Aging in place within historical heritage; timeworn foundation timeless care

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanization has intensified tensions between modernization and architectural heritage preservation, particularly in rural areas. Meanwhile, the aging population faces growing challenges in securing sustainable, elderly-friendly living environments. Traditional Chinese architecture holds cultural and environmental value, yet there is a gap in adapting these structures for contemporary elderly care while preserving their heritage. Many historical dwellings also reflect outdated social hierarchies, including rigid gender divisions in space. This study explores the renovation of a historic Huizhou residential building in rural Anhui Province, integrating conservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainability to enhance elderly well-being. Through case studies, field research, interviews, and theoretical analysis, it evaluates key factors such as daylight, ventilation, accessibility, and cultural continuity. Based on these findings, a sustainable renovation design is proposed, balancing historical authenticity with modern functionality. Grounded in theories of adaptive reuse, aging-inplace, and sustainable architecture, this study provides a model for transforming vernacular buildings into elderly-friendly spaces. It also considers how spatial modifications can challenge outdated hierarchies embedded in traditional architecture, making historic spaces more inclusive while retaining their cultural essence