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BIM Architecture: Hidden in the Valley – The Half Warehouse by Benzhe Architecture, Shanghai

2023-08-24 Category: Architectural Appreciation Views(1409) Comments(0) Like(0)

Half Warehouse is situated within EKA • Tianwu Park, Jinqiao District, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. The site originally housed a warehouse in Building 445 of the Shanghai Zhongchuan Navigation Instrument Factory dating back to the 1960s. Commissioned by the property owner, the project involved comprehensive planning, renovation, and design of the area. As a pioneering renewal initiative within the park, it was designed not only to serve commercial reception and exhibition purposes but also to embody the park’s forward-looking vision. By respecting the site’s historical development and integrating modern sustainable concepts, the project revives the old structures through a harmonious blend of past and present.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Panoramic view of Half Warehouse enveloped by forest © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

East facade view © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Roof landscape terrace © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Project location within park planning © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Updated view of Half Warehouse © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Original building appearance © Ben Zhe Architecture

The Half Warehouse retains its original architectural form, with a simplified exterior. The original south-facing mountain wall was removed and replaced by a glass and metal grille, creating a transparent and open indoor space. The east side serves as the main facade, overlooking an open landscape pool. A prominent feature on the second floor’s left side is a 16-meter long bay window that diagonally extends from the main facade, disrupting the building’s symmetry.

Ground-floor windows were replaced by four sets of full grille doors that open both ways, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. The right side of the main facade is clad with a large section of carbonized wood, concealing doors and windows to offer flexible functional options for the owner.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

The interaction between architecture and people © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

East side facade at dusk © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Backyard of Half Warehouse © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Long bay window with stairs © Su Shengliang

A section of the roof has been partially opened, creating a natural roof terrace that provides light and views to the otherwise enclosed internal corridor. This design promotes harmony between architecture, people, and nature, which was a core intention in renovating this historic building.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

South facade © zhu_runzi

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

East facade © zhu_runzi

The exterior textures combine washed stone embedded with seashells and beach stones alongside black carbonized wood. This palette honors the historical Shanghai architectural style while conveying the calm and refined spirit of Half Warehouse, reflecting Eastern minimalist aesthetics.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Texture of exterior facade materials © zhu_runzi

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

The roof’s rainwater collection system supports resource efficiency and integrates into the Half Warehouse’s natural environmental protection ecosystem. © zhu_runzi

Inside, the old building’s floors were originally very enclosed. During renovation, the original coarse sand and cement wall textures were preserved to blend old and new elements. Some floor slabs were removed to create vertical visual and physical connections, while staggered floor levels add unique perspectives and spatial richness, inviting contemplation and quiet conversation.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Main entrance on east facade © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Openable grille doors blur indoor and outdoor boundaries © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Interwoven staircases create fluid indoor circulation © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Analysis diagram © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Section diagram © Ben Zhe Architecture

The renovated Half Warehouse features a coffee shop, VIP reception area, and sunken business activity space on the first floor. This open design emphasizes movement, fostering communication and interaction. The second floor houses a small library, sand table display, and meditation space in a semi-enclosed layout, focusing on tranquility for reading and reflection. The blend of dynamic and static elements on this level creates a diverse user experience.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

First floor leisure hall © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Coffee area on the first floor © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Outdoor meditation area © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Indoor meditation area © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Entrance to the art museum and sand table area © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Indoor staircase with long bay window offering distant views © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Reading area © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Observation deck with stairs © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Well-organized, staggered floor levels © Su Shengliang

The third floor’s original gypsum board ceiling was removed to reveal the exposed wooden herringbone beam structure. After clearing, new metal components and black metal-clad BOX tea spaces were installed and suspended within the atrium. This area includes industrial-style tea bars and retro open office spaces, where new and old elements collide, creating a dynamic postmodern deconstructivist aesthetic.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Newly added skylight enhances indoor lighting © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Three-layer BOX tea space © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

“Bo” introduces a Zen-like quality to the space © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Green framing draws the eye © Su Shengliang

Within a limited area, a small cultural space was preserved and adapted into a modest art museum, avoiding excessive alterations. This approach shows respect for the old architecture, where awakening and adaptive reuse serve as methods of updating design.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Art museum entrance © zhu_runzi

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Art museum interior © zhu_runzi

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Tall art museum structure © Su Shengliang

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Art museum office area © Su Shengliang

Converging, serene, and spacious—like a valley, like Half Warehouse.

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Half Warehouse nestled in the green field © zhu_runzi

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

First floor plan © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Second floor plan © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

Third floor plan © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

South elevation view © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

East elevation view © Ben Zhe Architecture

BIM Architecture | Concealing like a valley, like a half warehouse: Half warehouse, Shanghai/Benzhe Architecture

West elevation view © Ben Zhe Architecture

Project Information

Project Name: Half Warehouse

Location: No. 535 Jinqiao Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China (EKA • Tianwu)

Architecture / Interior / Landscape Design: Benzhe Architecture

Lead Architect: Jiang Huajian

Design Team: Yao Ruigen, Lin Tong, Zhao Guijun

Building Area: 1260 m²

Floor Area: 445 m²

Design Period: March 2021 – November 2021

Completion Date: January 2023

Owner: Shanghai Jiayun Investment Management Development Co., Ltd

Structural Design: Shanghai Tongyan Civil Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd

Photography: Su Shengliang, Zhu Runzi

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