Spring Breeze: A Modern Take on Traditional Chinese Architecture

Qingtao Ji's Innovative Office Space Design Wins Golden A' Design Award

In the heart of Kunming, China, a modern office space has been transformed into a stunning representation of traditional Chinese architecture. The Spring Breeze project, designed by Qingtao Ji, has been awarded the prestigious Golden A' Design Award for its unique and innovative design.

The inspiration for Spring Breeze comes from the hanging houses of southwest China, an ancient wooden structure known for its beauty, exquisite structure, and strong regional characteristics. Qingtao Ji has built a wooden hanging house within the original steel-structured building, creating a striking visual contrast and leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

What sets Spring Breeze apart is its innovative approach to transforming a single-family steel-structured building into an integrated office space that exudes Chinese style. The designer has skillfully manipulated the interior space and lighting, creating a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements. The wooden hanging house, constructed using traditional techniques, is suspended within the steel structure, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

The construction of the hanging house adheres to traditional methods. One side is a two-story building on the ground, while the other three sides are suspended in the air. Two rows of columns and beams support the suspended rooms and corridors. All joints are made using tenon and mortise joints, with nails strictly prohibited, in accordance with traditional construction codes.

The office space spans 1,000 square meters and features a double-wall design to control the sunlight that penetrates the work area through the glass facade. The diffracted light reflected by the wooden fence becomes a unique decorative element, further enhancing the space's aesthetic appeal. A designated sunlight area allows occupants to enjoy the plateau sunshine during their leisure time.

The project presented several challenges, including the owner's desire for the interior space to reflect Chinese features, despite the building's modern industrial characteristics. However, Qingtao Ji successfully overcame these challenges by using traditional architectural techniques and Chinese-style furniture and decorations to create a distinctive Chinese-style design.

In conclusion, the Spring Breeze project is a testament to Qingtao Ji's innovative design approach, seamlessly blending traditional Chinese architecture with modern design elements. The project's success is further underscored by its recent Golden A' Design Award, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Qingtao Ji
Image Credits: photographer: Qilin Zhang
Project Team Members: Qingtao Ji Yao Xiao Mei Hong
Project Name: Spring Breeze
Project Client: Qingtao Ji


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