This project is situated within the Houhu Art Park in Changsha, Hunan Province. Originally, the building was a three-story residential structure made of brick and concrete. Its main framework employed the lime mortar hollow bucket masonry technique, lacking any ring beams or structural columns, which resulted in weak structural stability. Due to park management restrictions, demolition and reconstruction were prohibited; only renovation of the existing building was allowed. The owner’s goal was to transform the building into a design office with a distinctive exterior through renovation.
One of the main challenges was how to add a two-story office on top of this relatively fragile brick and concrete structure. To avoid compromising the original building, a load-bearing framework spanning three or four floors was introduced, effectively enveloping the existing one- or two-story brick and concrete structure. This “nesting doll” structural reinforcement integrates the new framework with the old, ensuring the safety and stability of both, while maximizing design flexibility to redefine the building’s exterior.
Another significant issue was the building’s location amidst dense residential blocks, with only a small corner visible from the nearby public square. The other façades were obscured, making it hard for customers to notice or identify the building. To break this visual confinement, the main staircase was relocated from the interior to the exterior corner facing the square. Painted a vibrant yellow, it creates a clear and striking focal point to attract attention.
Functionally, the building’s first floor hosts a home decoration display area and a coffee bar. The second floor is dedicated to craft sample displays and meeting rooms. The third floor serves as the design office, while the fourth floor accommodates conference rooms and partner offices. The fourth floor’s layout is designed to evolve alongside client interactions. The yellow staircase connects all floors, running between the old and new façades, both inside and out, creating a unique spatial journey that fosters interaction and visibility from multiple perspectives.
Surrounded by lush greenery and several large trees, the relationship between the building and its natural environment was a key design consideration from the outset. The design encourages positive interactions with nature at various levels: employees can enjoy discussions and coffee beneath the trees on the ground floor; the second-floor leisure terrace allows direct contact with tree trunks and bark textures; and the third-floor office area includes a relaxation space near the trees. From this vantage point, during breaks, occupants can observe the gentle movements of leaves through expansive windows, experiencing a calming atmosphere that eases work-induced fatigue. Each morning, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dynamic shadows inside and creating a serene light and shadow performance on the façade.
In today’s era of social media and influencer culture, every commercial building strives to become a visual icon. However, this ambition often clashes with rational architectural principles. This project aims to establish a unique visual identity without compromising the core architectural analysis and problem-solving. The goal is for the building to offer more than just a social media spectacle—it should provide authentic spatial experiences, creating refined and comfortable environments for both visitors and employees. This project serves as a thoughtful reflection on balancing visual impact with practical and spatial quality.
Project Drawings
△ Sketch
△ Model Diagram
△ Location Diagram
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Structural Detail Drawing
Project Information
Architectural Design: Zhixing Architectural Firm
Area: 966 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographers: Chen Yuanxiang, Wang Xin
Manufacturers: Wanxing Ceramic Tiles, Foshan Nanhai Wanlei Architectural Coatings Co., Ltd., Foshan Kenggu Doors and Windows Co., Ltd., Hunan Naimei Flooring Engineering Co., Ltd.
Lead Architects: Chen Kai, Zhou Ziqiao
Design Team: Zhou Yili
Structural Design: Zhao Xiaolei
Interior Design: Changsha Yuanchang Creating Space Design Agency, Huang Yang’an, Lu Junlong
Landscape Design: Hunan Wandao Landscape Engineering Design Co., Ltd., Jiang Kefu, Huang Jinchang, Yang Qiang
Client: Changsha Yuanchang Construction Space Design Agency
Location: Changsha, China
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