北京大学健斋，体斋改造外教公寓

PROGRAM: Renovation of two historic structures into residences and offices for visiting professors.
CLIENT: Packard Foundation
SIZE: Residence: 1,080 m2; Office, 300 m2
STATUS: Construction completed 1999
LOCATION: Beijing University, Beijing

Two historic buildings, Jian Zhai and Ti Zhai, were converted from antiquated student residences into eight, modern, serviced apartments and fully-equipped office/meeting rooms for visiting professors. One apartment on the ground floor was equipped for handicapped use. Conceptual interior design was done by the Beijing office of Adrien's Interiors. All subsequent work, from the production of working drawings, to construction management and handover, was done under a turnkey contract with CMA (Joe Carter, Project Manager).
The exterior appearance of the buildings was not allowed to change. The building interiors were gutted; the concrete structure reinforced; the interiors were refurbished, with modern bathrooms and kitchens; and updated mechanical, electrical, and IT were installed - all respecting and preserving the spirit of the original building. A new MEP Plant was built nearby, with underground utilidors connecting to the renovated buildings and to a new septic tank. The Plant was designed to look like a farmer's cottage.