Elderly Daycare Center Architecture: Yangbei Village CCP by Studio 10

Architectural design plays a crucial role in shaping inclusive, community-centered spaces, especially for elderly care. The Yangbei Village CCP Elderly Day-Care Center, designed by Studio 10, is an innovative response to the needs of an aging rural population in Shaoguan, China. This project integrates traditional Yao and Hakka architectural elements with modern spatial solutions, fostering a welcoming environment for the elderly while enhancing community engagement.

Context and Cultural Significance

Located in the Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County of northern Guangdong, the project is deeply rooted in the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Historically, Yao settlements were built in mountainous terrains with rammed-earth and timber structures, while the Hakka communities settled in the plains, engaging in agriculture. As part of ongoing rural revitalization efforts, many elderly residents remain in traditional villages while younger generations migrate to urban areas. The Yangbei Village CCP Center addresses this demographic shift by providing a dedicated space for elderly care, incorporating elements that reflect local building traditions.

Architectural Approach and Design Elements

The design of the daycare center prioritizes openness, accessibility, and community interaction. The original site featured a closed courtyard surrounded by temporary structures with overhanging eaves. Studio 10 transformed this layout into a dynamic, semi-open environment by introducing multiple entrances, visual corridors, and a semi-outdoor veranda that connects the inner courtyard with the surrounding village.

Colonnades and covered walkways, characteristic of Yao and Hakka architecture, define the structure’s public circulation areas. These “gray spaces” provide shaded, weather-protected gathering spots for residents, reinforcing the project's focus on social connectivity and environmental adaptability. The ground floor integrates pedestrian-friendly access points, linking the center to the village through strategic pathways that encourage interaction between the elderly and the broader community.

Functional Zoning and Spatial Organization

The facility’s layout is designed to accommodate various services essential for elderly care. The north wing houses private living quarters, positioned to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation. Public spaces, including a multi-purpose hall and service areas, are strategically placed along high-traffic zones to enhance accessibility. The center also features a canteen, clinic, and activity rooms, ensuring comprehensive support for elderly residents.

A defining architectural feature is the overhanging eaves structure, which unifies the building’s multiple volumes while creating semi-outdoor gathering spaces. This integration of indoor and outdoor areas enhances the usability of the space, allowing elderly residents to engage in activities while remaining connected to their surroundings. The second floor accommodates administrative offices and a rooftop garden, providing additional communal spaces that blend traditional design elements with contemporary functionality.

Materiality and Environmental Integration

The center’s material palette reflects a balance between local craftsmanship and modern construction techniques. Earth-toned stucco facades pay homage to the region’s rammed-earth structures, while vintage embossed glass windows evoke the aesthetic of traditional wooden lattice windows. Hollow bricks are strategically used for louvers and partitions, maintaining the visual and functional aspects of local architecture.

The southwest corner of the public service hall features a striking skylight tower, marking the highest point of the structure. Inspired by Yao tribal totems, this tower filters natural light into the interior, creating an interplay of shadows that adds depth to the space. The rooftop garden and semi-outdoor balconies enhance environmental sustainability, promoting cross-ventilation and passive cooling strategies suited to the region’s humid climate.

Enhancing Community Engagement Through Design

Beyond its function as an elderly daycare center, the facility serves as a communal hub for the entire village. The integration of public gathering areas, pedestrian pathways, and semi-outdoor verandas fosters interaction between different generations. The design responds to the social dynamics of the village, ensuring that the elderly remain active participants in community life rather than isolated residents.

The courtyard serves as a focal point, seamlessly connecting various programmatic elements while providing a tranquil space for relaxation and engagement. By maintaining mature trees and incorporating planters along the courtyard’s edge, the design reinforces a connection with nature, further enriching the well-being of its occupants.

The Yangbei Village CCP Elderly Day-Care Center exemplifies how thoughtful architectural interventions can enhance elderly care while preserving cultural identity and community bonds. Through a careful balance of traditional design principles and modern spatial planning, Studio 10 has created a space that not only meets functional needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and interaction. As the demand for elderly-friendly architecture grows, projects like this set a precedent for integrating historical influences with contemporary solutions, ultimately redefining the role of community-based care facilities.

All photographs are works of Arch Nango, Chao Zhang