House of Bluff is an efficient house transformation in Beijing that is surrounded by lightweight trees. China-based practice Chaoffice partnered with skilled local labourers to restore the house, removing decrepit elements but preserving the traditional main structure.
House of Bluff is a significant house transformation in Beijing. Situated at the far end of a terraced landscape, this once neglected and left vacant house had become a haven for wildlife amidst wild plants, collapsed structures, and refuse. In the design process, the aim was to convert it into a vibrant retreat featuring bedrooms, expansive spaces, outdoor spaces with mountain views, an open-air bath, a swing, and a slide.
A simple geometric form defines House of Bluff, taking inspiration from the painting of Lucas Cranach the Elder’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ (1573). Featuring 5 bedrooms, complemented by expansive indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning mountain views, the result is designed to be a place of joy and relaxation, offering something for both adults and children to enjoy.
Upon transforming the courtyard into distinct spaces, the goal to use around 300 m2, the limited footprint led to the concept of multiple semi-outdoor spaces and independent structures. The cubic units of 4.5m x 4.5m serve as the main unit, creating a sense of grandiosity, which elevates the site’s use. Notably, portions of these units can be manipulated to optimise light and sightlines for neighbours and softened building presence towards adjacent streets.
From the neighbouring building to stone from original ruins, there were attempts to integrate place-sensitive materials and approaches. It’s not common to see a combination of concrete and stone historically in the architectural domain, however the outcome pays homage to the 1982 Stone House by Herzog & de Meuron. The exposed façade imbued with a rugged, northern mountain aesthetic captures a sense of place, aided by the solid facade to fend off intense weather conditions.
Playful Elements Highlight A Series of Solid Facades
The flow of spaces ensures air, light, and human activity between the north and south sections. Notably, the House of Bluff accommodates the largest toon trees and embraces established cultural history at the heart of the site. A masterplan approach presents a divide into east and west wings. The west wing houses main public spaces with three exits, while the east wing accommodates private guest rooms.
There is a continuous climatic boundary, where under a steel spiral staircase serves as the key space for outdoor activities. In this transition from a wasteland to a haven, the main entrance allows users to experience the site’s topography and verticality. From one area, the sunken bath is supported by concrete folding beams and vertical columns, and there is a striking visual effect of flames appearing below the water-filled bath.
Playful elements make their way in, allowing residents to remain comfortable during their experience by introducing an unexpected element – a slide. Not only does it lend a sense of play, but also practicality in transporting luggage from floor to floor. Present in the form of a simple geometric form, order has emerged from chaos.
House of Bluff represents more than a typical architectural project; it embodies a multifaceted narrative interwoven into the cultural context, abstracting the narrative that centres around the challenges of restoration and site-specific potential, where there is unity and richness in multiple forms and interplays. Notably, the choice of differing materials – the exposed façade that combines concrete frame with stone filler and their use internally creates striking contrasts against the warm-toned occupancy. This project is a showcase that provides narrative through the deliberate, cultivated curation of forms with care and tactility.
