For this historic villa in Shanghai, we chose red brick to evoke the city's sense of place and memory. A spacious canopy at the entrance connects the inner and outer courtyards, serving as a transition between the private space and the surrounding environment. Large floor-to-ceiling windows facing the inner courtyard bring in natural views, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

The railings and window frames, functioning both as components and structural elements, are carefully proportioned to create a dialogue with the red brick walls, fostering a context that respects the past while looking toward the future.