azLa Zhang Lei Design Research

Based on local courtyard houses, the design evolved from the interaction of two brick houses with the surrounding landscape. Terracotta bricks were made from local clay with local knowledge, composing the structure and façades. Skilled village construction workers very familiar with the medium were able to facilitate the marriage of traditional savoir-faire with new and progressive design.

Three different textures of brick skin make up the façade. An interlocking pattern leaves perforations between bricks, and protruding bricks cast shadows along the wall. Windows punctuate the texture, and the brickwork along the edges of these portals further develops abstract geometric relations while remaining loyal to the structural logic.

Project Team
Zhang Lei, Shen Kaikang, Zhang Ang

Collaborator
Gaochun Architectural Design Office

Area
580.0 sqm