There are challenging journeys, yet the same stars shine everywhere.
This garden, however, is right outside my window.
——Carver’s Garden
△ Click to watch the video: ‘Extreme Renovation of Beijing Old Factory Building’
△ Front facade before renovation ©️ QUCESS DESIGN
Xueqing Road Station is situated at the heart of Zhongguancun, within two kilometers of Tsinghua North University. This hub for Internet companies has seen most old industrial factory buildings demolished and replaced, with the Mechanical and Electrical Research Institute standing as one of the few remaining structures.
△ Interior photos before renovation ©️ QUCESS DESIGN
The main challenge lies in accommodating emerging Internet and tech companies. They require maximum office space alongside ample ventilation and natural lighting, all within an environment that supports a high-quality, vibrant spatial atmosphere.
△ Exterior view after renovation ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
While the owner’s main focus was on interior renovation, we expanded our vision beyond the project boundaries. Considering the entrance location, we divided the factory into four circular sections, seamlessly integrating each with the surrounding environment.
One
Free Garden
Faced with the demands of emerging high-tech internet clients, and constrained by a limited budget and a basic structural framework, the question was how to maximize office space while maintaining excellent ventilation, natural lighting, and a dynamic, high-quality atmosphere.
△ Axis measurement analysis diagram
Looking beyond the project—including the factory’s surroundings, the structural space beneath the roof, and the existing ground level—we divided the building into four circular parts around the entrance. This design maximizes space height and utilizes the roof’s potential while ensuring safety.
△ Architectural courtyard garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ Architectural courtyard garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
“Our hope is for every office space to be surrounded by a garden, allowing Internet company staff to unwind by looking out the window after work, or stepping directly into the garden to enjoy sunshine and nature.”
Rotating staircase within the space ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Two
Looking Up at the Skylight
Rotating staircase within the space ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ Architectural courtyard garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Upon entering, visitors encounter an expanded and renovated skylight that guides light along the path. This skylight connects directly to the courtyard, filling the garden with natural sunlight.
△ Architectural courtyard garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
As evening falls, warm lighting complements the skylight, highlighting the starry sky above. The atrium retains some original skylights from the factory’s past, allowing users to experience the site’s unique history.
Access to a semi-underground space via escalator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ Open sightseeing elevator paired with revolving pedestrian elevator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Three
Spatial Dynamics
Access to a semi-underground space via escalator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Rotating staircase within the space ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Given the project’s elongated east-west layout, two distinct spiral staircases were designed within the atrium to organize pedestrian flow and enliven the spatial atmosphere.
△ Open sightseeing elevator paired with revolving pedestrian elevator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ Open sightseeing elevator paired with revolving pedestrian elevator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
At the courtyard’s end, internal lighting illuminates the glass bricks surrounding the cargo elevator, creating an inviting atmosphere.
△ Open sightseeing elevator paired with revolving pedestrian elevator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Adjacent to the spiral staircase, two open sightseeing elevators and pedestrian elevators complement each other. Brightly colored painted steel frames create a visual focal point within the atrium, forming a central transportation hub. The artistic spiral staircase contrasts with the industrial elevators, infusing the space with energy and excitement.
△ Open sightseeing elevator paired with revolving pedestrian elevator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ Open sightseeing elevator paired with revolving pedestrian elevator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
In the afternoon sunlight, the contrast of old and new elements produces captivating light and shadow effects.
△ New and old materials blend in the space ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ New and old materials blend in the space ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Four
Starry Garden
To meet parking demands, the design team excavated below the original ground level to create a semi-underground parking garage. The sunken courtyard garden extends outward to this garage, providing a unique parking experience.
△ Facade analysis diagram
Access to a semi-underground space via escalator ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
To maximize rooftop usage, the roof accommodates nearly all mechanical and electrical equipment. Taking advantage of this, two distinct rooftop gardens—designed for leisure and gatherings—were integrated into the original building’s sloped roof.
△ Aerial view of the building roof ©️ Nebula Picture
△ Roof garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
The garden’s center features solar-powered luminous seats and artistic installations inspired by leaves and feathers, creating an inspiring atmosphere for visitors during nighttime walks.
△ Roof garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
△ Roof garden ©️ YAN PHOTOSTUDIO
Our vision extends beyond providing a garden and starry sky outside users’ windows; we aim for the surrounding buildings and occupants to feel connected to this garden and the night sky.
Ensuring the safety of the existing building and structure has been the project’s core focus. Maximizing the use of existing conditions was key to achieving cost-effective construction.
We express our sincere gratitude to China Academy of Building Research Co., Ltd. for their crucial support and assistance. This project presented numerous challenges, but with full backing from the owner and cooperation from the construction team, it was successfully realized.
Project Information
Project Name: Zhongguancun Digital Economy Innovation Industry Base
Design Company: QUCESS Stone Cleaning Design
Website: www.qucess.com
Lead Designer: Li Yiming
Design Team: Li Jianchuan, Wang Lei, Wang Xueli, Zhao Zhiwei, Mu Yu, Zhang Zhihao
Detailing Team: Ji Shichao, Li Liang, Xu Yu, Zhang Jianpeng
Soft Decoration Team: Hu Kun, Li Tingting, Luo Yun
Structural Consultant: China Academy of Building Research Co., Ltd.
Design Period: May 2019
Completion Date: May 2020
Project Area: 21,565 square meters
Main Materials: Terrazzo, glass bricks, woven steel mesh
Photography: Zheng Yan
Branding Team: Li Yuhan, Cha Brand Strategy Agency
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