What are the building materials of Beijing Siheyuan?

The design and construction of quadrangles in Beijing are relatively easy, and the materials used are also very simple. No steel bars and cement are needed. They are all mixed buildings of blue bricks, gray tiles, bricks and wood. Of course, the wooden structure is the main standard structure, which is light in weight and can rarely be pushed down in an earthquake.

The quadrangles in Beijing are made of brick and wood, purlins, columns, beams (rafters), sills, rafters, doors and windows, partitions, etc. are all made of wood, and the walls around the wooden shelves are made of brick.

Regular quadrangles in Beijing usually sit in the East-West Hutong facing south, and the gate is located in the southeast corner of the house. There is a yard in the middle of the yard, which is very spacious. There are flowers and trees in the courtyard and goldfish in the fish tank. It is the center of the courtyard layout, and it is also the place where people walk, light, ventilate, enjoy the cool, rest and do housework.

Small and medium-sized quadrangles are generally the houses of ordinary residents, and the big four-in-one is a mansion and official residence.

The carved patterns of quadrangles are mainly auspicious patterns, such as "longevity and happiness" composed of bats and longevity figures, "peace in the four seasons" implied by vases with Chinese roses, and "generation after generation", "three friends in cold years", "jade pond is rich" and "happy life", which show the longing of old Beijingers for a better life.

Siheyuan is generally a family living in one yard, but there are also cases where many families share one yard, mostly poor families, which are called "mixed living". The warmth of the buildings makes many old Beijingers unforgettable.

The decoration, sculpture and painting of quadrangles reflect the local folk customs and traditional culture, and show people's pursuit of happiness, beauty, prosperity and auspiciousness under specific historical conditions.

References:

Beijing quadrangle