Captain House
architecture·@mariemm·
0.000 HBDCaptain House
Vector Architects renovated a perched house on a rocky peninsula in Fujian Province, China, adding a vaulted concrete roof that surrounds a new living area with sea views on either side. Captain House is located in the village of Beijiao. The geology of the cliffs of the peninsula means that the buildings are clustered along a narrow spine. Twenty years of exposure to moist, corrosive sea air had compromised the existing building structure and caused serious leaks that needed to be addressed as part of the renovation process. The Vector Architects studio, based in Beijing, has been tasked with modernizing the house and making it better suited to modern family life. The project began with the study of structural reinforcement. Thus, the architects decided to add a layer of concrete of 12 centimeters to the original brick walls. This strategy offers additional potential for improving the quality of space. The addition of the new concrete wall allowed the architects to reconfigure the interior layout and provide the structural strength required to add the third floor to the existing building. A bathroom on the ground floor and first floor was removed from the side of the building facing the sea to the elevation bounded by the neighboring property. This provided the main living room, dining room and bedroom with unobstructed views, as well as more natural light and ventilation. The extra thickness of the outer walls makes it possible to incorporate furniture into voids that are cut from the facades to accommodate the windows. These spaces contain seating, shelves, desks and other fitted furniture that allow them to perform a variety of functional roles as well as frame the sea views. Externally, the new openings feature concrete frames that project outward to assist drainage by preventing excess rainwater from flowing down the walls and into the window cavities. Stopping leaks has also been one of the main reasons for installing the curved vault added to the new upper floor, which ensures the rapid flow of water. The linear form also frames distinct views at each end, with the bustling port visible on one side and the tranquil seascape extending toward the horizon on the other. The vault houses a versatile living space that can accommodate family and friends, as well as a gym, activity area and a private chapel for Christian homeowners. A mezzanine level is located under the curved ceiling, with terraces that extend from both ends, providing outdoor spaces.               