The Ancestor House: A Testament to Rural Revitalization

Chen Xiao and Chen Dilong's Award-Winning Design Breathes New Life into a Century-Old Family Mansion

The Ancestor House, located in Zhouwujie Village, Changxing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, was first built in 1898 by Zhou Ansheng. The property, which had been largely derelict for decades, was the family mansion of the client who tasked Chen Xiao and Chen Dilong for the renovation. The original building was a traditional Chinese courtyard dwelling — a three-hall structure with two wings and four internal courtyards. Despite the severe damage to most of the original features, the designers saw it as an uncut jade to be carved into great works.

Chen Xiao and Chen Dilong prioritized the restoration and repair of the existing building, keeping the original spatial layout. The original structure of Huizhou-style façade and walls were revamped and reinforced by steel-concrete structure to eliminate potential structural risks. The severely damaged timber frame was rebuilt according to the original structure. Some undamaged beams and stone plinths under the wooden pillars were kept intact, while the demolished ones such as grey tiles were recycled for pavements and roof decoration.

The designers worked with timber structure engineers and local craftsmen to realize their vision. They replaced a side wall of the lobby with glass screen walls to bring in light and enhance the connectivity between the indoor spaces and the open courtyard. The interiors consist of two ideas, simplicity and space. Few pieces of furniture with simple lines and good quality were brought in, which perfectly fuse different hues and texture. Wooden grills and local limestone floor merged together to create a sense of warmth and naturalness.

The Ancestor House is not just a hotel, but a symbol of rural revitalization. The designers believe that the best solution to rural revitalization would never be building new houses over old ones. Instead, they advocate for a construction approach that makes people feel at ease in the space without deliberate interference. This philosophy is reflected in their design of the Ancestor House, which has been awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2020 for its innovative and practical design that meets professional and industrial requirements.

In conclusion, the Ancestor House is a testament to the potential of rural revitalization. It showcases how traditional architecture can be preserved and transformed into a modern design that respects the past while looking towards the future. The project serves as an inspiration for other designers and architects to approach rural construction in a sustainable and respectful manner.