{"id":697695,"date":"2026-01-15T13:12:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T13:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/697695\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T13:12:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T13:12:18","slug":"team-bldg-renovates-the-catcher-guesthouse-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/697695\/","title":{"rendered":"Team BLDG renovates The Catcher guesthouse in China"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chinese architecture studio Team BLDG<\/a> has converted two rural homes outside Shanghai<\/a> into The Catcher guesthouse<\/a>, adding three connecting volumes to the existing structures.<\/p>\n

The 11-bedroom guesthouse is located near the ancient town of Xinchang in Shanghai’s Pudong district, overlooking a series of rice fields to the south and east of the site.<\/p>\n

\"GuesthouseTeam BLDG has transformed two rural homes into a guesthouse outside Shanghai<\/p>\n

Team BLDG<\/a> set out to give The Catcher a strong connection to the natural landscape, while ensuring it fit among the surrounding rural architecture.<\/p>\n

“We simplified the original facade’s shape and colour palette, and incorporated natural materials in parts to echo the pure, natural state of the surroundings,” said Team BLDG’s lead architect Xiao Lei.<\/p>\n

\"TheThree connecting volumes were added to the existing structures<\/p>\n

Working within the constraints of a limited budget, the studio said it avoided extensive modifications and retained as much of the existing structures as possible, including the gable-roofed bungalow at the site’s entrance.<\/p>\n

Interventions included the addition of three connecting volumes that contain the guesthouse’s shared spaces, as well as a unifying wall that wraps around the perimeter of the site.<\/p>\n

Team BLDG opted for traditional construction techniques and local materials where possible, incorporating wood, stone and bamboo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"WhiteThe material palette combines wood, stone and bamboo<\/p>\n

“Material choices were heavily constrained by budget, leading to the predominant use of local materials,” said Lei.<\/p>\n

“The white exterior wall finish uses a textured paint \u2013 a water-borne sand finish \u2013 commonly employed in rural areas,” he stated. “The bamboo fences and gates are also crafted using traditional local methods.”<\/p>\n

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Archisbang converts Italian farm building into We Rural guesthouse\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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“The stone-clad surfaces wrapping utility shafts also employ a local technique typically used for landscape walls,” said Lei.<\/p>\n

“Leaving many interior surfaces unfinished is also a common approach in local rural construction.”<\/p>\n

\"PavingLocal materials and construction techniques were used<\/p>\n

According to the studio, creating circulation routes that establish a dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces was a key consideration in the design of The Catcher.<\/p>\n

Gaps integrated between the courtyard and the buildings allow for pathways that link the guesthouse’s various indoor and outdoor areas.<\/p>\n

\"LobbyA sunken seating area was created in the entrance lobby<\/p>\n

In the entrance lobby, the studio utilised a preexisting, sunken space from the old structure to create a seating area. Here, large expanses of glass bring in natural light and provide views out into the courtyard.<\/p>\n

A new volume behind the main building contains shared social spaces, such as the dining room, tea room and games room.<\/p>\n

\"RooftopEach guest room has its own outdoor space<\/p>\n

Almost all of the guest rooms are located on the south side of The Catcher maximise natural light, while the north side houses circulation routes and ancillary spaces.<\/p>\n

Each guest room is complete with its own private outdoor space, with either a courtyard, balcony or rooftop terrace, as well as carefully positioned windows to frame views.<\/p>\n

In keeping with the wider scheme, a pared-back palette was applied throughout the bedrooms, pairing pale, neutral walls with parquet wooden flooring and fixed furniture pieces, such as beds on wooden platforms.<\/p>\n

\"GuestWindows were carefully positioned to frame views<\/p>\n

“The goal for the interior was to distinguish the space from the refinement and complexity of urban hotels, striving instead for authenticity and connection to nature,” said Lei.<\/p>\n

“We aimed for furniture pieces that are as multi-functional and adaptable as possible,” he stated.<\/p>\n

\"BathA pared-back palette was applied throughout the interior<\/p>\n

Other projects by Team BLDG featured on Dezeen include a textile gallery wrapped with woven lattices in Songzhuang<\/a> and a series of visitor facilities for a sports park in Pazhou<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The photography is by Hu Siyuan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Project credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architect: <\/strong>Team BLDG
Team:<\/strong>\u00a0Xiao Lei, Deng Zhaojing, Deng Caiyi, Shigeno Yuji, Shen Ruijie<\/p>\n