Youli B&B: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity by Brick&Cube Architects

Youli B&B, designed by Brick&Cube Architects, represents a transformative architectural journey that blends modern design with traditional elements. Located in the scenic Pinggu District of Beijing, near the Jingdong Grand Canyon, the project reimagines two modest rural houses into a cozy and inviting homestay. The redesign balances functionality, natural aesthetics, and cultural resonance to create a peaceful retreat amidst the mountains.

 Setting and Challenges

The site of Youli B&B is nestled in a picturesque mountainous area, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility. However, the original structures presented several challenges. These two self-built houses, common in northern rural China, were poorly constructed and lacked thoughtful design. Positioned at a road corner, the houses were completely exposed to passersby, offering little privacy for the owners and potential guests.

Additionally, the interiors were small and inadequately insulated, making them unsuitable for the region's cold winters. The challenge was to address these structural limitations while creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment and providing a warm, inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Design Philosophy: Blending Tradition and Modernity

Brick&Cube Architects approached the redesign of Youli B&B with a clear focus on integrating geometric forms and traditional Chinese architectural principles. The design emphasized three core objectives:

1. Harmonizing with Nature: Creating a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural surroundings.
2. Enhancing Privacy: Ensuring that interior and courtyard spaces offered adequate privacy for the residents and guests.
3. Optimizing Functionality: Expanding interior spaces and improving thermal insulation to provide comfort year-round.

Architectural Interventions: Geometry and Facades

A defining feature of the redesign is the use of bold geometric forms to enhance the visual and functional aspects of the structures. The eastern gable of the larger house, visible to those ascending the hill, features a distinctive slanted roof. This triangular roof form, juxtaposed with the rectangular volume of the smaller house, creates a striking visual dialogue. The slanted roof not only reduces the perceived mass of the building but also pays homage to traditional Chinese roof designs, which emphasize a three-stage composition of roof, wall, and base.

The facade design incorporates large windows to invite natural light into the interiors while framing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful interplay of geometry and transparency fosters a deeper connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Reimagined Entrance and Circulation Spaces

The original entrance of the houses directly faced the street, compromising privacy and spatial flow. The redesign shifted the entrance direction, integrating it into the building's interior and forming a transitional space. This new entrance, framed by triangular and rectangular geometries, serves as both a practical canopy and a spatial guide. The incorporation of an external staircase between the two houses minimizes the use of interior space while offering visitors unique vantage points to enjoy the mountain views.

Illuminating the Night: A "Beacon" in the Mountains

In the mountainous region of Pinggu, the sun sets early, often leaving the village in darkness. To address this, the architects introduced illuminated glass elements that transform the buildings into glowing "beacons" at night. These glass boxes not only enhance visibility but also create a warm, inviting ambiance for visitors and passersby.

Interior Design: Simplicity and Natural Materials

The interiors of Youli B&B prioritize simplicity and the use of natural materials. Wood, a central element of the design, conveys warmth, relaxation, and understated elegance. The architects avoided excessive ornamentation, instead focusing on functionality and quality. The spatial organization integrates architectural elements like staircases and corridors as central design features rather than mere functional components.

The corridors and staircases serve as more than just transitional spaces; they are sculptural elements that define the interior experience. Inspired by Escher’s work, these spaces offer dynamic perspectives, creating a sense of exploration and interaction.

Guest Rooms: Minimalist Comfort with Scenic Views

The guest rooms reflect the essence of minimalist design, emphasizing comfort and functionality. Large windows frame the stunning mountain views, seamlessly connecting the interiors with the surrounding natural beauty. By integrating elements like living and leisure spaces into the existing structure, the design ensures a relaxing and immersive experience for visitors.

Landscape Integration: Enhancing the Viewing Experience

A small garden on the south side of the property serves as an additional focal point of the redesign. The inclined roof's protruding platform shortens the visual distance to the opposite mountain, offering a serene viewing area. This space not only connects visitors to the surrounding landscape but also creates opportunities for future development, such as converting the garden into a service area for the homestay.

 A Model of Thoughtful Design

The project exemplifies adaptive reuse and innovative design, creating a harmonious space that celebrates nature, tradition, and functionality.