I have had these pictures for a while and thought that I would share them with the forum. Every year for the last 13 years I take my students to China for a 2 week workshop. We travel to Tian-jin, Beijing and Shanghai and every year the highlight is to spend the night at the Commune by the Great Wall.
From the net: http://www.communebythegreatwall.com/en
The Commune by the Great Wall is a private collection of contemporary architecture designed by 12 Asian architects. It was exhibited at the 2002 la Biennale di Venezia and bestowed a special prize. In 2005, Commune by the Great Wall was hailed by Business Week as a "New Architectural Wonder of China".
I have always wanted to ride the hills to see the houses but until last year there were no bikes at the hotel...the last time there were some electric ones for rent so I was able to fulfill my wish and of course on the way up the battery died so it was on hell of a climb, the downhill was equally a trial because the brakes were so bad.
In any event a few pics.
I hope you enjoy them. Best, Ben



Suitcase house by Chang all of the rooms are in the floor!


See and See house because the bathroom is open to inside and outside


Cantilever House by Ochoa...hillside/site runs through the house!


Bamboo house by Kengo Kuma....my favorite and the one we rent on every visit.


Almost a bike!!