Reviving Rural China: Dongziguan Affordable Housing

Meng Fanhao's Award-Winning Design Merges Tradition with Modernity

The project was inspired by the vernacular courtyard typology, a traditional urban morphology prevalent in rural China. Meng Fanhao and his team conducted extensive research, communicating with different families to understand their living habits. The resulting design reflects these insights, with buildings designed in a vernacular language and detailed considerations given to the roof. The traditional dual-slope roof was developed into a continuous slope roof asymmetrically, adding a modern twist to the classic design.

What sets Dongziguan Affordable Housing apart from other designs is its commitment to preserving the vernacular morphology of rural settlements. The project fights for the best building quality within a very low budget and explores contemporary ways of representing local traditional architectural characteristics. It opens a dialogue about how architects can help build and improve the countryside with government support.

The construction of the project was a careful exploration of the best usage of brick, steel, and glass to ensure optimal thermal and ventilation performance. The 24cm brick wall is equipped with waterproof coating and hollow glass, and the solid wall varies at the place of stairs with a staggered pattern. The roof cantilevers out aesthetically, reminiscent of the vernacular architectural style in Hangzhou, and functions as a shelter, considering Hangzhou's rainy season.

The project, which started in September 2014 and was completed in July 2016, is located in Dongziguan Village, Fuyang, Hangzhou, P.R.China. It covers a site area of 19277.6 m2 with a building area of 7170.61 m2 and a gross floor area of 15286.98 m2. The building to land ratio is 37.2%, and the floor area ratio is 79%. The structure is made of brick-reinforced concrete, with exterior finishing in paint, stone, and Chinese style blue roofing tile.

Since the new residents moved in, they have reported a high quality of life due to the new housing. The project has brought an opportunity to regenerate the countryside, attracting different programs to Dongziguan Village, including hotels and other recreational and commercial activities. This innovative approach to affordable housing is a testament to Meng Fanhao's commitment to improving rural life while preserving cultural heritage.