Chinese architecture studio Chaoffice renovated a dilapidated property nestled within a hutong – a narrow neighbourhood alleyway commonly seen in northern China – in the Taihang Mountains west of Beijing. Called House of Passages, the project is a restoration of three low-slung, separate volumes within a narrow rectangular plot, as well as its garden area and underground cellar.
The three separate buildings were joined into a singular volume by small passages and structures. Portions of walls and ceilings were cut in several places to make way for these new extensions, the exposed original structures and materials contrasting sharply against the newer installed elements.
Traditional features were retained by the studio to keep the ‘ancestral home’ charm intact, while work was done to upgrade the fixtures and lighting systems. Large glass openings were created at several places to bring in more light, and the ancient cellar that lay unused for 30 years was renovated as well, revived into a functional space for storing food and supplies.
With their careful regard for the hutong home’s history, Chaoffice’s thoughtful alterations ended with a beautiful dwelling brimming character.
See more of China’s architectural projects here.
Photography © Yumeng Zhu, Zhi Cheng for Chaoffice