Over the course of the project, students from the HKU and local villagers worked with the last remaining bamboo weaver in Peitian to re-learn, adapt, and evolve this traditional process. The village of Peitian has been a focus of study for a number of years at HKU, with initial speculation engaging with issues of village reconstruction and development. Through this study, it came to be understood that there is an urgent crisis underway - the decline of traditional crafts and the significant loss of intangible cultural heritage that this represents.

The genesis of the project centres on reviving Peitian's unique Tea House typology. These earth and wood structures, embedded into the landscape, act as shelters for local farmers - and also as meeting places, stores or small workshops. Historically, these pavilions were often used by craftsmen to demonstrate their skill or to trial new construction methodologies. Today these structures have, for the most part, been replaced by generic outbuildings in concrete and brick. Sun Room is a community space that provides a respite for villagers who work the land in the hot growing season.

The form and siting of the shelter are carefully considered to maximize ventilation and view and to respect protected viewsheds that are a major feature of the landscape. Credits: - The University of Hong Kong / SuperPosition - Design - Donn Holohan - The University Of Hong Kong - Team Leader - Heija Jiang - The University of Hong Kong - Students of Architecture - Year One - SuperPosition - Elspeth Lee