▲SAME OLD SAME OLD © Xingxin Construction
Jiangnan dreams once again of mist and rain. The long river flows gently back to its hometown, as the scent of cooking smoke drifts slowly across countless rivers and miles. Nestled by Taihu Lake and at the foot of Lingshan Mountain lies a small town where every mountain, stream, plant, door, and window embodies a serene blend of Zen and everyday life.
This wooden Tang-style architecture harmonizes with modern Mexican fusion cuisine, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor open spaces. On warm summer evenings, as dusk descends, invite a few friends and stroll all the way to SAME OLD. The day’s fatigue gradually fades away, while the delight of delicious food is infinitely enhanced.
▲ Exterior facade © Xingxin Construction
The building’s tall triangular roof structure creates a vertical flow that divides the space into three distinct areas: a bright garden café at the front, a vibrant waterfront terrace bar in the back garden, and a multi-person dining area located in the attic.
▲ First floor plan © Xingxin Construction
▲ Mezzanine Plan © Xingxin Construction
▲ Axonometric diagram © Xingxin Construction
▲ Highlighted “Red” Vertical Flow Line © Xingxin Construction
A striking red staircase weaves through the entire dining space like a three-dimensional T-shaped intersection, linking the garden café at the front, the waterfront bar at the back, and the multi-person dining area above. This vibrant red element not only enhances the vertical spatial experience of the front dining area but also conveys the warmth and passion of Mexico to diners. The vertical flow line draws guests’ curiosity and invites exploration.
▲ Bright Garden Café Area at the Front © Xingxin Construction
The folding windows seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces, integrating the surrounding scenery with the interior. This design creates a comfortable, relaxing dining atmosphere that invites guests to unwind.
▲ Front terrace folding window © Xingxin Construction
▲ Nakajima Bar © Xingxin Construction
Featuring vintage mosaic walnut flooring and classic floral tiles, the Nakajima Bar serves as the visual centerpiece. Its design couples with the staircase to create a dynamic top-down spatial experience. The bar counter, vertical staircase, and original triangular roof combine in a staggered arrangement, infusing the space with rhythm and energy.
▲ Nakajima Bar © Xingxin Construction
Guided by the red staircase, diners enter the multi-person dining area in the attic. This space maintains transparency at one end and forms a semi-open private room, blurring the lines between interior and exterior while accommodating the need for privacy among groups. From the attic, a half-height bar counter offers a panoramic view overlooking the bar below.
▲ Multi-person Dining Area in the Attic © Xingxin Construction
The black open kitchen in the rear contrasts sharply with the bright dining areas, creating an engaging dialogue between chefs and diners. This open concept vividly showcases the culinary process, blending art and food preparation. As night falls, the interplay of black and red tones, combined with atmospheric lighting and enticing aromas, awakens diners’ senses and leaves a lasting impression of SAME OLD.
▲ Rear Area Open Kitchen © Xingxin Construction
▲ Colorful Waterfront Terrace Bar in the Backyard © Xingxin Construction
▲ Water Terrace Bar Under the Night Sky © Xingxin Construction
As dusk falls and the sun sets, this lively restaurant transforms into a cozy tavern, offering a peaceful respite for passersby. Gather with three to five friends, enjoy fried chicken and beer, and savor the simple joys of life.
Project Drawings
Project Information
Project Name: SAME OLD SAME OLD
Designer: Xingwei Xinzhu (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd
Soft Decoration Design: VIEW DECO
Project Design & Year of Completion: 2023
Lead Creators and Design Team
Main Creators: Malan, Wang Zhenjun, Hou Chan
Team Members: Ma Zihan, Bi Yankai, Xing Lijun, He Zhe
Project Location: Nianhua Bay, Wuxi
Building Area: 260 square meters
Photographer: Li Shengyang
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