Climate
Southern China has a Subtropical climate similar to most of east China, the Southeast of the U.S. and other areas of the world (see map). Hot or warm and humid climate can be expected throughout most of the year.




diagram showing that shade and air movement is the most important for human comfort, more than temperature, humidity and clothing (diagram by ARUP)

world map showing tropical, subtropical and moderate climate areas that share the same hot and humid conditions as on this projects location for part or all of the year.


Microclimate
Ocean breezes from the south by day and land breezes from the north by night move over the tree crowns of this site that is nested in the forest.



diurnal sea breeze




nocturnal land breeze

Brief
- The client wants to use the hostel as a training center and family retreat for corporate employees, and will also be regularly visited by diverse users such as youth organizations and elderly and disabled people.

- The 24 required bedrooms are all one floor above ground level for better ventilation and security. Common spaces like the restaurant, bar, living room and conference rooms are all on the ground level; thus integrated with the outdoor spaces on the site and the surrounding grounds, including the swimming pool and barbecue areas.

The project is projected to be a showcase for the client’s commitment to the environment and the greenest building in Southern China


Use of the building and its site
24 required bedrooms are all on the floor above the ground floor for better ventilation and security, while common spaces are all on the ground level thus integrated with the outdoor spaces on the site and the surrounding grounds.

references from book "Vanishing Tradition: Architecture and Carpentry of the Dong Minority of China", Klaus Zwerger, 2006 Orchid Press

model view from NW

model view from SE




model top view of roof

model view through ground floor


Bamboo
This project offers the exciting opportunity to reintroduce bamboo as a viable material for contemporary building. Bamboo was traditionally used in Asia for building two story structures, but has fallen out of favor with the rise of modern industrial materials. Many of bamboo’s properties, however, make it a far more ecological choice, and a pioneering bamboo structure would contribute to the world effort to achieve this type of sustainable building construction. Bamboo is known for its very low embodied energy, as well as for being perhaps the most renewable building material available - it is mature as building material after reaching 3 - 5 years old and it can grow in high density and concentration. Since one of the best types of bamboo for construction is indigenous to Southern China, its availability and ease of transport to the site further contribute to its low embodied energy. Bamboo also has minimal thermal mass, a requirement for sustainable building in tropical and subtropical climates. All the blinds, shutters, finishes and furniture are also made out of bamboo. Beyond its strictly functional uses, bamboo has extraordinary esthetic potential to create dynamic forms, lighting effects and texture.




bamboo material references




bamboo study models


Glass
Due to the optimized natural ventilation the amount of days when air conditioning is needed have been dramatically reduced. The naturally ventilated building needs to be very permeable while air-conditioned rooms must be sealed. Instead of using extensive glass (a material with high embodied energy), the rooms are sealed with solid bamboo panels fitted with glass windows, which are just large enough to provide sufficient light; thereby dramatically reducing the amount of glass used on the project. (See view of the room showing the glass inserted into one of the foldable panels in the bedroom and in top section of all foldable panels in bathrooms.

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