Marvelous 2 brs 120 sqm Beijing court yard

This residential design is a small courtyard renovation project, with a total land area of about 100 square meters and the total construction area of 118.97 square meters. The Site is located to the northeast of the Forbidden City Palace Museum. Therefore, our design starts from perfectly combining the renovated space with existing surroundings as well as meet the functional requirements of daily life. The north and west sides of the courtyard sit close to the hutong alley road, whereas the east and south sides are traditional courtyard residences. Our renovation kept the original building style on the north side, and then extended and developed the traditional building to create the modern building block located at the east side of this courtyard. At the junction of the old and new buildings, the roof of the modern building was lifted, pushed with an inserted large angular skylight. This scheme echoes the shape of traditional architecture, and leads the southeast morning light into the room. The light then falls through the spiral staircase opening, which connects the basement and first floor, providing abundant illumination to the basement. As a courtyard house, the building itself gives a good chance for the residents to get closer to nature. In addition, people could feel the changing of light and shadow in one day as well as in the various seasons. The facade of the new construction, which faces the courtyard, is a full height glazed wall. The modern glass facade on one hand forms a contrast with the traditional building style, on another hand, integrates the interior open space with the exterior courtyard. In consideration for the details of the glass wall, the south part was laminated to achieve a mirrored effect. As a result, when the inhabitants are in the yard, they may see the lighting effects on the south wall continuing into the interior. Minimal interior decoration aimed to highlight the differentiation of lighting and the surrounding environments. The staircase brings a wealth of light and ventilation to the basement, coordinating with the three skylights in the child’s room and into the living room, bringing abundant natural light into the basement. Sunlight comes through the leaves and creates mottled shadows, so as to generate a cozy and quiet natural atmosphere. Thus, the occupants could feel falling leaves and changing sky even from within the home.