How to preserve history in a modern way
Built in 1926, the two garden villas in Yuyuan Road in Shanghai witnessed the Second Plenary Session of the First China Central Committee of the China Democratic League. Both buildings are of historical significance for the city. The task was to restore the beauty and splendor of former times in the context of contemporary requirements.
The status quo: Excellent historic buildings
Each building, designed in European style with brick and wood structure, has four floors and a usable area of 776 square meters. The buildings are historical monuments under cultural protection.
The goal: Protect heritage. Enable modern life
The aim of the project was to transform the two buildings into a multi-functional venue hosting offices with conference rooms and representative spaces. To achieve this, the historical buildings had to be renovated and upgraded to meet contemporary requirements. At the same time the historical building substance had to be protected. Understanding the character and historical significance of the villas was key to carry out the renovation in the best possible way.
The main body of the building consists of brick walls and wooden floors. Many of the original interior decorations are made of wooden panels. These decorative components have a historical heritage and needed to be protected and preserved. Due to aging and the invasion of termites, lots of decorations had been ruined. Therefore, in the first step the existing substance needed to be protected. Having assured this, the actual transformation process could be implemented.
East meets West
The function of one of the buildings is mainly to provide high-level meeting rooms and reception spaces. The overall design is based on the existing European style, the corresponding design is perfected according to the needs of the different functional rooms. In order to preserve the original decorative art and historical features, the existing wooden decorative components were carefully renovated.
To match the new functional needs of the Owner, air con and heating systems were installed, IT and Audio-Vision systems were integrated and carefully selected wallpaper, furniture, soft accessories and lighting fixtures were used to change the decorative effect. The villa contains Western-style conference rooms and Chinese-style reception rooms – all designed and realized in high-end quality.
The function of one of the buildings is mainly to provide high-level meeting rooms and reception spaces. The overall design is based on the existing European style, the corresponding design is perfected according to the needs of the different functional rooms. In order to preserve the original decorative art and historical features, the existing wooden decorative components were carefully renovated.
Practical work in a historical ambience
The function of the second building is mainly to provide small meeting rooms and office spaces. The overall design of the buildings is still in European style, which we enriched with some Chinese elements when decorating the spaces. Since the original layout could not be changed, multiple measures were taken to optimize the layouts according to modern office requirements.
Some structure reinforcements had to be made, and some rooms could be connected to provide more generous office space. A white wallpaper finishing was chosen not only to enhance the beauty of the rooms, but also to functionally have a sound absorption, stain-resistant, and anti-wall cracking effect.
Wherever original building substance could be protected, renovated or restored, we did so. Carefully integrated light and air con systems guarantee the comfort and wellbeing of the Users.
The splendor of the two historical garden villas has been restored. At the same time the buildings serve as a representative and functional workplace for a company from the financial sector. The villas in Yuyuan Road in Shanghai are a fine example of how history and contemporary requirements can be harmoniously combined.
PROJECT NAME: ZHONGPING CAPITAL, SHANGHAI
CLIENT: ZHONGPING CAPITAL
LOCATION: SHANGHAI, P.R.CHINA
ADDRESS: BUILDINGS NO. 05 & 06, 1320 YUYUAN ROAD, CHANGNING DISTRICT
USE: OFFICES, CONFERENCE, REPRESENTATION
TYPOLOGY: HERITAGE BUILDING RENOVATION
PROJECT SIZE: 2 x 776 m2 = 1552 m2
PROJECT DATE: ORIGINAL BUILDING: 1926
RENOVATION: 2017-2018
SERVICES: BUILDING DUE DILIGENCE, INTERIOR DESIGN, SITE VISITS
