vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom

in this courtyard house renovation, vector architects explores the relationships between old and new styles of living and construction. presented during the 2015 edition of beijing design week, the scheme is articulated around a central courtyard, which as the architects explain, represents a certain stage in history: ‘the existing ‘za yuan’ (chaotic yard) is a policy outcome after liberation. its cultural traces and values should be properly respected in the urban renovation, while the cluttered living condition needed to be refined and improved.’

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
all images courtesy of vector architects

 

 

conceived as a catalytic urban intervention, the carefully delineated space contains private and secluded areas alongside communal recreational programs. led by architect gong dong, the design team refers to this as ‘hybrid living’ — a type of behavior more suited to today’s urban environment.

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
the project explores the relationships between old and new styles of both living and construction

 

 

in terms of its construction, the renovation strictly follows the order of the existing urban fabric. the modifications involved the complete overhaul of the north building, and the replacement the low quality temporary structure in the courtyard with a new bamboo-built installation.

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
a tree is found at the center of the renovation

 

 

the structure’s transparency and permeability ensures natural lighting and ventilation, while simultaneously creating a distinct spatial experience. individual components were prefabricated in the factory before being assembled on site, minimizing construction disturbance.

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
the renovation strictly follows the order of the existing urban fabric

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
the structure’s permeability ensures natural lighting and ventilation

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
individual components were prefabricated in the factory before being assembled on site

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
an aerial view of the renovated courtyard

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
models are presented at beijing design week 2015

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom

vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom

 

 

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vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
 
vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
 
vector architects courtyard house BJDW beijing design week 2015 designboom
 

project info:

 

site: beijing, china
design company: vector architects
area: 240 sqm
total floor area: 155 sqm
building floors: 1
design period: march, 2015 – july, 2015
construction period: july, 2015

 

BJDW-logo 

 

once again, designboom and designboom china are media partners of BJDW. beijing design week 2015 (september 23rd to october 7th) is an annual citywide event co-hosted by national ministries and the municipal government of beijing during the national day holiday every year in beijing. attracting over 2,000 designers, institution representatives and industry experts, over 5 million visitors, and more than 100 accredited news media in attendance every year, BJDW is the largest and most influential platform in asia for display, promotion, exchange and trading of creative designs.