Historic House Renovation in Suzhou

The project is located in an old residence in Suzhou's historic city, occupying 2,500 square meters. Originally built in the Qing dynasty, it has four courtyards in sequence: four buildings are Qing-era timber-frame ancient structures, and four more are later brick-concrete additions. The design covers the renovation of ancient and modern buildings, interior design, and courtyard transformation, converting the old residence into a modern cultural-tourism apartment. The original courtyard layout is largely preserved. For the Qing-era buildings, all timber structures are retained, with air conditioning, heating, bathrooms, and showers added as necessary modern functions. The facade renovation removes the dark red paint on the timber surfaces and finishes them in traditional black lacquer, paired with natural-toned doors and windows to express the old residence's plain, elegant character. Interior materials use black walnut, natural stone, and other natural materials faithful to their true texture, continuing the primitive atmosphere. For the brick-concrete buildings, the facade removes faux-traditional symbols and replaces them with new black metal bay windows in a clean, pure modern language. Interiors use natural-toned furniture that contrasts with the dark black walnut of the ancient buildings, producing a lighter, more comfortable modern feel. Old and new each have their own clear logic, coexisting harmoniously in contrast and collision. The residence was historically the private home of one family; although converted to modern apartments, the design philosophy is to continue the spirit and spatial experience of the old residence rather than splitting it into isolated guest rooms. Each guest has private space but can also step out to socialize with others throughout the garden. Beyond fifteen guest rooms, more than half the space serves shared functions such as a public kitchen, study, bar, and even a public soaking pool. Cooking, fitness, and leisure can occur not only in one's room but in shared modes throughout the garden; the meaning of home is expanded conceptually and spatially. The overall functional layout progresses from the south entrance northward through the courtyard, completing the transition from public to private. The courtyard is the most beautiful space in a Suzhou old residence and becomes another design focus. Each ancient building has its own independent courtyard; rooms originally without courtyards are also given a portion of courtyard space. Dwelling is no longer closed off: interior connects to exterior, and courtyard links to courtyard, continuing the charm of Suzhou gardens. Space flows as one walks, and sensory experience is dynamic. The highlight is the entry sequence: the former parking lot is transformed into a gravel courtyard and a water courtyard; passing through cast-in-place concrete walls with a bamboo-grove texture, returning guests naturally shift from the rhythm of the outside city to the tranquil, natural atmosphere of the garden. Sunken seats in the pool bring people closer to the water and trees, offering different angles and experiences. Through the courtyard transformation, movement and stillness, city and nature achieve maximum harmony. The renovation of an old residence is a dialogue with history; in an age when urban people increasingly live alone, the designer hopes the Suzhou old-residence renovation will break down private boundaries and create a space where people and people, and people and nature, can connect. It is an exploration of a new lifestyle and a beginning of new thinking on urban renewal.