Page 161 - JCAU-7-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Standards for rural residential façades and areas

traditions. However, in actual renovation projects, they traditional entrance living room in Suzhou rural homes
are more likely to approach improvements from a cost and into an open-plan living space can improve space efficiency
technical perspective, prioritizing practical living issues and living comfort while respecting the original spatial
such as natural daylight, ventilation, and waterproofing. In layouts.
contrast, non-native residents, influenced by urban living The use of modern materials for updating traditional
habits, are more inclined toward the integration of modern houses can significantly improve their durability, energy
functional amenities, such as higher-quality heating efficiency, and living comfort. For instance, adding
systems or enhanced public spaces. insulation to walls and using high-performance exterior
Therefore, future renovation strategies should strike a paints preserves the building’s vernacular character while
balance between functionality and tradition: enhancing functionality. In addition, using lightweight,
(i). The primary focus should be on meeting the durable roofing tiles can improve insulation, while
residential functional needs, including improving sustainable materials, such as permeable bricks instead of
indoor lighting, regulating temperature, enhancing traditional stone, can reduce environmental impact while
waterproofing, and ensuring a rational layout of utility maintaining the architectural style of Suzhou’s rural homes.
lines around the building to enhance the livability of The integration of modern construction techniques
the residential environment. can also make the renovation of rural buildings faster,
(ii). It is equally important to preserve rural culture and safer, and more cost-effective. For example, prefabricated
architectural characteristics by incorporating local components allow for customized replication of traditional
decorative elements and materials into façade designs forms while ensuring structural integrity. Digital tools,
and optimizing the traditional spatial layout using such as building information modeling or drone surveying,
modern techniques to maintain the unique historical can assist in documenting the existing structure with
and cultural characteristics of rural areas for residents’ precision, facilitating targeted repairs and revitalization
memories. efforts that blend tradition with innovation. Furthermore,
Furthermore, to address the differing needs of native and advancements such as 3D printing allow for the rapid
non-native residents, a dynamic management mechanism production of traditional building components, while
can be implemented to flexibly adjust renovation strategies. generative artificial intelligence offers efficient design
This approach ensures that rural housing revitalization solutions for rural façades and environments.
efforts not only meet the current living needs of residents However, it is essential to prioritize the local cultural
but also protect the cultural and ecological diversity of and natural context throughout the integration process.
rural areas. Actively involving stakeholders during planning and
Avoiding excessive adherence to tradition while construction ensures that renovated buildings reflect
iteratively updating façade treatments is another effective vernacular traditions while balancing practicality.
way to preserve rural architectural character. (ii). Localized research
In summary, the following strategies are proposed for Emphasizing localized research that integrates
maintaining vernacular attributes in future rural housing: historical, cultural, and traditional contexts is crucial for
(i). Necessary integration effective reconstruction and renovation (Monterroso‐
Optimize traditional spatial layouts and incorporate checa et al., 2020). This approach strengthens connections
new materials and construction techniques where to local settings, cultural diversity, and unique identity,
appropriate (Shi et al., 2024). aligning with the “thousand villages, thousand faces”
concept (Chen & Zhang, 2021; Pietta & Tononi, 2021).
Traditional rural spatial layouts were typically designed
to accommodate historical lifestyles and environmental Historical studies of local architectural styles can
conditions, such as the need for collective living and provide valuable insights into spatial layouts, building
agricultural activities. However, modern rural residents techniques, and decorative elements. For instance,
require spaces that meet contemporary demands, understanding how past designs adapted to local climate
including more integrated functional spaces (e.g., kitchens conditions or agricultural practices can inform modern
and bathrooms), higher levels of privacy, more efficient renovations. By referencing these historical elements,
indoor-to-outdoor transitions, and multifunctional space renovations can preserve traditional characteristics while
designs (e.g., living rooms and lounges). Optimizing the introducing modern improvements.
spatial layout can enhance functionality by redesigning The use of traditional materials, such as locally sourced
the interior structure. For example, transforming the wood, stone, or clay, supports environmental sustainability

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 13 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.5719