The project is situated at the entrance of Houbu Ancient Village on Xishan Island, Taihu Lake, Suzhou. From the second-floor windows, visitors can enjoy views of the river flowing through the historic village. Houbu Village is a traditional Chinese village under the protection and preservation of Suzhou City. Established during the Southern Song Dynasty, it was originally named Meiliangli. In the Ming Dynasty, during the Yuqi period, a stone dock called Qianwan was built at the mountain’s front, and a boat dock was established behind the mountain for mooring ships, which led to the village being renamed Houbu. Thanks to restoration efforts, the village remains largely undeveloped commercially, preserving its natural and authentic living atmosphere. The newly completed post station has become a cherished spot for visitors to pause and relax on the outskirts of Suzhou. This project aims to create a post station café at the village entrance that bridges past and present, allowing tourists to unwind and appreciate the charm of the historic village while revitalizing this once-neglected area.
△ Indoor Overview © Yan She Vision
Originally a fishing village, Houbu no longer features fishing boats or nets. Only old photographs and brochures displayed on the post station walls preserve these distant memories. Our goal was to craft a design that sparks a dialogue between modernity and history, expressing the passage of time at this site. The concept of a ‘timeline’ is represented by a static, twisting, and extending three-dimensional form. Observers moving through the space perceive varying effects, with some angles revealing light and others causing it to seemingly disappear. The result is striking. In the afternoon, natural light filters through the west window alongside fiber optic cables, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
△ Indoor Overview © Yan She Vision
△ Axis Measurement Analysis Diagram
△ Plan View
Unlike typical commercial spaces in urban areas, this design needed to balance the commercial function of the post station café with the cultural heritage of the ancient village. The café is located on the second floor, requiring a design strategy to guide visitors there. We chose to utilize the outdoor space on the first floor. A beam-shaped installation made of nylon threads extends from the second-floor entrance down to the outdoor courtyard below, directing visitors’ sightlines and attention toward the café entrance.
△ Axis Measurement Analysis Diagram
△ Project Appearance © Yan She Vision
△ Project Appearance © Yan She Vision
The winding river below and the misty mountains after the rain provide an exceptional natural backdrop. To enhance this connection, the building’s renovation includes adjusting the windows to two narrow strips and applying gardening techniques inspired by the Classical Gardens of Suzhou.
△ Window View © Yan She Vision
The entire building is constructed from wood and surrounded by a quaint, serene environment. The shop owner wanted the atmosphere to remain consistent with the village’s ancient character. Therefore, traditional, natural materials like brick and wood were chosen to complement the site’s uniqueness. The interior features natural walnut wood and dark gray brick, creating a warm and harmonious contrast. Walnut wood’s inviting tone pairs beautifully with the textured gray brick on the bar and first-floor walls, adding exquisite detail and character throughout the space.
△ Spatial Details © Yan She Vision
△ Bar Counter © Yan She Vision
The main challenge for the design team was reconciling the demands of modern commercial use with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Integrating traditional elements while fulfilling functional spatial needs posed both a challenge and an opportunity. Through extensive research into the village’s history, the team employed traditional materials alongside contemporary techniques, creating a dialogue between old and new. The space itself tells a story, serving as a community gathering spot that encourages neighborly interaction and offers guided tours for visitors.
△ Spatial Details © Yan She Vision
△ Building Facade © Yan She Vision
Project Information
Project Name: Houbu Ancient Village Post Station
Designer: Pingjie Design
Design & Completion Year: October 2023
Design Team: Wu Si, Yang Nan
Project Location: Houbu Village, Xishan Island, Suzhou City
Building Area: 120 square meters
Photography Copyright: Yan She Visual
Client: Man Ning Coffee
Materials Used: Nylon thread, water-milled stone brick, walnut wood board
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