This project is located in the south of the Old City of Nanjing, Xi Nanli historical and cultural block, It next to the former residence of Gan Xi, commonly known as “ninety-nine and a half rooms”, which is regarded as the largest and best-preserved dwelling in China. The entrance is facing to the famous Zhongshan South Road. The combination of modern and classical forms the interest of this project “half the world, half the soul”.

梯云室

Ladder cloud room

The first floor entrance is only for stairway, it used to be a narrow and close space. We replace the wall with glass to make an open view between inside and outside, and exhibit the essence of the stairs for walking and guidance. With the metal curtain as a barrier to filter out the noise of the street, and its light posture can achieve the minimum intervention of the antique-style architecture.

▼主入口，设金属垂帘增加空间的通透性 main entrance with metal curtain, enhancing the transparency of the space ©EMMA studio

半春间

Mid-spring room

The restaurant is on the second floor, the windows are inspired by the traditional residence’s window panels, which blocks off the opposite building, leaving only the crown of a Chinese parasol tree. Now, the peak green outside reminds the springtime we are in. The window panels are tilted to open flexibly for ventilation. We extend the use of metal curtain here to surround a small teahouse, which is eclectic and cozy. The private room shaped like the house within a house, with decorative glass to present the outside wall clear, with wooden walls to build inside space warm.