May 18, 2017

Farm House Remodel by Evolution Design

This beautiful farm house remodel by Evolution Design is situated in Beijing, China.

Rustic wooden beams, glass walls, and colorful flowers create a modern, cozy atmosphere.

Rustic wooden beams, large windows, and modern furnishings create a cozy, inviting space.

A rustic, open-plan space with wooden beams, bamboo accents, and minimalist furnishings.

Rustic wooden interior with large windows overlooking a lush forest setting.

Rustic beamed ceiling, modern shelving, and wooden furnishings create a cozy ambiance.

Cozy bedroom with rustic brick walls, woven chair, and view of lush garden outside.

Rustic bedroom with exposed wooden beams, sliding glass doors, and a colorful woven textile.

A cozy rustic bedroom with exposed wooden beams, plush bedding, and large windows.

Rustic wooden ceiling and framing, minimalist bedroom decor, textured wall panels.

Rustic bathroom with wooden beams, black tiles, and a long vanity with a modern sink.

An exterior view of a traditional Chinese building with black wooden doors and brick walls, accented by a flowering tree.

About Farm House Remodel

Revamping a Traditional Farmhouse

Located in ChangGe Village, Daxing County, on the outskirts of southwest Beijing, this project tackles a once dilapidated farmhouse. Built in the early 1970s, the farmhouse featured a typical north China wood-brick structure. Originally, the building lacked a water supply and restroom facilities. Moreover, the interior floor sat nearly 8 inches (20 cm) below the courtyard level, leading to frequent flooding during rainfalls, which posed a significant risk to the building’s integrity. Adding to the irony, the area faced severe water shortages, with frequent cutoffs, often during evening peak hours.

A Live TV Renovation Challenge

The renovation took center stage on BTV’s live show “Our Warm New Houses,” which kicked off earlier this year. The producer set strict limits on both budget and timeline. The total cost was confined to 300,000 RMB (approximately 45,000 USD), covering everything from labor to new home electronics. The entire design and construction phase had to wrap up within 45 days.

Solving Water Woes

Our design approach directly addressed the critical issues of water scarcity and flood risk. Firstly, we raised the interior floor level and regraded the courtyard to prevent future flooding. We also installed modern sewer and gutter systems. A new water tank, built to hold over 2 cubic meters (approximately 528 gallons), was positioned to collect and recycle rainwater from the rooftops. This not only provided an emergency water supply for up to a year but also fortified the building against rain damage.

Enhancing Function and Form

In rethinking the layout, we closely consulted with the residents to tailor the space to their daily needs and activities. Removing the suspended ceiling freed up additional space and exposed the original wood framework and straw ceiling, adding a touch of historical charm. During our site inspections, we identified a narrow 31-inch (80 cm) pathway along the west side of the building. This discovery led us to install a view window at the corridor’s end, framing the dynamic play of light and shadow cast by outside bamboo, linking the home with its natural surroundings.

Photography courtesy of Evolution Design

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- by Matt Watts