Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior Photography, CityscapeSu He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior PhotographySu He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Interior Photography, FacadeSu He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Interior Photography, Stairs, HandrailSu He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - More Images+ 7

  • Project Architects: Xunan Wang, Chun Ding
  • Design Team: Kuo Ding, Xiang Wang, Yang Yue, Kongshen Xia, Xufeng Wang, Boheng Li (Intern)
  • Structure Engineers: Zhun Zhang, Rui Wang
  • Facility Engineer: Department No.1 TJAD
  • Client: Shanghai Landscaping & City Appearance Administrative Bureau
  • City: Shanghai
  • Country: China
More SpecsLess Specs
Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior Photography
entrance. Image © ZY Architectural Photography

Text description provided by the architects. Paper Kite House is located in Jiuzi Park by the Suzhou River, which is the north gate of the Park. It was formerly the administration office of Jiuzi Park. It was built many years ago. Therefore, the overall style is heavily different from the modern open park, and the architectural image is relatively closed. It thus becomes the focus of the renovation of Jiuzi Park.

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior Photography, Cityscape
© ZY Architectural Photography

Although it is only an inn with less than 200 square meters, we have undergone many revisions during the design process. In the beginning, we retained the main structure of the previous building, and tried to form a gray space for people to move through a cantilevered structure. We also tried a circular building to form a landscape. But finally we choose a concrete folded board.

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Image 9 of 12
axonometric
Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior Photography, Facade
© ZY Architectural Photography

Under the folded board, a covered "grey space" outside the building is formed, which is a "fun" place for children to play. At the same time, the newly built building and the reserved site form a small square for people to stay. Above the folded board, we connect the inn to the park with internal path, which echoes the hilly terrain of the park. It also characterizes people's activities, forming a homogeneous floating state, enriching the spatial hierarchy, while softening the architectural boundaries, allowing the original buildings to be more integrated into the park environment.

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Interior Photography, Facade
details. Image © ZY Architectural Photography
Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior Photography, Handrail, Steel
details. Image © ZY Architectural Photography

The functional space of the Paper Kite House is clearly divided according to the shape of the building. The west side retains the office; auxiliary functions such as toilets and equipment rooms are placed in the middle of the building; the space under the largest cantilevered folding board is the main space of the building, enclosed by glass curtain walls. It is a recreational space for citizens and also serves as an meeting room for the opening of the so-called Jiuzi Activities.

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Interior Photography, Stairs, Handrail
details. Image © ZY Architectural Photography

The biggest challenge of the Paper Kite House is the structure. The longest overhang of the folded board is about 7 meters. Controlling the overhanging distance and board thickness has a great influence on the shape of the building. The folded plate increases the rigidity of the concrete while reducing the thickness of the concrete. It is supported by a steel column at one side, and a sloping slab at the other.

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Image 10 of 12
mass generation

The more difficult part is where the stairway needs to be opened so that people can go up to the roof. At the same time, it becomes the anti-bending component of the folded plate. The force of the structure is reflected in the shape of the building. In this way, the concrete Paper Kite House forms a landmark and recognition at the entrance of Jiuzi Park in a dynamic and balanced way.

Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio - Exterior Photography, Facade
under the bridge. Image © ZY Architectural Photography

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Huangpu District, 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: "Su He Inn, Paper Kite House / TJAD Original Design Studio" 15 Dec 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/953145/su-he-inn-paper-kite-house-tjad-original-design-studio> ISSN 0719-8884

© ZY Architectural Photography

苏河驿·纸鸢屋 / 同济原作设计工作室

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.