Hutong Bubble 32

The proposal first appeared in an exhibition of the Chinese practice at the 2006 architecture biennale, as one of three scenarios for the future of the city: a green park in its central square, floating islands above the business district, and metallic bubbles scattered through its oldest neighbourhoods.

This first bubble holds a toilet and a stair leading to a roof terrace for a newly renovated courtyard house. Its shiny, mirrored skin makes it look like an alien creature, yet it reflects and merges with the surrounding timber, brick and greenery.