Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie by Qianshuang Song

Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie by Qianshuang Song is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Silwer in Kulturele Erfenis en Kultuurbedryf Ontwerp Competition Category.

SilwerKulturele Erfenis· 2026

Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie

by Qianshuang Song

A' Design Award in Silwer Winner in Kulturele Erfenis Category

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The Design

About Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie

Beyond the Green Hills is 'n renovasie van 'n Huizhou-styl woning in Huangshan, Anhui-provinsie, China. Die ontwerp volg 'n benadering van ligte ingryping. Wit mure en donker teëls word behou, vensterproporsies word aangepas, en dakrand- en traliewerkdetails word bygevoeg. 'n Glasvolume in die binnehof verbind die geboue en bring lig, lug en groenigheid in. Verdeelde-vlak solders verryk die bygebou. Gedetailleerde opmeting en 3D-skandering het 'n digitale model ondersteun wat gebruik is om strukturele veranderinge te beplan. Die totale gebou-oppervlakte is 1 432 vierkante meter.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Silwer

Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Silwer, 'n buitengewoon prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan topklas-, pragtige en indrukwekkende ontwerpe. Wenners in Silwer is geweldig briljante en uiters kreatiewe werke wat die uitstaande kundigheid, talent en skerpsinnigheid van hul ontwerpers illustreer. Daar word verwag dat Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie 'n wonderlike vertoonstuk is wat merkwaardig professioneel en diepgaande innoverend is. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Silwer gewen het, is 'n hoogs noemenswaardige, bewonderde uitvinding wat die grense van kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie bevoordeel en uitbrei. Beyond the Green Hills Erfenisgebou-renovasie is 'n wyd beny skepping wat begeertes oproep, positiewe gevoelens bring en verbasing en verwondering wek.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
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.
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.
Patents: Qianshuang Song
Team Members: Qianshuang Song