Bringing new vitality to the past. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio
09/01/2023.
[Xikou] China
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
The Shanghai architectural studio Y.ad studio transformed the architectural complex in Xikou City, Zhejiang Province, China, consisting of a former hospital and several dormitories in a former factory, into family accommodation.
Based on an initial analysis, the project is approached through three questions. The first seeks to preserve the historical memory of the place. To this end the renovation focuses on the minimal intervention of the architecture, where the original architectural style and form are respected, adjusting to modern lifestyles. In this way, buildings marked by the memory of the past are injected with a new vitality that allows them to be lived in and used today.
Based on an initial analysis, the project is approached through three questions. The first seeks to preserve the historical memory of the place. To this end the renovation focuses on the minimal intervention of the architecture, where the original architectural style and form are respected, adjusting to modern lifestyles. In this way, buildings marked by the memory of the past are injected with a new vitality that allows them to be lived in and used today.
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN
Site diagram. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
Functional diagram. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
Transformation strategy. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
Exploded diagram. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
Ground floor plan. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
First floor plan. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
Rooftop plan. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by Y.ad studio.
Site conditions and original buildings. Pushe - Xikou Homestay by y.ad studio. Image courtesy by Y.ad studio.
The pre-existence is a set of segmented and dispersed buildings. Y.ad studio redistributes the different uses needed throughout all the buildings. To unify each of the buildings close to the complex, the broken walls are repaired and a covered walkway is added. This last gesture, in addition to uniting, serves as a circulation route and a space to shelter from the weather, which through its breaks creates a visual and sensorial experience.
The courtyards that make up the public space are populated by sequoias. The poor organization of the spaces gives rise to a redesign decision, which consists of transforming the interior structure of the rooms and relocating the courtyards to use them as an extension of the interior uses. This maximizes the value of the spaces for public and private use while integrating the elegant and special appearance that the redwoods provide to the courtyards.
Pushe - Casa familiar Xikou por y.ad studio. Fotografía por SCHRAN.
The courtyards that make up the public space are populated by sequoias. The poor organization of the spaces gives rise to a redesign decision, which consists of transforming the interior structure of the rooms and relocating the courtyards to use them as an extension of the interior uses. This maximizes the value of the spaces for public and private use while integrating the elegant and special appearance that the redwoods provide to the courtyards.
Pushe - Casa familiar Xikou por y.ad studio. Fotografía por SCHRAN.
Project description by Y.ad studio
Shanghai-based y.ad studio transformed an architectural complex consisting of a former hospital and several old factory dormitories into a bed & breakfast. The project is located in the Rural Future Community in Xikou Town, Zhejiang Province.
After site investigation and analysis, the architects conceived the design by centering on three questions.
01 How to infuse new design into the existing complex while reserving the site's memory?
The walls, roofs and courtyards of the existing architectural complex were in shabby condition due to years of neglect. Nevertheless, the buildings still carry the historical traces of the 1960s and 1970s. When renovation started, the design team adopted a strategy that respected the historical background and cultural context of the complex, to improve its condition through micro transformation and minimum intervention. With a respect for its original texture, the architects managed to reserve the memory of the original space.
Through design and operation, the deserted old buildings are injected with new vitality. The complex is transformed into a venue that embodies the memory of the past and is suitable for people to live and use in modern time.
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN.
The architects focused more on the improvement of the interior environment. The facades were refurbished, restored and consolidated, designed in a restrained way to blend with the original buildings. While preserving the original architectural form and style, the design team updated the functions of the indoor spaces, to meet requirements for the operation of a B&B and comply with modern lifestyles and the habits of space using. To strengthen a sense of nostalgia, the interior spaces are decorated with elements and materials of the mining industry, which remind visitors of the site's memory in a certain historical period.
02 How to connect separate buildings to facilitate the daily operation of the B&B?
As the space was set to function as a B&B, the original layout of the complex was too scattered and segmented to form a whole. Therefore, the architects redistributed the spatial functions. The first floor of No.1 Building is used as a public area and a bar, while the second floor is used for guestrooms. Meanwhile, the first floor of No.3 Building is transformed into a restaurant, and the second floor is used as a venue for team building activities and meetings. Other buildings of the complex are used as guestrooms.
To ensure the independence and privacy of the B&B, the architects repaired the broken walls to enclose the complex. A covered corridor was also added to link the buildings. These measures not only reshape the circulation route and the hierarchy of the space, but also bring more unity to the site. The corridor is intended to provide a shelter from the weather, and to create a circulation route that leads visitors to move between different functional spaces and courtyards. With twists and turns that create different viewing angles, the circulation route brings varying visual and sensory experiences.
Pushe - Xikou Homestay by y.ad studio. Photograph by SCHRAN.
03 How to make use of the existing courtyards with dawn redwoods?
Dawn redwoods have grown for years in the existing courtyards in between buildings, giving the site a special, graceful quality. However, the original courtyard spaces, which were medium-sized, were not utilized properly. After the originally compartmentalized dormitories were transformed into guestrooms, the space was still quite limited. After analysis, the design team decided to redesign and transform the interior structures of the guestrooms and relocate the courtyards. The No. 1 courtyard is used as an extension of the restaurant, and a public courtyard for leisure and dining purposes. The No. 2 and No. 3 courtyards are divided into large courtyards for public activities and small courtyards for guestrooms, so as to maximize the value of the spaces for public and private use while better integrating the dawn redwoods with the courtyards.
More information
Architects
Y.ad studio. Chief architect.- Yan Yang.
Collaborators
Architectural design collaboration.- Shanghai Times Architecture Design Co., Ltd.
Construction drawings.- Hangzhou Zhongya Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Design & construction management.- Zhu Zhen, Gao Chengkai, Jia Yidong.
Construction drawings.- Hangzhou Zhongya Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Design & construction management.- Zhu Zhen, Gao Chengkai, Jia Yidong.
Developer Promotor
People's Government of Xikou Town, Longyou County.
Gobierno del Pueblo de Xikou, Condado de Longyou.
Commissioner
Xbad.
Area
2,336 sqm.
Dates
Design phase.- March 2020 - June 2020.
Construction phase.- March 2021 - December 2021.
Construction phase.- March 2021 - December 2021.
Location
Xikou Town, Longyou County, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
Photography
Yan Yang. y.ad studio
Y.ad studio is a Shanghai-based architectural studio founded by Yan Yang in 2017. The studio focuses on space and site planning, urban renewal, architectural design and space design. It works in a variety of fields, especially in urban renewal, commercial building transformation, cultural exhibitions, culture, tourism, real estate, integrated parks, restaurants, hotels, shops and rural construction.
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