▲ Architecture and Jujube Trees © Chen Peixin
Located in a large courtyard at the southwest corner of Xiaojingchang Hutong, Beijing, this venue occupies a compact area of just 26.1 square meters. Surrounded by neighboring buildings, challenges such as lighting, ventilation, and privacy are prominent. Upon my first visit, I was drawn to the jujube and Chinese toon trees near the entrance. Their presence and the relationship with the site sparked the idea of constructing a studio that harmoniously blends with nature.
▲ Entrance sketch © Chen Peixin
▲ Sketch of Tree Shadow Wall © Chen Peixin
▲ Perspective View (BIM Tutorial) © Chen Peixin
▲ Entrance © Chen Peixin
▲ Jujube tree © Chen Peixin
▲ General layout
The spatial design starts with the traditional quadrangle courtyard concept. Due to site constraints, the building encloses the perimeter. While the exterior walls create a closed boundary, the space opens inward through an inner courtyard, mirroring the form of traditional courtyards. However, the limited area reduces this to a narrow enclosed courtyard, a common feature in classic Chinese residential architecture. This design balances privacy through enclosure and naturalness through openness.
▲ Generate diagrams
Within the compact 26.1 square meter space, 3.6 square meters are designated as the courtyard. Stairs and a storage room are cleverly positioned beneath this courtyard. This courtyard element effectively transforms the building’s limitations. Additionally, the inclusion of a skylight and an indoor air outlet on the south side ensures ample natural light floods the enclosed space.
▲ Suspended Steps © Chen Peixin
▲ Looking up at the sunroof © Chen Peixin
Introducing abundant natural elements into such a confined space poses a challenge. We achieve this by “borrowing scenery,” creating a rich inner world that connects architecture and nature. This relationship goes beyond visual appeal, offering a deeply physical experience.
▲ Morning Light © Chen Peixin
▲ Sunny day © Chen Peixin
▲ Cloudy day © Chen Peixin
▲ Tree Shadow © Chen Peixin
▲ Tree shade © Chen Peixin
▲ Cloud scenery © Chen Peixin
▲ Snow scenery © Chen Peixin
▲ Evening glow © Chen Peixin
The building features two floors and a terrace. The first floor is partially excavated to increase ceiling height, creating a multifunctional space for tea drinking, chatting, meetings, remote work, and dining. Skylights and courtyards on either side bathe the space in natural light that shifts throughout the day. The centrally poured concrete bar counter integrates power outlets, charging ports, and a washbasin, making it practical for various uses. Additionally, removing the top panel from the bookshelf and hollowing out the second-floor partition allows light to flow freely through the shelves.
▲ Bar counter and bookshelf © Chen Peixin
▲ Bookshelf axonometric diagram © Chen Peixin
The second floor receives excellent natural light and serves as the main office area. A low cabinet runs along the edge, doubling as both railing and an enclosure for the central air conditioning unit. This cabinet connects seamlessly to a long table, unifying the space and minimizing clutter. Visitors remain unaware of the hidden air conditioning, yet enjoy a comfortable environment. The staircase is crafted from 8mm thick steel plates that extend from the walls, creating a lightweight effect that allows more light to reach the lower level.
▲ Light enters the second floor space through the skylight © Chen Peixin
▲ Sunroof natural light © Chen Peixin
▲ Sunroof natural light © Chen Peixin
▲ Looking towards the office area from the stairwell © Chen Peixin
▲ Staircase under the tree © Chen Peixin
▲ Step details © Chen Peixin
The northern interior wall is the most dynamic part of the building. Sunlight filters through the jujube tree’s branches and leaves, casting ink-like shadows on the white wall that sway gently with the breeze. This natural artwork changes with time and weather, reflecting seasonal shifts in solar altitude. Here, a living painting evolves every day of the year.
▲ Changes in indoor lighting © Chen Peixin
▲ Light changes in the courtyard throughout the day © Chen Peixin
A small window on the west wall faces the neighbor’s sloping wall, subtly acknowledging the relationship between adjacent buildings. It also echoes the sloping lines of the interior stairs and allows the sunset’s glow to enter the office, casting a ceremonial light that marks the end of the day.
▲ West Window and Sunset © Chen Peixin
▲ Sunset casts into the office area © Chen Peixin
Exploring further, the terrace design integrates futons and low tea tables to encourage sitting close to the ground, enveloped beneath the jujube trees. On the west side, a wooden planter doubles as a railing, enhancing privacy. In the evening, one can sit facing east and enjoy the sunset through the plants on the planter, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
▲ Terrace tea table © Chen Peixin
▲ Looking back at the jujube tree in the stairwell © Chen Peixin
▲ Aerial view © Chen Peixin
Across three architectural levels, we explore how the body’s three postures—standing, sitting, and kneeling—relate to the space and furniture. On the first floor, a 1100mm high bar supports a relaxed standing posture. The 750mm high table on the second floor caters to seated work, while the 100mm tea table on the terrace encourages a ceremonial kneeling posture. This human-centered scale fosters comfort and connection within this compact space, embodying the “nature” we strive for.
▲ Furniture analysis diagram
▲ Sectional axonometric drawing
▲ First floor plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ Roof Plan
Project Information
Project Name: Shuyuan
Design: Architecture and Design
Company website: www.a-jian.com
Contact email: __AI_S_SC0__
Project Design: April 2018 to August 2018
Project Completion: August 2018
Lead Designer: Chen Peixin
Team: Chen Peixin, Chang Zhe
Project Location: Beijing, China
Building Area: 41.8 square meters
Photography by Chen Peixin
Client: Architecture and Vector Architecture
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