Beijing Aide Mansion Refurbishment
Aide apartment, built in the core area of Sanlitun in 1995, is one of the first service apartments favored by expatriates. Since the area becomes one of the most bustling commercial district in Beijing, the apartment is gradually losing competitiveness comparing with cutting-edge designed buildings springing up in the neighborhood. Entrusted by the new owner, WVA Architects redesigned the entire façade and the interior spaces, striving to make it a symbol of high-end service apartments in Sanlitun.
The façade of the apartment was originally covered with old-fashioned tiles, which does not fit the stylish surrounding construction of Sanlitun anymore. WVA Architects utilize the aluminum and copper plates as the basic tone of the façade design to increase the layer feelings of the structure by the contrast of colors and textures. Moreover, the window size is enlarged to permit high levels of natural light throughout the interior. The neglected appearance of fire stopping system is also considered into design to cohere with the elevation tone.
Taking the building frame, orientation and space into consideration, the designers optimized the existing structure by expanding spaces which are not related to the roof beam, thus satisfies the residential comfort while ensuring the basic functions. The coating of the ventilation patio is replaced by environmentally friendly and light material so that it provides bright space for the bathroom and kitchen which are redesigned near the patio. Each apartment is optimized respectively to fit the needs of clients from different ages, favor, etc. In addition, intelligent home system and high-end furniture are equipped to improve client experience. The project is about to complete in 2 month.