Hutong 3.0 - A Beijing family of 6 enjoys clean indoor air in their 45 sqm hutong home!
An integrated controlled energy recovery ventilation system (ERV) provides filtered air according to WHO recommendations of PM 2.5 below 10 (ug/m3).
The courtyard is just a stone's throw away from Tiananmen in the Dashilar district of Beijing. On a footprint of 45 sqm, the refurbished north house of the yard accommodates three generations.
Apart from the challenge of housing this many people in a relatively small area while providing them with a comfortable living space, we set out to create a well-performing building envelope currently unknown to hutong homes.
To avoid the inherent problems of deteriorated hutong houses, such as notoriously damp floors and walls, a 'House in House' concept was developed for the refurbishment. The existing home was found to be in deplorable condition and had been stripped down to its basic structure. Its only remaining purpose is to cover the new house from the rain.
Apart from re-designing the house, we had promised the owners one of the essential needs in Beijing: clean indoor air!
The new house has been executed with 100mm continuous insulation, including the floor. High-quality windows have been inserted to keep the envelope as airtight as possible. However, an airtight envelope requires controlled ventilation to prevent a stale air environment and possible moisture from falling out in the walls. The installed energy recovery ventilation system ensures a comfortable room climate and a controlled flow of clean air due to the integrated PM 2.5 filters. With its energy recovery function, the system will take off cooling and heating peaks throughout the year, reducing the overall energy consumption of the house.
Besides the four bedrooms, the tiny dwelling offers a living room, dining room, mezzanine reading room, kitchen, and bathroom. 2 new skylights provide additional daylight. The 'House in House' concept allowed for a contemporary look of the new space by avoiding interfaces with the dilapidated existing building.
The yard ownership had been divided among five parties in the past. Unfortunately, it is mainly being used for storage. Due to the neighborhood's complicated social condition, the new house's exterior was designed as a somewhat introverted facade because the courtyard could not be utilized as a quality space for social gatherings.
Given the property prices of around 150,000 RMB/sqm (19.000 €/sqm) in this area of Beijing, we felt committed to setting a new standard for the performance of a refurbished hutong house providing the comfort levels of a modern home and a well-engineered dwelling.
Construction Budget:
350.000 RMB (45.000 €), including all MEP and all furniture
Construction Time:
50 days
View Original