Hubei Jingmen develops prefabricated industry and green and low-carbon construction helps urban renewal
On October 27, 2023, a forum focused on the theme “Towards Green, New, and Future: Enjoying a Healthy Life” took place in Jingmen, Hubei Province. This event highlighted the city’s significant strides in promoting green and low-carbon development in recent years. Jingmen is actively constructing a full industrial chain for wooden structures and is exploring pathways for urban renewal that emphasize sustainability. The goal is to create a leading cluster for green building materials and prefabricated construction across the country.
Jingmen has been recognized as one of the first cities in China to demonstrate prefabricated construction practices. The city has developed the Dongbao District Green Building Industrial Park, which aims to enhance the green building material and home furnishing supply chain. Notable companies like China State Construction Technology, Salema, and others have been attracted to the area, establishing a comprehensive framework for prefabricated construction involving steel, concrete, and wood structures.
At the foot of the beautiful Shenting Mountain Eco-Tourism Area in Dongbao District, a collection of European-style white “wood cabins” can be found. This is part of the “Cultural Tourism Green Island” project at Shenting Mountain. Inside, visitors can find a tea room, restaurant, café, and accommodations, all designed to integrate with the surrounding natural environment, featuring courtyards, ponds, landscaping, and a stage—all constructed using wooden materials.
“All the buildings here are made with green prefabricated materials,” explains Wu Pan, the product design director for Hubei Salema Construction Technology Co. He noted that traditional construction is complex and involves numerous on-site operations, while prefabricated buildings are manufactured in a factory and then assembled on-site, resulting in a more industrialized, standardized, and streamlined process.
In Jingmen’s High-Tech Zone, the Guanyan Lake Wood Cabin Scenic Street has recently become a popular spot for locals. This unique commercial street aims to cater to the needs of employees from nearby lithium battery companies by providing a variety of services. It features diverse food options, supermarkets, and ample facilities, including parking and charging stations.
Local resident Li Jianjun expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This scenic street is fantastic! There wasn’t much to do in the area before, but now we can enjoy various delicacies and even engage in activities like singing and playing billiards. It truly enhances our leisure options.” The addition of Guanyan Lake Wood Cabin Scenic Street not only benefits nearby employees but also injects new vitality into the blended development of the lithium battery industry in Jingmen’s High-Tech Zone.
Similar to Guanyan Lake, the Zhongtian Street Urban Renewal “Commercial Green Island” project in Jingmen’s city center also incorporates wooden structures. According to officials from the Jingmen Housing and Urban Renewal Bureau, wooden structures offer more dynamic designs, effectively addressing outdated commercial formats and models. They are also low-carbon, helping to reduce construction and transportation costs while being recyclable and easy to maintain in the long run.