Project Location: Nansha District, Guangzhou, China
Project Type: Large‑scale cultural and sports complex (Class‑A diving venue, stadium)
GETO Products: Fair‑face concrete diving structure (cast‑in‑situ) + fair‑face precast grandstand units (precast PC grandstand system), supported by digital production management platform (PC‑MES)
Project Overview
The Guangzhou Nansha Cultural and Sports Complex is a key project in the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area and will host the 15th National Games in 2025. GETO has completed the fair‑face concrete diving structure of Building #4 (Swimming & Diving Hall) as well as the fair‑face precast grandstand units for both the swimming/diving hall and the gymnasium. The swimming & diving hall is China’s first Class‑A diving venue built entirely with fair‑face concrete technology. With the core concepts of “green, low‑carbon and technology‑empowered”, the project adds a world‑class sports landmark to the Greater Bay Area.
Project Characteristics
1. Full fair‑face concrete diving venue – a national first
The main structure of the diving platform was cast in one go using fair‑face concrete, with the natural texture of concrete as the finished surface – no paint, tiles or stone cladding. This approach is both environmentally friendly and aesthetically minimalist. The platform contains multiple gradual curved hyperbolic structures with varying curvatures, placing extremely high demands on formwork detailing, reinforcement layout, concrete mix design and casting.
2. Large‑scale fair‑face precast grandstand units – high precision, fast schedule
A total of 3,809 fair‑face grandstand units (722 for the swimming/diving hall and 3,087 for the gymnasium) were required. These demanded modular design, factory production, millimetre‑level dimensional accuracy, and “zero rework” rapid installation. From the start of production in April 2024 to on‑site completion at the end of September, the project achieved a 40% reduction in construction time compared to conventional methods.
3. High falsework and crack control challenges
The diving platform has a large concrete volume, a height of 15.5 metres, and a complex shape. Setting out was difficult, and the dense reinforcement in the columns made concrete compaction challenging. Heat of hydration caused temperature changes and shrinkage, requiring strict control of casting procedures and curing methods to prevent harmful cracking.
GETO Solution
1. Dual‑technology synergy: cast‑in‑situ + precast fair‑face concrete
- Cast‑in‑situ fair‑face diving platform: The concrete mix was optimised through multiple trials, raw material quality was strictly controlled, and digital modelling (Rhino, Grasshopper) was introduced to generate 3D models. The irregular formwork was divided into standardised units and precision‑machined using CNC equipment, ensuring curved surface smoothness with deviation less than 1 mm. Total stations and laser positioning technology achieved “zero deviation” installation of embedded parts and platform axes.
- Precast fair‑face grandstand units: The PC‑MES production management platform was used for end‑to‑end visual control of raw materials, production processes, and product quality, ensuring “zero defect” delivery. This resulted in a 15% reduction in raw material waste and a 20% reduction in carbon emissions.
2. Intelligent construction and safe support system
- An innovative “cup‑lock scaffold + double‑curved secondary keel” support system was developed, combined with an intelligent monitoring system to track the stability of the falsework in real time, ensuring safety for the 15.5‑metre high‑formwork structure.
- A dedicated construction team was established. Measures such as segmental casting, low‑temperature concrete placement, and curing with film covers were adopted to effectively control cracking risks.
- The diving platform area was equipped with anti‑slip mats, 316 stainless steel handrails, and customised steel stairs, reflecting human‑centred design.
3. Full‑process digital control
GETO’s proprietary PC‑MES platform integrates production management, quality traceability, and intelligent data analytics, providing end‑to‑end lean control from raw material incoming inspection to finished product dispatch. This provided the technical guarantee for “zero rework” rapid installation of the large‑scale precast components.
Project Value
1. Industry benchmark
The project is China’s first Class‑A diving venue using full fair‑face concrete technology and the first sports complex in China to combine large‑scale fair‑face precast grandstand units with cast‑in‑situ fair‑face concrete. Its successful delivery provides a replicable “low‑carbon stadium construction model” for the industry.
2. Green, low‑carbon and efficient construction
- Fair‑face concrete eliminates secondary finishing, saving substantial decorative material and labour costs.
- Factory production and on‑site assembly of precast grandstand units greatly reduce construction waste.
- Raw material waste reduced by 15%, carbon emissions reduced by 20%, construction time shortened by 40% – fully supporting the “Green National Games” concept.
3. Technical accumulation and brand value
With this project, GETO has further consolidated its leading position in large‑scale public buildings, fair‑face concrete structures, and precast grandstand systems. Previously, GETO successfully delivered multiple fair‑face concrete landmarks including Shenzhen Bay Cultural Plaza, Guangzhou Zhenbao Art Museum, Shanghai Qiyi Group (Jiangmen) Photoelectric Industry Park office building, and Maoming Island Cultural Centre. This project once again demonstrates GETO’s comprehensive “technology R&D + intelligent manufacturing + integrated construction” full‑industry‑chain service capability.
Leveraging the strong capabilities and brand influence of a listed company, along with years of experience in global expansion, extensive market coverage, and mature cross-border operational capabilities, GETO has established 12 major production bases worldwide and registered the “GETO®” international trademark in 32 countries and regions. Its products are sold to more than 60 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, Europe, and North America, as well as Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The company consistently adheres to its brand philosophy of “Set industry benchmark, create world-renowned brand,” and insists on the high standard of “benchmark demonstration projects” for every project. By delivering “high-quality” products and services, it provides comprehensive “1+N” system solutions for green, new, intelligent buildings, fully creating value for its customers.