Atelier d'More

This project is located in Tangdazhuang Village, Taihu Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing. Its unique geographical position places it just 2 kilometers from Universal Studios Beijing Resort, making it one of the closest B&B villages near the theme park. The project occupies a key location at the southeast corner of the village crossroads. Upon first arriving at the site, we were greeted by a scene of desolation and decay. The sloping roofs of the buildings had collapsed, the courtyard was overrun with weeds, and the doors and windows were awkwardly reshaped into bizarre forms. The site was previously intended to be a B&B by the previous tenant but was abandoned midway through the renovation. The owner entrusted Atelier d’More to completely transform the site while retaining its use as a B&B.

Given the original building’s dilapidated state, we opted not to demolish and rebuild but to embrace a fusion approach. By uncovering and integrating clues from the existing structure, we introduced subtle modifications to create the illusion of a transformative makeover. We refer to this approach as an architectural facelift—not merely repainting or repairing but establishing a new order based on the original structural framework. Through selective and minimal interventions, we significantly altered the building’s sensory experience. The new design retains glimpses of the old structure, allowing visitors to perceive its transformation and newfound beauty.

The overall layout largely preserves the original architectural framework. The previous tenant had already constructed partition walls for the guest rooms, and to minimize costs, we retained this arrangement for room allocation. After carefully considering circulation and zoning, we merged two of the three rooms in the front courtyard to create a public space, including a lounge, dining area, reception desk, linen room, and restroom. The three spaces in the sloping-roofed area already featured steel structures for mezzanines. We developed these into loft-style family rooms. With the central public area established, the two courtyards became the core of the site, serving the surrounding guest rooms.

The two courtyards, which existed in the original layout, evoke a sense of inward peace. We defined the front courtyard as an open space with symmetrical and orderly structures on both sides, creating a spiritual and serene white courtyard. The rear courtyard, in contrast, is relatively enclosed, providing guests with a private outdoor retreat for relaxation. The main hall acts as the connecting medium between the two courtyards, with large, transparent floor-to-ceiling glass surfaces allowing light and views to flow through.

Minimal materials and sparse decoration have always been our pursuit of pure space. In this project, we adhered to the principle of integrated control over architecture, space, and furniture. Most of the elements were prefabricated digitally by designers and then handcrafted on-site by artisans—from the building’s exterior walls, roof water spouts, and main doors to the interior elements like room doors, bed frames, and furniture. Rather than purchasing ready-made products, we preferred to have these elements born on-site, allowing them to coexist naturally. Only a few essential ready-made pieces were added as supplements, creating a design language that is uniquely ours. This approach ensures a cohesive and harmonious space where the architectural language grows richer and more profound with time.