No. 88 Fayuansi Courtyard

This project is a sensitive architectural renewal of a traditional Beijing hutong residence, aiming to reconnect past and present while addressing the urgent challenges of structural decay, overcrowding, and the gradual disappearance of hutong life. The design seeks to preserve cultural memory while transforming the space into a comfortable, sustainable home fit for modern living.
Drawing inspiration from the designer’s childhood memories of hutong alleys, the project blends historical sentiment with contemporary aesthetics. The core design concept emphasizes warmth, privacy, and a sense of belonging, integrating natural elements and subtle spatial transitions to evoke the feeling of "home."
Spatial planning reimagines the original functions with clarity and intimacy. A custom-designed tatami tea room serves as a quiet zone for cultural exchange, offering both seclusion and ritual. The living area, defined by flexibility, accommodates both social interaction and daily relaxation. In the master bedroom, a tea corner provides personal retreat and enhances the layered sense of space.
One of the key technical challenges was the poor drainage system common in hutong residences. This was resolved by embedding new underground pipes and connecting them to the municipal sewage network, ensuring efficient drainage and moisture protection. Structural reinforcement of aging wooden beams was also carried out with minimal intervention, retaining the original architectural character while ensuring long-term stability.
In terms of material strategy, the project emphasizes natural textures and visual transparency. The use of wood and glass not only enhances spatial lightness but also creates a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Color tones were carefully curated—warm woods paired with neutral palettes—balancing stillness and vitality throughout the interiors.
Sustainability played a vital role in the renovation. The design incorporates eco-friendly materials and passive strategies, aiming to reduce environmental impact and extend the building’s life cycle.
This renewal is not merely an architectural intervention—it is a cultural statement. By transforming a declining hutong structure into a livable, poetic space, the project serves as a model for future urban regeneration that honors memory while embracing change.