The design located in the Gobi Desert, Gansu, China, showcases a careful balance of shadow and light, addressing the extreme brightness of the environment. It is a residential space that thoughtfully considers daily human activities. The layout promotes harmonious living by organizing spaces based on the flow of natural light, enhancing both functionality and comfort.

Spatial Organization

The living areas include a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and courtyard, each arranged to serve specific purposes while ensuring a cohesive experience. For example, the bathroom is designed for evening use, while the bedroom is thoughtfully positioned for morning light. This arrangement creates a rhythm in daily activities, aligning spaces with the natural cycles of day and night.

Natural Light Integration

Natural light plays a crucial role in the design. Each room is placed to capture sunlight at different times, including important celestial events like sunrise and moonset. This thoughtful planning provides a bright and welcoming interior, allowing light to influence the mood and atmosphere throughout the day. It encourages a relationship between the occupants and their surroundings that adjusts with the changing light.

Materiality

Materials are chosen carefully, featuring metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Each material serves a specific role that enhances the living experience. This selection not only supports the functions of each space but also reflects the overall theme of balance and harmony within the home. The materials connect the indoor environment with the natural world outside, providing a tactile sense that adds depth to the experience.

Philosophical Context

The design also embraces philosophical ideas. Concepts of yin and yang and the five elements are woven into the living experience. Light and shadow interact throughout the day, creating a cyclical routine that enhances the emotional connection between the inhabitants and their home. It is more than simply a building; it is a space that encourages reflection and harmony with nature.

Large windows extend the interior views of the desert landscape, allowing natural light to fill the rooms. This design choice creates a warm atmosphere that shifts with the position of the sun, inviting a deeper appreciation of the environment. It brings the outside in, reinforcing the bond between the home and the vast natural world surrounding it.