vector architects restores a beijing courtyard to include a gallery and café

in 2015, vector architects presented plans to transform a courtyard in beijing’s historic baitasi district. now, the first images documenting the completed project have been released. titled ‘courtyard hybrid’, the scheme forms part of a larger development that aims to restore and reactivate the neighborhood through a number of interventions by architects such as zhang ke of ZAO/standard architecture.

all images by xia zhi © vector architects

the site was originally a dormitory constructed in the 1960s, with a cluster of other structures surrounding an irregularly shaped courtyard. vector architects restored the pitched roof of the former dormitory, and used laminated bamboo and timber for the site’s new additions. when the two entrances to the site are both open, the setting is turned into a thoroughfare that connects qingta hutong to the west and gongmenko sitiao to the east. in turn, this establishes the courtyard as an active public space for the neighborhood.

the courtyard is located in beijing’s historic baitasi district

in order to further energize the historic site, the architects sought to introduce a range of public spaces articulated around the existing courtyard. the dormitory has been transformed into a gallery and event space capable of hosting a wide variety of functions, while a café and a multi-functional room are also included. the site’s hybrid programming intends to attract different users from different walks of life — thus ensuring a vibrant and diverse venue for the community.

the site was originally a dormitory constructed in the 1960s

a cluster of structures surround the open-air courtyard

timber and laminated bamboo have been used for the project’s new elements

the multi-functional venue features a range of different spaces

the gallery and event space is capable of hosting a wide variety of programs

a single tree grows at the center of the courtyard

the design team restored the pitched roof of the former dormitory

the architects sought to create a vibrant and diverse venue for the community

the intervention connects qingta hutong to the west and gongmenko sitiao to the east

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project info:

location: yard no. 22, baitasi gongmenkou sitiao, beijing, china
client: beijing huarong jinying investment & development co., ltd.
design firm: vector architects
principal architect: gong dong
construction management: dongping sun
project architect: kai zhang, chen liang
site architect: kai zhang
design team: pinchen ye, xiaokai ma, fei sun, muqiong liao, qiran shang, shoufeng zhao
structural & MEP engineering: china academy of building research
structural consultant: dewen chu
structure: timber structure
material: laminated bamboo slate, glass block, olga bay larch
building area: 155 sqm / 1,668 sqf
design period: march 2015 – july 2015
construction period: july 2015 – march 2017