Project Overview
Nestled in Beijing’s historic hutong neighborhood, this 97-square-meter residential space underwent a second renovation after a previous redesign failed to address key livability issues. Surrounded by dense courtyard housing, the project faced unique challenges: poor lighting, oppressive spatial dynamics, and structural inefficiencies. The design team reimagined the space by merging traditional Beijing courtyard aesthetics with contemporary functionality, creating a harmonious balance between heritage and modern living.
Challenges of the Existing Space
The original layout suffered from three critical flaws:
- Inadequate Natural Light Despite having a street-facing north window and two skylights (a square one in the south room and a circular one in the center), the space felt dark and confined, akin to “being at the bottom of a well.”
- Poor Acoustics The narrow, elongated structure with high ceilings amplified echoes, reducing comfort.
- Inefficient Layout The absence of a defined entryway, coupled with a cramped northwest courtyard accessible only by an outdoor ladder, disrupted flow and usability.
Design Strategy: Merging Tradition and Modernity
The team preserved the structurally sound north building (a traditional Beijing courtyard element) while demolishing the less stable south building (a modern imitation). A serendipitous discovery—a 21-meter-tall protected ancient tree in a neighboring courtyard—became the project’s central inspiration. By employing the classical Chinese garden concept of “borrowed scenery” (借景), the design integrated the tree’s foliage as a dynamic natural backdrop, compensating for the lack of an internal courtyard.
Key Traditional Elements Incorporated:
- Gray bricks and curved roof tiles for cultural continuity.
- Wooden frameworks reflecting hutong craftsmanship.
- Bamboo plantings and the ancient tree’s seasonal interplay with light.
Innovative Spatial Solutions
- Light Optimization
- The northwest courtyard was expanded, and the outdoor ladder removed, transforming it into a landscaped garden to enhance natural light.
- Strategic skylight adjustments and strip windows along the staircase now frame views of the Beijing Bell Tower and the ancient tree’s canopy.
- Layout Reconfiguration
- A new entryway was added, improving privacy and providing storage for strollers/bicycles.
- The ground floor now features an open-plan kitchen, wet-dry zones, and a multifunctional activity area for the young family.
- The second floor includes a master bedroom with a walk-in closet, fluidly connected to a rooftop terrace.
- Material and Lighting Harmony
- Minimalist furniture (only beds, chairs, and optimized storage) maintains openness.
- Natural light is layered direct, reflected, and diffused to create shifting seasonal moods.
Philosophy: Design as a Living Experience
This project transcends aesthetics, proving that thoughtful renovation must prioritize lifestyle integration. By respecting the site’s history while innovating for modern needs, the space becomes not just a house, but a home that evolves with its inhabitants.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This Beijing hutong renovation masterfully bridges heritage and contemporary living, turning spatial constraints into opportunities. The ingenious use of “borrowed scenery” to incorporate the ancient tree elevates the design, while the strategic reconfiguration addresses light and acoustics. However, the heavy reliance on natural lighting—though poetic—may pose challenges during Beijing’s harsh winters, suggesting supplemental lighting solutions could enhance year-round comfort. Ultimately, the project shines in its restraint, proving that cultural resonance and functionality can coexist when design prioritizes the human experience.
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