In August 2017, anySCALE finished up the renovation for premier schooling institute Daystar Academy’s Sanlitun campus, converting the derelict plot from a defunct embassy and French school into a high-quality, clean and safe school campus.
The team’s main task was to not only bring the buildings to code, but also create a healthy environment (using low emission materials) that had an identity congruent with Daystar’s image while bringing joy through good design.
Though the grounds were earlier earmarked for a school, the materials and construction were neither appropriate nor compliant with relevant building regulations. The key challenges marking the makeover involved containing overall costs and reducing the number of demolitions necessary for the transformation.
Key external changes included treating the original façades with new rendering and painting them white to lend a fresh and pure look; increasing the perceived size of the windows of the west building by painting dark gray frames on the wall; and using red EPDM rubber for the playground.
