DAFU Design: Winner of World Design Awards 2024. Nestled by the Wenzaobang river course in the Baoshan District of Shanghai, near the mouth of the Wusong River, this project involves the transformation of a historic textile warehouse built in 1919. The warehouse is one of the buildings within the historic site of China’s national textile industry from the beginning of the last century.

The renovation aims to create a personal studio that integrates living and working spaces. The completed structure spans three stories, encompassing approximately 700 square meters, with a terrace and garden. With a height of 13 meters, the building preserves its existing cement components of overhead crane runway structures, facade, and steel roof structure, honoring its industrial past.

The designer’s vision emphasizes linking historical elements and contemporary living and workspace. Embracing the belief that “everything that exists has its reason,” the design approach seeks to harmonize with the context, resulting in the rejuvenation of the building through a thorough understanding and utilization of its century-old features. The functional layout was meticulously crafted to align with the existing structure of the building. Notably, the existing cement components of overhead crane runway structures have been ingeniously repurposed as countertops in the living room, bedroom, toilet on the second floor, and the pathway to the terrace, creating wonderful visual effects.

A commitment to localization is reflected in the choice of materials and native plants, fostering environmental sustainability. Historical materials that complement the building’s era have been sourced, including reclaimed beams from old warehouses along Suzhou Creek, which now form the flooring, wooden beams, and custom furnishings. The garden and terrace feature native plants cultivated with the expertise of local botanists, utilizing reclaimed crosstie and black travertine from a nearby industrial park, creating a vibrant habitat for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.

In response to evolving lifestyle needs post-pandemic, the design incorporates dedicated areas for washing, disinfection, and isolation at the foyer, ensuring a hygienic and clean transition into a pure living and working environment.

The designer emphasizes that work is just one facet of life, advocating for a harmonious balance between professional and personal pursuits. This distinctive approach fosters flexible working arrangements throughout the living space, where tools and devices are easily accessible from anywhere in the studio. The workbench height is thoughtfully designed to accommodate both kneeling Zen meditation and standing tasks. The office area’s carpet is crafted to invite meditation at any moment. Soft, upholstered sofas enhance the office, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that helps alleviate work-related fatigue.

To create a cohesive relationship with the sculptural cement runway beam structure, the staircase is crafted from a blend of cement and steel, featuring a custom railing that echoes the building’s historical context, making it feel like an integral fixture in the space. The steel roof structure on the third floor has been opened up, complemented by a new masonry wall system that adheres to an appropriate height ratio. This approach preserves the integrity of the original design while enhancing both the architectural significance and functional zoning of the space.

Project Details:-
Firm
DAFU Design

Architect
Zhou Wenqing

Project Name
Zhou Wenqing Studio

Project Category
Residential Interior Built

Team
Chief designer: Zhou Wenqing; Design team: Fu Qingyuan, Gu Keyan

Project Location
Shanghai, China

Country
China

Photography ©Credit
Lei Tantan

Zhou Wenqing
Founder of Add Culture & Creative Development Co., Ltd
Founder of DAFU Design
Founder of Ceres Culture & Creative Co., Ltd.

As the founder of both Add and Ceres, Wenqing Zhou has been involved in the renovation and urban renewal projects in China’s first-tier cities for 20 years, including hotel, creative office, long-term rental apartments, co-living, co-working, and serviced apartments. With excellent design and product capabilities, he has completed many landmark projects. He also founded DAFU Design, a design company providing residential services and advocating a pure language with green and eco-friendly lifestyle.

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