Two to One House

Two existing adjacent 1920’s European-style stucco buildings were combined into one residence totaling 3500 SF. Extensive structural alterations were made, including adjusting floor levels to match each other. An existing gap between the houses was enclosed and made into a new stair/foyer tower that connects the two houses in the middle. This structure is topped by a 90-degree skylight, a “lantern” that provides much-needed light inside the two houses as well as outside -- a dim alley and main entrance to the house. The huge tree outside, visible through the skylight, now forms a green canopy, shading the stairwell during hot summers. The new ground floor plan was laid out with a new partial dropped ceiling extending from the dining room across the whole width of the floor plan, with kitchen and bathroom in the middle serving as the core. The new ceiling connects the rooms into one open space, which can be separated by sliding doors. In the living room, the old ceiling was removed to reveal existing wood beams. Grey bricks, typical to Shanghai, were used for walls, fireplaces and floors; they were laid on their sides without much grout. Shanghai-style steel windows are used throughout. This project received the 2006 Business Week/Architectural Record China Award.

Photos: Cz Chai & Bao Shi Wang