A remarkable architectural transformation has taken place in the old city of Qiaodong, Huizhou, China, where Republic Construction Architecture Studio has successfully reconstructed a collapsed ancestral home. The project, known as "Xuebei Home," represents a thoughtful approach to preserving cultural heritage while meeting contemporary living needs in an urban village setting.
The original structure was a modest 44-square-meter ancestral home that had fallen into disrepair and eventually collapsed. The reconstruction project, completed in 2025, expanded the living space to 116 square meters while maintaining respect for the site's historical significance and cultural context. Lead architect Huang Yimin spearheaded the design team, which included Wang Yue, Yang Yaozhou, and Qin Rong.
The project was commissioned by the Li Siblings, who sought to restore their family's ancestral property in a way that would honor its heritage while creating a functional modern home. The architectural team collaborated with engineering firms Cangbei Cultural Tourism and GongYing Zaoo Architecture Studio to ensure the structural integrity and feasibility of the ambitious reconstruction.
Photographer Ce Wang documented the completed project, capturing how the new structure integrates traditional elements with contemporary design principles. The home serves as an example of how architectural intervention can breathe new life into deteriorating urban village properties while respecting their cultural significance.
The Xuebei Home project demonstrates Republic Construction Architecture Studio's commitment to contextual design and cultural preservation. By working within the constraints of the urban village setting, the architects have created a residence that serves as both a family home and a testament to the possibilities of thoughtful architectural renovation in China's rapidly changing urban landscape.
