123 architects applies an arched silver façade to photography studio in beijing

in northeastern beijing, nearby the city’s thriving 798 art zone, 123 architects has converted an old factory into a contemporary photography studio. the project, titled masquerade, respects the existing building fabric, while adding contemporary materials and architectural details in contrast to the original industrial feel of the factory. 

the main façade

all images © jin weiqi

the new program converted the first floor into a large double-height photography studio. on this level, there is also a welcoming entrance lobby and reception, and a bathroom and dining room. the second floor of the old factory has been transformed by 123 architects into a social activity and meeting space for VIPs, which includes a special VIP room and VIP bathroom. 

first floor entrance lobby

the overall aesthetic of the renovation is described by the architect as ‘rendering a surrealistic atmosphere’. the design layers new elements within the backdrop of the industrial building, allowing visitors to see the past and present interlaced liked fingers. the interior has been envisioned to appear as an art gallery, one which stimulates the senses and invites people to explore the space and interact with one another.

first floor entrance lobby

the new façade makes reference to the existing structural framework with the use of brickwork, which speaks to the building’s former life as a factory. the organic surface curves away from the original elevation, creating space for a balcony at second floor level, and the arched elements forming a dialogue with the domed windows. the new façade is finished with silver paint, allowing the characteristics of the brick to be visible. in this way, the polished exterior already creates visual interest at street front, offering individuals visual cues of what they can expect on the interior.

first floor reception

the walls of the entrance lobby are vaulted, forming a domed space whose curved framework contrasts the existing industrial ceiling which is exposed above. their fluted surfaces reference the architectural details of classical columns. a bespoke star-shaped pendant light hangs from the centre of the lobby, anchoring the space. it provides a soft light that gently illuminates the interior, welcoming visitors into its warm, bright interior.

first floor photo studio

the reception area is a white room that complements the orange entrance lobby. it features a more restrained design composed of right angles and functions as a lounge. the photo studio is a more conventional design – a white double-height space that visually and spatially connects with the balcony of the workspace on the second floor through arched cut-outs. curtains are used to divide the room offering functional flexibility that allows it to be used in tandem with the entrance lobby if required.

first floor bathroom

the dining area has been conceived to evoke the feeling of an exhibition space. lighting and mirrors are housed within classic picture frames, which are arranged along the walls, similar to an art gallery. a makeup room with a shower is located next door featuring classical details.

first floor dining

the entire second floor is dedicated to VIPs, with the primary program being that of a circular-shaped lounge. the walls are covered in a luxurious fabric that has been cut into bold graphic shapes. custom sofas that span the length of the room offer ample amounts of seating, while the eye is drawn upwards to an installation of convex traffic mirrors on the ceiling that form the focal point of the room.

second floor VIP floor

the second-floor VIP makeup room features lighting that dots the walls, like a constellation of stars. a built-in dressing table displays a scalloped edge that is reminiscent of a cloud formation, with the lighting fixture resembling a floating star, overall expressing an ‘intergalactic minimalism’.

second floor VIP room

next to the makeup room is a long, narrow, over-sized bathroom. the color and reflective qualities of silver serve as the inspiration for the room, with an installation of mirror balls above adding another dimension to the space. the silvery hue also relates to the new arched façade, effectively unifying the interior and exterior architectural expression.

second floor VIP bathroom

detail of the façade

diagram

project info:

project name: masquerade

location: beijing, china

architect: 123 architects

year: 2019

built area: 5167 ft2 (480 m2) / 2 floors

principal: kazushi miyamoto

project team: cao xiyangzi (project architect), aisha

contractor: beijing zhenbangyuanjing decoration engineering co., ltd

photography: jin weiqi

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom