team_bldg renovates spring water factory into terraced co-space in hangzhou

TEAM_BLDG reconstructs old structure into a modern Co-Space

TEAM_BLDG takes over the reconstruction of the long-vacant Longwu Spring Water Factory into a ‘Co-Living & Co-Working’ building in Qingshan Village, China. The project aims to transform the old structure into a multifunctional space accommodating residences, offices, exhibition spaces, and shops. It seeks to foster a sense of community in the village, situated in the Yuhang District of Hangzhou. To address issues of integration and user habits, the design introduces terraced farmland on the roof, emphasizing a harmonious blend with the environment.

The initial three-story half-frame building presented red exterior wall tiles and white-painted structures, lacking a connection with nature. To create a more integrated design, the facade materials and colors were changed. The project constructs a stepped roof, a terraced podium structure that accommodates planting areas, offering spaces for long-term residents to grow crops, and features wide walkways running along the volume improving circulation. The Co-space incorporates a greenhouse allowing natural light to penetrate through polycarbonate sheets and into the building, creating varied tones and atmospheres throughout the day. The space also serves as an exhibition hall with diverse displays.

all images by Jonathan Leijonhufvud

shared zones promote Dynamic Spatial Connectivity

The design transforms the west facade into eleven units, featuring a greenhouse as the focal point that creates a cascading wall composition. This structure, seemingly influenced by the growth of the greenhouse, complements the overall terraced form of the building. The first floor functions as a shared office space, boasting glass curtain walls on the east and west sides for enhanced light and shadow variations. TEAM_BLDG architects engage in a design that promotes convection and ventilation, creating a dynamic spatial environment connecting the inside and outside.

On the second and third floors, leisure spaces close to nature are established by opening the wall and ceiling on the south side. The area hosts various functions such as offices, dining areas, visiting spaces, gathering areas, kitchens, workshops, and accommodations for both long-term and short-term stays. While spatial division helps prevent disruptions between different user flows, it also challenges the original design intention of creating a shared and unifying space. The arrangement prioritizes user privacy on the higher levels, particularly in the guest rooms, while allowing public spaces a degree of freedom through a more open layout.

the project aims to transform the old structure into a multifunctional space