“If we find a good answer to a problem, it is likely that nature already has an answer.”
– Aristotle
Site Analysis
The ‘Sparrow Fold’ is tucked away in a courtyard within an alley near Shichahai, covering 136 square meters. Before renovation, the house had been completely rebuilt. It was originally a traditional wooden structure featuring three bays on the north side and two bays on the south side, arranged around a central courtyard. After clearing the entire courtyard, the space was repurposed for commercial use, hosting public activities and hotel accommodations.
△ Project Location
△ Venue
Concept Overview
The site is flanked on the east and west by two tall, three-story buildings, which cast a heavy, oppressive atmosphere over the courtyard. To address this, we focused on visual guidance and obstruction strategies. During our site analysis, we discovered two ancient trees on the north and south sides of the courtyard, offering a skyline view that enhances the site’s visual experience. Our goal was to employ the technique of ‘borrowing scenery’ to blend the distant landscape with the courtyard space.
△ Courtyard
Our solution is expressed through an inverted roof ‘folding’ form. The design resembles a bird’s wing roof that cleverly conceals the adjacent buildings, while the raised side wing frames guide the eye towards the distant skyline. Origami, a traditional cultural art, inspired this concept, leading us to name the design ‘Sparrow Fold’.
△ Concept Illustration
Concept Analysis Diagram
△ Architectural Model
△ Door Frame Detail
The Courtyard
The courtyard floor is paved with traditional gray bricks, while the roofs of the guest rooms on either side feature classic tiles, preserving the authentic charm of the old courtyard. The ‘folded’ roof panel is hollow, echoing the tiled eaves on both sides. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the roof, illuminating the lawn and bringing vitality and energy to the space.
The walls flanking the courtyard are designed in a ‘V’ shape and finished in natural wood tones, infusing the area with a warm, organic atmosphere. The inverted roof ‘folding’ form draws the eye upward, connecting visitors visually to the sky.
△ Courtyard
Visually, the guest rooms are fully connected to the courtyard and even to each other, creating a transparent and open space. This design fosters a seamless integration between people and scenery, encouraging interaction between hosts and guests. The bird-like shape of the roof adds storytelling elements and liveliness to the courtyard.
△ Courtyard
Guest Rooms
We designed three guest rooms based on the original building layout. The south side house is a two-bay unit, where we created a suite featuring a private courtyard and a larger bathroom for enhanced comfort.
△ South Room
The north side house features three bays with two standard guest rooms designed symmetrically and fully equipped. The roof preserves the original beam structure, highlighting traditional architectural elements. The flooring uses blue bricks combined with natural wood tones, creating a simple and rustic material palette.
△ North Room
△ Floor Plan Before Renovation
△ Floor Plan After Renovation
△ Structural Section
Project Information
Project Name: Sparrow Fold
Location: No. 24 Shuiche Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing
Project Type: Hutong Courtyard Renovation
Floor Area: 136㎡
Client: Beijing Hidden Sea Cultural Homestay Space
Design Firm: XIGO STUDIO, a theater architecture design studio
Lead Designers: Liu Yang, Yang Yusen
Design Team: Liu Chen, Guo Meng, Tang Yilun, Wang Ke, Dong Yi
Illustrations: Li Weijia
Design Period: October 2018
Construction Completion: July 2019
Writing and Layout: Liu Yang
Design Consultants: Han Wenqiang, Yang Yu
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