image © Xia Zhi, courtesy of Arch Studio

China-based architecture firm Arch Studio devotes to using multi-perspective and rational means to intervene the development of contemporary urban living environment, finding a right balance between the connections of reality and nature, history and culture, creating a spatial environment that is full of the spirit of times and humanistic quality. Arch Studio's new renovation of ''Hutong House'' is a glamorous example of contemporary renovation that generates itself within a white, pure and simple transfromation with colors and materials. The ''Hutong House'' is located in Dongcheng District of Beijing- the project is also very respectful to the historicity of Beijing with a minimum touch.

exterior of Hutong House. image © Xia Zhi

The grey brick house in the Hutong of Dongcheng District, Beijing was renovated into a residence for a young couple. This brick and concrete structured building, with two floors on the ground and one floor under the ground, is left by the previous owner. The house locates at the outermost of a small Hutong, there are another 5 householders inside. Due to the limitation of the privacy of the neighbors in the Hutong, the interior of the old house is closed and dark.

exterior view from the street. image © Wang Ning

The designer's purpose is to improve the interior structure based on the conditions of the old building, to reshape a bright, transparent and clean atmosphere for the interior space, and to form an interesting contrast with the exterior appearance of the old block. While facing with the complex and trivial situation, the designer uses “white” as the fundamental color, and brings the space back into a pure and abstract initial state through demolishing and extending, and creates the feeling of a flowing space by taking advantage of the changing lights and outdoor views.

entrance of Hutong House. image © Zhang Linhan

Part of the floor slabs of the original building have been cut off, through which the stairs are turned into a light beam that gets through all interior floors. The changeful natural light which reaches direct to the basement through the skylight brings the enclosed interior space to life.

living room of Hutong House presents white surfaces / walls / coverings. image © Xia Zhi

The 2cm steel stair treads and 5cm perforated steel handrails make the stairs a smooth and transparent props. While walking on them, people may feel like walking in the sky. The bare brick wall on the rear side of the stairs is kept and sprayed with white paint to create micro-comparison of new and old.

1st floor living room.image © Wang Ning 

The numerous built-in bookcases are to meet the needs of the male host who loves to collect books. The wooden grid doors of the bookcases together with the ceiling form a virtual body which embedded into the internal space. “Grids” are scattered across every interior floors, create various behavior spaces, such as tea drinking, hospitality, reading and so on. The introduction of grids filters sight, lighting and views, through which enable the interior to get rid of interference and enjoy peace and tranquility. 

1st floor living room.image © Wang Ning

living room. image © Zhang Linhan

dining room. image © Zhang Linhan

basement floor. image © Wang Ning

stairs. image © Wang Ning

basement study room. image © Wang Ning

study room. image © Xia Zhi

study room. image © Xia Zhi

2nd floor aisle.image © Xia Zhi

2nd floor view. image © Wang Ning 

bedroom. image © Wang Ning

bedroom view. image © Xia Zhi

stairs details. image © Wang Ning

stairs. image © Xia Zhi

stairs. image © Xia Zhi

stairs. image © Xia Zhi

guest room and exhibition. image © Xia Zhi

roof of Hutong House. image © Xia Zhi

construction diagram. image © Arch Studio

plan-2. image © Arch Studio

section. image © Arch Studio

Projects Facts

Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing

Project Type: Residence

Project Phase: Built

Renovation Area: 160 square meters

Designers: Han Wenqiang, Zhao Yang / Arch Studio

Photographers: Wang Ning, Xia Zhi, Zhang Linhan

> via Arch Studio