Dezeen Magazine

David Chipperfield's Moganshan Road office building features an all-copper facade

A grid of muted copper frames the large windows of this slender office building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield for a park-side site in Hangzhou, China (+ slideshow).

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

David Chipperfield Architects, whose Milan gallery complex is currently nearing completion, created the ten-storey office block for a site on Moganshan Road, just south of the city's Shuyhuan Park.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

The building is positioned at the centre of its site, creating a generous setback from its mid-rise neighbours on all four sides.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

The site has a gentle change of level, so the structure is gently raised up over a grey basalt plinth that grows out from the surrounding pavements.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

"Within this dense context, the new building asserts its object-like presence with a clear geometric form," said the design team in a statement.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

"Placed above street level, the volume sits as if on a stage. Together with the modulation of the surrounding exterior space, the raised level allows for diverse transitions from the city into the building."

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

Copper elements, which the architects refer to as "cassettes", frame the building's reinforced concrete structure. One large window sits within every opening in the grid, while gaps between are infilled with more orange-toned copper sheets.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

"The rectangular columns along the narrow side of the building enhance the slender appearance, and the lively surface of the bronze cladding gives the facade an elegant, vibrant look," said the team.



905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

The strength of the perimeter structure meant the designers could create a column-free plan inside, allowing for flexible spaces that can be either partitioned or left open-plan. Each floor can also be split in half to accommodate smaller companies.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

Staircases and lifts are all located at the centre of the plan, alongside toilets and other amenities.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

Walls around the perimeter have been plastered white, while flooring and internal walls have been finished in oak. Suspended ceilings are made from mesh panels, with lighting fixtures suspended above.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

"The linearity of the space, the generous ceiling heights and the large windows give the building a loft-like character," added the team.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

There are visitor entrances at both ends of the building, creating two reception areas, as well as a side access that can be used by staff.

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield

Photography is by Simon Menges.


Project credits:

Client: Hangzhou Fanes Baoyuan Real Estate
Architect: David Chipperfield Architects, Berlin, Shanghai
Partner Berlin: Mark Randel
Representative Shanghai: Libin Chen
Project architects: Peter von Matuschka, Daniel Koo
Contact architect: Zhejiang Fanes Institute of Architecture Design and Management
Landscape architect: Levin Monsigny Landschaftsarchitekten
Structural engineer: Zhejiang Fanes Institute of Architecture Design and Management
Services engineer: Zhejiang Fanes Institute of Architecture Design and Management

905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield
Site plan – click for larger image
905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield
Lower ground floor plan – click for larger image
905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield
First floor plan – click for larger image
905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield
Typical upper floor plan – click for larger image
905 Moganshan Road by David Chipperfield
Section – click for larger image