Add To Collection
Add to Collection
A Small Courtyard
A Small Courtyard
Shanghai, China
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
A Small Courtyard
Shanghai, China
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2024
SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft
BUDGET
$10K - 50K
【Background】
With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Xinchang Ancient Town in Shanghai is flourished due to salt trading and faced the sea. The ancient town is crisscrossed with rivers and dense alleys, presenting the unique lifestyle of a water-town that has persisted for thousands of years. It remains one of the few "living" Jiangnan water towns, where the traditional way of life continues to thrive.Today, the Xinchang Ancient Town preservation area covers about 1.48 square kilometers and can be roughly divided into three parts from north to south. The northern section is bustling with commercial activity and lively street scenes; the central section contains the best-preserved historic buildings of Xinchang; and the southern section is relatively tranquil, home to Nanshan Temple and the Siku Library.
COLORFULL Yujing Design has renovated a courtyard in the southern section of the ancient town, transforming it into a new cultural consumption venue under the heritage of intangible cultural assets. The space, which includes coffee shops, dining, cultural performances, and boutique accommodations, is now open to the public. This project achieves the harmonious blend of preservation, inheritance, and revitalization, bringing new vitality and energy to the site.
【Integration with the Ancient Town's Texture】
Before starting the design, we conducted a thorough study of Xinchang Ancient Town's texture, architectural style, scale, and spatial layout. This research provided the design foundation for a natural intervention that seamlessly integrates with the fabric of the ancient town.
Xinchang Ancient Town is distinct from other water towns in the Jiangnan region, with its most characteristic architectural style known as "shop in the front, residence in the middle, and garden spanning the river." The shop fronts are along the street, with the residence behind, and passing through the three-entry old houses, the back door connects to small bridges and flowing water. We extracted the basic layout relationship, organizing the three-entry courtyards and naturally integrating them into the town's texture.
【Inheriting the Scale of Traditional Architecture】
In addition to analyzing the layout and form of residences, we followed traditional residential construction methods and craftsmanship. Using appropriate modern technology, we reorganized the column grid on-site, adopting traditional measurement scales, so the new building has the human-friendly scale and proportional beauty of traditional architecture. At the same time, we incorporated traditional elements such as doors, shutters, and window frames from the town’s architecture, using modern materials to merge them into the main facade design, achieving a unified appearance and atmosphere.
【A Small Courtyard】
Based on the spatial dynamics of movement and tranquility, the site was divided into four themed areas: Rest, Dine, Stay, and Leisure, gradually extending from the street to the inner courtyard, offering visitors a rich local cultural experience.
The front hall public area serves multiple functions, including reception, café, leisure gatherings, and meetings. The wooden roof beams are exposed, and the primary colors of the furniture, walls, and fabrics revolve around textured beige, creating a simple, warm, and natural atmosphere indoors.Entering the courtyard leads to the dining area, where a stream is introduced into a garden pond, with a rockery of earth and stones built alongside. Strolling leisurely through the space allows guests to enjoy a pure, back-to-nature experience.
The second courtyard leads to the guest room area, with four rooms named "Spring" "Summer" "Autumn" and "Winter" Each room features a unique design that showcases the natural beauty and Zen-like tranquility of the space. These designs create an authentic, warm, and comfortable living environment, providing travelers with a hidden sanctuary for their souls and offering an immersive experience of the ancient town. Both "Summer " and "Autumn " have private outdoor hot spring pools. In the evening, as the warmth of the setting sun lingers in the air, guests can unwind from the day’s fatigue and quietly enjoy their private time.
The riverside courtyard is a natural place for relaxation, allowing friends to sit leisurely under the ancient trees, watching the changing sky in the morning and the drifting clouds in the evening. It immerses one in nature, creating a serene experience where one can appreciate the ebb and flow of the clouds and the tranquility of time passing.
Tradition continues here, embracing a new identity. The old houses and buildings, once home to previous residents, now welcome guests from afar. A "living ancient town" should not be limited to the dwellings of the original inhabitants; it should also encompass the enduring historical context and spiritual essence.
With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Xinchang Ancient Town in Shanghai is flourished due to salt trading and faced the sea. The ancient town is crisscrossed with rivers and dense alleys, presenting the unique lifestyle of a water-town that has persisted for thousands of years. It remains one of the few "living" Jiangnan water towns, where the traditional way of life continues to thrive.Today, the Xinchang Ancient Town preservation area covers about 1.48 square kilometers and can be roughly divided into three parts from north to south. The northern section is bustling with commercial activity and lively street scenes; the central section contains the best-preserved historic buildings of Xinchang; and the southern section is relatively tranquil, home to Nanshan Temple and the Siku Library.
COLORFULL Yujing Design has renovated a courtyard in the southern section of the ancient town, transforming it into a new cultural consumption venue under the heritage of intangible cultural assets. The space, which includes coffee shops, dining, cultural performances, and boutique accommodations, is now open to the public. This project achieves the harmonious blend of preservation, inheritance, and revitalization, bringing new vitality and energy to the site.
【Integration with the Ancient Town's Texture】
Before starting the design, we conducted a thorough study of Xinchang Ancient Town's texture, architectural style, scale, and spatial layout. This research provided the design foundation for a natural intervention that seamlessly integrates with the fabric of the ancient town.
Xinchang Ancient Town is distinct from other water towns in the Jiangnan region, with its most characteristic architectural style known as "shop in the front, residence in the middle, and garden spanning the river." The shop fronts are along the street, with the residence behind, and passing through the three-entry old houses, the back door connects to small bridges and flowing water. We extracted the basic layout relationship, organizing the three-entry courtyards and naturally integrating them into the town's texture.
【Inheriting the Scale of Traditional Architecture】
In addition to analyzing the layout and form of residences, we followed traditional residential construction methods and craftsmanship. Using appropriate modern technology, we reorganized the column grid on-site, adopting traditional measurement scales, so the new building has the human-friendly scale and proportional beauty of traditional architecture. At the same time, we incorporated traditional elements such as doors, shutters, and window frames from the town’s architecture, using modern materials to merge them into the main facade design, achieving a unified appearance and atmosphere.
【A Small Courtyard】
Based on the spatial dynamics of movement and tranquility, the site was divided into four themed areas: Rest, Dine, Stay, and Leisure, gradually extending from the street to the inner courtyard, offering visitors a rich local cultural experience.
The front hall public area serves multiple functions, including reception, café, leisure gatherings, and meetings. The wooden roof beams are exposed, and the primary colors of the furniture, walls, and fabrics revolve around textured beige, creating a simple, warm, and natural atmosphere indoors.Entering the courtyard leads to the dining area, where a stream is introduced into a garden pond, with a rockery of earth and stones built alongside. Strolling leisurely through the space allows guests to enjoy a pure, back-to-nature experience.
The second courtyard leads to the guest room area, with four rooms named "Spring" "Summer" "Autumn" and "Winter" Each room features a unique design that showcases the natural beauty and Zen-like tranquility of the space. These designs create an authentic, warm, and comfortable living environment, providing travelers with a hidden sanctuary for their souls and offering an immersive experience of the ancient town. Both "Summer " and "Autumn " have private outdoor hot spring pools. In the evening, as the warmth of the setting sun lingers in the air, guests can unwind from the day’s fatigue and quietly enjoy their private time.
The riverside courtyard is a natural place for relaxation, allowing friends to sit leisurely under the ancient trees, watching the changing sky in the morning and the drifting clouds in the evening. It immerses one in nature, creating a serene experience where one can appreciate the ebb and flow of the clouds and the tranquility of time passing.
Tradition continues here, embracing a new identity. The old houses and buildings, once home to previous residents, now welcome guests from afar. A "living ancient town" should not be limited to the dwellings of the original inhabitants; it should also encompass the enduring historical context and spiritual essence.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.