TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
Changzhou is an ancient city with a history spanning over 3,000 years. In 2023, it entered the ranks of trillion-yuan GDP cities, achieving high-quality development. Today, Changzhou attracts visitors from all walks of life with its exceptional urban experience that is both welcoming and refined.
This project, Cotton Warehouse, is a community-centered initiative that transforms a former industrial site, featuring four large oil tanks as its core. It embodies our vision of revitalizing urban spaces by breathing new life into industrial heritage.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
△ Xiaohongshu @ Cotton Warehouse Oil Tank Park
As an industrial relic, the oil tanks possess a unique aesthetic shaped by their original function. However, their massive scale does not easily accommodate human-scale experiences.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
△ Xiaohongshu @ Zhang Lingjiao
During our initial on-site visit, a beam of sunlight pierced through the top of an oil tank, casting a perfect ellipse on its inner wall. In that moment, we recognized that the weathered texture inside the tank and the natural light above formed the very essence of this project.
With sustainability and respect for the local industrial heritage in mind, we adopted a renovation strategy focused on preserving the existing structures as much as possible.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
△ Xiaohongshu @ Xiaoxigua
We decided to create a central passage connecting the four tanks, crafting a thoughtfully designed journey for visitors. This layout also allows people the freedom to explore each tank in their own sequence and style. Regardless of the path chosen, visitors will encounter a rich and diverse experience throughout.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
Our goal is to breathe new life into the city by creating a multifunctional space that fosters a strong sense of community. The space aims to attract people through diverse cultural and leisure activities, encouraging gathering and interaction.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
Beyond the metal surfaces of the oil tanks, red brick is used extensively as a primary material. This choice echoes the barges that once transported red bricks along the nearby canal, serving both as a historical homage to the site and a tribute to the city’s development.
Inside the oil tank repurposed as a restaurant, bricks are laid along the curved interior walls, crafting a distinctive atmosphere. Additionally, brick flooring guides visitors and helps integrate the venue seamlessly with its surroundings.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
One of the oil tanks remains largely untouched and unaltered, preserving its raw volume and the striking impact light has within this pure space. We want visitors to experience the power and awe inspired by this elemental environment.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
We installed glass chambers inside two of the oil tanks, offering a comfortable and controlled interior environment while preserving the spatial tension created by the tank’s form.
The openings at the top of the tanks facilitate natural air circulation between the tank body and the glass enclosure, preventing overheating during summer. All heating and cooling systems are discreetly integrated beneath the floor, maintaining the purity and sanctity of the space.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
The material left from cutting openings in the oil tanks was repurposed as ceiling panels for the walkway. This not only minimizes waste but also strengthens the connection between the tanks and the surrounding park.
The circular staircases preserved on the exterior walls and the outdoor terraces further enhance interaction and invite visitors to explore.
TG unbelievable; photo: Dirk Weiblen
Project Information
Owner: Changzhou Cotton Space Retail Co., Ltd
Project Location: Changzhou Cotton Warehouse Oil Tank Park
Building Area: 1,500 square meters
Design Period: March 2022 – June 2022
Construction Start: September 2023
Design Scope: Interior Design
Design Directors: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
Project Leader: Cheng Jiang
Design Team: Jiao Yueyuan, Kang Jin, Li Laile, Lin Luqian, Wang Jiachen, Wei Zheng
Rendering: Steve Do, Jiao Yan
Soft Decoration Team: Lili Cheng, Davisa
Construction Team: Shanghai Dongyuan Building Decoration Co., Ltd
Structural Consultant: Bespoke
Climate Consultant: Paul de Vreede
Prop Supply: Shanghai Yangyu Architectural Decoration Co., Ltd
Lamp Supply: Shanghai Lemida Lighting Design Engineering Co., Ltd
Main Materials: Red brick terrazzo (Shanghai Dianyue Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd.), red brick, textured paint, glass curtain wall, sound-absorbing hanging panels
Photography by Dirk Weiblen
Translation by Wei Zheng
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