Tulou Renovation, Nanjing Building Concept Project, Jiangsu Province Development, New Chinese Cultural Centre, Architecture Images

Tulou Renovation in Nanjing

19 Mar 2022

Architects: Office ZHU

Location: Nanjing, City, Jiangsu Province, China

Photos by Office ZHU

Tulou Renovation, China

Nanjing county in southeastern china is known for its hakka tulou complex, which was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 2008. In 2021, the competition committee of nanjing county selected 10 old tulou structures, with varying forms, to be renewed. office ZHU has designed the renovation of a three storey tulou called Dexing Lou.

Normally shared by a clan, traditional tulou were designed with a closed circular façade and an open interior to be easily defended against attack. structurally, the whole building is supported by an outer circle of rammed earth and an inner timber structure. the starting point of office ZHU’s renovation questioned how to cleverly utilize the unique spatial and structural logic of the tulou, and how to transform it from a traditional dwelling to a cultural space while finding the balance between old and new.

The renovation proposes to retain the original façade, remove the damaged timber structure inside, and redesign the inner courtyard into an eccentric circle. the depth of the new tulou varies to meet the different needs of the art and cultural space. a number of new curved rammed earth walls spread around the outer wall of the building to form an outdoor exhibition area. the architects also propose to keep the original ceiling height in order to retain the intimate scale.

Structurally, rammed earth techniques are proposed to build new cores and shafts. these blocks will serve as spatial divisions, vertical circulation, support and pipe organization. the steel structure links the original earth walls to the new core, creating horizontal support. steel trusses and metal tiles are used to create a better insulated and lighter roof.

New materials such as white terrazzo, silver aluminum panels, corrugated steel sheets and glass contrast with the roughness of the original earth walls. thanks to these materials, the interior of the building becomes brighter and more open.

The program is organized over the three levels according to the degree of privacy required. the ground floor hosts coffee and retail, lectures and performances; the first floor comprises exhibition space; the second floor contains a bed and breakfast and artists’ studios.

A juxtaposition of the old and the new, combining tradition and the future, is how we imagined the new tulou.

Tulou Renovation in Nanjing, China – Building Information

Architects: Office ZHU – https://o-zhu.com/

Project size: 2100 sqm
Building levels: 3

Photo credits: Office ZHU

Tulou Renovation, Nanjing images / information received 190322

Location: Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China

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