China Institute

China Institute

China Institute relocated to lower Manhattan to expand on the Institute’s growing Chinese language program, as well as its renowned art gallery exhibitions and lecture series. The project scope of the relocation encompassed the renovation of executive and administrative offices, library, classrooms and gallery areas, that were designed with traditional Chinese design elements.

One of the challenges to overcome was communication with the manufacturers and suppliers in China, specifically for the Hutong Brick and millwork. Using our overseas sourcing partners, we were able to directly work with the Chinese brick manufacturers and obtain actual aged Hutong Brick. In addition, we were successful with managing the difficult logistics of packaging and shipping of the Hutong Brick to the United States. Shipping was a major concern for the architect who required enough time to experiment with different stains and sealers on site and in actual lighting conditions prior to installation. Additionally, we sourced specialty workers for the intricate millwork to adorn privacy screens, windows and entrance doors of the library. 

Project Highlights: Silver LEED Certified