MDDM studio tops 'house on the great wall' in beijing with overlapping green roofs

located within a mountainous area near the great wall, in north beijing, MDDM studio has transformed an old underground fruit storage building into a residential extension. originally built in the middle of last century, the existing structure is made out of natural stone and consists of a rectangular volume. the architects have re-designed the building as an addition to the client’s house on the south side of the property, placed in an elevated position.

all images by jonathan leijonhufvud

the new roofing was created to maximize the natural light input to the house, replacing the existing structure by two concrete slabs, which are detached from the stone wall and set at two different heights. this design was able to give to the house a modern look, different from the neighbouring houses, yet very integrated with the natural surroundings. in fact, the roof looks like two garden platforms floating above each other in perfect balance with the stone wall below, as well as with the slope terrain that envelops the plot. The different heights of the roofs creates a gap in between them, which allows more natural light to penetrate the central part of the building, while improving the natural ventilation during the warm seasons.

the bedrooms are located below the higher roof, enjoying a contemplative feeling thanks to their high ceilings and high-rise windows. they are connected through a passage which is elevated by three steps to the adjacent living area. next to the bedrooms, in the southeast corner, a tunnel connects the new house with to the existing residential building. in this project, the architecture and interior are based on the idea of meaningful interventions, forming a space that is rich in experience. the previous structure and function are visible, highlighting the balance between old and new. the design is a play between light and material, voids and solids. the voids are carved out to lead the light in while the solid elements bring materiality to the space.

the design plays with the materiality of the existing stone wall, the concrete roofs and the wooden box that hides the garage. these elements are combined with the position shift of the two roof slabs, creating gaps and cavities that allow the light in from multiple points. the light is in fact a continuous gradient of indirect brilliances coming from all directions and changing from the early morning to the evening. the big window on the north façade provides a diffuse light in the living room. this light is softened by the reflection of the windows in between the roof: the light is bounces on the white division wall to the bedroom and reaches the living room with a softer intensity. all the openings located in different parts of the house receive different quality of light and contribute constantly like different instruments performing a symphony. 

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: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom