Retail

According to Studio RAP, The Ceramic House reshapes architectural expression by seamlessly blending tradition and innovation, reintroducing bespoke details to the realm of architecture. The studio’s innovative approach to contemporary architectural design uses state-of-the-art digital fabrication processes conceived in its own manufacturing premises to print each bespoke 3D-printed ceramic tile. This enriches the famous shopping street’s existing historic architecture with a new design language. The resulting design, achieved through algorithmic design, 3D-printed ceramics, and artisanal glazing, is exciting and textural, inspired by the craft of knitting garments.

The project is located in a granary built by Shunde County in the 1980s. Next to the 70m wide river is the Shunde Lunjiao Dachong, which has been the venue for dragon boat races, and dragon boat crews can often be seen shuttling through the river. The design site is a long glass box (20x6m in length and width) that was added after the renovation. Although it is located at the entrance of the building, the external facade is covered by plants, and the interior is dim, while the internal staircase leading to the first floor (for other tenants) takes up 2/3 of the space, resulting in the interior being only 3m wide at the narrowest point, and at the same time, at a floor height of 4.2m, the space at the bottom of the staircase creates a sense of oppression and is difficult to use. Our aim was to provide a comfortable and complete service space while at the same time combining the characteristics of the site with a sense of being here and now for the FEI, clients, and passers-by.