The Thirteen Cuo Contemporary Art Museum is situated in Xujia Village, Jingxi Town, Minhou County. Originally constructed in the late Qing Dynasty, the building features a traditional through-bucket wooden frame and a double-sloped hanging mountain roof. Its main columns rest on stone foundations, showcasing exquisite wood carvings and craftsmanship. The flat roof beam frame is well-preserved, making this a typical Minhou residential building with intact front and rear double courtyards and a Ziyuan garden. Commissioned by Mr. Liu Yihua, owner of Fang Huayu Plastic Industry, the historic house has been transformed into a multifunctional space combining an art museum, library, office, and commercial reception area.
The architect drew inspiration from traditional Chinese garden corridors, applying indoor landscaping techniques to the spatial design. Using the concept of a flat bridge, the originally fragmented and uneven rooms with varying thresholds are seamlessly connected, forming a modern “T-shaped” exhibition route. Visitors can leisurely stroll through the exhibition halls, experiencing the spatial transitions while appreciating art, all the while sensing the patina of the ancient architecture.
To ensure a smooth transition between the front and rear exhibition halls, dark steel structures combined with smoothly rounded stainless steel blocks were installed between the east and west corridors of the main hall, creating a “relay station” space that enhances route coherence. This design fosters a dialogue between modern materials and historic elements. The newly added transition space also offers a unique spatial experience and striking visual contrast within the original building.
The main hall functions as a library, enclosed by glass walls that create an open, bright, and airy square space. This design allows natural light to fill the room while preserving the historical character of the old building. The architects aimed to harmonize the integration of ancient architecture with new spatial elements. Serving as the spiritual core of the historic house, the “study room” intervention reflects Huayu Yishu Enterprise’s goal of warmly welcoming visitors from around the world.
The backyard courtyard includes a garden, a tea pavilion constructed from steel plates and glass, and a modern “wall” made of durable boards. Blue and white variable lighting enhances privacy within the reception area. Meanwhile, the staggered ecological landscaping changes with the seasons, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling city.
Project Information
Project Name: Shisancuo Contemporary Art Museum
Project Type: Preservation and development of ancient architecture, exhibition space
Designer: Fuzhou Huangfeng Interior Design Co., Ltd
Year of Completion: 2023
Design Team: Huang Feng, Xu Xiaoling, Lin Jia
Project Address: Jingxi Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province
Building Area: 1900 square meters
Photography Copyright: Zhu Runzi
Client: Fujian Huayu Yishu Sculpture Art Co., Ltd
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