Office around a Tree / Lukstudio

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Table, Chair, Glass, Windows, PatioOffice around a Tree / Lukstudio - Table, Chair, Windows, ShelvingOffice around a Tree / Lukstudio - Table, Windows, Chair, BeamOffice around a Tree / Lukstudio - Table, Chair, CountertopOffice around a Tree / Lukstudio - More Images+ 13

More SpecsLess Specs

Text description provided by the architects. Valued moments in architecture are manifested through the synthesis of the exterior with the interior. In an urban context,these momentsare oftenpublic and ephemeral, noticed only through the interplay of dappling sunrays, shifting shadows and passing breeze as one strolls down the street. However, sometimes, our encounter of nature can be more intimate and permanent.

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Glass, Chair
© Peter Dixie

In thisproject of our design studio, that moment of permanence came rooted in a forgotten courtyard. It is an old tree, the chimonanthustree, known also as ‘wintersweet’. We were immediately charmed and so naturally, our design efforts became focused on restoring the dignity of this abandoned tree.

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Image 17 of 18
Floor Plan

The site is located in a li-long – a typical late 19th century Shanghai neighborhood characterized by the laneways that connect thehistory, buildings, inhabitants and gossips within.Over the years, this Wintersweet witnessed the passage of time while surviving numerous abuses and a lack of maintenance. We want it to be our secret, but more importantly, we want to protect it. Thus, we create a buffer to the laneways, starting with a large glazed door framed in a stainless steel lined porch, followed by a series of spaces that includes a foyer gallery, utility rooms and pantry.

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Windows, Door, Facade
© Peter Dixie

We then surround our tree with the spaces we would spend most of our time in, namely the conference room and our working area. A floor-to-ceiling double-glazing enclosureallows our tree to be omnipresent. Additionally, we devised a way to physically ‘bring’ the tree inside by capturing its shadows. A light color palette was decided for all interior surfaces, including fixtures and furniture, transforming the interiors into a projection screen and presenting a shadow show composed by the tree, its foliage and sunlight. Thus this tree is always in sight, always a part of the interiors.

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Table, Chair
© Peter Dixie

Contrasting with the rooted nature of our Wintersweet, desks in the main working area cantilever off the wall. The unobstructed legroom, most appreciated by our playful dogs, is ensured by a wall storage unit for all computer stations and a multi-functional cable tray system composed of stackable stationery holders. In line with the airy approach, walls are clad with white pegboard where different items can be hung: a flexible system providing more functional surface area for creative use.

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Image 18 of 18
Section

To witness how this abandoned lane house transformed into our studio space has been a fruitful learning experience.The Wintersweet now regains its purpose to integrate nature with man-made interiors and we enjoy itas a moment of architecture in our everyday.

Office around a Tree / Lukstudio - Image 13 of 18
© Peter Dixie

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Office around a Tree / Lukstudio" 26 Dec 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/580919/office-around-a-tree-lukstudio> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.