Brama Beijing Office Renovation, C+ Architects
Architect in Charge: Cheng Yanchun
Design Team: Cao Pengfei, Li Zhaoye, Yang Chao, Zhang Ran
Program: Office, Building Renovation
Dates: March-August 2016
Status: Completed
Location: No.50 Yansha, Beijing
Area: 688 sqm
Photographs: Xia Zhi
Brama Beijing office, located in No.50 Yansha besides Japan and U.S. Embassy, is surrounded by tranquil environment. The client runs business in real estate, and the building as temporary office.
In the project, bringing sufficient light is the first consideration of the architect.
Add-on Courtyards of Light
The building was previously used by a film enterprise; therefore there are some darkrooms that are dead spaces for new tenant. Because of that, removing all partition walls and redesign space according to functions is necessary.
Three different scale courtyards are inserted in the rectangle single story building (42X18 meters). These three new visual focal points, functioned as small conference rooms, are able to serve for reception, main working area and administration offices. The idea of architect is to provide opportunity for users to experience ever-changing daylight and weather. Therefore, three installations became the place where people can make a connection with natural elements.
Except for courtyards, the architect also created a great spatial experience with adequate light by opening several circular roof windows beyond corridor. All natural lighting cooperates with artificial illumination in both courtyards and corridor which is convenient for users to switch between the two.
Translucent Wall
Because this is a temporary office of the client, the economic design is the preferable solution.
To maximize capacity of working space and expand spatial volume are another design consideration. For example, partition walls made of polycarbonate sheets not only enclose space but also reflect surroundings. These light penetrating walls can reduce the pressure in the space while ensuring the privacy of independent offices.