Project
House of Borrowed Scenery, reconstruction of old hutong dwelling
Category
Best Implemented Reconstruction Project
About the project (provided by the applicant)
«House of Borrowed Scenery» revitalizes a 97 sq.m hutong dwelling in Beijing’s old city through "spatial acupuncture". Facing light deprivation and echo issues, the design reimagines the cramped courtyard by capturing a 120-year-old pagoda tree 32 m south as a living centerpiece.
Key Interventions:
- Borrowed landscape: lowered southern roof by 1.2 m to frame the ancient tree; circular skylights refract its shadows onto interior walls.
- Hybrid structures: preserved Ming-era northern building while replacing the southern imitation-wood framework with modular spaces.
- Material dialogue: recycled gray bricks form star-lit pathways; bamboo-carbon fiber partitions filter light.
Outcome: a 37% perceived space expansion and 62% reduced artificial lighting, proving micro-renovations can awaken historical contexts.
Location
No. 55 Zhuzhong Hutong, Gulou West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Project implementation year
2024
Extra visual materials
https://www.archdaily.com/1027610/house-of-borrowed-scenery-atelier-jingjing
Applicant
Jingzhe Cui
Authors of the project
Atelier JingJing / Jingzhe Cui
Photo
Weiqi Jin
Other participants
Mr Rongsheng Chen Construction Team
Status of the project
Implemented
