archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
all images courtesy of archiplein

 

 

 
regenerating beijing’s urban fabric through micro architectural interventions, chinese studio archiplein have extended this traditional beijing hutong. the dwellings in the classical city were designed around a clear empty square, and due to the large population density, the original courtyards have been overtaken by self-constructed buildings. completely transforming the typology of the structure, the arranged grafts almost make the original intention unreadable. this project provides an alternative solution, proposing a modest and economically viable insertion that reveals the quality of the existing space. following three main steps: rehabilitation of the existing building, a new extension and the treatment of the courtyard, the framed void helps to redefine its original composition.

 

‘the architectural expression is detached from a stylistic approach, but we find our references in the material and form of the past that we transform.’ says archiplein.

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
the new extension to the hutong reinstates the traditional courtyard space

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
exterior view of the abstracted window detail

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
the window framing the view

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
interior view of the modest and economically viable insertion

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
sky window allows natural light to filter through

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
looking towards the extended space

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
axonometric drawing

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
site plan of the hutong

 

 

archiplein extends beijing hutong using historical references
plan

 

 

project info:

 

architects: archiplein
collaboration: sinapolis
location: beijing, china
year: 2011

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.