Architectural Cases

Lixue Primary School: A New Campus Vision for Shenzhen's Longgang District

The Lixue Primary School, envisioned by temp architects, represents a significant undertaking within Shenzhen's "Longgang New Campus Action Plan." This project is strategically situated at the convergence of Banlan Boulevard and Huancheng Road, an area characterized by its vibrant urban pulse and high-density residential zones. The school, slated for completion in 2026, spans an expansive 25,569 square meters and is designed to create an innovative and engaging learning environment for elementary students, seamlessly blending with its bustling surroundings while offering a sanctuary for education.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Longgang District Education Bureau and the Bureau of Public Works to modernize and expand educational infrastructure. The school's design reflects a forward-thinking approach to educational architecture, aiming to foster an optimal setting for children's growth and learning amidst a rapidly developing cityscape. Its location demands a design that can mitigate the noise and intensity of urban life, transforming potential distractions into opportunities for a dynamic educational experience.

The architectural team, led by Lin Yubo, Yang Jun, and Ku Hongfei, focused on creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring. The structural integrity and safety were ensured by Hong Kong Huayi Design Consultants (Shenzhen) Ltd., with contributions from Wang Yang and Li Xuehong. The landscape design, crafted by Shanghai Temp Architects Design & Consulting Co., Ltd., plays a crucial role in integrating green spaces and outdoor learning areas, providing a balanced environment for students. The comprehensive planning involved various specialists, including a robust scheme design team, meticulous project management by Huang Yuelin and Liu Hongke, and expert engineering for water supply, drainage, HVAC, and electrical systems.

The Lixue Primary School embodies a vision for contemporary education, emphasizing adaptable and stimulating environments that cater to the diverse needs of young learners. Its strategic placement and thoughtful design solutions aim to establish a benchmark for future educational developments in urban settings, proving that quality learning spaces can thrive even in the most dynamic cityscapes.

Simpsons Bay House: A Harmony of Reuse and Nature on Bruny Island

The Simpsons Bay House, a project by Dock4 Architects in collaboration with Giles Newstead, exemplifies a profound commitment to sustainable living and architectural integration with the environment. Located on Tasmania's picturesque Bruny Island, this 170-square-meter residence, completed in 2025, champions the principles of reuse and adaptive design. Rather than beginning with a predetermined palette of new materials, the design process was intricately shaped by the availability of existing resources. This approach, deeply inspired by the island's traditional rural sheds, agricultural buildings, and unassuming coastal structures, imbues the house with a familiar, utilitarian charm. Consequently, the dwelling harmonizes effortlessly with its bushland setting, offering a tranquil retreat that respects and reflects its natural context.

Simpsons Bay House: A Contemporary Retreat Rooted in Tasmanian Tradition

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Bruny Island, Tasmania, the recently completed Simpsons Bay House, a collaborative masterpiece by Dock4 Architects and Giles Newstead, redefines residential architecture through its innovative embrace of reuse and adaptation. Finished in 2025, this 170-square-meter dwelling stands as a beacon of sustainable design, drawing its core inspiration from the vernacular architecture of the island. Lead architects Richard Loney, Richard Brenchley, and Giles Newstead steered the project towards a unique material selection process, where available resources dictated the aesthetic and structural choices, rather than conventional new-build components. This strategic decision was heavily influenced by the simple, functional forms of local rural sheds and humble coastal structures, resulting in a residence that possesses an inherent, unpretentious character. The outcome is a home that not only seamlessly blends into its natural bush surroundings but also evokes a sense of timeless belonging, celebrating the raw, authentic spirit of Bruny Island.

The Simpsons Bay House offers a compelling perspective on how architectural design can thoughtfully engage with its environment. It challenges conventional approaches by prioritizing material efficiency and vernacular inspiration, demonstrating that beauty and functionality can emerge from embracing limitations and working in harmony with nature. This project serves as an inspiring blueprint for future developments, highlighting the potential for creating residences that are not just structures, but integral parts of their landscape, fostering a deeper connection between inhabitants and their surroundings.

See More

Kugahara Corner House: A Redefinition of Urban Living

This article explores a novel residential design in Kugahara, Tokyo, which reimagines the typical urban corner house. The project, a collaboration between Tezzo Nishizawa Architects and some ( ), emphasizes openness, natural light, and a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, departing from conventional urban housing practices.

Embracing Openness: A New Vision for Corner Lots in Tokyo

Challenging Conventional Urban Design: The Kugahara Corner Lot Approach

Unlike many Tokyo residences that present solid facades to their neighbors, this innovative house, built on a subdivided family estate, intentionally features a garden facing adjacent properties. This design choice floods the interior of the city block with natural light and fresh air, fostering a more pleasant living environment.

Innovative Architectural Geometry: Crafting Dynamic Sightlines

The house's interior layout utilizes an intriguing angled grid that interacts with its external facade. This geometric interplay creates a series of unique triangular intermediate zones, strategically guiding sightlines diagonally from one street to the next, enhancing connectivity and visual interest.

Equitable Street Presence: A Balanced Approach to Urban Integration

Further distinguishing the design, the house boasts two identical gabled facades. This deliberate architectural decision ensures that the residence presents a consistent and welcoming aesthetic to both streets it fronts, eliminating any perceived hierarchy between them and promoting a balanced integration into the urban fabric.

Project Details: Key Specifications of the Kugahara Residence

The project, a 102 square meter house located in Tokyo, Japan, was completed in 2025. Tezzo Nishizawa Architects and some ( ) served as the lead architects, with structural engineering provided by Yoshiyuki Hiraiwa, Takayuki Fujimoto, and Rika Ikeda of HSC, and construction managed by Eishin Construction. The materials predominantly used include wood, steel, and concrete.

See More