COURTYARD AND SUMMER PERGOLA

The first courtyard is a 16 meters square, much larger than typical residences. However, without the surrounding corridors, the outdoor space seems empty which will potentially make visitors feeling lost.

In old days Beijing after the summer solstice, from the palace to mansions, and from official residences to private homes, people would set up pergolas for respite from summer heat. These would be disassembled by specialized craftsman after the autumn commences. Our spatial concept generated from this tradition. The space starts welcoming guests in early summer, a perfect season for pergolas. And the quick assemble and disassemble is also an interpretation of "pop-up".

The new pergola’s layout shaped like a ring with 3m width, leading guests through the semi-outdoor space to individual houses, naturally enriching the architectural sequence. In the small enclosed courtyard at the center, duo recycled stone basin are set up for hand washing, offering convenience for guests to clean their hands. The top features an openable screen curtain, providing different light effects according to the weather. Differing from the old cedar wood skeleton, new structure is installed with ring-lock scaffolding, draped in waterproof canvas and Xiangyunsha silk. The silk gently sways with the breeze, creating a tranquil and dynamic atmosphere in the courtyard.