Through its hybrid status, Zayuan incubates a sense of belonging and neighborhood. In Courtyard Hybrid, while sense of privacy and domain can be achieved, most of the interfaces are designed with rotary operation in order to create more possibilities of space use. We aim to accommodate various functions such as exhibition, cultural event, academic seminar, office, café and living as well. By remaining the hybrid status of Zayuan, it attracts different kinds of users and stimulates even more potentials.

Limited to local laws and regulations, we overhaul the North House for it was a registered property. We restore the pitched roof by reassembling its structure to maintain the traditional state of courtyard house. We replace original low-quality additions by two spatial installations with less sense of volume. The overall layout defines one large courtyard and two small ones: relationship among multiple functions is then clarified. The prefabricated new material, laminated bamboo, together with the timber structure, minimizes the disturbance within the neighborhood during construction. Old and New are juxtaposed in terms of construction, structure, spatial experience, etc.

When the east and west entrances are both opened, a path connecting Qingta Hutong and Gongmenko Sitiao is revealed by itself. While Courtyard Hybrid is open at both sides, the big courtyard and café further form a public space for the whole community.

In different periods, Courtyard Hybrid can vary in terms of functions; it can be owned and managed by different people or groups. We hope Courtyard Hybrid gradually becomes a place providing public energy to the whole Baitasi area.

Text provided by the architect.

The locations and forms of openings also get carefully reconsidered. The new concrete window frame sticks out from the outside wall, which prevents excessive rainwater from seeping into the window from the wall surface. The thickness is then designed into “window-furniture” system: window is no longer a simple opening, but serves as a medium space situating between nature and the interior space.

We choose vault to be the structural form of the third floor. It reduces the possibility of water leakage to an extreme for it barely allows any rainwater to stay. Vault is directional. It connects two sides of sea with dramatically different characters: one being the serene sea whereas the other one being the noisy port. This added floor serves as a multifunctional living space: it accommodates visiting family and friends and functions perfectly as a gym or an activity room as well. Additionally, since the captain’s family is Christian, this space is also intended to be a family chapel.

At dusk, the gentle light comes out from the translucent glass blocks. We hope the house gradually becomes the carrier of emotion for the captain’s family, and gives deserved dignity and decency to the daily life of ordinary people, which is particularly meaningful under the current circumstance of China.

Text provided by the architect.