parallel café in central beijing is clad with red bricks, by TEMP

chinese architecture studio TEMP has designed a café in an old hutong area near beijing’s drum tower. ‘parallel’ occupies an old wood structured space that was almost collapsed before. reinforced with steel structures and refinished with bricks, cement, and metal mesh, it has been renovated into a modern destination.

grey bricks are temp’s choice of material for their appearance as they are the most commonly used around this neighborhood. they are laid in a way that emphasizes the horizontal parallel lines adding an extra depth to the façade. two south-facing glazed openings — a swinging door and a window — bring in the sunlight and welcome the passers-by into the store.

three steps of long bench-like seating are angled towards the street for a nicer view. these diagonal lines also create a triangular corner with enough depth to plant a tree. red bricks cover the floor and the steps. wooden cabinets, shelves, and displays are placed on top of these brick walls.

the original roof structures are covered by stainless steel mesh that hangs from the newly added steel beams. the suspended surfaces reveal partially the older wood joists that have worn out over time. cement walls bring together the floor, the ceiling, and the wooden cabinets. 

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edited by: maria erman | designboom