In 2001, Italian architect Vittorio Gregotti was invited to plan the cityscape of the New City of Pujiang, Shanghai. Twenty years later, One House Design moved into its new office in the iconic two-story building of OCT ECO CENTER created by Gregotti, thereby opening a dialog of design across time and space. As an important vehicle that connects the enterprise to its employees, the new office offers more than a physical experience: it represents emotional perceptions as well as the company’s image and aesthetics, providing an excellent opportunity for the One House Design team to put their philosophy into practice.

“We hope to create a healthy, comfortable, dynamic and convenient working environment in terms of scale, functional layout, user experience and design empowerment, providing sufficient space for the team’s growth and helping us adapt to new challenges and rapid changes faced by the developing industry,” says the designer Fang Lei.

01 The Foundation of Architecture: A Dialog of Design

The L-shaped building consists of two wings intersecting at a right angle. Evolving from the characteristics of the site and building blocks, the interior design breaks the original internal structure and explores the possibility of freedom in a composite layout, clarifying the needs and returning to the root.

The main entrance is adjacent to the intersection of the two wings, with a corridor extending into the depth of the building. Created with pure materials and color scheme, the One House Design logo and a metal plate mirroring the proportion of the side windows set the tone for a simple, efficient style at the entrance.

A repetitive, array-like order is created thanks to the large windows of the original building. Multiple void areas bring in natural light as well as interactivity between the two floors.

The lobby, covered with a skin and orderly divided at different intervals, serves as a filter without affecting natural light while creating a contrast and a rhythmic alternation. 

The arch-shaped staircase, a special design of the original structure, is preserved, highlighting a balance between rationality and sensibility by the contrast between its solid, smooth surface and soft, fluid form. 

The two ends of the L-shape are also equipped with staircases to allow easy vertical traffic. Long mirrors are installed in the corner for the convenience of grooming and a magic touch of reflection.

02 Empowered Showroom: New Products

One Code (OC), launched by a young team led by Fang Lei, is an original home brand that creates dining tables, chairs, coffee tables, side tables, lamps, etc. As an extension of One House Design, it represents an alternative way of coding and reinterpreting daily life. On this occasion, it is indeed a challenge to represent OC in the new office without being too abrupt and tedious. 

Taking a curatorial approach, the designers created a miniature of the building with hollow bricks. The products are placed in appropriate positions, showing a unified yet variable view. Even if the theme of the display is updated later, adaptations can be easily made. 

The display area is designed for a circular traffic flow, with an opening on each display surface. The use of dynamic images, static exhibits and textual narratives further enriches the connection between people and the space as well as the products, conveying emotions and value perceptions.

03 A Humanistic Approach to Public Support

The sliding door that divides the salon area and the conference room may be kept closed or open to cater for events of different scales. The reflection of the long mirror at the end of the salon area extends the space that is filled with the mood of the site and a sense of breathing.

The passageway in the void area stretches out like a long alley. The dining room is wrapped in wood to create a sense of tranquility, and a variety of seats at different heights underlines a relaxed atmosphere. A walk through this space brings different visual experiences and psychological perceptions that speak of thoughtful design and meticulous care for the staff.

With appropriate scales, exquisite blocks and surfaces, and precise proportions, the bar represents a harmonized expression of style and function.

04 A Relaxed Working Space

The first floor consists of the reception, exhibition, conference and leisure spaces, while the second floor is dedicated to office areas. Following the arch-shaped staircase, the walls on both sides break the monotony with staggered, framed scenes. The passage connecting the two open office areas is moderately reduced in width for practicality, and a hidden cabinet is integrated to optimize functionality.

The open office areas are constructed with pegboards to play with visibility, and alternating long and short workstations create a rhythm of dynamics and vitality. The uneven texture and slightly mottled facade are supplemented by wall-washing lights to capture and bring into play the unique charm of light and shade.

The original columns are regularized and decorated with skin patterns of the British industrial style. As the scene changes from different perspectives, one discovers profound aesthetics in the fusion of old and new, as well as the overlapping of different times. 

We also find discussion zones in the open office areas, together with two independent conference rooms that are flexible and available for informal or business meetings. 

The independent offices also adopt a simple, pure style.

Consistent with the modern, minimalist taste, the director’s office is constructed with materials and colors corresponding to the exterior space. A dark base tone is decorated with inclusive, low-key and high-class textures. A wide range of facilities that enhance comfort and convenience is installed to serve multiple functions, including office, reception and small-group discussion.

The terraces on the west and south sides allow staff to enjoy the nature in the outdoor and help them seamlessly switch between work and relaxation.

With an open, airy architecture, the new office of One House Design weaves together the indoor and outdoor spaces as well as architecture and landscape. The simple design is full of humanistic, ingenious details, creating a dynamic and comfortable environment. “Our relocation this time is more than a change of office environment: it opens a new chapter of practice and expectations that embody great visions and hopes for the One House team,” adds the designer Fang Lei.

Project Name | The New Office of One House Design

Project Location | Shanghai, China

Completion Time | Oct. 2021

Design Company | One House Design

Chief Designer | Fang Lei

Assistant | Xu Lei, Cai Mingwei, Liu Cangtian

Visual Merchandiser | Wendy Li, Sycien Sun, Michelle Li

Photographer | Zhu Hai, Zhang Jing