The adaptive reuse of a former deteriorating tea factory into a multi-purpose hospitality and living space in Dalenzhen, China, was recognized as the March FRAME Awards winning project.
Tea Story swept the March FRAME Awards securing the top spot and first and second honourable mentions for its submissions in the Entertainment Venue (7.81), Material (7.71) and House (7.48) categories, respectively. Lin Weiping Interior Design Consultancy designed the multi-purpose space in Dalenzhen, China, which is set inside a former tea factory. The client, Da Lan Tea Story, briefed the designer to preserve the original structure which was deteriorating. An ancient well, a remnant wall and a degrading staircase were incorporated into the new 4,000-sq-m structure paying homage to the tea house’s roots. The space functions as a hotel, tearoom and tea culture exhibition and is home to restaurants and a bar. ‘Represented as an entertainment venue, this has such a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The contrast of old and new and multi-level exploration leaves me waiting for more,’ says Christopher Lynn Ortiz, project designer at VLK Architects.
Tea Story incorporates the remnants of a former tea factory into its new 4,000-sq-m multi-purpose space.
The jury lauded the three-time winner for its strong design narrative, which married old and new. ‘It’s so great to see not only the preservation of the original structure, but its elevation to a museum-like element and the further use of local materials and objects,’ shares Allison Rowe, head of design at Space10. The sentiment was echoed by Nicolas Hauvette, creative director and partner at Malherbe Paris: ‘I love the respect of the original building and the legacy of the place.’
Nestled among a row of high-rise apartment buildings in Seoul, Itch House's breezeblock façade creates interior privacy.
Itch House, a 49-sq-m apartment in Seoul, grabbed the third honourable mention spot for its submission as a House (7.44). Designed by Atelier ITCH, façade of breezeblocks carves out a domestic niche and creates privacy despite being surrounded by high-rise buildings. Spread across two floors, common spaces like the kitchen with a dining table for up to 12 people occupies the ground floor while sleeping quarters are more privately nestled above. The jury commended the designer’s resourcefulness: ‘Clever use of a small space with super personal choices, which reflect the lifestyle quirks that make a home special,’ says Rowe.
Exploring Medellín's inextricable relationship with music, Del Valle Studio activated the former museum space for the Casa Medallo Spotify Medellín exhibition using recycled materials and lighting.
The fourth honourable mention, Casa Medallo Spotify Medellín, is located in the former Museum of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. The Exhibition (7.17) space was transformed into an exhibition space for Spotify by designed by Del Valle Studio. The exhibition explores the city’s relationship with music. Using recycled materials, light was used to activate and modify the space creating a varied user journey throughout with minimal material. ‘Interesting intersection of the museum typology and urban culture,’ says Paul Clayton, principal at Clayton Korte. ‘The colour and light transform the experience as the user moves through the space. Love the juxtaposition of grit in the gallery setting.’
