Innovative Use of Materials and Design Philosophy Breaths New Life into a Formerly Abandoned Site
In a creative and sustainable project, architecture studio Chaoffice has designed the House of Bluff, a distinctive home in rural China that merges concrete, reclaimed stone, and timber to create a vibrant living space. Situated near Beijing on what was once described as a “wasteland” covered with rubble and remnants from a partially collapsed building, the house has been constructed on a five-bedroom site that has now transformed into a functional and aesthetically captivating home.
Reclaimed Stone and Concrete Frames: A Sustainable Approach
Chaoffice’s approach to the site utilized materials readily available in the area, such as reclaimed stones from the ruins. These stones were used to infill an exposed concrete frame, providing both structural support and a visual connection to the environment. The home is shaped as a playful, two-storey structure, with a mix of terraces, walkways, and courtyards that are interconnected by a metal staircase and a slide, offering a sense of fun and engagement.
“We decided to build a house featuring multiple semi-outdoor spaces and independent structures, creating a sense of grandiosity despite the limited footprint,” explained the studio. The design maximizes the site’s potential, infusing a “sense of rejuvenation” into the abandoned land by transforming it into what the architects describe as a “playground.”
The overall design of the home is guided by two existing trees, which serve as focal points for two courtyards. These courtyards divide the house into two wings—one public wing on the west side, which contains the living areas, and a more private wing on the east side, dedicated to the bedrooms and staff spaces.
Cubic Geometry and Functional Design
The home’s design revolves around a simple, geometric 4.5-metre by 4.5-metre cubic unit, which forms the building blocks for the various spaces within the home. The architects used this grid to create the house’s fundamental elements such as porches, houses, and “hollow frames.”
“In some instances, sections of these units were partially removed to enhance light and sight-lines for the neighbours, as well as to soften the building’s presence on the adjacent street,” the studio explained, revealing the design’s careful consideration for both functionality and harmony with the surrounding environment.
Split Levels and Thoughtful Material Contrasts
Organized across two levels, the home takes advantage of the site’s topography. The entrance is located on the western edge, where a long wooden stair descends into the double-height living area. Full-height windows in this space offer views over the surrounding terraces, with a sunken bath positioned on the ground floor that can be accessed via a separate entrance.
Changes in level are a recurring theme throughout the home, with a metal slide that connects the entrance hall to the courtyard, as well as a metal spiral staircase linking the two outdoor levels that connect the wings. The kitchen area on the ground floor is centered around a concrete fireplace, with columns supporting a bath above it. The stepped wood-panelled ceiling above reflects the structure’s unique design.
Inside, the use of plywood panelling contrasts with the rougher surfaces of the exposed concrete and reclaimed stone, highlighting the duality between structural integrity and aesthetic refinement. “The walls are finished with warm-toned stucco plaster, with the projecting structural frames re-covered in wooden paneling,” explained the studio. “This deliberate interplay of two materials not only creates a striking visual contrast but also implied the dualistic juxtaposition of structure and maintenance systems, enriching its architectural narrative.”
Chaoffice, founded by Cheng Zhi in 2016, continues to make a mark with projects that bring new life to rural China through thoughtful and sustainable design. The House of Bluff exemplifies the potential for rejuvenating forgotten spaces while embracing the local environment and culture.