The Barn is a private clubhouse refurbished from a 600-year-old Imperial Granary in Beijing Nan Xin Cang – the area now redeveloped into a contemporary Chinese F&B and entertainment hotspot. Built in 1409 during the Ming Dynasty, it is the only surviving granary of its kind in China with such good condition, and was served as crop storage for the imperial household, thus classed as a military defense building.
The owner of The Barn is a property developer who frequently travels to Beijing for work. This clubhouse is the owner’s private spot to treat his guests and friends. ACDC has created a naming, visual identity and the interior design.
With the interior design in collaboration with Mr. Yukiharu Takematsu of E.P.A. Co. Ltd., Japan, this historical complex is restored with contemporary design, and becomes one of the uprising venues for private and commercial events.
The owner of the Barn is a property developer who frequently travels to Beijing for work. This clubhouse is the owner’s private spot to treat his guests and friends. ACDC has created a naming, visual identity and the interior design.
In collaboration with interior designer Mr. Yukiharu Takematsu of E.P.A. Co. Ltd., Japan, ACDC restored this historical complex with contemporary design, and becomes one of the uprising venues for private and commercial events.
The logo adopt the form of the traditional Chinese seal, symbolizing the royal historical background of the 600-year old granary.
With this 270 sqm multi-functional space, the ground floor is the main activity area for private parties and dinner, whereas the mezzanine floor on both sides is a cigar and wine bar for relaxation.
The design concept is a modern interpretation of a Chinese garden, with wide use of glass as one of the key materials for refurbishing the space. A red glass box is built at the entrance to resemble the red wooden door of traditional Chinese manor. This adds to the exclusivity of the clubhouse, and acts as a highly visible icon, especially at nighttime. Besides, glass walls are built 1.2m away from the original brick walls allowing guests to appreciate without tarnishing the precious relic.
Chinese metaphoric features such as an entry zone of “small bridge and running stream”, two Chinese “moon” doors and Ming chairs made of acrylic are custom-made to enhance the personality of the club. These features coexist with Noguchi’s “flying dragon” red lanterns and Cassina cab chairs to bring out a contemporary flair while complementing the historical significance of the building.
With the original structure of the granary is preserved, and injection of contemporary design, this project successfully blends the old and the new for the pleasure and appreciation of the guests. Not only this private club house is a culturally & historically significant, its transition from an archaic building to a chic and upbeat entertainment venue also reflects the designers’ belief and passion on commercial design – that beauty and stylistic living is timeless that encompass the past, present and future.
