Baochao Hutong Invisible Yard

Baochao Hutong Invisible Yard

Baochao Hutong Invisible Yard is an innovative architectural renovation project located in Beijing's historic hutong district, exemplifying a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese architecture with contemporary design elements. This Silver A' Design Award-winning project transforms a modest 12-square-meter courtyard into an optically expansive space through the ingenious application of mirror glass on both the ground and walls. The design creates a mesmerizing interplay between reality and reflection, where surrounding hutongs, trees, and sky are seamlessly integrated into the spatial experience. The renovation preserves the cultural heritage of the original structure while introducing modern functionality, featuring a transparent glass curtain wall that enhances natural illumination and creates visual connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. The project's most distinctive feature lies in its sophisticated use of reflective surfaces, which not only visually amplifies the limited space but also generates a kaleidoscopic effect that brings the environment into the living space. The design demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to the historical context while addressing contemporary living requirements, incorporating strengthened wooden structures and innovative spatial solutions. This architectural intervention, completed in just fourteen days, represents a significant achievement in urban renewal, creating an immersive environment where boundaries between inside and outside become delightfully ambiguous, offering residents a unique spatial experience that changes with natural light and seasonal variations.

architectural renovation, reflective design, urban renewal, traditional hutong, spatial illusion, contemporary living

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Baochao Hutong Invisible Yard.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=452147 (Accessed on November 12, 2025)"