"Emphasizing authenticity and a deep connection to nature," Team BLDG has transformed two rural residences located just outside of Shanghai into a guesthouse known as The Catcher. This innovative architecture studio has thoughtfully added three interconnected structures to the existing buildings, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The Catcher boasts 11 guest rooms and is situated near the historic town of Xinchang in Shanghai's Pudong district, surrounded by picturesque rice paddies to the south and east.
Team BLDG aimed to forge a strong bond between the guesthouse and its natural surroundings while ensuring it harmonized with the local architectural style.
Xiao Lei, the lead architect, explained, "We streamlined the original facade's design and color scheme, incorporating natural materials to reflect the pristine state of the environment around us."
Faced with budget constraints, the team focused on minimal alterations and preserved much of the original infrastructure, including the charming gable-roofed bungalow at the entrance.
The renovations included the introduction of three new volumes that house communal areas for guests and a cohesive wall that encircles the property.
In line with their commitment to sustainability, Team BLDG favored traditional construction methods and sourced local materials whenever possible. Wood, stone, and bamboo were prominently featured in the design.
Lei noted, "Our material selections were heavily influenced by budget limitations, which led us to predominantly use locally sourced materials." He also mentioned that the exterior walls are finished in a textured paint, specifically a water-borne sand finish that is commonly found in rural settings.
Additionally, the bamboo fences and gates were constructed using traditional local techniques. According to Lei, the stone surfaces enveloping the utility shafts showcase another local method typically reserved for landscape walls.
"It's also quite common in rural building practices to leave many interior surfaces in their raw, unfinished state," he added.
A fundamental aspect of The Catcher's design was creating circulation paths that foster a dialogue between indoor and outdoor environments. Strategic gaps between the courtyard and buildings establish pathways connecting various indoor and outdoor areas within the guesthouse.
In the lobby area, the design team took advantage of a pre-existing sunken space from the previous structure, transforming it into a cozy seating nook. Expansive glass panels allow natural light to flood the space while offering lovely views of the courtyard outside.
A newly constructed section behind the main house features shared spaces intended for social interaction, including a dining room, a tea room, and a games room.
The layout of the guesthouse maximizes exposure to natural light; most guest rooms are positioned on the south side, while the north side accommodates circulation routes and additional spaces.
Each guest room includes a private outdoor area, whether it be a courtyard, balcony, or rooftop terrace, along with carefully placed windows designed to frame beautiful views.
Maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout the guesthouse, the bedrooms feature a simplified color palette with soft, neutral walls paired with elegant parquet wooden flooring and built-in furniture, such as beds resting on wooden platforms.
Lei stated, "Our aim for the interiors was to create a space that stands apart from the sophistication and intricacy often found in urban hotels, focusing instead on authenticity and a genuine connection to nature."
He further explained, "We sought to design furniture pieces that are versatile and adaptable to meet various needs."
Other noteworthy projects by Team BLDG highlighted on Dezeen include a textile gallery enveloped in woven lattices in Songzhuang and a series of visitor facilities for a sports park in Pazhou.
Photography credit goes to Hu Siyuan.
