Aether Architects and Archigress transform Shenzhen railway warehouse into Apelron Contemporary
Aether Architects and Archigress have converted a former railway warehouse in Shenzhen's Qingshuihe Railway Relics area into Apelron Contemporary, an exhibition space defined by layered transparency and independent structural elements. The original roof could not support additional loads, so the architects employed a 'structural cluster' strategy: stairs, walls, and rooms are self-supporting structures placed beneath the existing roof. Openings use opaque, translucent, and transparent materials to control light and views. Natural light enters mainly from east and west facades. Circulation paths create shifting visual relationships with surrounding railway and road infrastructure. The project covers 320 sqm in Luohu district, Shenzhen, China. Lead architect is Huang Zelin; design team includes Li Xiaodong, Li Ying, Liu Dingwen, Peng Jian, Zhao Zheng. Structural engineering by Shenzhen Morgor Design Consulting Co., LTD (Zhang Fan, Cao Yuanfeng, Yangrui). Construction manager: Tian Xianhai. Photographs by Zhang Chao.
Key facts
- Apelron Contemporary is located in Qingshuihe Railway Relics area, Shenzhen.
- The project transforms a former railway warehouse into an exhibition space.
- Architects: Aether Architects and Archigress.
- Lead architect: Huang Zelin.
- Design team: Li Xiaodong, Li Ying, Liu Dingwen, Peng Jian, Zhao Zheng.
- Structural engineers: Shenzhen Morgor Design Consulting Co., LTD (Zhang Fan, Cao Yuanfeng, Yangrui).
- Construction manager: Tian Xianhai.
- Gross built area: 320 sqm.
- Location: Qingshuhe, Luohu district, Shenzhen, China.
- Photographer: Zhang Chao.
- The original roof could not support additional loads, so a 'structural cluster' strategy was used.
- New elements are self-supporting and independent of the existing framework.
- Transparency is achieved through layered opaque, translucent, and transparent materials.
- Natural light enters primarily from east and west facades.
- Circulation creates changing views of interior and surrounding infrastructure.
Entities
Artists
- Huang Zelin
- Li Xiaodong
- Li Ying
- Liu Dingwen
- Peng Jian
- Zhao Zheng
- Zhang Chao
Institutions
- Aether Architects
- Archigress
- Shenzhen Morgor Design Consulting Co., LTD
- Apelron Contemporary
- designboom
Locations
- Qingshuihe Railway Relics area
- Shenzhen
- Luohu district
- China