House W: A Testament to Sincere Architecture

Atelier About Architecture's Award-Winning Residence Embraces Comfort and Innovation

House W, a unique residential project by Atelier About Architecture (AAA), is an embodiment of comfort and sincerity in design. Inspired by Austrian architect Adolf Loos's advocacy for ornament-free architecture, AAA has created a "sincere" building that truly meets expectations of living. The design, which took three years to complete, is a testament to the growth and dedication of the architect duo behind AAA.

The design of House W stands out for its unique properties and innovative realization technology. The building, located against a hillside, allows cold air to scour along the north facade in winter. The outside walls are wrapped with 150mm insulation panels, and the huge glass box in the atrium provides continuous heat in winter. As a result, the interior temperature reaches an average level of 11 degrees in winter without the need for any heating equipment.

AAA's meticulous approach to design is evident in the careful measurements of each independent room, defined by a column width of six meters. This approach is not about maximizing space, but about creating a living environment that reflects the architects' own habits. The architects believe that the real beauty of architecture, including the abstraction and relevance of spaces, can only be understood through personal experience.

The design process of House W was not without challenges. The site's extremely low winter temperature and the building's position against the hillside required the architects to ensure strong heat preservation while maintaining energy efficiency. Additionally, meeting strict requirements for heat preservation and creating a humanistic environment within the building presented further challenges.

Despite these challenges, the design of House W has been recognized for its excellence. The project was awarded Silver in the A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

House W is more than just a building; it is a testament to AAA's commitment to sincere and comfortable living spaces. The project is a perfect example of how architecture can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, without the need for unnecessary ornamentation. The design of House W is a testament to the power of simplicity and the beauty of sincerity in architecture.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ni Wang
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Haiting Sun, Beijign, 2017. Image #2: Photographer Hao Chen, Beijign, 2017. Image #3: Photographer Haiting Sun, Beijign, 2017. Image #4: Photographer Haiting Sun, Beijign, 2017. Image #5: Photographer Haiting Sun, Beijign, 2017.
Project Team Members: Chief Architect: Ni Wang Chief Architect: Dawei Zhang Structure consultant: Su Liu Lighting consultant: Hongliang Zhou Energy Efficiency consultant: Jincheng Wang Façade Consultant: Binfeng Tang
Project Name: House W
Project Client: Ni Wang


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