Silver Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design · 2026
Beyond the Green Hills Huizhou Architecture Renovation
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 13,832
- Verification code B4447E2F11 · Verify this award
About Beyond the Green Hills Huizhou Architecture Renovation
Beyond the Green Hills is a renovation of a Huizhou style residence in Huangshan, Anhui Province, China. The design follows a light intervention approach. White walls and dark tiles are preserved, window proportions are adjusted, and eaves and lattice details are added. A glass volume in the courtyard links the buildings and brings in light, air and greenery. Split level lofts enrich the annex. Detailed surveying and 3D scanning supported a digital model used to plan structural changes. The total building area is 1,432 square metres.
Drawing upon centuries of regional building traditions, Beyond the Green Hills Huizhou Architecture Renovation by Qianshuang Song represents a thoughtful meditation on the preservation and revitalization of vernacular architectural heritage within contemporary experiential contexts. The project appears to engage with the distinctive formal vocabulary characteristic of traditional dwelling compounds, featuring the iconic white-washed walls and dark timber structural elements that have defined regional residential architecture for generations. The designer seems to navigate the delicate balance between honoring historical building practices and introducing contemporary programmatic elements that invite renewed engagement with these heritage structures. The inclusion of glamping accommodations and landscaped gathering spaces suggests an understanding of how adaptive reuse can breathe vitality into traditional environments without compromising their essential character. Compositionally, the image demonstrates sophisticated spatial orchestration, with the stepping stone pathway functioning as both circulation element and compositional device that draws the viewer into the scene while establishing human scale. The solitary figure in traditional dress may evoke themes of cultural continuity and the enduring relevance of heritage in contemporary life. The chromatic strategy privileges the traditional white-and-dark palette of the architecture while introducing verdant landscape elements that suggest renewal and growth. One might observe how the mature trees serve as mediating elements between built form and sky, their organic silhouettes softening the geometric precision of the architectural masses. The project invites contemplation of how traditional building wisdom might inform contemporary approaches to placemaking and environmental stewardship.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project renovates an existing Huizhou-style residence with a three-story main building, a courtyard annex, and landscape gardens. Using a “light intervention” strategy, Qianshuang Song preserves white walls and dark tiles, adjusts window proportions, adds eaves and lattice details, and raises roof height for updated living needs. Split-level lofts enrich the annex. A glass volume in the courtyard links buildings, introducing light, air, and greenery while opening previously enclosed spaces.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The project has a total building area of 1,432 square metre and a landscape area of 2,100 square metre. The building comprises three floors with an overall height of 10.6 m. It accommodates nine guest rooms, two dining areas, and a ground-floor public activity zone, integrating hospitality, leisure, and communal functions within a unified spatial framework.
- Tags
- Huizhou Architecture Heritage, Adaptive Renovation, Light Intervention, Sructure Renovation, Landscape Design
- Production Technology
- The original buildings were comprehensively surveyed and documented through detailed measurement and 3D scanning. A precise 1:1 digital model was reconstructed to analyze structural conditions and spatial relationships. This model provided a reliable technical foundation for renovation decisions, enabling accurate planning of structural adjustments, daylight optimization, and integration of new spatial elements while preserving the original architectural character.
- Design Challenge
- The existing building condition posed major challenges, with unclear structural systems and undocumented equipment locations. These issues were addressed through comprehensive on-site surveying and 3D scanning, while partial ground excavation helped verify foundation conditions and establish accurate design parameters. Another key challenge was optimizing window proportions to improve daylight and ventilation without compromising the cultural character and architectural spirit of traditional Huizhou architecture.
- Project Duration
- The project is located in Huangshan, Anhui Province, China. The design commenced in April 2024, construction began in August 2025, and the project is currently under construction.
- Operation Flow
- Traditional Huizhou architecture often limits daylight and airflow, creating enclosed and humid interiors. Responding to contemporary living needs, the design optimizes window proportions, introduces a transparent courtyard glass volume, and adjusts structural layouts to enhance ventilation and light. These strategies strengthen the interaction between users and the site, allowing occupants to experience landscape views, seasonal changes, and natural climate conditions within daily living activities.
- Research
- This project is based on structural and typological research into Huizhou residential architecture. To improve ground-floor connectivity, load-bearing interior walls were selectively removed, and a steel reinforcement system was introduced following structural assessment and digital simulation. Field surveys and modeling were used to ensure structural safety and stability. In parallel, the design team studied key Huizhou architectural elements, including Ma Tau walls, moon beams, and window lattice patterns, focusing on their proportions and construction logic. These findings informed the redesign of façades, interior interfaces, and details, allowing traditional spatial language to be adapted to contemporary living. Through the integration of engineering and cultural research, the project balances heritage preservation with functional renewal. In parallel, the design team conducted systematic research on traditional Huizhou architectural elements, including Ma Tau walls, curved moon beams, and window lattice patterns. These elements were analyzed in terms of proportion, construction logic, and symbolic meaning. The research findings informed the redesign of façades, interior interfaces, and structural details, allowing traditional spatial language to be reinterpreted within a contemporary living framework. Through the integration of engineering analysis and cultural studies, the project establishes a balanced approach between heritage preservation and functional renewal.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by a deep appreciation and academic study of Huizhou architecture, the project explores its cultural value and spatial principles. The design seeks to adapt traditional forms to contemporary living needs through sensitive renovation. Structural adjustments improve spatial permeability, while strategic openings enhance natural daylight. The project balances heritage preservation with functional modernization, ensuring continuity of regional identity.
- Patents
- Qianshuang Song