The project site is located in an old alleyway at the heart of the village—a vital passage for villagers' daily life. The historic buildings lining the alley are said to have been constructed during the reign of Emperor Guangxu by Wang Jiarui, a deputy magistrate in waiting. These buildings remain well-preserved. In addition to serving as a daily thoroughfare, the alley functions as a kind of "outdoor living room" for the villagers. At one end of the alley stands the Jixiang Pavilion, a popular gathering spot where elderly residents often eat and chat. In the summer, people enjoy congregating under the pavilion to feel the cool cross breeze. These inherent qualities make this alleyway a central space for social interaction, and through thoughtful design, we hope to further unlock its potential for public life.

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The design of “Huizhou Corridor” begins with a deep respect for and preservation of the existing historic buildings. To avoid damaging the old Huizhou alley, we adopted a structural system composed of small-section timber trusses. Only a few light column bases touch the ground, ensuring maximum protection of the existing environment. The small-section wood trusses also adapt well to the varying widths of the alley. All structural timber components are light enough to be carried by hand, eliminating the need for heavy construction machinery. Connections between materials are made with bolts or self-tapping screws, allowing for rapid on-site assembly. The use of new timber introduces a rhythm and aesthetic that echoes traditional wooden structures while infusing new energy into the historic village.

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Beyond providing shelter from the rain, villagers also need natural light in the narrow alleyway. Therefore, we selected transparent corrugated polyester panels for the roof. This new material creates a visual dialogue with the old buildings—through the transparent panels, the textured, weathered surfaces of the old walls on either side are refracted into a painterly effect, evoking a light, translucent, and dynamic spatial quality. Additionally, we took advantage of irregular triangular spaces within the alley to incorporate landscaped seating areas, offering residents more comfortable spots for resting and socializing.

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“Huizhou Corridor” represents an experiment in micro-renovation within traditional villages. Without altering or demolishing the original village fabric, we gently inserted a "new covered corridor" into the site, providing villagers with more options for public life. Here, new memories and ways of living are beginning to take root.

FW JI·Huizhou Corridor