d+a | Issue 116 • Jun/July 2020

73 restored space, as well as modern features like air-conditioners and HVAC piping to complete its modernisation. To emphasise the sense of formality in a traditional siheyuan , the team adopted a symmetric layout for the place. They also replaced the old elevated steps that led to the rooms with gentle slopes, and coupled with the transparent veranda, these enhanced the connectivity between the indoor spaces and the open courtyards. The middle courtyard is designed to be a common area equipped with a living room, dining room and kitchen, while the back courtyard is designated for private spaces – mainly two bedrooms, a tea room and study. The dining room features a folding door, which can be fully opened to extend indoor activities to the outdoor courtyard. The middle of the dining room’s back wall has an arched door, which has been carefully restored and now serves as the entrance to the back courtyard. The kitchen is divided into a semi-open 3-4. The veranda adopts a frame structure of ribbed beams to better blend in with the older construction, varying in appearance to suit the different spatial functions. / 5. The dining room located in the middle courtyard is adjacent to the western kitchen, which can be converted into an open kitchen- dining space. 3 4 5