｜ Atypical Courtyard House ｜
This project is located at No. 91 Beiluogu Lane, Beijing, covering an area of approximately 1,400 square meters. Owned by Beijing Yi Xi Zhi Di, the site features a traditional yet unconventional quadrangle courtyard. The traditional element lies in its layout as two courtyard houses at the core of Beijing, arranged harmoniously and enclosed by surrounding buildings. The unconventional aspect is the presence of a large underground space beneath the site, with a courtyard opened within the second courtyard, creating a unique double-layered courtyard experience. The owner aims to transform this space into a multifunctional venue for dining, afternoon tea, and homestay.
Entrance Space Overview
Architecture and Context
Every venue has its unique characteristics, and the essence of design lies in unlocking new possibilities based on these traits. Considering the owner’s brand vision and the current site conditions, we developed the concept of an “interwoven dialogue between new and old.” Our aim was to craft an architectural experience that marries the traditional Beijing quadrangle courtyard with contemporary design trends.
To realize this, we structured the site around the idea of “two courtyards, three pathways, and three spatial colors.”
Two Courtyards: Existing Site Conditions
The site consists of a traditional quadrangle courtyard with two distinct courtyards. The first courtyard functions as a restaurant and afternoon tea area, while the second courtyard is designated for homestay accommodations.
Second Courtyard Space Overview
Three Pathways: Architectural Layout
A roofed corridor system connects the two courtyards, creating a cohesive flow. This design introduces three spatial layers—sky, ground, and underground—linked by the pathways. The corridor not only unifies the space but also offers additional spots for visitors to gather and dine. This multi-level spatial experience includes high-altitude viewing, courtyard transitions, and underground exploration, enriching the overall atmosphere.
△ Roof Corridor System
Three Spatial Colors: Experiencing the Place
Red and green are classic colors traditionally used in Beijing courtyards. Upon entering, these hues dominate the scene: the courtyard itself showcases traditional red, while the indoor restaurant is primarily green. In contrast, the second courtyard features white tones, crafting a fresh homestay ambiance.
｜ Red ｜
The entrance courtyard is a classic Beijing quadrangle with a tidy, symmetrical layout. It preserves original elements such as screen walls, hand-painted corridors, doors, and windows. Our renovation strategy respects the enclosed courtyard space while introducing new design nodes to enhance it.
Renovation Process Featuring “One Hemp and Five Ashes” Technique for Ancient Buildings
△ Restored Paintings and Door Panels
Building on the original traditional door design, we innovated by dividing each door leaf into two movable sections—top and bottom—allowing them to function as windows or doors depending on their position.
Opening the upper door section creates a unique corridor vista.
Framed views through the door panels enhance the corridor experience.
△ Interior Corridor Space
A moon gate is positioned at the southern corridor of the first courtyard, serving as the key passageway between the two courtyards. It also acts as the central link connecting ground-level and rooftop circulation.
The moon gate positioned between the two courtyards
West side partial area near the moon gate
｜ Green ｜
The main room after entering the courtyard serves as the dining space, where green dominates the color palette. We renovated the original roofs of the ancient building and incorporated traditional elements such as pavilions, corridors, and flower windows from the quadrangle courtyard. These have been combined with modern materials to create a fresh spatial experience.
Dining space in the north room
Dining space in the east wing room
Dining area within the east wing room
△ Bar counter in the east wing room
△ Small bamboo grove in the east wing house
｜ White ｜
The second courtyard is a more private guest room area, featuring a special quadrangle courtyard that encloses a sunken courtyard at its center. The space includes 12 guest rooms arranged over two stories, each facing the courtyard to maximize natural light. A white moon platform has been built in the courtyard, serving as the focal visual element visible from every guest room.
△ Entrance to the lunar platform
△ Entrance to the second courtyard
△ White moon platform with red moon door
The original sunken courtyard features a still water pool that beautifully reflects the moon platform. When the breeze stirs the water, shimmering waves evoke the image of the moon rising from the sea steps.
△ Interior view of the sunken courtyard in the second courtyard
Partial staircase
△ Interior view of the sunken courtyard
△ Interior view of the sunken courtyard
△ Guest room interior space
△ Guest room interior space
△ Guest room interior space
△ Room with attic interior
△ Incorporating plants into guest room interiors
Conclusion
This project centers on the dialogue between old and new, striving to balance restoration and renovation. The goal is to create a space that offers an authentic experience blending historical character with contemporary design.
Project Drawings
△ First floor plan
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Architectural and Interior Renovation Design of Courtyard No. 91 Beiluoguxiang
Owner: Beijing Yi Xi Zhi Di
Project Address: No. 91 Beiluogu Lane, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Project Type: Restaurant, Homestay, Tea Room
Designer: Jiejie Studio
Lead Designer: Ming Guanyu
Project Leader: Qi Ming
Project Team: Cao Jincan, Wang Yifan, Yue Jie, Zhang Xuan, Liu Wenrui
Lighting Design: Beijing Yuanzhan Lighting Design Co., Ltd
Construction Drawing Design: Beijing Bujianhai Construction Drawing Team
Photographers: Chill Shine, Qiu Wensanying
Building Area: 1,400 square meters
Completion Date: February 2022
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