En route to the project site, the mountains were lush and vibrant with deep green foliage. Passing through the Guanting Reservoir wetland, we caught a distant view of Xiaohaituo Mountain within Beijing’s Yanqing Olympic Park. After circling a few times, we discovered two rows of small houses nestled in the northeast corner of Qianhelongmiao Village. Situated at the edge of an orchard, these homes hide behind courtyard walls, quietly observing their surroundings. The terrain rises gradually from south to north within the courtyard, while to the east lies a naturally forested slope—almost as if the setting was designed to tell a fairy tale of escape from adulthood and city life.
▲ Project Overview © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Location Context © Large Scale Construction
The entire site exudes simplicity and romance.
▲ Original Site Environment © Large Scale Construction
How can a captivating roaming experience harmonize with a comfortable user environment? How do we balance instant visual recognition with a sense of tranquility? We chose to preserve the original site’s character while embracing a bold, innovative approach.
▲ Project and Village View © Zhu Yumeng
-3.100 meters: The Sunken Courtyard
To the north of the original house lies an open courtyard elevated significantly above the village road, with a height difference of nearly three meters. To maximize the site’s potential and craft a storybook-like experience, we carved out a new courtyard within the original one, reducing the height difference between the sunken courtyard and the village road outside the wall. We also relocated the main entrance from the south to the north.
▲ Street Facade © Zhu Yumeng
The courtyard’s gate and walls resemble a castle rising above the low village road. Stepping through the gate and passing the brick well, the play of light and shadow invites one like a child entering a whimsical rabbit hole leading to a miniature Xintiandi. The sunken courtyard is surrounded by leisure halls, kitchens, and related facilities. Supported by six square columns, it resonates with the lively footsteps of children above. At the courtyard’s edge, tiny lights flicker amidst swaying grass, creating a magical atmosphere.
▲ Main Entrances and Exits © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Brick Well © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Entrance Hall © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Sunken Courtyard © Zhu Yumeng
± 0.000 meters: House and Pond
Ascending from the sunken courtyard, the terrain returns to its natural elevation, opening up expansive views of mountains, treetops, and fields stretching together into the distance. Behind, a slate platform, soft lawn, and tranquil water surface fill the courtyard with calm.
▲ Expansive View from Platform © Zhu Yumeng
The two original houses were well-built and preserved with care. Atop the northern house, a large single-sided steel roof was added, visible even from the village’s edge in the distance. This exaggerated volume complements the rural simplicity of the houses.
▲ Single-Sided Steel Roof © Zhu Yumeng
▲ View of the Large Roof from Village Edge © Large Scale Construction
▲ Single-Sided Steel Roof © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Red Brick Exterior Wall © Zhu Yumeng
Underneath the large roof, a glass box functions as a versatile hall, allowing the steel roof to appear as if it is floating lightly above the house. This design integrates public leisure and transportation areas within the original structure, harmonizing with the village’s red brick earth.
▲ Glass Box and Red Brick Wall © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Indoor Multifunctional Hall © Zhu Yumeng
The dialogue between past and present is fully expressed through structure, craftsmanship, function, and materials. The new structural supports provide a framework for the old house, while the original spatial layout underpins new uses. Layers of materials with varied textures and tones nest together like skin, forming the core public area for homestay guests.
▲ Analysis of New and Old Elements © Large Scale Construction
▲ Relationship Between Old and New Buildings © Zhu Yumeng
The guest rooms are located on the south side of the public area. A corridor passing through the indoor lounge offers a quiet, comfortable resting space. Tall trees within the site were preserved, connecting four guest rooms with corridors to form a private inward-facing courtyard. This courtyard’s overall form echoes the sunken courtyard at the front.
▲ Indoor Rest Area © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Corridor Leading to Guest Room Courtyard © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Guest Room Courtyard © Zhu Yumeng
▲ View Toward Guest Room Courtyard from Outside © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Night View of Guest Room Courtyard © Zhu Yumeng
Stepping out of the courtyard and diving into the adjacent outdoor infinity pool instantly transports you back to a childhood pond. Through the glass walls of the pool, you feel like a mermaid from a fairy tale, shimmering under the sunlight with vibrant, psychedelic colors.
▲ Diving into the Pool © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Sunlit Glass Infinity Pool © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Sunlit Glass Infinity Pool © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Night View of Infinity Glass Pool © Zhu Yumeng
+1.200 meters: Steps, Bridges, and Vegetation
The slope on the site’s east side was reshaped to follow the natural terrain, creating several platforms with distinct functions, textures, and elevations. These platforms are connected by steps. The stone platform, at the lowest level, closely connects to the outside world. The grassy platform opens toward the pool, blending rustic charm with modernity. The wooden platform features clustered treehouse guest rooms, anchoring the courtyard’s core function.
▲ Multi-Level Platforms © Zhu Yumeng
The three treehouses form a clustered point arrangement—close yet independent. Their roofs are made from fire-resistant thatch-like material, maintaining a natural appearance. As night falls, the treehouses glow warmly like fireflies. Visitors can lie back, listen to stories, and drift to sleep accompanied by the sounds of cicadas and starlight.
▲ Treehouse Cluster © Zhu Yumeng
An elevated boardwalk winds across the slope, enclosing preserved trees and grass within the treehouse and site. With each turn, the view shifts from platform to platform, evoking the freedom of childhood adventures.
▲ Elevated Boardwalk © Zhu Yumeng
+7.100 meters: Treetops
Continuing up the stairs surrounding the house, visitors reach a steel terrace perched atop the entire village. At this treetop height, the design emphasizes childlike wonder, exploration, and excitement, while also inviting gazes toward the endless clouds and stars, overlooking the village below.
▲ Stairs Surrounding the House © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Steel Terrace © Zhu Yumeng
What lies in the distance? It is the mountain campsite, glowing with lights and sparks—perhaps a dream or something more.
▲ Mountain Campsite © Zhu Yumeng
▲ Night View © Zhu Yumeng
Project Drawings
▲ General Layout Plan © Large Scale Construction
▲ First Floor Plan © Large Scale Construction
▲ Second Floor Plan © Large Scale Construction
▲ Roof Plan © Large Scale Construction
▲ Underground Floor Plan © Large Scale Construction
▲ Elevation View © Large Scale Construction
▲ Sections 1 and 2 © Large Scale Construction
▲ Sections 3 and 4 © Large Scale Construction
Project Details
Location: Qianhelongmiao Village, Yanqing District, Beijing
Owner: Banquanzhiye Hotel and Campsite
Building Area: 864 square meters
Campsite Area: 18,000 square meters
Architectural, Interior, Landscape, and Camp Design: Large Scale Architecture
Architects: Liu Yang, Duan Qi, Ding Yuewen, Shi Weiwei
Structural Engineers: Gao Xuemei, Li Ping
Electrical Engineer: Yu Wentao
HVAC Engineer: Wang Hongxing
Water Systems: Huang Xin
Construction Project Manager: Wang Jiandong
Photography: Zhu Yumeng Studio
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