Revitalizing Abandoned Villages: A Blend of History and Innovation

Designers Hanxiao Liu and Luís Ricardo Transform an Abandoned Village into a Hot Spring Retreat

The project, aptly named 'Revitalization of An Abandoned Stone Village', began as an endeavor to preserve a few yards of a deserted home village for the sake of childhood memories. However, inspired by experts who revitalize ancient villages through art, the project expanded to encompass the rebirth of ravine lands. The designers aimed to redefine Denghua Village, one of the villages in the area.

The unique strength of this project lies in its approach to design. The architecture and space design serve two main purposes: to provide a platform for retrospecting the value of history, and to create new space for a modern rural lifestyle. The designers have achieved this by preserving the site, reconstructing with recycled materials, and building new structures with new materials. This combination allows for the preservation of rural life imprints while offering flexible use possibilities.

The project covers a total area of 13,500 sqm, with a construction area of 4,066 sqm and a main landscape area of 7,958 sqm. The central area of the project provides space for social gatherings and public spaces, while hidden woods and mountains offer a quiet, secluded experience. Landscape and natural spring water run through the entire site, reflecting the three elements of new rural life: woods, seclusion, and spring water.

The project posed significant challenges, particularly in preserving the spectacular natural landscape and protecting the original architecture. The designers had to carefully select the construction mode and meticulously plan the process to collect and reuse old building materials. Despite these challenges, the project has successfully integrated the cultural spirit and natural charm of the village into a new countryside lifestyle.

The 'Revitalization of An Abandoned Stone Village' project is a testament to the power of innovative design in preserving history and promoting sustainable living. The project, which started in February 2018 in Shangxi province, China, is set to be completed in 2021. It has already received recognition for its unique approach, winning the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019.