Beijing, China
1800 sqm
2021 - present
The Courtyard House in Beijing is an exploration of spatial and cultural continuity, reinterpreting the vernacular Siheyuan to create a residence that bridges past and future. Organized around interconnected courtyards that serve as nuclei for the surrounding living spaces, the house offers a sequence of experiences oscillating between intimacy and openness. Traditional grey bricks form the primary envelope, grounding the house in the local architectural language, while weathered steel and glass bridges create a dialogue between the solid and the ephemeral. These elevated pathways are vantage points offering perspectives on the interplay of light and shadow. Each courtyard is a microcosm—whether a contemplative garden, an outdoor living room, or a private retreat—blurring the lines between inside and outside. Light sculpts the spaces, transforming the house as the sun moves. Designed for flexibility, the house adapts to the changing needs of its inhabitants, with natural ventilation and passive cooling minimizing environmental impact. The Courtyard House is a tapestry woven from threads of history, culture, and modernity, where old and new coexist, embodying the spirit of Beijing in every brick and beam.