated aluminum cladding with built-in planting troughs. These elements form seasonal green walls that contribute to the building’s ecological performance while softening its visual impact.

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
aerial view | all images courtesy of Ten Studio

 

 

Ten Studio’s Green Island Substation acts as an Urban Park

 

The project extends beyond the building envelope to address its urban context. The southern facade projects outward, shielding the site from traffic along Jialuo Road and generating a linear street park. This park connects adjacent residential neighborhoods, a community plaza, and a kindergarten. Additional features include gabion walls with integrated seating, an inner courtyard, and landscaped edges, which transform the substation perimeter into accessible and safe public areas.

 

Materially, the design combines silver steel framing, aluminum alloy planters, metal mesh, and gabion stone walls to balance durability with ecological integration. More than 120% of the building’s roof area is covered by photovoltaic surfaces, paired with extensive planting systems to enhance environmental performance. Through the integration of renewable energy production, seasonal planting, and public programming, Green Island redefines the role of the substation within the city. Rather than remaining an isolated utility, the project by Ten Studio architectural practice operates as a functional, community-oriented, and ecologically active element of urban infrastructure.

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
street corner plaza | daytime

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
breathing & energy stored wall

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
street corner plaza

 

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
street linear open space | daytime

 

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
vehicular entrance and exit

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
internal vehicular road

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
growing wall

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
street corner plaza | nighttime

double-skin facade with solar panels and green walls reimagines shanghai power substation
street linear open space | nighttime

 

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design concept | wall

design concept | wall

urban framework

urban framework

project info:

 

name: Green Island | Jialuo 110kV Power Substation

architect: Ten Studio
design team: Xudong Zhu, Xingyu He, Yiqiu Wu, Jie Han
location: Shanghai, China

area: 1,012 sqm
client: State Grid Shanghai Electric Power Company Jiading Power Supply Company

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom