transforming roofscape expands over timber farmhouse in yunnan, china

dynamic roof defines the Ridge Farmhouse’s spatial character

The Ridge, a timber prototype by Olivier Ottevaere and University of Hong Kong students, explores how the natural environment and its physical forces can invigorate the interior living through its dynamic roof design. Sited in the high mountains of rural Yunnan, China, the project makes full use of its sloped terrain and expansive vistas to delineate a varied timber structure mainly comprising eleven evolving trusses. The house spans one to three levels, with the roofscape’s gradual transformation most dramatically expressed through the pronounced ceiling plane experienced from within. The design is carefully tuned to its cardinal orientations. Each facade differs in shape and size to capture the unique natural sunlight specific to its direction, energizing the interior spaces, living areas below, and sleeping quarters above, throughout the day’s progression.

all images courtesy of The University of Hong Kong

Ridge doubles as a farmhouse and a community gathering space

Beyond its residential function, the farmhouse also serves as a community center where local villagers gather socially and, as seasons go by, deliberate on crop selections, farming distribution to enhance their collective agricultural production, and local economy. The Ridge project originated as an educational program in design and construction, led by designer Olivier Ottevaere. The taught hands-on course exposes students to the physical act of making architecture through on-site construction experience at a scale impossible in the classroom, one that they can inhabit while building. Working alongside local carpenters and construction workers, students embark on a building journey that addresses a real site, a critical program, and a unique local culture through knowledge exchange and experiential learning.

roofline opens up to the expansive landscape while providing shade to the outdoor terrace

a dynamic roofscape defines the building’s spatial character

the house spans between one and three levels across sloped terrain

timber prototype ‘The Ridge’ sits in the high mountains of rural Yunnan, China

eleven evolving timber trusses form the structure’s core

interior ceilings reveal the roof’s gradual transformation

local villagers use the space to plan agricultural activities

sunlight animates the living spaces throughout the day

sleeping quarters are positioned above, oriented for light and view

the bedroom mezzanine opens towards the double-height living space

students gained hands-on experience in full-scale construction

the team collaborated closely with local carpenters and builders

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Key Floorplan

Massing study

Key Section AA

Catalogue of Trusses

Exploded Axonometry

West Facade

Southeast Perspective

project info:

name: The Ridge – Roofing in Motion.
architects: Olivier Ottevaere – The University of Hong Kong, the Human Intelligence Master program of Architecture, HKU | @hkuarchitecture

local contractor: Chengdu Xingcun Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. (成都行村建筑工程有限公司)

area: 240 sqm

location: Yiliang, Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, China