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13/10/2009
The Dujiangyan region, surrounding the city of ChengDu, is largely agricultural, with two-storey houses typically for four to five people. The most influential geographic factor is that the province is in China’s earthquake region, lies on the Longmenshan fault. The Great Sichuan Quake of 12 May 2008, registered 7.9 on the Richter scale, and has been described as the 19th most deadly earthquake of all time. Over 90,000 people were killed or reported missing, and millions left homeless after buildings collapsed. The Government has since pledged to spend 1 trillion yuan (about $146.5 billion) over the next three years to rebuild areas ravaged by the earthquake.
The area is mountainous with a humid subtropical climate, reaching 29°C in Summer and down to a minimum of 3°C in Winter. High levels of annual rainfall of 1240mm, contribute to the humidity.
A total of up to 40 demonstration houses are planned for the Dujiangyan region in collaboration with Living Steel, the Dujiangyan Municipal Government, the International Zinc Association and Baosteel. Cartwright Pickard are the only UK architects involved in this project. Three of their NovoHouse concepts are being built.
The Cartwright Pickard NovoHouse in Hongkou Village addresses the climatic and geographic requirements of the area and will provide replacement dwellings for two farming families whose homes were damaged in the earthquake. The new home is designed to be earthquake resistant, and will be built on a platform (approximately 3m x 3m) laid directly on the ground, which should also help modulate temperature fluctuations inside the house. An outdoor space provision is a local preference, and as Hongkou is a popular area of natural beauty, design includes guest rooms that the families can rent to tourists to create an additional income.
Dujiangyan area has one of the lowest levels of sunshine in China, which is exacerbated by industrial pollution. The HongKou design therefore ensures as much light as possible enters the building, and the roof options ensure there is no overhang that would block light.
To ensure the houses fit in the area, vernacular materials such as concrete, timber and masonry have been used for cladding and tiles reclaimed from damaged houses are used for the roof. Further materials from earthquake-damaged houses will be re-used where possible, such as prefabricated panels for temporary homes. The units are provided with an internal bathroom, mains sewerage facilities, running water and electricity. Wells provide the primary water source and a wood burning stove is installed for heating.
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