The approach aims to improve living conditions in buildings that are still inhabited by the indigenous community and transform vacant buildings for other uses that restore identity and create fresh social and economic potential. The adaptations include a community theater for village opera performances and workshops (Shengping); a facility for agricultural production (Qifeng); a bookhouse incorporating library, study area, and bookstore (Binyang); rammed-earth education workshop (Huoshao); and food kiosks (Cuimei and Jinshi) emerging from converted ground-floor kitchens.
By introducing fresh cultural and educational programs that are beneficial for the architectural heritage of the village and of its inhabitants, the architect refrains from a philological building restoration approach to advocate for a new building typology based on the tulou’s morphological characteristics. The existing voids are now used as terraces, courtyards and gardens that showcase how the vernacular typology of the tulou can be adapted to contemporary contexts and requirements that extend the impressive life cycle of the buildings and enshrine circular material flows.
Project Status: Construction started January 2023. As of March 2025, two tulous (Cuimei and Jinshi) have been completed, with five others (Shengping, Binyang, Qifeng, Zhaihe, and Huoshao) under active construction. Structural work is nearly complete across the remaining sites.
An exemplary model for building conservation initiatives that advocates for a re-evaluation of the significance of existing vernacular structures - favoring repurposing over demolition.
Holcim Awards 2023 jury for Asia Pacific
Environmental Impact: By repurposing existing rammed earth and timber structures, the project minimizes environmental disruption and preserves traditional construction techniques.
Social Impact: Allowing residents to remain in their homes during renovations has maintained daily routines and cultural practices, strengthening community bonds.
Economic Impact: The transformation of the Qifeng Tulou into a bookhouse exemplifies innovative approaches to sustainable economic revitalization.
Scalability: This initiative serves as a model for revitalizing numerous abandoned tulous in the region, integrating environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and economic development.
The Holcim Awards 2023 jury for Asia Pacific considered this design project as an exemplary model for building conservation initiatives. They particularly valued the project's role in advocating for a re-evaluation of the significance of existing vernacular structures, favoring repurposing over demolition. Within the project’s core strength, the jury acknowledged the architect’s deep cultural insight, which translated into an innovative, community-focused program-driven strategy for adaptive reuse. The jury welcomed the project’s noteworthy expansion of purpose, moving beyond social housing to encompass contemporary public amenities and community centers. This comprehensive approach not only revitalizes rural villages but also establishes fresh social and economic prospects, renewing the identity of these areas.
Overall, the innovative nature of the program-based strategy for adaptive reuse of Tulou buildings was highly appreciated by the jury, as it was seen as transformative and transferrable to other regions across the world. Additionally, the jury found the project’s sustainability benchmarks to underscore its excellence, showcasing the author’s unwavering dedication to sustainable practices.
