Zaha-Style GRC Shape Construction Challenges Explained: Qinglong's 28 Years of Experience Solving Irregular Architecture

Behind the ultimate sculptural forms lies a dual test of construction precision and material performance. Zaha-style GRC shapes, with their bold curves and complex double-curved surfaces, have become an artistic benchmark in the architectural world—yet they also pose numerous construction challenges. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP, Qinglong Group, drawing on the professional experience gained from participating in drafting the Technical Standard for Architectural Application of Glass Fibre Reinforced Cement (GRC), has accumulated hands-on experience in solving construction challenges through multiple Zaha-style projects such as the Wuhan Hanxiu Theater and the Guangxi New Media Center.

#Double-Curved Surface Forming Control: A Dual Challenge of Materials and Molds The core difficulty of Zaha-style GRC shapes lies in their non-repeating double-curved forms, which traditional molds struggle to replicate accurately. To address this, Qinglong Group adopted customized polyurethane mold technology combined with BIM 3D modeling data, keeping the deviation between molds and design shapes within ±2mm. At the same time, the GRC material formulation was optimized by using high-grade alkali-resistant glass fibers compounded with specialty cement, improving the material's flexural strength and toughness and preventing cracking and deformation during curved surface forming.

#High-Altitude Installation and Positioning: Coordinated Control of Precision and Safety Zaha-style GRC components are mostly large-sized special-shaped pieces, and positioning accuracy during high-altitude installation directly affects the overall shape effect. The Qinglong team adopted 3D laser scanning positioning technology to capture installation node data in real time and adjust installation angles through the BIM collaboration platform. In the Guangxi New Media Center project, facing an 11,500-square-meter double-curved facade with no identical panels, modular installation and a temporary support system achieved precise joining of components, ensuring construction safety and shape integrity.

#Durability Assurance: Performance Persistence in Extreme Environments Zaha-style GRC shapes are often applied to the facades of landmark buildings. With long-term exposure to natural environments, weather resistance becomes critical. Leveraging the technical strength of its provincial-level R&D center, Qinglong Group added anti-freeze and anti-UV additives to the materials, and testing shows that the products' 20-year strength decay rate is below 5%. At the same time, the component joint treatment process was optimized with elastic sealing materials, effectively resisting rainwater penetration and demonstrating outstanding durability in projects in high-temperature, high-humidity regions such as Hainan and Nanning.

The construction of Zaha-style GRC shapes is a comprehensive contest of technology, experience, and innovation. With full-chain service capabilities—from detailed design and customized molds to installation and maintenance—Qinglong Group provides professional solutions for every stage. Going forward, Qinglong will continue to empower special-shaped buildings through technological innovation, bringing more Zaha-style artistic forms to perfect realization in cities and fulfilling its corporate mission of "Creating Beautiful Architecture."