The design located in the Gobi Desert of Gansu, China, offers a thoughtful approach to creating spaces that connect inhabitants with their natural surroundings. The concept emphasizes the integration of both solar and lunar cycles, allowing the architecture to work in harmony with the changing light throughout the day. As a home, it provides comfort and invites a deeper appreciation of the landscape and the rhythms of time.

Orientation and Sunlight

Careful attention has been given to the orientation of the building to capture important natural events like sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. Each room is placed to take advantage of natural light, ensuring that the atmosphere shifts as the day progresses. This design encourages a relationship with light and shadow that enhances both the beauty of the spaces and the well-being of those living there.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the home features a well-thought-out arrangement of spaces, including a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Each area is designed to encourage interaction with the outdoor environment. The kitchen and living areas are located to receive ample sunlight, creating warm and lively spaces. The living room centers around fire, serving as a gathering point for social interactions and family time.

Materiality

The design includes the use of specific materials, notably wood and metal. Wood adds warmth to the interiors, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Metal serves as a durable material that withstands the extreme conditions of the desert. Together, they contribute to the overall integrity of the structure while resonating with the natural elements surrounding it.

Transitional Spaces

Courtyards play an important role in the design, acting as connections between the indoor and outdoor environments. These areas offer spaces for contemplation and interaction with nature, reinforcing the relationship between the home and its landscape. By inviting the outdoors in, the courtyards enhance the experience of daily life, allowing residents to feel part of their environment.

Light moves differently throughout the house, creating changing patterns on walls and floors as the sun rises and sets. Every room captures the warmth of sunlight during the day, while the layout adapts to maximize comfort during the cooler evenings. The attention to detail ensures that the home not only serves its function but also enriches the lives of its inhabitants through a deeper connection to the world around them.