This mountain residence had been abandoned by its owner for many years. Situated at the edge of the first step of a trapezoidal terrace, it was isolated from the daily lives of neighbors and difficult to access. Over time, the house fell into ruin, overgrown with thick trees and weeds, and littered with scattered debris, resembling a neglected wasteland within the village.
At first glance, palm-sized spiders, various birds, bees, and stray animals had made this place their home. The only blessing for all was the presence of two thriving camphor trees that flourished unattended in the village.
Years later, the owner decided to transform this wasteland into a visitor’s paradise. During holidays, the future retreat will offer five fully equipped bedrooms. Outdoor terraces with mountain views will provide spaces for relaxation, complemented by amenities such as a swimming pool, swings, and slides, ensuring enjoyment for both adults and children.
Transforming this land from wasteland to amusement park feels like a journey back to youth. In Lucas Cranach the Elder’s 1573 painting, Fountain of Youth, a rectangular sunken bathtub contrasts sharply with the rugged hills in the background. This contrast between certainty and uncertainty metaphorically reflects the transition from sorrow to joy.
With a limited budget, the volumes constrained by simple geometric shapes, similar to those in the painting, serve as the foundation for this amusement park concept.
The renovation budget roughly supports a 300-square-meter construction on the ground floor, while the original courtyard spans 400 square meters, making it feel overly spacious. Coincidentally, the only neighboring building is tall and expansive, occupying the boundaries in all three dimensions.
Simply placing 300 square meters of construction on the site would make it difficult to establish a harmonious spatial relationship with the neighboring buildings.
To address this, the design team opted for a house composed of multiple semi-outdoor spaces and independent structures. Although the area is limited, the design creates an impressive sense of volume.
Spaces are built from a basic module measuring 4.5 meters by 4.5 meters. These modules transform into rooms, corridors, or “empty shelves.” Some corner units were removed to allow natural light and views for neighbors, reducing the visual pressure on nearby streets.
The varying heights and entry points also contribute to the playful, amusement park-like atmosphere.
The main entrance is positioned at the northwest corner, elevated above the site. Upon entering, visitors descend stairs to reach the main living space on the second floor.
The kitchen, living room, and dining area are arranged in a linear sequence from south to north. Directly south of the entrance on the second floor lies an outdoor pool framed by a bare structure.
This bubble pool is constructed with stepped concrete beams and vertical supports underneath. The vertical concrete columns align perfectly with the kitchen and stove below on the first floor. Due to the fiery ambiance created by the flames above and below the pool, the building was almost named “Hotpot House.”
The “House of Bluff” showcases simple geometric forms. Like the Fountain of Youth painting, this new structure imposes order on a previously chaotic environment.
The exterior facade remains exposed, while the building employs an internal insulation system. The interior walls are finished with warm-toned plaster, and the protruding frames are clad with board keel.
This combination of two materials reflects a binary juxtaposition between the structural framework and enclosure system inside, contributing to the building’s final architectural character.
Project Drawings
▲ Exploded Diagram
▲ Base Model Diagram
▲ Base Schematic Diagram
▲ Lower Floor Plan
▲ Upper Floor Plan
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional Perspective
▲ Detailed Structural Drawing
Project Information
Architect: Cha She Office
Area: 305 m²
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Zhu Yumeng
Suppliers: Dongfanggang Wood Industry, Forbo, NVC Lighting
Chief Creative Designer: Cheng Zhi
Design Team: Wu Di
Structural Engineer: Gao Xuemei
Construction Manager: Zhang Youjiang
Principal: Liu Fei
Location: Mentougou District
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up