Beijing Hutong Conservation Plan - Tibet Heritage Fund

5.2.4 Present facilities
Most families have a kitchen area with running water, but no sewer connection. There is a common courtyard
drain with sewer connection. Some residents have built their own shower system, either electrical or solar
powered. Inadequate drainage has led to rising damp, which has weakened many of the buildings. There are no
private toilets in the buildings. Residents use the public toilets in the street nearby. All residents used coal heating in
the winter.
Common courtyard drain Simple solar shower system Storage space
5.2.5 Structural problems
These structural problems observed at the two sites are typical of Beijing courtyard houses. The buildings
have rising and falling damp, with leaky rooves, partially rotten timbers and damp walls. The progress of
damage has been gradual and much could easily have been prevented by routine maintenance. Timely roof
repair would have prevented rotten roof timbers, the replacement of which now involves taking off the roof.
Improper disposal of waste water has also contributed significantly to the damp problem. Any renovation plan
must address both infrastructure improvement and motivation of residents to maintain their own homes.
Historical parts, which needs to be preserved
Present condition of courtyard’s space
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