Revival of Wooden Heritage: Renovation of Guangnan Prayer House in Guangxi

Historical Context

Built in 1930 and consecrated in 1932, the Guangnan Prayer House is a unique example of sacred wooden architecture in southern China. It is the only wooden church in Guangxi, erected by local residents under the leadership of Pastor Dong Shi Zheng. Local fir was used, and the structure relied on the traditional chuandou system — a post-and-beam frame with longitudinal and transverse ties. The building was crowned with a hip roof, giving it at once the features of local vernacular architecture and the European church type.

A Multifunctional History

For nearly a century, the building served not only as a place of worship. Over the years, it housed a village committee, a recreation room for the elderly, and primary school classrooms. Each period left its mark on the layout and the condition of the structures. By 2025, the wooden frame had severely deteriorated, requiring urgent intervention.

Architectural Features and Renovation

The renovation project, carried out by the TouchGrass Architecture bureau, is aimed at preserving historical authenticity. The main task was to strengthen the original timber structure with minimal intervention in its appearance. Modern engineering solutions, including steel reinforcements and targeted replacement of damaged elements, made it possible to preserve the spatial quality and frame pattern characteristic of chuandou.

Importantly, such projects demonstrate the value of traditional wooden technologies in the context of modern sustainable construction. The restoration of Guangnan is an example of how local building practices can be integrated with current requirements for seismic resistance and durability.

Significance for the Professional Community

The renovation of the wooden church in Guangxi highlights a global trend toward adaptive reuse of historic buildings. What is especially valuable is that the project preserves not only the architectural form but also the intangible heritage — the skills of carpenters who worked within the chuandou system. This makes Guangnan an important example for professionals in timber construction and restoration.