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PAO

2015
Courtyard House Plugin en Masse - Beijing - China

The Courtyard House Plugin is a prefabricated modular system for urban regeneration which offers an inexpensive alternative to tearing things down. It is part of an initiative which aims to upgrade an important neighbourhood in the historic core of Beijing.
People‘s Architecture Office developed a proprietary prefabricated panel made of a composite that incorporates structure, insulation, wiring, plumbing, windows, doors, interior and exterior finishes into one molded part. Panels are light, easy to handle, and inexpensive to ship. The entire Plugin structure can be assembled by a few people in one day, requiring no special skills or training. The result is a well sealed and insulated interior that reduces energy costs by one third. ‘Plugging in‘ is half the cost of renovating and about a fifth the cost of building a new courtyard house. A diversity of Plugins have been built with a range of features. These include mezzanines and expandable rooms that add precious space. Walls that open by sliding, tilting outwards or upwards provide a more intimate connection between the interior and the courtyard. Kitchens and bathrooms can be added for residential use while more basic versions can be used as work space.
Upgrading living standards does not require tearing anything down. Micro investment by many individuals can be just as or even more effective than massive investment from a few people.

[project selected by Giovanni Rucci]


The Courtyard House Plugin is a prefabricated modular system for urban regeneration. Using a house-within-a-house approach the system offers a inexpensive alternative to tearing things down.
PAO developed a proprietary prefabricated panel made of a composite that incorporates structure, insulation, wiring, plumbing, windows, doors, interior and exterior finishes into one molded part. The entire Plugin structure can be assembled by a few people in
one day. The result is a well-sealed and insulated interior that reduces energy costs by one third.
The Courtyard House Plugin is directed towards derelict properties that have been vacant for years as well as homes of local residents that want a higher standard of living without the need relocate.

- courtesy Peoples Architecture Office

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Architecture as Resource / Imprint