bamboo louvers clad this factory turned gallery by mitsuhiro shoji in zhejiang, china
using compressed bamboo and well-placed rooflights, this 1980s linen factory has been transformed into a contemporary gallery space.
in zhejiang, china, mitsuhiro shoji of uchida shanghai has completed the renovation of this 1980s linen factory. the client – a linen thread producer – had an attachment to the former factory and therefore enlisted the help of shoji to transform the building into a contemporary gallery that exhibits the life of linen.
north elevation: the concrete is decorated with a pattern of cedar planks
images © luz images
the main design concept of the project uses the change of light to express the passage of time. to create an architecture that focuses on spatial experiences, mitsuhiro shoji utilizes a limited material palette of concrete, iron, glass, bamboo and old tiles.
south elevation: double skin with compressed bamboo louvers and random voids
the south elevation has a double-skin façade with random openings and louvers made of compressed bamboo. depending on the time of day, a play of light and shadow subtly changes, creating a variety of spatial effects in the interior space throughout the day.
the east elevation
the roof is designed with three rooflights and three light gardens. this is an important aspect of the design as the openings help to show the changes in light. the top light is a cylindrical structure with a deep cross-sectional plan that provides a mysterious light inside through reflection, and the light garden emphasizes depth through the reflection of the surroundings by glass.
east elevation: on the approach, a large revolving door, 2.5 m wide and 4.1 m high, welcomes visitors to the site
the purpose of the floor is to induce a change in consciousness within the same space by switching materials. the light from the courtyard will serve to integrate the layers of materials. the primary concept of the space is to use primitive materials to control light and to allow the visitor to experience the subtle changes in everyday life.
entrance hall: a space that can be used for temporary exhibitions
the furniture is made of compressed bamboo
a sculptural spiral staircase is made of 10mm steel plates
exhibition space with top lights
open seminar room with top light
the walls are composed of steel plates with retractable apertures that allow for delicate light control
to ensure smooth division, the floor level of the seminar room is 300mm higher than the rest of the space
the north façade at night
plans and elevations
project info:
project name: the linen gallery in zhejiang
project type: factory renovation
location: zhejiang, china
design company: uchida shanghai
designer: mitsuhiro shoji
area: 9149 ft2 (850 m2)
main materials: bamboo, steel
year: 2020
photography: qingyan zhu
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
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