Aether Architects has unveiled a sleek adaptive reuse project of an abandoned factory boiler building in Shenzhen. Renovated for Zhongcheng Space Holdings Group, the structure had been sitting empty for more than ten years before its renovation. 

The original building had no windows and was riddled with cracks. It was determined that the building was dangerous and required structural reinforcement before reuse. While it had been abandoned for such an extended period of time, the architects appreciated its washed rice stone elevations. As stated by the design team, the material made the structure appear like an ashlar stand amidst the surrounding lush vegetation. 

The architects aimed to preserve this presence. Therefore, the core mission for the renewal was establishing the necessary lighting and ventilation to adapt the site for human use while retaining its original atmosphere.

The design team wanted to introduce the surrounding vegetation into the space, along with light and ventilation. The first floor and the west courtyard were turned into open spaces for the public, and the second and third floors now feature multifunctional activity spaces for the company.

According to the location of the greenery and the direction of the community, the elevations were divided into two types: a transparent surface and an ashlar-like, windowless surface. The south and west elevations facing the community were restored to the windowless, washed rice stone walls, preserving the historical characteristics of the site. The walls facing the east and north inner courtyards use a transparent material to capture lighting and scenery. 

Rather than simply adding new plants, the courtyard was designed in a way to interact with its inhabitants. An installation of flowing, ribbon-like steel, called “Shanshui Ripple,” is featured, making “the relatively limited courtyard space produce a multi-level spatial extension phenomenon.” With this piece, the design team wanted to explore the possibility of natural objects coexisting with artificial materials. 

As concluded by Aether Architects, “Ultimately, the regeneration of this project is based on the balance and coexistence among the needs of new functions and spaces, the correlations of the natural around the site, and the continuation of the historical characteristics of the site and building.”

Find more photos and drawings of the transformation in the image gallery below.