We have been entrusted by Become Consulting to undertake a comprehensive renovation of an old townhouse located on Huaihai Road (M), Shanghai. The goal is to meet the diverse requirements of transforming the space into a corporate office. Due to numerous changes in occupancy and function over time (residence/office), the existing townhouse exhibit a fragmented spatial organization, chaotic relationships between architectural elements and components, and significant damage of the brick-timber structures, etc.

Therefore, the challenge of this design project is to achieve a series of goals within a restricted cost framework: structural repairs, meeting the client’s basic needs for office reception, meetings, and workspaces, creating flexible and multifunctional spaces within the limited area, while also revivifying the refined spatial character of an old townhouse.

The reorganization of the ground floor space is the primary focus of this project. The original entrance and reception area occupy a substantial portion of the outdoor courtyard and the ground floor space, also resulting in a convoluted circulation. We have relocated the entrance to another opening on the ground floor, creating a setback and a porch space. Additionally, all functional spaces on the ground floor are interconnected by a clear public hallway.

The preserved osmanthus tree at the entrance, along with newly planted vegetation, forms a more orderly entrance courtyard thanks to the modified entrance circulation. The formerly wasted reception space has been transformed into a meeting lounge, and after removing the partition walls between adjacent spaces, it creates a multifunctional conference/public reception/event space with views of the courtyard and natural lights.

The previously undefined space connected to the utility room has been converted into a waiting area/foyer for rest, reducing the size of the utility room and incorporating restroom facilities. At the end of the hallway, the original service bar counter and storage room have been transformed into another meeting lounge, while the service bar has been relocated to the public hallway, serving multiple meeting spaces simultaneously.

We have selected different floor materials based on the function and character of each space. In the public hallway and foyer area, we have chosen bright white ceramic tiles and black marble to create a basket weave pattern, conveying an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere in the public spaces.

Reclaimed old timber floorings are opted for the floor material of meeting lounges and meeting room, which aligns well with the relaxed atmosphere of the meeting spaces. The restroom area features light gray mosaic tiles. The areas of steps and thresholds within the space are made of light gray stone for material transitions.

The material selection for the inner facade follows the same logic as the floor material system. In the public hallway and foyer area, we used light gray terrazzo as a wall wainscot, embracing the areas where people walk. The entrance wall outside the guest room and meeting room, the two main spaces, are covered with orange textured tiles. Inside the guest and meeting spaces, a dark wood wainscot was chosen to match the old wooden flooring. The bathroom walls were covered with emerald green mosaic tiles that match the module size of the floor.

The renovation of the second to fourth floors is relatively straightforward. After removing unnecessary partitions, the second and third floors consist of two large office spaces, a small meeting room, and a separate office. On the fourth floor, the removed partitions have created a bar area that serves the rooftop terrace.