Modern Cave Dwellings

Exploring the Possibility of Revamping Cave Dwellings for Our Modern Lifestyle in the Plateaus

Scope: Concept Design

Time: 2020 (Conceived)

Team: Zheng Tao, Fernie Lai, Alan Hung, Zhang ZeQun, Li Xu Dong, Wang ZiMing, Xu Wangqi (China JIKAN Research Institute of Engineering Investigation and Design)

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Yaodong (house cave) is an ancient form of housing for the inhabitants of the Loess Plateau in northern China. With the development of technology and the change in people's living habits, this form of living is no longer familiar to us. Nowadays, it exists more as a cultural symbol in people's memory. WAY Studio's experimental project is based on the traditional Yaodong to explore a new model of this ancient form of living in modern life.
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-Concept-
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We detached the traditional cave from the mountain to increase light and ventilation. On the plan, we made an enclosed courtyard to enhance privacy. One side was lowered to create a more open view. The arched window openings are a tribute to the appearance of traditional Yaodongs. With the appropriate courtyard landscape and vegetation, the living environment becomes more comfortable.
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The material used in traditional Yaodong is rammed earth. It stores heat well, is eco-friendly and is easily attainable. We used a combination of adobe and wood structure in the design, which is a tribute to the tradition, and at the same time preserves the advantages of the Yaodong form as much as possible.