Pump House

What secrets does a quiet corner hold? In the bustling heart of Shanghai, nestled amongst towering metasequoia trees, sits the Pump House. This unassuming structure whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when it served the state-owned marble factory. The Pump House, once essential to the factory’s operations, now stands as a tranquil oasis in the urban landscape. Its transformation from a utilitarian pump house to a peaceful gazebo is a testament to adaptive reuse. The original Pump House, built with a brick-concrete mixed structure, had only two small windows. Its interior was closed off from the world outside. The architects, understanding the need for connection, reimagined the space. They retained the original vertical force-transmitting brick walls, a nod to the building’s history. But they also inserted three long, flat windows, flooding the interior with natural light and offering glimpses of the surrounding greenery. A door window on the southern facade further connects the Pump House to its environment, creating a true gazebo experience. The lowered window holes invite the eye to wander into the depths of the metasequoia forest, while the white-painted brick walls, stripped of their original decoration, reveal the raw texture of the materials. The warm glow of wall washers, strategically placed on the four brick columns, illuminates the brickwork without being visible from the outside. This creates a soft, inviting ambiance. The low window holes also serve a practical purpose. They allow the Pump House to retain its solid walls, preserving the rough, stocky style of the original pumping station. This minimalist approach ensures that the renovation doesn’t overwhelm the building’s inherent character. The renovation included reinforcing the structure. Reinforced concrete rigid frames, composed of structural columns and cross beams, support the enlarged window holes. This system ensures the continuous transfer of load from the upper wall and roof to the foundation. The arc-shaped cross beams, with their outward overturning moment, are balanced by concrete slabs extending inwards. These slabs not only stabilize the structure, but also create deep window wells that provide shade and protect from rain. A discreet drainage groove and hidden rainwater pipe complete the design. Today, the Pump House stands as a harmonious blend of old and new. The repainted brick facade sits alongside the exposed concrete of the new structural elements. This juxtaposition reveals the relationship between the original building and its modern additions. The Pump House is a quiet testament to the power of thoughtful renovation. It reminds us that even the most utilitarian structures can be transformed into spaces of beauty and tranquility.