Shanghai's South Bund District has seen lots of shiny new development in recent years, but the Water House is a refreshingly old building — despite its contemporary appearance. A former Japanese Army headquarters originally constructed in the 1930s, the concrete box was renovated and transformed into a boutique hotel by Chinese architecture firm Neri&Hu (NHDRO).
The firm won an Emerging Architecture Award 2010 from the Royal Institute of British Architects for the project. Public spaces and views played an important role in the design, the architects say "if you are relaxing in your bedroom you can look down upon the restaurant, if you are outside, you can look in." A little bit creepy, but cool nonetheless.
NHDRO is a parent company to Design Republic, the firm that sourced furnishings and products for the Water House interiors.
MORE INFORMATION
• The Water House | NHDRO
• Boutique Hotel | Design Republic
• Water House in Shanghai Wins Architectural Award | Conde Nast Traveler
Photos: Design Republic
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Um, in that first picture, is that chair and lamp just sitting on a ledge without any railings? I know Americans tend to by hyperactive when it comes to safety, but that just looks freaky. Of course, it could just be a trick of the pic.
notice the faint appearance of a glass sheet separating the balcony from the edge and the small white bracket on the side of the wall by the window holding it in place. Sorry upon writing this I realized it could be taken misconstrued as snarky. I did not intend the comment to be that way. just pointing it out.
So my question is, is that a balcony or a part of the interior? I'm sure it's not open to the elements and I'm not seeing any separation at the interior - however i see the faintest line in the floor near the edge (per ASC's comment). I'm thinking its another interior space...
Amazing work though, really incredible. The transitions from space to space are flawless.
Simply beautiful, but I'm not sure about the placement of the bathtub.