Reinventing the hutong in Beijing 胡同
Daniel Allen
From twisting towers to shiny domes, Beijing's contemporary architecture is undeniably impressive.
Yet there's something far more meaningful about the city's hutong neighbourhoods (areas of courtyard homes accessed by narrow alleyways), characterised by their intimate connection with history and residents past and present.
So it's perhaps little surprise that over the last few years a growing number of leading local architects have elected to return to their roots, reimagining existence in the Chinese capital's remaining hutongs. Collectively, their exciting new designs are an architectural tour de force.
Micro Hutong
Finished in 2013, the Micro Hutong project by Beijing-based atelier ZAO/standardarchitecture was one of the capital's earlier hutong redesigns.
The design team transformed an ultra-small, 35 square-metre hutong space into a hostel, using transparent facades to maximise light and space.
"I don't see a trend for redesigning hutongs," says Zhang Ke, founder and design director of ZAO/standardarchitecture. "Instead, I see the need of redesigning the spaces, as well as conserving the hutongs as an urban complex that is alive."
53 Yangmeizhu Xiejie, Xicheng District
Twisting Courtyard
Completed in 2017 and located in the Dashilar neighbourhood south of Tiananmen Square, this bijou space (which can be rented through booking websites such as Expedia) was created by Beijing-based architectural practice ARCHSTUDIO.
The design sees a traditional courtyard house completely renovated, with grey-brick paving flowing from the floor of the outdoor space to form internal walls and roofs, complemented by oak panels, large glass facades, bamboo plants and white stones.
"The key to hutong renovation is to combine the new and old harmoniously," says ARCHSTUDIO founder Han Wenqiang.
27 Paizi Hutong, Xicheng District
Layering Courtyard
Recently completed in the Qianmen neighbourhood, also close to Tiananmen Square, this renovated commercial building has been transformed into a "hutel" (hutong + hotel) by ARCHSTUDIO (also bookable on Expedia etc.).
This is certainly a building with a history, having reputedly served as a brothel during China's Republican period (1912-49), and then a bakery.
The beautiful facade presents a row of arched windows and doors, while the interior is a labyrinth of single and double-storey spaces - wit their vaulted wooden ceilings and wooden beams the bedrooms are particularly stunning.
159 Xiheyan Street, Xicheng District
Curvy Corridor Courtyard
Also a popular eatery and teahouse in its own right, the Curvy Corridor Courtyard is probably Han Wenqiang's piece de resistance to date.
The project, completed in 2015, has seen five dilapidated courtyard residences, with some predating the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), combined into one space.
One of our main concerns was to protect the site from temperature change," explains Wenqiang.
"We covered over the space between the roofs to create a curvy corridor, which streamlines the aesthetics of the building and gives it its unique style."
25 Dongsishiyitiao, Dongcheng District
Jing Fan Shop
Beijing's Nanluoguxiang area is one of the best places to experience the charm of the city's hutongs. This newly opened fan shop is typical of the boutiques that have sprung up here, although the clean lines of its elegantly minimalist interior - the creation of Beijing-based Golucci Interior Architects - are certainly a cut above the competition. A glass-wrapped central courtyard containing a magnolia tree spreads light and calm.
46 Yandaixie Street, Xicheng District
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