Chinese art school transforms a defunct train into student housing

A decommissioned green train in China is taking on an entirely new track. The Zhengzhou Art School creatively transformed an 11-compartment train into student dorms, complete with bunk beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and solar water heaters. Though the project is an undeniably cool example of adaptive reuse, we can’t help but be a bit worried about the dorms’ cramped appearance—fire hazard anyone?

converted train student dorms china

1 of 10

A decommissioned green train in China is taking on an entirely new track. The Zhengzhou Art School creatively transformed an 11-compartment train into student dorms, complete with bunk beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and solar water heaters. Though the project is an undeniably cool example of adaptive reuse, we can’t help but be a bit worried about the dorms’ cramped appearance—fire hazard anyone?

Speaking to China state media outlet, Zhengzhou art school principal and founder, Li Guoliang said the school invested 3 million RMB to renovate the green train into furnished and insulated student housing.

converted train student dorms china

2 of 10

Speaking to China state media outlet, Zhengzhou art school principal and founder, Li Guoliang said the school invested 3 million RMB to renovate the green train into furnished and insulated student housing.

The dorms, which began use in July this year, can accommodate over 300 people.

converted train student dorms china

3 of 10

The dorms, which began use in July this year, can accommodate over 300 people.

Currently 85 students and teachers live in the Green Train Car dorms.

converted train student dorms china

4 of 10

Currently 85 students and teachers live in the Green Train Car dorms.

The cars are outfitted with bathrooms.

converted train student dorms china

5 of 10

The cars are outfitted with bathrooms.

The train comprises 11 compartments in total and each car measures 21 meters in length and 2.5 meters in height.

converted train student dorms china

6 of 10

The train comprises 11 compartments in total and each car measures 21 meters in length and 2.5 meters in height.

Solar water heaters top the compartments.

converted train student dorms china

7 of 10

Solar water heaters top the compartments.

If these train dorms look unsightly on the outside, they may be forgiven for being a work in progress.

converted train student dorms china

8 of 10

If these train dorms look unsightly on the outside, they may be forgiven for being a work in progress.

Guoliang says the exposed wires will be fixed and that students and teachers have been invited to paint murals on the outside of the train compartments.

converted train student dorms china

9 of 10

Guoliang says the exposed wires will be fixed and that students and teachers have been invited to paint murals on the outside of the train compartments.

According to a school brochure, the rooms rent out for 350 RMB ($55 USD) a month per bed in an eight-person car and 550 RMB ($86 USD) a month per bed in a four-person car.

converted train student dorms china

10 of 10

According to a school brochure, the rooms rent out for 350 RMB ($55 USD) a month per bed in an eight-person car and 550 RMB ($86 USD) a month per bed in a four-person car.

Chinese art school transforms a defunct train into student housing

Schools

LEAVE A COMMENT

SIGN UP

Already have an account? Log In

LEAVE A COMMENT

Slideshow