▲ Entrance
This residential project belongs to an artist who wanted to transform the building into a livable studio. The goal was to ensure that artistic creation and family life could coexist without interference.
The original building remains the living space, while the underground section of the courtyard has been converted into a spacious, independent, and flexible art studio. Meanwhile, the above-ground courtyard continues to serve as a landscaped area for outdoor family activities.
▲ Design Analysis
The residence is divided into two distinct spatial systems: above-ground and underground. Each offers a unique atmosphere, yet they maintain a vertical connection, creating two parallel but interconnected worlds.
▲ Model Visualization
The above-ground courtyard functions as the family’s daily living space. The underground studio’s roof acts as a landscaped family garden, planted abundantly to create a relaxing environment. This setting helps children connect with and appreciate nature, integrating it closely with everyday life.
▲ Ground Courtyard
▲ Steel Staircase on the First Floor
The underground space serves as the artist’s studio. Despite being below ground, two large sunken courtyards at either end provide ample natural light and ventilation. This design creates two serene, independent spiritual spaces that seamlessly connect interior and exterior. The lighting transitions gradually from bright to dim and back, with minimal landscaping limited to water and bamboo. This calm, almost suspended atmosphere offers a profound and quiet environment for creative reflection.
▲ Sunken Courtyard
▲ Ramp
▲ Connection Between Sunken Courtyard and First Floor
▲ Sunken Courtyard
▲ Studio
▲ Studio Glass Skylight
A new concept of home emerges through the two parallel worlds above and below ground. The above-ground courtyard is enveloped with soft solid wood and translucent perforated aluminum panels, complemented by a semi-outdoor terrace filled with lush greenery, creating a cozy atmosphere. In contrast, the underground space is finished with plain concrete, offering a strong, calm exterior that reflects profound independence and spiritual freedom, untouched by the outside world.
▲ Sunken Courtyard
Project Drawings
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Underground Floor Plan
▲ Roof Plan
▲ East Elevation View
▲ West Elevation View
▲ South Elevation View
▲ North Elevation View
▲ Section 2-2
▲ Section 4-4
Project Information
Project Name: Two Institutes
Location: Beijing, China
Completion Year: 2018
Architectural Firm: TAOA Tao Lei Architecture
Company Website: __AI_ST_URL_0__
Email: [email protected]
Lead Architect: Tao Lei
Design Team: Tao Lei, Chen Zhen, Kang Bozhou, Li Jing, Zhang Jinghong
Structural Engineering: Li Ge’s Team
Landscape Design: TAOA Tao Lei Architecture
Interior Design: TAOA Tao Lei Architecture
Construction Management: Sheng Changwei Team
Architectural Photography: Tao Lei
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