Reinventing traditional Chinese architecture. Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research
04/09/2021.
[Beijing] China
metalocus, ANTONIO PLATO
metalocus, ANTONIO PLATO
The architectural studio ROOI Design and Research has rehabilitated flat T101, built in the 1950s, this three-story post-war building witnessed history and was now in decline.
Originally designed to be a family dormitory, the architectural style it presents is a typical brick and concrete structure with an interior space of 50 m² per flat. These interior spaces share the same layout, dictated by the conditions of the time, representing the standard post-war Chinese flat.
Originally designed to be a family dormitory, the architectural style it presents is a typical brick and concrete structure with an interior space of 50 m² per flat. These interior spaces share the same layout, dictated by the conditions of the time, representing the standard post-war Chinese flat.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Floor plan. Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research.
Axonometry. Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research.
Axonometry. Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research.
Previous state. Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research.
The core of the project carried out by ROOI Design and Research was to find a way to adjust the old collective residence to today's modern life, preserving its former structure and recovering the degraded green areas.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
In this way, he got rid of all unnecessary elements, tore down the old wall in the center, broke the old grid pattern, and designed a flat that could fulfill different functions in a relatively open space, with multi-purpose spaces and space for guests.
Post-war Apartment T101 by ROOI Design and Research. Photograph by Weiqi Jin.
Description of project by ROOI Design and Research
Chinese homes have changed dramatically in size, scope, and design in the past few decades; conducted by ROOI Design and Research firm, Apartment T101 is one example of an outstanding Chinese renovation project.
Initially designed to be a family dormitory for a research institution, the architectural style of the building is a typical brick-concrete structure with an interior space of 50 square meters per household. The interior spaces share the same layout, dictated by the conditions at that time, where China was still recovering from years of conflict and faced an influx of people coming to cities. There was no living room, no dining room, or shower in each household. This type of layout represents the standard post-war Chinese apartment.
Built in 1950s, this three-story post-war building witnessed history and was set to decline inevitably. In this case, the facility failed to adapt to the new nearby era despite its favorable price advantage. Therefore, this project's core was to find a way to adjust the old collective residence into modern city life and retain its previous structure, recovering the degraded green areas.
Therefore, the architect had to create a pattern with a bedroom, a living room, a dining room, and a toilet to make the apartment more private, functional, and livable.
As for Beijing, the cost of tearing down old buildings is prohibitive. Therefore, the architect and owners reached a consensus that upgrading might be an ideal solution. So they decided to experiment with creative ideas and chose to renovate one household within the building.
The architect believes that diversification and personalization are the future for small apartments in the city. Otherwise, everything will exist in a neutral and lifeless form.
Therefore, he first got rid of all unnecessary elements, demolished the old wall in the middle, broke the old grid pattern, and designed an apartment that can achieve different functions in a relatively open space.
He created an area intended for receiving guests, working from home, reading, or even practicing an indoor sport activity, which can be truly useful during these pandemic times.
The north-oriented wooden room is both a reception tea room and a temporary guest room. It contrasts with the dominant white tone and adds warmth to the house. Above the wooden enclosure, we can find a large storage facility for outdoor sports equipment and other bulky stuff.
This project is a small corner of the vast Chinese interior renovation industry. In fact, most apartments and residential interior decoration in China have more freedom than Western countries; with this in mind, The ROOI Design and Research firm proved that Chinese homes can be as diverse as possible.
More information
Architects
Collaborators
Chief Designer.- Zuoqian Wang, Dan He. Project Manager.- Jiaji Shen.
Area
50 sqm.
Dates
June 2020.
Location
China Building material Academy, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
Photography
Weiqi Jin.
Zuoqian Wang, Dan He, Jiaji Shen. ROOI Design and Research
ROOI Design & Research is an architectural and interior design firm dedicated to empowering clients and designers to create unique buildings and interior spaces. ROOI was founded in 2018 to meet the needs of clients worldwide through its diverse team of designers, architects and artists. ROOI's vision is to create living environments that positively influence people's lives.
ROOI employs an innovative approach to modern and sustainable living environments. Lead Designer Zuoqian Wang and his partners, Dan He and Jiaji Shen, who recognize that design concepts are inherently connected to the surrounding environment and culture. By designing architectural spaces that inspire and invigorate, ROOI builds environments that connect and transcend.
ROOI employs an innovative approach to modern and sustainable living environments. Lead Designer Zuoqian Wang and his partners, Dan He and Jiaji Shen, who recognize that design concepts are inherently connected to the surrounding environment and culture. By designing architectural spaces that inspire and invigorate, ROOI builds environments that connect and transcend.
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