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Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala by Qianshuang Song

Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala by Qianshuang Song is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha in Nhazi Ihe Nketa Omenala na Ụlọ Ọrụ Omenala Competition Category.


ỌlaọchaIhe Nketa Omenala· 2026

Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala

by Qianshuang Song

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha Winner in Ihe Nketa Omenala Category

Colors

The Design

About Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala

Beyond the Green Hills bụ nrụzigharị nke ụlọ obibi ụdị Huizhou dị na Huangshan, Anhui Province, China. Nhazi a na-agbaso usoro ntinye aka dị nro. E chekwara mgbidi ọcha na taịlị ndị gbara ọchịchịrị, e mezigharịrị ogo oghere windo, ma tinyekwa nkọwa nke ọnụ ụlọ elu na okpokolo agba. Otu ihe e ji enyo rụọ n'ime ogige na-ejikọta ụlọ ndị ahụ ma na-ewebata ìhè, ikuku na ahịhịa ndụ. Ụlọ elu nkewa dị iche iche na-eme ka ụlọ mgbakwunye ahụ maa mma karịa. Nnyocha zuru ezu na nyocha 3D kwadoro ihe nlere anya dijitalụ e ji hazie mgbanwe nhazi ụlọ. Mkpokọta ebe e wuru ụlọ bụ square metre 1,432.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha

Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha, nnabata dị oke ugwu e nyere design ndị dị n'ọkwa kachasị elu, mara mma ma na-eju anya. Ndị meriri na Ọlaọcha bụ ọrụ na-egbu maramara nke ukwuu ma dị oke nzụlite nke na-egosi ọmarịcha ihe ọmụma, talent na nghọta nke ndị designer ha. A na-atụ anya na Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala ga-abụ ọrụ dị ịtụnanya, ihe nlereanya, nke dị oke ọrụ ma dị omimi n'ihe ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha bụ ihe e mepụtara dị oke ịrịba ama, nke a na-eto nke na-erite uru ma na-ebuga oke nka, sayensị, design na teknụzụ n'ihu. Beyond the Green Hills Nrụzigharị Ụlọ Nketa Ọdịnala bụ ihe e kere eke ọtụtụ ndị na-ekwo ekworo ya nke na-akpali ọchịchọ, na-eweta mmetụta ọma ma na-akpali ịtụnanya.

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

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