A crystalline volume projects dramatically out into a historic stone plaza in Nanjing, China, creating a juxtaposition of tradition and modernity hidden away from passersby. Minggu Design’s glass addition has been worked into “Lai Yard,” a hidden gem of a building that’s been nestled in an alley near the ancient city wall for hundreds of years. In its courtyard, complex arrangements of pitted brick and stone open up to reveal a brilliant blue sky. It?s a serene retreat and a refuge from the bustle and noise of the modern world.

When Minggu began their renovation project, Lai Yard was in poor condition. Reviving the historic building to its former glory while preserving its original features and time-worn character required a great deal of care and attention to detail. The courtyard itself, in which Minggu placed their transparent meditation room and two other pseudo-classic structures, is hemmed in on all sides by the original residence.
The meditation room is a transitional space between the privacy of the home?s dimly-lit interior and its sunny outdoor courtyard. Minggu used some of the building’s original columns to frame the room’s entryway and positioned the structure to face an abundance of garden greenery, including a sparse line of bamboo stalks. In doing so, they hoped to create a spacious area that was filled with an abundance of natural light. By contrast, Lai Yard’s other rooms have been left in relative darkness to ...