The Ridge – Roofing in Motion
The University of Hong Kong has designed The Ridge – Roofing in Motion, a timber prototype in Yunnan, China.
Situated in the high mountains of rural Yunnan, this project makes full use of its sloped terrain and expansive vistas to delineate a varied timber structure, mainly comprising 11 evolving trusses.
The house spans one to three levels, with the roof's gradual transformation most dramatically expressed through the pronounced ceiling plane experienced from within.
The Ridge explores how the natural environment and its physical forces can invigorate the interior living via the articulation of its transforming roofscape.
Each facade differs in shape and size to capture the unique natural sunlight specific to its direction, seamlessly energising the interior spaces – living areas below and sleeping quarters above – throughout the day's progression.
Beyond its residential function, the farmer's house also serves as a community centre where local villagers gather socially and, as seasons change, deliberate on crop selections, farming distribution to enhance their collective agricultural production and local economy.
This project has been shortlisted in the small project category of Dezeen Awards China 2025.
Studio: The University of Hong Kong
Project: The Ridge – Roofing in Motion
Credits: Olivier Ottevaere and The Human Intelligence Master Program of Architecture at HKU