This project develops a new residential typology for the traditional Chinese Courtyard House. Traditional courtyard homes use rectangles as the shape of the courtyard to make theological “Feng Shui”, which is based on the “circle place”. The nature of the courtyard itself is natural, and the rectangular geometric shapes do not adapt easily to a natural concept. As a result, the courtyard space is surrounded by geometric shapes and becomes too monotonous. How to develop a new typology of the Chinese Courtyard House in today’s modern environment?
|
The site is located in Houhai which is one of the most famous areas with traditional culture in Beijing, China. The streets of Beijing’s traditional courtyard houses are still preserved. They all face the water, and the streets formed by the natural form of the river are curved streets without a true north or south axis. Natural texture influences the formation of streets. In this area, the influence of Beijing’s grid on the courtyard house has gradually faded, and their orientation follows the natural curve of the street and river. The new form of the courtyard house combines the urban grid with natural texture. On one side is the residence’s response to the urban grid, and on the other side is the residence’s response to nature. With the fusion of the two mechanisms, the courtyard typology has been sublimated. The courtyard itself now has a curved property, which makes the form of the courtyard more natural and also increases visual diversity. At the same time, the functional distinction of the new form of the courtyard also meshes with the courtyard’s own geometry, so that the space itself can maximize its integration with the courtyard.
|
Form and Typology Studies
Test how to let the curvilinear courtyard best fit the typology of the Chinese Courtyard house. What is the best shape to fit within the context, and what is the best form of the roof for the new courtyard house?
Test how to let the curvilinear courtyard best fit the typology of the Chinese Courtyard house. What is the best shape to fit within the context, and what is the best form of the roof for the new courtyard house?
Courtyard Form Iterations
In a traditional courtyard house, each room has a very limited view of the courtyard. By modifying the form of the traditional courtyard house views to the courtyard from every room was maximized.
In a traditional courtyard house, each room has a very limited view of the courtyard. By modifying the form of the traditional courtyard house views to the courtyard from every room was maximized.
Overall Site Plan
The new typology of Chinese Courtyard house combined both the urban texture of Beijing, and the natural texture of the waterfront, the geometry of the courtyard is a mixture of these two textures.
The new typology of Chinese Courtyard house combined both the urban texture of Beijing, and the natural texture of the waterfront, the geometry of the courtyard is a mixture of these two textures.
|
|
Ground Level Plan
The complex geometry of the courtyard is designed based on reference to the radii of five separate non-concentric circles. This facilitated measured window mullion placement and ensured an affordable approach to construction. The functional distinction of the new form of the courtyard also meshes with the courtyard's own geometry, so that the space itself can maximize its integration with the courtyard and maximize the view of the courtyard from every room.
The complex geometry of the courtyard is designed based on reference to the radii of five separate non-concentric circles. This facilitated measured window mullion placement and ensured an affordable approach to construction. The functional distinction of the new form of the courtyard also meshes with the courtyard's own geometry, so that the space itself can maximize its integration with the courtyard and maximize the view of the courtyard from every room.
Street & Back View of the House
The front part of the house is designed to respect the Site’s natural context. The prominent wall has a curvilinear form, and the roof is slightly sloped as a reflection of the home’s natural context. The back of the residence references Beijing's city grid. In order to reflect this historic grid within the new dwelling, 90-degree corners are utilized to define programmed spaces in this area of the home.
The front part of the house is designed to respect the Site’s natural context. The prominent wall has a curvilinear form, and the roof is slightly sloped as a reflection of the home’s natural context. The back of the residence references Beijing's city grid. In order to reflect this historic grid within the new dwelling, 90-degree corners are utilized to define programmed spaces in this area of the home.
The curvilinear wall naturally informs and helps to shape the front entry door of the home. The front garden is a buffer zone between the street and the home. The courtyard divides the house into two parts; one part is for “public” functions such as a living room or a dining room. The other part is for “private” functions. Two bedrooms and supporting bathing rooms are located within this private area.