Restoration Design of the Former Residences of Historical Dignitaries in Townships: Insights from Wu’s Juren Mansion in Fujian Province, China

Abstract

In the context of globalization and cultural diversity, the former residences of historical dignitaries in townships hold profound historical and cultural value, making them an important part of cultural heritage. However, as urbanization accelerates, these former residences encounter numerous challenges, necessitating a heightened focus on their protection and restoration. In this study, we utilized Wu’s Juren Mansion in Fujian as a focal point to delve deeply into the restoration design of the former residences of historical dignitaries in townships. This study covers the basic information, historical evolution, and surrounding environment of the building and investigated its damage in detail—including damage to the gatehouse, corridor, main building, roll roof, and walls—classified and counted the defect locations, and deeply analyzed the causes of damage. Based on relevant laws and regulations, we determined the nature, design principles, and foundation of the restoration project. We then formulated specific restoration measures, such as repairing and maintaining roofs, wooden structures, and walls, as well as measures for wood selection, adhesive use, and termite control. The restoration strategies and design schemes proposed in this study can effectively eliminate safety hazards, preserve the original style of the building to the greatest extent, and maintain historical and cultural value. At the same time, this research provides a reference example for the protection and development of former residences of historical dignitaries in townships and promotes the sustainable development of rural cultural heritage.

1. Introduction

1.1. Research Background

In the current era of globalization and cultural diversity, the protection of cultural heritage has increasingly become a focus of attention for people from all walks of life [1,2]. Townships are key carriers of profound historical heritage and unique regional culture [3]. The former residences of historical dignitaries scattered in these areas are like cultural pearls that have been lost among the masses [4,5], and it is of considerable significance to carry out in-depth research into and restoration of these properties. China’s thousands of years of agricultural civilization have shaped the unique social ecology and cultural landscape of towns and villages, and the former residences of historical dignitaries are significant from this perspective [6]. They are properties that are linked to the successes of individuals and the rise and fall of families, as well as being locations of multicultural significance, providing examples of local traditional architectural skills, folk customs, and patriarchal systems. The construction wisdom of the time is imprinted in the spatial layout, decorative details, and building materials of each mansion, showcasing exquisite folk craftsmanship in wood, brick, and stone carvings and reflecting the order of family gatherings in the distribution of halls, courtyards, and pavilions, providing a window for future generations to comprehend traditional rural social structures [7]. Juren originated from China’s imperial examination culture [8,9], literally meaning “recommended man”. People who passed the xiangshi exam, also known as the provincial examination, achieved this rank in the imperial examination system of imperial China [10,11]. This rank was higher than the shengyuan rank but lower than the jinshi rank, which represented the highest degree. At that time, people who achieved the title of Juren obtained the status of gentry and enjoyed the corresponding social, political, and economic privileges [12]. Therefore, their old residences hold significant regional historical value to this day.

1.2. Literature Review

The history of architectural restoration presents rich and diverse characteristics around the world. Different regions have their own characteristics in terms of architectural restoration concepts, practices, and challenges based on their own cultural, historical, and social backgrounds, and all explore key elements such as authenticity and sustainability. For example, in terms of the authenticity concept of architectural restoration, scholar Barbara Wood focused on historical buildings, explored the concept of heritage authenticity, and emphasized its core position in heritage protection [13]. Gonzalez-Longo compared Europe, South Asia, and East Asia and found that there are differences in the understanding and practice of architectural heritage authenticity under different cultural backgrounds, and authenticity covers multiple material and non-material dimensions [14]. Soufan Anas pointed out, in response to the situation in Syria, that in the reconstruction of post-war architectural heritage [15], it is difficult to preserve the traditional “authenticity” because the environment in which the original building is located is difficult to restore, and “creative authenticity” may become a feasible direction.

In terms of architectural restoration practices and characteristics, many scholars have also made attempts. For example, Stella Maris Casal introduced Argentina’s recent efforts in protecting bridge architectural heritage, showing the unique local protection path [16]. Bahauddin Azizi studied the Rungus longhouse in Sabah, Malaysia, explaining that it is a unique architectural cultural heritage, built with traditional materials and closely linked to local “rice spirit” beliefs and other cultures, but it faces the risk of extinction [17]. Scholar An Dai Whan explored the relocation and transformation of Korean wooden architectural heritage, focusing on its sustainability and changes [18]. Alfazhr and Osama introduced the development of scientific restoration and protection of Russian architectural heritage, reflecting Russia’s exploration in this field [19].

In addition, regarding community participation and reuse in architectural restoration, scholar Viola Serena took the Sanità district in Naples as a research object and explored the issue of community participation in the reuse of architectural heritage, pointing out that architectural heritage can serve as a historical record and a driving force for community development, and that community-driven reuse practices are sustainable [20]. At the same time, they also proposed key challenges in the future, such as activating collaborative networks. Cazacova proposed to introduce the “cradle-to-cradle” concept into the protection of architectural cultural heritage [21], which provides a new perspective for achieving sustainable development and prompts the restoration process to pay more attention to resource circulation and environmental protection.

Other scholars have highlighted the challenges currently faced by architectural restoration. For example, Nurul Zahirah Mohd Azizi et al. pointed out that there are recurring problems in the protection of historical buildings in terms of funding, technology, and management [22]. Jenny Sheholm took Kiruna, Sweden, as an example and found that the protection goals of architectural heritage in urban transformation were unclear, and stakeholders had different perceptions and protection methods of important parts of architectural heritage, which affected management decisions [23]. Nigel Walter believed that the system of modern architectural protection based on value identification is no longer appropriate [24] and proposed the use of narrative as the basis, which can better integrate concepts such as time change and provide a new theoretical basis for the protection of historical buildings. Ladan Ghahramani et al. [25] revealed, through a case study of the Gullah Geechee community, that minority communities need to take into account both community resilience and cultural heritage protection in the protection of cultural heritage and face unique challenges and opportunities.

In general, the history and practice of architectural restoration around the world are rich and diverse. In the future, architectural restoration needs to further deepen the understanding of authenticity, strengthen community participation, and be guided by sustainable development. At the same time, it needs to learn from the experience of different regions, respond to common challenges, and achieve effective protection and inheritance of architectural heritage.

Regarding the process of social development, towns and villages are facing drastic changes as China’s urbanization accelerates [26,27]. While infrastructure improvements and transformations in the economic model have led to changes in residents’ living needs [28], some historical residences have fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect, and precious cultural heritage is in danger of being lost; however, the public’s desire to trace the origins of local culture and maintain spiritual links to the past has become increasingly strong. As regional cultural symbols, historical residences have the potential to reshape local cultural confidence and promote the integrated development of cultural tourism, with their restoration and reuse ushering in new opportunities for local people [29]. The principle of material authenticity (Article 9) and the concept of minimal intervention (Article 11), which were established by the Venice Charter (1964), have long been the core value orientation in the field of ancient building protection. Its core theoretical framework, “viewing architecture as a historical document”, has given rise to a technical restoration system centered on material authenticity. However, the unique dynamic authenticity characteristics of East Asian wooden buildings—namely, continuous construction replacement and renewal—are in essential conflict with this paradigm. This leads to the paradoxical phenomenon of “freezing the vitality of buildings” to protect the standards of the Venice Charter in actual operations, revealing the limitations and challenges in implementing its principles. However, this does not constitute a reason to abandon the concept of authenticity; rather, it prompts us to develop a deeper understanding of how to accurately and appropriately apply this theoretical framework [30]. Regarding the expression of authenticity, two translations of authenticity reflect different understandings of heritage protection in China: One is to emphasize the preservation or reproduction of the “original state”, which is usually understood as the maintenance of the original form of the building; the other is to attach importance to the preservation of the current form, covering all stages of the historical evolution of the building [31]. The Nara Document on Authenticity is an important document for protecting the authenticity of cultural heritage internationally. For the former residences of celebrities in townships of Fujian, the relevant concepts can be understood from four aspects: (1) Multi-dimensional determination of authenticity: The Nara Document on Authenticity emphasizes that authenticity is not a single concept but covers multiple dimensions, including history, art, society, and science. This means that when judging the authenticity of buildings that used to be the homes of historical figures in Fujian townships, we should not just look at the building itself (like how original the structure and materials are) but also at its historical background, cultural meaning, social significance, and connection to the local community. For example, important historical events that have occurred in the former residences of celebrities and stories of interactions between celebrities and local villages are all important elements that constitute their authenticity. (2) Cultural diversity and authenticity: The Nara Document on Authenticity recognizes that there are differences in the expression and understanding of authenticity in different cultural backgrounds and encourages respect for cultural diversity. Multiple cultures, including Hakka culture, influence the unique regional cultural characteristics of Fujian’s former residences of celebrities in townships. When protecting and understanding their authenticity, we must fully consider these cultural factors and respect the local traditional architectural style, folk customs, and family heritage, which are important components of the authenticity of celebrity residences and cannot be measured by a single standard. (3) The integrity of protection and inheritance: The Nara Document on Authenticity advocates that the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage should be regarded as a holistic process. This not only requires the protection of the building itself but also focuses on the inheritance of cultural traditions, skills, and spiritual values related to celebrities. For instance, local traditional handicrafts and folk activities may have a connection to some celebrity residences. To make sure that celebrity homes are kept true to their original form, the protection work should include digging up, sorting, and passing on these intangible cultural heritages. (4) Community participation and authenticity: The Nara Document on Authenticity emphasizes the important role of the community in the protection of cultural heritage and believes that community recognition and participation are essential to maintaining the authenticity of heritage. For example, this architectural heritage is closely linked to the local community, and community residents may have deep memories and emotions about the stories of celebrities and the history of the former residences. Volunteers from the community should be encouraged to fully participate in the protection, restoration, and public awareness of these former residences. This will not only help protect the originality of the residences but also strengthen the cultural identity and sense of belonging of the community residents. The continuation of China’s wooden building tradition is crucial to the accurate interpretation of the concept of authenticity [32]. The protection of wooden heritage needs to focus on three core elements: materials, tools, and methods [33]. Conservation strategies aim to curb the deterioration of a structure while ensuring that the integrity of its original features is maintained. When heritage buildings are faced with physical degradation, damage, or even destruction, they cannot perform their original functions, or new design elements need to be introduced; therefore, meticulous conservation measures are particularly critical to maintaining the original dignity and style of the structure [34]. In the restoration process of wooden structures and cultural relics, whether to the original state or a focused restoration, the core purpose is to eliminate structural safety hazards, repair damaged components, and restore the original appearance [35].

With the acceleration of globalization, the field of architectural cultural heritage protection has shown a homogenization trend, which has the potential to weaken the cultural characteristics of regions. It is the diversity of architecture and the uniqueness of art that build the unique charm and value of each region’s cultural heritage [36]. The “spirit of place” (Article 1.3) and the value-oriented protection concept (Article 3.2) proposed by the Burra Charter (1979) provide a theoretical entry point for solving this dilemma. However, existing research mostly focuses on value assessment at the macro level, failing to correlate material damage and cultural value attenuation, resulting in the emergence of the “value suspension” phenomenon. In addition, the field of ancient building protection is also facing a binary opposition between traditional skills and digital technology. Although the rise of digital protection technologies (such as BIM and point cloud modeling) has significantly improved the accuracy of interventions, it has also introduced a problem of dual alienation. On one hand, the “minimum intervention principle” advocated by the Venice Charter is still highly dependent on the experience and judgment of craftsmen in the practice of wooden building protection. On the other hand, although advanced technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy can accurately detect the degree of wood decay [37], high equipment costs and complex operating procedures limit their widespread application in county-level projects, such as in townships.

1.3. Problem Statement and Objectives

In recent years, the academic community has tried to bridge this gap. For example, Bajno et al. used artificial intelligence to predict structural biocorrosion, but their method relied on 3D scanning data [38]; Mendoza et al. advocated the concept of “appropriate technology” [39] but failed to propose a specific implementation plan for architectural cultural heritage under resource-constrained conditions. This highlights a core academic gap: constructing a conservation methodology that not only follows the relevant charter principles but is also compatible with the dynamic authenticity of vernacular architectural heritage without relying on expensive digital technology has become an urgent problem to be solved. Academic research has traditionally prioritized the protection of architectural heritage on large-scale urban monuments and official buildings while paying relatively less attention to vernacular buildings, such as the former residences of historical dignitaries in towns and villages. Such former residences are rooted in local cultural history and are deeply influenced by factors such as regional climate, economic conditions, and folk beliefs. The former residences of celebrities in these rural areas have outstanding architectural features. For example, they often adopt a symmetrical layout along the central axis and generally have the basic composition of a foyer, patio, main hall, back hall, and left- and right-wing rooms. With the patio as the center, various functional spaces are interconnected to form a complete courtyard. This layout reflects the traditional family concept and sense of order. The main hall is usually used for important activities such as sacrifices and family gatherings, while the side rooms are used as living spaces. The commonly used wooden frame is of the column and tie construction type (chuandou 穿鬥), and some are also combined with the raised-beam type. The doors and windows come in various forms, and most of the windows are wooden lattice windows with exquisite patterns, including geometric, floral, and animal patterns, which not only meet the needs of lighting and ventilation but also have decorative effects. There are plank doors, partition doors, and so on. The door pins and lintels are often carved with exquisite wood carvings, and the door piers are also decorated with stone carvings, reflecting the owner’s cultural accomplishment and esthetic taste. They present more diverse and life-oriented architectural features. Therefore, this study took Wu’s Juren Mansion in Fujian as a typical case for analysis. Fujian has always respected culture and education and has produced many talents in its imperial examinations. Juren Mansion carries a strong Confucian culture and the style of coastal Zou and Lu [40,41]. An in-depth exploration of its restoration design points is of inestimable value for improving the theoretical system of vernacular architecture protection, filling the gap in research on the former residences of historical dignitaries in towns and villages, and providing a paradigm for conducting similar projects in the future. Research into this residence could inject fresh energy into the cultural heritage section of the rural revitalization strategy and open a new chapter in the sustainable development of cultural heritage in townships and villages.

In the field of ancient building protection, a wave of digital transformation is reshaping the traditional paradigm. Although technologies such as 3D laser scanning and BIM operation and maintenance systems can improve management accuracy, they have three issues: First, the average cost of digital transformation is as high as CNY 480,000 per unit, far exceeding the average annual cultural heritage budget of poorer counties and townships (CNY < 50,000). Second, high-precision point cloud models often fall into the dilemma of “data surplus”. For example, according to a survey in Liancheng County, Fujian Province, 83% of digital cases did not convert measurement results into actionable restoration strategies. Third, reliance on technology because of the fragmentation of craftsmen’s knowledge systems has led to the risk of discontinuity of “traditional craftsmanship” emphasized in the Guidelines for the Protection of Chinese Cultural Relics and Historic Sites. Craftsmen in poor townships in China generally have low educational levels and are older. In view of this, to promote the effective extension of the traditional building restoration boom to poor townships, it is crucial to simplify restoration methods and make them transparent. This study focused on ancient low-preservation buildings below the county level and committed to solving the problem of conservation cases.

Therefore, the objectives of this study were as follows: (1) During the renovation of Wu’s Juren Mansion, a bottom-up “quantity surveying method” conservation and restoration model was explored and successfully completed. The core of the “quantity surveying method” model lies in its focus on labor and materials. Its emphasis on efficiency, respect for prototypes, moderate improvements, and adherence to on-site principles makes it highly efficient, resulting in shorter construction periods, material and cost savings, preservation of traditions, and the transmission of skills. It has played an important role in the conservation and restoration of Wu’s Juren Mansion, protecting its architectural structure layout, decorative components, and traditional skills. This also brings further possibilities for the renovation of a large number of small and medium-sized residential buildings in remote rural areas. (2) We propose practical restoration strategies that balance the preservation of historical authenticity with the need for structural safety and modern functionality. These strategies include specific measures such as roof restoration, timber reinforcement, wall repair, and termite control, all of which are tailored to the unique geographical conditions of Wu’s Juren Mansion. The case study highlights how traditional materials and techniques can be adapted to contemporary conservation needs to ensure the long-term sustainability of heritage in rural areas.

2. Study Area and Methods

2.1. Study Area and Climate Conditions

Wu’s Juren Mansion is located on the east side of the entrance to Liqian Village, Zhengdun Town, Songxi County, Nanping City, Fujian Province, China. Local data indicate that the building was constructed during the Guangxu period in the late Qing Dynasty, and it still maintains its basic shape today (Figure 1). This building holds significant reference value for examining the evolution of the village form in Wanqian Village. Songxi County is located on the border of northern Fujian and borders Qingyuan County, Zhejiang Province [42]. It is an important gateway from Fujian Province to Zhejiang. During ancient times, the scenery surrounding the river was described as “a hundred miles of pine trees shading the blue long stream”. It is located at 27°24′–27°51′ north latitude and 118°33′–118°55′ east longitude. The total area is 1043 square kilometers [43]. As of the end of 2021, Songxi County has a registered population of 165,500, including 47,300 urban residents and 118,200 rural residents.

Songxi County is located at 27 degrees north latitude, 160 km east of the ocean, and boasts a mid-subtropical humid monsoon climate characterized by long summers and winters, as well as short springs and autumns. The four distinct seasons are marked by distinct monsoons, simultaneous occurrences of rain and heat, distinct regional variations in light, temperature, and water, and frequent meteorological disasters. Songxi County is located at the intersection of the southern end of Xianxia Ridge and the Donggong Mountains [44]. Middle- and low-height mountains surround the county. The middle of the county is characterized by valley plains on both sides of a stream, and the distribution of low mountains and hills varies. Songxi County’s overall layered landform characteristics include a depression in the center and mountains surrounding it [44,45]. The terrain of the county generally slopes from northeast to southwest, with the highest point being Longtou Mountain in Xidong Township in the north, with an altitude of 1349 m. The lowest point is near Meikou Village in the southwest, with an altitude of 170 m. The main stream of Songxi enters from the northeast and runs diagonally toward the southwest according to the terrain. The terrain on either side of the stream differs, with the northwest side sloping from northwest to southeast into the Songxi Valley, while the southeast side slopes in the opposite direction. It is a typical rural town.

Wu’s Juren Mansion, located in Wanqian Village, Zhengdun Town, was the residence of Wang Zhaofeng during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It has a history of more than 100 years. This building has a wooden rammed earth structure facing east and west. The house has seven entrances and three halls, with a total of 24 rooms of varying sizes and 12 large and small patios paved with large bluestones. It covers an area of 2664 square meters and a construction area of more than 500 square meters. The layout is rigorous and magnificent. Walking into Wu’s Juren Mansion, it seems to travel through time and space and return to the era when both civil and military affairs were given equal importance and talents emerged in large numbers. There are arenas, racecourses, stables, ponds, vegetable gardens, and flower gardens in front of the mansion, which not only meet the needs of Wu’s Juren Mansion’s daily training but also reflect the ideal of ancient scholars pursuing a pastoral life. The architectural details in the mansion are even more breathtaking. Whether brick carvings, wood carvings, or stone carvings, they all show the exquisite skills and esthetic taste of ancient craftsmen. Wu’s Juren Mansion is not only a treasure of architectural art but also a living history textbook. It witnessed the social turmoil and changes in the late Qing Dynasty and also carried the glory and dreams of several generations of Wang Zhaofeng’s family. Zhengdun Town and Wanqian Village renovated it and built it into a new-style hall according to the Wang family style and family motto: Teach students in literary talent and martial arts in accordance with their aptitude, and those with strong will succeed. Since its completion, the education hall has become an education base for spreading family style and family motto, patriotism, ideological and moral construction of minors, and clean government culture, as well as an on-site teaching point for cadre education. It has attracted a large number of tourists, research teams, and villagers to visit.

It is known that the mansions of Qing Dynasty dignitaries, as treasures of traditional Chinese architectural culture, generally adopted a wooden frame structure as their core, supplemented by traditional building materials such as bricks, tiles, and stones to create a unique architectural form that has both structural stability and esthetic value. In terms of roof design, these mansions mostly adopt hard mountain, hanging mountain, and hip mountain forms. These designs not only effectively meet basic functional requirements, such as waterproofing and heat preservation, but also enrich the facade level of the building and enhance its artistic expression. In addition, when planning and constructing Qing Dynasty mansions, architects paid special attention to the need for harmonious coexistence with the surrounding natural environment. Using superb architectural techniques such as borrowing scenery and facing scenery, they cleverly integrated natural scenery into the architectural space, creating a lofty living atmosphere characterized by “harmony between man and nature”, deeply reflecting the unique application of ancient Chinese philosophical thinking in architectural design. In terms of spatial layout, the mansions also show outstanding artistic value alongside practicality. The internal space is clearly divided into clear functional areas. There are front halls and back rooms to satisfy the owner’s daily needs, such as entertaining guests and conducting social activities, study rooms for book collections and self-cultivation, and gardens and other private spaces. These functional areas are skillfully connected through the careful creation of transitional spaces, such as corridors and courtyards, which not only ensure the overall permeability and fluidity of the space but also highlight the living concepts of “ritual system” and “privacy” in traditional Chinese architecture, reflecting profound cultural heritage and humanistic spirit. In addition, the mansions are also characterized by their use of rich and colorful decorative art to further enhance the quality and style of the architectural space. Decorative elements such as exquisitely carved doors and windows, murals, and screens not only considerably increase the artistic charm of the buildings but also reflect the cultural accomplishments, esthetic tastes, and social status of its inhabitants.

In the modern restoration and protection of the mansions of Qing Dynasty dignitaries, researchers and practitioners are committed to using scientific and technical means to ensure the stability and safety of these precious historical buildings. For the key structural parts of the mansions, such as the wooden frame structure and the brick and tile walls, researchers generally advocate the use of modern materials and advanced technologies for necessary reinforcement, such as using carbon fiber cloth to reinforce the wooden beam structure, as well as high-performance waterproof coatings to treat the walls. These measures not only effectively preserve the original appearance of the buildings but also significantly improve their comprehensive structural performance, such as earthquake and moisture resistance. In this process, researchers and practitioners also pay attention to the inheritance and innovation of traditional architectural skills. By organizing craftsman training and introducing modern design concepts, they ensure that the repair work can both faithfully reproduce the historical style and fully meet the actual needs of modern life.

2.2. Methods and Process

This survey recorded the preservation status, damaged parts, and causes of destruction of ancient sites and buildings, providing a basis for their restoration. In the field of ancient building restoration and protection, real-life 3D models can accurately and intuitively reflect the current condition of ancient buildings, offering an important data basis for cultural heritage protection. During the renovation of Wu’s Juren Mansion in Zhengdun Town, a component-based model of the mansion was created by combining ground-based stationary 3D laser scanning and handheld 3D laser scanners. The surface data of cultural relics were quickly and accurately obtained, along with a 3D model of the ancient building that offered reliable accuracy, a complete structure, and clear details through point cloud artificial modeling. This method was also cheaper and more efficient. It provided basic data for the maintenance and repair of ancient buildings, as well as for the reconstruction of antique buildings, laying a solid spatial information foundation for the establishment of a comprehensive cultural relics protection system. However, the ground-based 3D laser scanning technology used by Wu’s Juren Mansion had limitations in acquiring data for high-rise buildings and their upper structures, making it impossible to obtain clear point cloud information. At the same time, the model’s surface texture mapping was poor due to the lack of real surface texture information. Subsequent research should consider combining airborne 3D laser radar to capture high-rise information so as to prepare for high-rise building modeling. Finally, this study proposes corresponding strategies and design plans as references for the repair process. The main process of this study included four parts: field investigation, integration of the survey results, data analysis, and result visualization. Among them, the first stage of field investigation can be divided into the following:

(1)

Measurement of the exposed column base, platform, and wall settlement. (a) Tool selection: Traditional level and distance rulers were used as the main measurement tools. The level ruler was used to ensure the horizontality of the measurement line, and the distance ruler was used to accurately measure the vertical displacement changes caused by settlement. (b) Measurement steps: First, we marked the measurement points at the key locations of the exposed column base, platform, and wall. Then, we placed the level ruler on these points to ensure their horizontality and used the distance ruler to measure the vertical distance from the reference point to the measurement point. We repeated this process and recorded multiple measurement results to reduce accidental errors. (c) Data recording and analysis: We recorded the time, environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity), and specific measurement values of each measurement. We used statistical methods to process the data, such as calculating the mean and standard deviation, to evaluate the uniformity and degree of settlement.

(2)

Measurement of large sample size and structural relationship. (a) Manual measurements were performed by experienced professionals to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. These professionals had professional knowledge and skills in the relevant fields. (b) Measuring tools: They used traditional measuring tools such as steel tape measures and vernier calipers, which performed well in terms of accuracy and durability. (c) Measurement strategy: The measurement points were marked at key locations of the large sample structure, and measuring tools were used to measure the dimensions and structural relationships accurately. Detailed measurement data were recorded, including the location of the measurement points, dimension values, and measurement time.

(3)

Damage assessment of exposed wooden components. (a) Visual inspection: We checked for signs of damage, such as cracks, decay, and insect infestation, by directly observing the surface of the exposed wooden components. We recorded the type, location, and extent of the damage observed. (b) Tap test: First, traditional tools (such as a small hammer or a wooden stick) were used to gently tap the wooden components and judge the integrity of the internal structure by sound and feel. We recorded the results of the tap test, including sound characteristics, feel feedback, and possible internal structural problems. (c) Comprehensive analysis: We combined the results of the visual inspection and tap test to comprehensively assess the extent of damage to the exposed wooden components. We developed a repair or replacement plan to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

(4)

Measurement of cone and wall inclination. (a) Lead measurement method: We used a lead (or plumb line) as a vertical reference line and hung it above the cone or wall to be measured. We observed the relative position between the lead and the cone or wall and used an angle measurement tool (such as a protractor) to measure the inclination angle. (b) Measurement record: We recorded the time, environmental conditions, and specific inclination angle value of each measurement. We compared and analyzed multiple measurement results to evaluate the inclination trend and stability of the cone or wall. (c) Safety measures: We ensured the safety of the operators when performing lead measurements to avoid injuries caused by falling or hanging objects.

The second phase of the process involved integrating the survey results, which included the following: (1) Data aggregation: All measurement and observation data, including settlement data of exposed column bases, platforms, and walls, large-scale size and structural relationship data, damage assessment records of exposed wooden components, and cone and wall inclination measurement results, were organized into a spreadsheet. This required ensuring that each record contained the measurement time, environmental conditions, specific location, measurement value, and any relevant remarks. (2) Data comparison and verification: We compared the measurement data of the same measurement point or structural part at different time points to check the consistency and change trends. For abnormal values, the measurement process needed to be reviewed to confirm whether it was caused by measurement error or environmental factors, with re-measurements performed if necessary. At the same time, statistical software was used to verify the data, such as by calculating the correlation coefficient and performing t-tests to verify the correlation and significance between the data. (3) Preliminary analysis: Based on the summarized and verified data, a preliminary analysis was conducted on the law of structural settlement, the stability of the large-scale structure, the damage mode of the wooden components, and the inclination trends of the cones or walls. For example, potential structural safety issues or signs of accelerated damage were identified.

The third phase of analysis included the following: (1) Settlement analysis: We analyzed the time series of the settlement data, evaluated the settlement rate and total settlement, and determined whether the settlement was uniform. We analyzed the potential causes of settlement in combination with environmental conditions (such as rainfall and seasonal temperature changes). If the settlement exceeded the safety range, we further evaluated its impact on the safety of the structure. (2) Structural stability assessment: Based on the measurement results of the large-scale dimensions and structural relationships, we analyzed the geometric stability of the structure and identified dimensional deviations or structural deformations. Combined with the design specifications, we evaluated whether these deviations affected the bearing capacity and durability of the structure. (3) Analysis of damage to wooden components: Based on the results of visual inspection and the knock test, we classified and quantified the degree of damage to the wooden components. We analyzed the causes of damage (material aging, moisture intrusion, insect pests, etc.) and proposed targeted maintenance or replacement strategies. (4) Tilt analysis: Based on the measurement results of the inclination of the cone or wall, we evaluated the vertical stability of the structure. Inclination change trends can indicate potential foundation problems or uneven structural force. For structures with significant tilt, further investigation of the foundation conditions or structural reinforcement design is required. (5) Comprehensive conclusions and suggestions: Based on the above analysis, the overall status of the structure was comprehensively evaluated, and the existing safety hazards and potential risks were highlighted. Specific suggestions for repair, reinforcement, or renovation were proposed, including but not limited to settlement control, structural reinforcement, maintenance of wooden components, and foundation treatment. Additionally, considering the impact of environmental factors on the long-term performance of the structure, preventive maintenance measures were proposed to ensure the safety, stability, and long-term use of the structure.

Finally, the overall results were visualized, including the integration of multi-dimensional evaluation indicators. Based on the integration of the above multi-dimensional evaluation indicators, we constructed a three-level protection priority system of “red–yellow–green”.

3. Results: Damage Status and Evaluation

Based on our on-site investigation, we determined that Wu’s Juren Mansion is oriented along the central axis, running from east to west. It comprises a main gate, gatehouse, patio, main seat, back seat, and back wall of the corridor on both sides. Additionally, it features a gable roof and stepped fireproof gables on both sides. The overall plane of Wu’s Juren Mansion is a horizontal rectangle with a width greater than the depth. It faces west and east, with a total width of 40.0 m and a total depth of 26.5 m. The main room of the building is a mixed structure of raised beams and through-beams, and the secondary and end rooms are through-beam structures. Pebbles pave the patio and entrance road, while blue hollow bricks obliquely lay the main floor of the building. The layout of the column network is regular, with the addition of a few wooden columns for future support. Furthermore, Wu’s Juren Mansion serves as a significant reference point for examining the evolution of Wanqian Village in Zhengdun Town. Local records indicate that the building was constructed during the Guangxu period of the late Qing Dynasty, and the existing structures are largely preserved in their original form, with a simple and concise style and distinctly local structural layout. The roof is simple and plain with green tiles and shoulder pole ridges, without hooks and drops; the beam frame is a combination of the through-beam and raised-beam style, without brackets, and the four sides are rammed earth walls, all of which concentrate the advantages of local residential buildings (Figure 2). In summary, Wu’s Juren Mansion has a long history and far-reaching influence. It not only has scientific, artistic, and historical value in its architecture but also carries profound historical and cultural connotations, meaning that it is of immeasurable value.

3.1. Overall Evaluation

The research team discovered that while the building’s main structure is well preserved, with the existing total building area being approximately 500 m², other parts have serious damage (Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7). The damage to the building includes the fact that the main beams of both the secondary and main rooms of the main house are well preserved, but the walls are dilapidated due to many reasons, such as later renovation or use. The foundation of the large wooden beams in the east and west wing buildings is good, but many wooden components at the joints with the main house are missing, while the rest remain intact. The overall appearance of the small woodwork is not good, and there are many problems. The doors, windows, and gable windows are almost all damaged or blocked. The privately added walls outside have destroyed the gray space of the front porch of the historical building. Additionally, there is significant debris and dust on the ground, and the quality of the floor tiles is poor. The roof tiles are in poor condition, severely eroded by wind and rain; the quality of the original tiles used in the building is uneven; the design of the building eaves is unreasonable; and the roof damage or failure rate is over 50%. Due to the poor preservation of the roof, the rafters have been eroded by wind and rain, the roof gutters have lost their effectiveness, and the joint beams can hardly withstand the structural tension and are damaged by deformation and stretching. At the same time, under the influence of plant roots and other factors, the joints between the gables and purlins are not tightly closed, and the mortise and tenon joints at the purlin heads are damaged. The main damaged parts are as follows:

(1)

Gatehouse: (a) The roof tiles are damaged and laid messily. A portion of the roof of the left end room has collapsed due to severe leakage, which has resulted in significant degradation of the wooden components. (b) Moss and weeds cover the patios on the left and right sides, while numerous discarded tiles litter the area. (c) The beams in the main room of the gatehouse are slightly decayed, the wooden columns have no column bases, and the ends of the wooden columns are generally seriously decayed. The eaves are also seriously decayed.

(2)

Corridor: (a) The roof tiles on both sides of the corridor are damaged and laid messily. The roof is seriously leaking, causing it to sink. (b) The purlins and rubber strips are seriously decayed, and the ceiling board is missing.

(3)

Main building: (a) The roof tiles are damaged and laid messily. While the main room’s roof remains relatively intact, the secondary and end rooms’ tiles on the left and right sides have suffered severe damage and leakage, leading to significant deterioration of the wooden elements near the eaves. (b) The beams of the main room are slightly decayed, while some components of the beams of the secondary and end rooms on the left and right sides are seriously decayed, and the upper parts of the wooden columns at the junction with the corridor are also seriously decayed. The rear roof cover is missing. The paint and oil decoration of the wood carvings in the main hall of the main room are seriously peeling off.

(4)

Roll roof: The roof has a serious leak, and the overall components of the shed are seriously decayed.

(5)

Wall: The walls on all four sides of the building are made of rammed earth, with the lower part built with pebbles. Due to the age of the walls, the rammed earth has cracks of varying degrees. Among them, there are several through cracks on the north facade wall, and the wall paint layer has basically fallen off. The east facade wall has partially collapsed, indicating a serious situation.

3.2. Detailed Statistics of the Defect Locations

Among the specific damaged parts, the researchers divided them into five parts, walls, wooden columns, beams, roofs, and floors, as shown in

Table 1. Wall damage status.

Location	Current State of Damage	Cause of Damage
Front wall (east facade)	The wall is made of rammed earth, with serious cracks; the base is built with pebbles, with serious grouting issues. Additionally, part of the wall cap has collapsed.	All were caused by disrepair over time.
Left wall (south facade)	The wall is made of rammed earth and is adjacent to the surrounding residential buildings. The cobblestone base of the wall has joints that have fallen off, and the rammed earth is severely cracked.
Right wall (north facade)	The wall is made of rammed earth and is adjacent to the surrounding residential buildings. The wall footing is built with pebbles and the joints are falling off, and the rammed earth is seriously cracked.
Back wall (west facade)	As the roof of the rear seat is damaged, this part of the wall has partially collapsed, and the wall cap is seriously damaged.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

,

Table 2. Wooden column damage status.

Wood Column Number	Current State of Damage	Cause of Damage
Z1~Z2	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.	All were caused by termite infestation and rain erosion.
Z3~Z9	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z10~Z13	The bottom of the wooden pillars is covered with moss; the whole thing is in a serious state of decay, and the structure is damaged.
Z14~Z19	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z20~Z22	The bottom of the wooden pillars is covered with moss; the whole thing is in a serious state of decay, and the structure is damaged.
Z23~Z26	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z27~Z33	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z34	The bottom of the wooden pillars is covered with moss; the whole thing is in a serious state of decay, and the structure is damaged.
Z35	The wooden columns were added later as support columns.
Z36~Z48	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z49	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z50~Z58	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z59~Z61	The bottom of the wooden pillars is covered with moss; the whole thing is in a serious state of decay, and the structure is damaged.
Z62~Z70	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z71~Z72	The bottom of the wooden pillars is covered with moss; the whole thing is in a serious state of decay, and the structure is damaged.
Z73	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z74~Z75	The bottom of the wooden pillars is covered with moss; the whole thing is in a serious state of decay, and the structure is damaged.
Z76	The wooden columns were added later as support columns.
Z77	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z78~Z93	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z94	The wooden columns were added later as support columns.
Z95~Z97	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z98~Z99	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z100~Z101	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z102~Z103	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z104~Z106	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z107	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.
Z108~Z109	Moss and severe decay cover the base of the wooden pillars.
Z110~Z119	The lower part of the wooden column is slightly decayed.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

,

Table 3. Roof beam damage status.

Location	Current State of Damage
Gatehouse	The beams in the main room of the gatehouse are slightly decayed, while some components of the beams in the secondary and terminal rooms on both sides are seriously decayed. Some of the gray sidings have disappeared, and the plaster layer has fallen off. The left and right sides’ lower sills exhibit varying degrees of decay and damage.
Corridor	The corridor components are seriously decayed due to roof leakage.
Roll roof	Due to severe roof leakage, the overall components of the roof are rotten.
Main building	The main hall’s beams exhibit slight decay. Serious decay has affected some components of the beams in the side and end halls. The plaster layer on the gray wall panels has crumbled off, and some of the panels have completely disappeared. Various degrees of decay have affected the lower sills on the left and right sides. The wood carvings in the main hall are well preserved, and the surface paint has basically fallen off.
Rear main building	The eaves of the main room in the rear seat are severely damaged and have basically disappeared. Some components of the beams in the secondary rooms and the end rooms on both sides are severely rotten. The plaster layer of the gray siding board has fallen off, and some gray siding boards have disappeared. The lower sills on the left and right sides are rotten to varying degrees.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

,

Table 4. Roofing damage status.

Location	Name	Current State of Damage	Cause of Damage
Gatehouse	Roof tiles	The overall arrangement of roof tiles is disorganized, with seven tiles remaining, leaving three tiles untouched. There is serious leakage near the walls on the left and right sides, and approximately 35% of the tiles are damaged; the specifications are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.	Caused by rain and decay.
	Rafters	The rafters are severely rotten due to roof leakage. The specifications are 70 × 25 @140.	Caused by a combination of rainwater rot and termite infestation.
	Purlins	The purlins are severely rotten in some places due to roof leaks.
Corridor	Roof tiles	The overall arrangement of roof tiles is disorganized, with seven tiles remaining, leaving three tiles untouched. There is serious leakage near the walls on the left and right sides, and approximately 30% of the tiles are damaged; the specifications are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.	Caused by rain and decay.
	Rafters	The rafters are severely rotten due to roof leakage. The specifications are 70 × 25 @140.	Caused by a combination of rainwater rot and termite infestation.
	Purlins	The purlins are severely rotten in some places due to roof leaks.
Main building	Roof tiles	The overall arrangement of roof tiles is disorganized, with seven tiles remaining, leaving three tiles untouched. There is serious leakage near the walls on the left and right sides, and approximately 40% of the tiles are damaged; the specifications are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.	Caused by rain and decay.
	Rafters	The rafters are severely rotten due to roof leakage. The specifications are 70 × 25 @140.	Caused by a combination of rainwater rot and termite infestation.
	Purlins	The purlins are severely rotten in some places due to roof leaks.
Rear main building	Roof tiles	The overall arrangement of roof tiles is disorganized, with seven tiles remaining, leaving three tiles untouched. There is serious leakage near the walls on the left and right sides, and approximately 45% of the tiles are damaged; the specifications are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.	Caused by rain and decay.
	Rafters	The rafters are severely rotten due to roof leakage. The specifications are 70 × 25 @140.	Caused by a combination of rainwater rot and termite infestation.
	Purlins	The purlins are severely rotten in some places due to roof leaks.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

and

Table 5. Floor damage status.

Location	Current State of Damage	Cause of Damage
Patio (the open space surrounded by rooms and rooms and walls in the house)	It is covered with moss and weeds, and there are numerous discarded tiles piled up.	Long-term causes of natural environmental factors.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

and Figure 8 below.

3.3. “Red–Yellow–Green” Three-Level Protection Priority System

Based on the integration of the above multi-dimensional assessment results, we constructed a “red–yellow–green” three-level protection priority system. Red represents the highest priority, that is, the survey objects with serious damage, high cultural weight, or significant structural risks that require immediate protection measures; yellow represents medium priority, that is, the survey objects with less damage, medium cultural weight, or controllable structural risks that need regular monitoring and maintenance; and green represents the lowest priority, that is, the survey objects with minor damage, low cultural weight, and a stable structure that can be appropriately protected if resources permit. To visually display the “red–yellow–green” three-level protection priority system, we used Excel tables to assign corresponding color codes to each survey object. The parameter definitions in Figure 9 can be further divided as follows:

(1)

Damage level. Level 1: minor damage (such as surface stains); level 2: moderate damage (such as local cracks); level 3: severe damage (such as structural deformation).

(2)

Cultural weight. Level 1: general value (such as functional components); level 2: moderate value (such as decorative components); level 3: core value (such as ritual space).

(3)

Structural risk. Level 1: no safety hazard; level 2: local risk; level 3: emergency risk. In terms of weight distribution, it comprises 50% damage + 30% culture + 20% structure.

Therefore, the priority judgment is as follows: high priority: ≥2.3 points (red); medium priority: 1.3–2.3 points (yellow); low priority: <1.3 points (green). This approach not only simplifies the presentation of information but also enables non-professionals to quickly identify the urgency of protection needs and make quick and effective decisions. Through this color-coded decision support system, researchers can mobilize resources more efficiently and ensure the pertinence and effectiveness of protection work (Figure 9).

3.4. Coping Strategies

Based on the detailed survey mentioned above, the research team proposed the following strategic response:

(1)

Wu’s Juren Mansion was built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the late Qing Dynasty. The existing buildings retain their original foundation and layout; however, age has severely damaged the main building. The mansion holds significant value as a reference for studying the inheritance and development of Wanqian Village in Zhengdun Town, making it crucial to maintain and protect it.

(2)

The right side of Wu’s Juren Mansion is inhabited by people. However, the absence of caretakers and physical or technical safety measures present certain security risks.

(3)

The roof is leaking, the wooden base is rotten, some important wooden components are seriously rotten, and the wall is tilted, causing safety hazards in the main building.

(4)

In view of the multiple characteristics of Wu’s Juren Mansion, a complete management strategy should be established, and the cultural relics work policy of “protection first, rescue first, rational use, and strengthened management” should be followed. We should add security devices to enhance safety management and ensure effective daily management and maintenance tasks.

(5)

The main building must be reinforced and repaired in the near future. Through this repair and renovation, the value of Wu’s Juren Mansion can be preserved for a long time to come, with its use as a community asset being re-established.

4. Discussion: Restoration Project Design

4.1. Properties, Design Principles, and Basis

In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Measures for the Administration of Cultural Relics Protection Projects, and other laws and regulations, and in combination with the preservation status of Wu’s Juren Mansion in Wanqian Village, Songxi County, the nature of this project is a “repair project;” namely, “structural reinforcement and repair necessary to protect the cultural relics, including partial restoration projects for structural reinforcement”. The on-site survey results indicate that the design content of this renovation project encompasses the survey and design of all building groups within Wu’s Juren Mansion in Wanqian Village. The project scale involves a construction area of 915 m² and covers an area of approximately 980 m² (Figure 10). In addition, the laws and regulations for the design mainly refer to the Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China, Cultural Relics Protection Implementation Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, Cultural Relics Protection Project Management Measures, Fujian Cultural Relics Protection Management Regulations, China Cultural Relics and Historic Sites Protection Guidelines, Ancient Building Wood Structure Maintenance and Reinforcement Technical Specifications (GB 50165-92) [46], Ancient Building Construction Project Quality Inspection and Assessment Standards—Southern Region (CJJ70-96) [47], House Building Drawing Unified Standard (GB 50001-2001) [48], and other relevant national standards and technical specifications.

4.2. Repair Measures

Emperor Guangxu first built Wu’s Juren Mansion in the late Qing Dynasty, and the existing buildings have retained their original appearance. Therefore, the design concept of this maintenance scheme is to maintain the status quo to the greatest extent possible, strengthen or replace the main components, completely eliminate the current safety hazards, prevent the continued erosion suffered from natural disasters, and wait for an appropriate time in the future when conditions are suitable to carry out comprehensive maintenance and restoration (Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14, Figure 15 and Figure 16). Based on the above design concept, the main aspects of the restoration of Wu’s Juren Mansion are as follows: (1) comprehensive renovation of the roof; (2) replacement or reinforcement of rotten wooden components; (3) replacement or patching of rotten wooden columns; (4) restoration of the brick floor and the patio cobblestone mosaic; (5) removal of scattered discarded tiles and weeds inside the building.

4.2.1. Protection and Repair Projects and Contents

(1)

Gatehouse: (a) Roof: Remove tiles to repair the entire roof area of approximately 142 m², repair approximately 60% of the tiles, and replace approximately 40% of accessories. Replace the rotten strips and re-lay the roof, adhering to the original specifications. The roof tiles are local earth tiles; therefore, remove the ridge in a protective manner and package the tiles after removal. Lay the tiles in a 7-3-way pattern. Following the roof installation, reinstall the tiles and repair the damaged corners. Replace the damaged tiles, with specifications of 210 × 160 × 10 mm. (b) Beam frame: Repair, patch, and reinforce all large wooden components such as columns, lintels, beams, rafters, and purlins that are damaged but can continue to be used, as well as related components according to the original system. Replace the left secondary column and golden column. Replace the severely rotten wooden components of the left and right secondary and terminal rooms. (c) Ground: Restore the green brick floor and remove the damaged tiles piled up on the patio; (d) Wall: Part of the wall is cracked, and the paint layer is falling off.

(2)

Corridor: (a) Remove tiles to repair the entire roof of approximately 84 m², repair approximately 70% of the tiles, and replace approximately 30% of the tiles. Replace the decayed purlins and rafters according to the original specifications. Replace the roof with seven new tiles, leaving three remaining tiles with dimensions of 250 × 150 × 10 mm. (b) Beam frame: Replace the severely decayed wooden components on the left and right sides according to the original specifications. Replace all of the lower sills according to the original specifications.

(3)

Main building: (a) Roof: Remove tiles to repair the entire roof of approximately 185 m², repair approximately 40% of the roof tiles, and replace approximately 60% of the roof tiles. Replace the decayed purlins and rafters according to the original specifications and re-lay the roof. Local clay tiles, measuring 210 × 160 × 10 mm, make up the roof tiles, of which seven remain. (b) Beam frame: Repair, patch, and reinforce all large wooden components, such as columns, lintels, beams, squares, and purlins, that are damaged but can still be used, as well as related components.

(4)

Rear main building: (a) Roof: Remove tiles to repair the entire roof area of approximately 140 m², repair approximately 70% of the tiles, and replace approximately 30% of the tiles. Replace the rotten strips and rafters according to the original specifications. Replace the roof and install the tiles in a seven-story and three-story layout, following the specifications of 250 × 150 × 10 mm. (b) Beam frame: Replace the severely rotten wooden components on the left and right sides according to the original specifications. Replace all of the sills according to the original specifications.

4.2.2. Maintenance Methods and Steps

During this restoration process, the main problem will be following the local low-cost practices and implementing them step by step in accordance with the architectural structure characteristics of Qing Dynasty mansions under the limited economic resources in rural areas. These steps include, in order, the following: (1) Roof repair: (a) Tile removal repair: In this repair, carefully remove all tiles to avoid damaging the ridge. After removing the roof tiles, replace the decayed rafters in accordance with the original specifications and install the roof in the middle. Replace the non-reusable damaged tiles in accordance with the original specifications. (b) Remove the roof tiles, replace the decayed rafters, replace the broken tiles according to the original specifications, and re-lay the ridge plaster layer. The repair process for the ridge, where the plaster layer has fallen off and warped, involves scraping off the warped layer and firmly grasping it. Upon releasing the hand, the three-in-one soil should assume a shaped and non-loose form. Place three-in-one soil with a suitable ratio at the repair site and tamp it in layers. The compression rate of the three-in-one soil after tamping should not be less than 93%. (c) Use a mold and ram to prefabricate rammed earth blocks according to the size of the expansion range. Use the rammed three-in-one soil blocks to repair the peeling parts with yellow mud and lime mortar of the same quality. Camouflage (or compact) the masonry joints to achieve an integrated and original wall appearance. (d) Wall repair process: Scrape off the fallen part of the wall paint layer, clean the base layer, water it thoroughly, and then use lime mortar as the base. The volume ratio of the lime mortar is tentatively set as loess–lime = 7:3; then, use hemp lime to whiten it, and the volume ratio of hemp lime is tentatively set as hemp–lime = 1:72. The construction team’s guiding principles for selecting Ca(OH)₂ are as follows: (a) Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) can react with carbon dioxide in the air to produce calcium carbonate, and this chemical reaction is the basis for hardening the lime mortar. This hardening process not only enhances the strength of the mortar but also makes it more compatible with ancient building materials. In addition, the generated calcium carbonate is a stable compound that is not easily affected by the natural environment and undergoes chemical changes, thus ensuring the stability of the restored ancient building structure. (b) The lime mortar formed by mixing slaked lime with other materials has good workability, is easy to mix, lay, and compact, and can improve construction efficiency. At the same time, slaked lime mortar has good water retention, which helps to reduce water evaporation during construction and avoid cracking caused by the mortar drying too quickly. In addition, slaked lime mortar can adapt well to the slight deformation and cracks of the walls of ancient buildings, as well as fill and solidify these defects, thereby improving the overall stability of the walls. (c) As a traditional building material, the use of slaked lime can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In the restoration of ancient buildings, the use of slaked lime mortar can maintain the original appearance and structural stability of the building, which is in line with the principles of historical building protection. At the same time, as a natural inorganic material, slaked lime has little impact on the environment during its production and application, which is in line with modern environmental protection concepts. Considering the limited economic conditions of the local government, compared with other high-performance building materials, the raw materials of slaked lime mortar are easy to obtain, and the cost is relatively low, which is conducive to reducing the cost of ancient building restoration.

There are three main reasons for choosing a ratio of 7:3: (a) At a ratio of 7:3, loess, as the main component, provides most of the volume and basic bearing capacity of the mortar. The addition of lime plays a gelling role, tightly bonding the loess particles together, thereby significantly improving the overall strength of the mortar. This ratio enables the lime mortar to form a stable chemical structure during the hardening process, effectively resisting erosion factors in the natural environment, such as wind, rain, and sun. This durability is crucial for the restoration of ancient buildings and can ensure that the restored structure remains stable for a long time. (b) At a ratio of 7:3, the workability of lime mortar is significantly improved, which means that the mortar is smoother during mixing, transportation, and laying and is less likely to have problems such as stratification and segregation, thereby improving construction efficiency and quality. In addition, the lime mortar at this ratio has good plasticity and can adapt to various complex construction environments and requirements. For example, when filling small cracks or irregular surfaces is necessary, 7:3 lime mortar can more easily achieve the ideal filling effect. (c) A lime mortar ratio of 7:3 is historically compatible with the restoration of Wu’s Juren Mansion. According to local practitioners of ancient building restoration, this ratio of lime mortar is widely used in the local area. The traditional use of this ratio can maintain the original appearance and style of the ancient building and is in line with the principle of historical and cultural protection.

(2) Repair of wooden structures: The eaves columns and golden columns of the secondary and final rooms of the gatehouse, the eaves columns and golden columns of the secondary and final rooms of the main building, and the wooden structures of the eaves of the left secondary room of the rear building, as well as the wooden components connected thereto, are seriously decayed and pose a safety hazard and must be replaced. The replacement of wooden components such as eaves columns should be carried out without disturbing the main structure, so attention should be paid to the protection of the relevant parts. Given the aforementioned conditions, the replacement of wooden components should adhere to the following procedures: (a) Remove roof tiles. According to the construction requirements, remove all of the tiles on the roof, place them on the ground, and build a protective frame. Position yourself approximately 0.5 m away from the eaves column and construct a steel pipe frame, subsequently covering it with wood. The steel pipe frame supports and fixes all beams and rafters longitudinally connected to the eaves column. To ensure safety, firmly fix the column first to prevent it from tipping over during subsequent construction. (b) Set up a jack on one side of the eaves column and lift it so that it is suspended by 2 cm. Ensure that the eaves columns are lifted from both sides of the rooms simultaneously. Then, after removing the eaves columns, all of the beams that may be suspended are placed firmly on the wood laid on the steel pipe frame, and the protective measures are in place. Maintenance engineers can first use two beams to fix the four columns together with the horizontally connected front beams into one piece and then slowly remove them from the back. (c) According to the decay and damage of the eaves columns and the connecting parts that are hooked, they should be replaced, repaired, and reinforced. Then, the four eaves columns connected to the horizontally connected front beams and front beams should be refixed into one piece and assembled back into place. (d) Remove the objects under the longitudinal beams, put down the jack, and make all of the wooden columns solid. Finally, remove the steel pipe frame.

It should be noted that after the roof is uncovered, if the hidden parts cannot be fully inspected, they need to be reprocessed according to the actual situation. Avoid removing the tiles and wooden components unless they require cutting and removal. Follow the specifications’ requirements when patching rotten and cracked wooden components. When patching the local decay of wooden components, meaning the local decay of the column surface that does not exceed 1/2 of the column diameter and has not yet affected the column’s bearing capacity, the method of digging and inlaying can be used. When patching, first remove the decayed part and keep as much of the undecayed part of the column as possible. The removed part should be of a standard geometric shape, and the debris in the hole should be removed. Spray (or apply) the preservative at least three times. The shape of the patching wood block should match the hole as much as possible. Before patching, the wood block should also be treated with a preservative. Apply glue or nails to the patching wood block. If the decayed part of the column is large, the area is more than half of the column body, or the entire column body is decayed, and the depth does not exceed 1/4 of the column diameter, the method of enveloping can be adopted. First, make a saw cut along the column’s perimeter to remove the decayed part, and then replace the surrounding area with new wood. Apply antiseptic to both the removed decayed part’s notch and the new patching wood. When the patching wood block is short, it can be glued or nailed. When it is long, one or two iron hoops need to be added. The specific situation determines the width and thickness of the hoop. For oil painting, embed the iron in the column. If the depth of shrinkage cracks in wooden columns does not surpass half of the column diameter (or the cross-sectional dimension in this direction), they can be repaired using the following patching methods: If the crack width is between 10 and 30 mm, it can be patched using wooden strips and glued with latex HT-01. When the crack width exceeds 30 mm, in addition to using wooden strips for patching and tightly gluing with latex adhesive, the hoop distance should not exceed 0.5 m, especially if the cracked section of the column is longer. Embrace the iron hoop into the column, ensuring that its outer skin aligns with the column’s outer skin. To avoid blocking with broken wood and affecting the appearance, fill each crack with a full-length wooden strip during patching. In total, one to four iron hoops should also be added according to the length of the crack. Use epoxy resin putty to tightly block small and slight cracks (within 0.5 cm, including small natural cracks).

(3) Use of wood: According to the survey results, the wood components of Wu’s Juren Mansion are all made of fir. During this maintenance, the old wood components should also be replaced with new ones made from fir. Make sure that the new fir has a long growth period. Use fir grown on the mountainside, where it enjoys short sunshine hours, resulting in a slow growth cycle and subsequent good performance for building materials. The wood value requirements used in the construction must comply with the provisions of

Table 6. Analysis of the wall repair measures.

Location	Repair Measures
Front wall (east facade)	Pebbles form the lower part of the rammed earth wall. Clean and re-route the joints with hemp ash at the places where they have fallen off. Restore the collapsed wall, fill the cracks in the rammed earth, rebuild the upper part of the enclosure wall, and remove and restore the wall cap according to the shape of the intact wall cap. The tile specifications are 210 × 160 × 10 mm. Scrape off and repaint the fallen plaster layer. The process involves setting the volume ratio of the lime mortar tentatively to 7:3 and then adding hemp lime to whiten it. The volume ratio of hemp lime is tentatively set as hemp–lime = 1:72.
Left wall (south facade)	Pebbles form the lower part of the rammed earth wall. Clean the joints and use hemp ash to repoint the areas where the joints have fallen off. Scrape off the fallen plaster layer and repaint. The process is as follows: The volume ratio of the lime mortar is tentatively set as loess–lime = 7:3, and then use hemp lime to whiten it, and the volume ratio of hemp lime is tentatively set as hemp–lime = 1:72.
Right wall (north facade)
Back wall (west facade)

Source: Authors’ statistics.

of the Wood Structure Design and Technical Specifications for Maintenance and Reinforcement of Ancient Building Wood Structures. That is, the wood should be prepared with a natural drying method, and the moisture content of beams should not be greater than 20% (the surface detection method can be adopted, and the moisture content at 20 mm from the wood surface should not be greater than 16%). The moisture content of boards, brackets, and various small wooden components should not be greater than the local wood equilibrium moisture content.

(4) Recommended adhesive: Latex HT-01, which is a water-based adhesive with strong adhesion. It is white, has a hardness of 1.2–7.0 PAS, a pH of 4–5, a peel strength of 20 N/cm, and is non-toxic, odorless, and non-flammable. During repair, first use wooden strips to fill the cracks. The crack width should be between 5 and 30 mm, which is a shrinkage crack. When filling the surface of wooden components, use latex HT-01 adhesive for bonding.

(5) Measures for termite control. Wu’s Juren Mansion is a civil structure building with many decaying wooden components that are infested with insects. During renovation, a detailed inspection of the current status of insect infestation is required. If insect infestation is found, the components should be reinforced or replaced. If the depth of insect infestation is 1/3 of the diameter of the wooden component, it should be replaced. If the infestation depth is less than 1/3, it should be reinforced based on the specific situation. (a) Original components that have not been disassembled should each be painted insect-proof and anti-corrosion paint. Apply the spray at least three times, and inject the concentrated liquid into the capitals and mortise joints. (b) After disassembling the original components, soak the disassembled wooden components in an insect-proof and anti-corrosion agent pool, remove them, and dry them before reinstalling. (c) For the replacement of newly processed wooden components, dry them, and then soak them in an insect-proof and anti-corrosion agent pool, take them out, and dry them before installing them. (d) A diboron mixture is recommended as an insect repellent and preservative. To prevent unnecessary harm, special attention should be paid to safety when using this repair method.

For specific repair details, the researchers divided them into five parts, walls, wooden columns, beams, roofs, and floors, as shown in Table 6,

Table 7. Analysis of the wooden column repair measures.

Wood Column Number	Repair Measures
Z1~Z2	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillars and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z3~Z9	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z10~Z13	Replace the wooden columns according to original specifications.
Z14~Z19	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z20~Z22	Replace the wooden columns according to original specifications.
Z23~Z26	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z27~Z33	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillars and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z34	Replace the wooden columns according to original specifications.
Z35	Remove the wooden column that was added later.
Z36~Z48	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z49	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillar and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillar.
Z50~Z58	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z59~Z61	The wooden columns were replaced according to original specifications.
Z62~Z70	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z71~Z72	Replace the wooden columns according to original specifications.
Z73	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillar and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillar.
Z74~Z75	Replace the wooden columns according to original specifications.
Z76	Remove the wooden column that was added later.
Z77	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillar and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillar.
Z78~Z93	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in, and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z94	Remove the wooden column that was added later.
Z95~Z97	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillars and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z98~Z99	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z100~Z101	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillars and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z102~Z103	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z104~Z106	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillars and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z107	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillar and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillar.
Z108~Z109	Re-join the lower part of the wooden pillars and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.
Z110~Z119	Remove the rotten parts at the bottom of the wooden pillars and fill them in and clean the moss off the surface of the wooden pillars.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

,

Table 8. Analysis of the beam repair measures.

Location	Repair Measures
Gatehouse	Keep the beams of the main room of the gatehouse as they are and replace the seriously decayed beams of the side and end rooms on the left and right sides according to the original specifications. Remove the paint layer of the gray wall panels that have fallen off, repaint the gray wall panels that have not been left, and replace the lower sills of the side and end rooms on the left and right sides.
Corridor	Replace the decayed components of the corridor.
Roll roof	Due to the serious leakage of the roof, the overall components of the roll roof are seriously decayed and so they should be replaced.
Main building	Keep the beams of the main building as they are and replace the beams of the left and right side and end rooms according to the original specifications. Remove and repaint the paint layer of the gray wall panels that have fallen off, restore the gray wall panels that no longer exist, and replace the left and right side and end rooms.
Rear main building	The beams of the rear main building are basically gone, so they should be restored as they are. Replace the beams of the left and right side and end rooms according to the original specifications. Remove and repaint the paint layer of the gray wall panels that have fallen off, restore the gray wall panels that no longer exist, and replace the left and right side and end rooms with lower sills.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

,

Table 9. Analysis of the roof repair measures.

Location	Name	Repair Measures
Gatehouse	Roof tiles	Repair the whole roof by removing tiles. When removing tiles, protect the ridge, and package and lay the tiles in a pattern of seven-tenths, leaving three-tenths. Once the roof is in place, reinstall the tiles. The specifications of the damaged tiles to be replaced are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.
	Rafters	Replace the severely decayed rubber strips with specifications of 70 × 25 @140.
	Purlins	Replace badly decayed purlins.
Corridor	Roof tiles	Repair the entire roof by removing tiles. When removing tiles, protect the ridge, and package and lay the tiles in a pattern of seven-tenths, leaving three-tenths. Once the roof is in place, reinstall the tiles. The specifications of the damaged tiles to be replaced are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.
	Rafters	Replace the severely decayed rubber strips with specifications of 70 × 25 @140.
	Purlins	Replace badly decayed purlins.
Main building	Roof tiles	Repair the entire roof by removing tiles. When removing tiles, protect the ridge and package and lay the tiles in a pattern of seven-tenths, leaving three-tenths. Once the roof is in place, reinstall the tiles. The specifications of the damaged tiles to be replaced are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.
	Rafters	Replace the severely decayed rubber strips with specifications of 70 × 25 @140.
	Purlins	Replace badly decayed purlins.
Rear main building	Roof tiles	Repair the entire roof by removing tiles. When removing tiles, protect the ridge and package and lay the tiles in a pattern of seven-tenths, leaving three-tenths. Once the roof is in place, reinstall the tiles. The specifications of the damaged tiles to be replaced are 210 × 160 × 10 mm.
	Rafters	Replace the severely decayed rubber strips with specifications of 70 × 25 @140.
	Purlins	Replace badly decayed purlins.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

and

Table 10. Analysis of the floor repair measures.

Location	Repair Measures
Patio (the open space surrounded by rooms and walls in the house)	Remove weeds and moss from the patio and clear away accumulated discarded tiles.

Source: Authors’ statistics.

below. These repair measures correspond to the causes of damage in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4 and Table 5 above.

Maintaining the reversibility of the repair process is crucial to guaranteeing its post-repair reprocessability. The original components should be preserved as much as possible, and the new components should be made of the same, similar (Figure 17, Figure 18, Figure 19 and Figure 20), or compatible materials as the original components, using the original craftsmanship techniques to preserve the most historical information, leaving more space for future research and identification.

4.3. Subsequent Management and Protection

Once the renovation of Wu’s Juren Mansion is completed, the local area should also be included in the sustainable tourism development plan. To strengthen the management of traditional dwelling tourism development, Songxi County has adopted a licensing system and a qualification certification system to regulate the tourism development and operation of traditional dwellings. All enterprises engaged in traditional dwelling tourism development must obtain a traditional dwelling tourism development business license issued by the Cultural Relics administrative department before they can officially operate. As the licensing system is a rigid management system, unlike a flexible management system, it is difficult for investors to circumvent it, and it is more effective for qualified entities that choose traditional dwelling tourism development. In addition, the Cultural Relics administrative department and other relevant departments can also use the licensing system to adopt specific restrictions and special requirements for different situations, prompting tourism development companies to consider the cost of their development behavior before investing. In addition, Article 5 of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage requires that each State Party should develop scientific and technological research in accordance with its specific national conditions and develop practical methods to resist dangers that threaten its cultural or natural heritage. The protection and management of traditional dwellings cannot be separated from the joint participation of multiple disciplines and multiple technologies. New technologies in different scientific and technological fields can be applied to the management and protection of traditional dwellings. Songxi County also uses modern electronic technology to produce electronic tickets to effectively monitor passenger flow. The traditional manual ticket-checking method used in the past cannot monitor the number of tourists in real time. However, the electronic ticketing system can monitor the number of tourists in the village in real time. Once the passenger flow reaches saturation, ticket sales can be stopped.

We cannot protect traditional dwellings for the sake of protection. We must combine protection with the proper handling of residents’ reasonable demands. The basic function of ancient dwellings is to meet the living needs of villagers. From the perspective of the inevitable law of historical development, except for a few ancient dwellings with special cultural significance, they must be preserved as fossils or specimens as much as possible. For the vast majority of ancient dwellings, the goal is not to move all residents out for visits, inspections, and research but to meet the basic needs of residents for modern life through renewal while taking into account the maximum protection of historical information. Therefore, the Songxi County Government has made relevant decisions. On the premise of protection, on the one hand, it is necessary to improve the living environment of residents as much as possible, such as allowing residents to make appropriate renovations to ancient dwellings to meet the needs of modern life and allowing the use of modern facilities and equipment on the premise of being coordinated with the surrounding environment. For example, for the use of air conditioners, relevant departments can uniformly make air conditioner covers that are coordinated with the traditional dwelling environment and distribute them to villagers for free. Electric wires, telephone lines, cable TV lines, etc., should be carefully planned and laid underground as much as possible. On the other hand, we need to provide certain conveniences for the lives of villagers. For example, many traditional dwellings in China currently prohibit motor vehicles from entering, which, while providing protection, also brings great inconvenience to the lives of villagers.

Finally, raising awareness of cultural relics protection among relevant subjects is one of the important driving forces for the sustainable development of traditional dwelling protection. Raising the awareness of cultural relics protection among relevant subjects is conducive to mobilizing all social forces, mobilizing all positive factors, making the concept of traditional dwelling protection deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and adhering to the sustainable development of traditional dwellings. The relevant subjects are extensive, not only including the work of the Cultural Relics administrative department, experts, and scholars but also including tourism staff, planning and other departments, and village residents, tourists, and other social members of the public. By raising the awareness of cultural relics protection among relevant subjects, Songxi County can solve the problem of misplaced understanding of the function of traditional dwelling protection awareness, establish correct concepts, and clarify that the basic function of traditional dwellings is to guarantee the production and living needs of village residents, followed by scientific research, cultural inheritance and education, and finally tourism functions. Meanwhile, raising awareness of cultural relics protection among relevant subjects can avoid unscientific behavior in the protection of traditional dwellings and tourism development.

5. Conclusions

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive and in-depth investigation and analysis of Wu’s Juren Mansion in Fujian and obtained the following main findings: (1) Its overall building plan is a horizontal rectangular shape with a regular layout. It has high architectural, scientific, artistic, and historical value and carries a profound connection to regional cultural heritage. However, due to years of disrepair, the building faces many problems, such as roof leakage causing damage to the tiles and wooden base, varying degrees of decay of wooden columns and beams, wall cracking, wall peeling, and even partial collapse. This is also a common problem that needs repairing in traditional houses in towns and villages in the mountainous areas of Fujian. (2) Based on a detailed investigation and design concept, the main aspects of the restoration of Wu’s Juren Mansion are as follows: comprehensive renovation of the roof, replacement or reinforcement of rotten wooden components, replacement or patching of rotten wooden columns, restoration of the brick floor and the patio cobblestone mosaic, and removal of scattered discarded tiles and weeds inside the building. (3) Combining the traditional practices of local craftsmen, lime should be mainly used in the restoration process. Similar steps and practices can provide reference ideas for the restoration of mansions in neighboring areas or similar villages and towns.

Future research on the protection and restoration of historical residences in townships should explore numerous avenues. To ensure the scientificity and standardization of restoration work, we should further improve the technical standard system for protection and restoration and formulate more accurate and detailed specifications for historical residences across various regions and types. At the same time, in the future, it is necessary to further explore the multiplier effect of protection projects on the local economy, such as tourism revenue brought by the revitalization of traditional crafts. The research team also suggested that the cultural heritage management department issue the Technical Guidelines for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in Counties or Township, incorporate the “red–yellow–green” system of this model into the mandatory evaluation standards, and set up a special fund to support the construction of community monitoring networks. Additionally, as there are a large number of traditional wooden buildings, in the future, we can also consider combining machine learning and computer vision to conduct regular inspections of internal wood. Only through the dual-track drive of methodological innovation and institutional guarantees can the sustainable development of rural heritage protection be achieved. Meanwhile, strengthening the excavation of and inheritance research on the historical and cultural connotations of former residences should not only be limited to the protection of the building entities, but also include an in-depth exploration of how to fully display and pass on their cultural values to future generations through restoration, such as combining modern digital technology to carry out cultural exhibitions and educational activities. Furthermore, we must fortify the multi-party cooperation mechanism, foster collaboration among the government, academia, and social forces, and establish a sustainable protection model to meet the increasing demand for cultural heritage protection. This will enable the revitalization of the former residences of township dignitaries in the new era, thereby making a significant contribution to rural revitalization and cultural inheritance.