modular cabins made of aluminum and glass embed into village houses of rural china

Superposition Village Initiative Transforms Rural China

The Superposition Village Initiative, developed by IBR – Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd., focuses on the concept of ‘sojourning’ in rural areas of China. The project introduces a ‘concept city’ called ‘superposition village,’ facilitating the transfer of green technology and lifestyles across different rural locations. The ‘concept city’ evolves through experiences, enhancing its utility and effectiveness. The prototype modules, initially assembled in urban factories, are then transported to rural areas, benefiting from established material supply and industrial processing support, minimizing carbon emissions during production.

The Superposition Village prototype is modular, emphasizing simplicity in disassembly, transportation, and reassembly. Designed for temporary use, the modules are easily relocated to new destinations after fulfilling their specific purpose. The interior of the cabin modules optimizes space utilization, promoting module intensification and recycling to economize on materials, space, transportation, and energy consumption throughout their life cycle, aligning with low carbon objectives.

all images courtesy of IBR – Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd.

pods are inserted into the houses’ existing structures

The renovation strategy by IBR – Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd. aims to introduce a modern, low-carbon lifestyle in the village without disrupting the original residents’ habits. The cabin modules, inserted without altering the existing structures, maintain the framework and cultural elements of the houses, leaving no visual impact on the original architecture and minimizing construction waste. The cabins, composed of aluminum alloy and glass, seamlessly integrate with the original wooden structures. This integrated space serves as a retreat for living, working, and studying, preserving and incorporating local village cultures into the fabric of the project. Special efforts include inviting artists to illustrate daily activities, farming events, and local figures on village walls, creating a collaborative visual narrative between travelers and local residents.

the pod is designed to perfectly fit the old building’s frame

IBR’s Superposition Village Initiative explores ‘sojourning’ in rural China

a plant wall made of modular boxes decorates the courtyard

designed for temporary use, modules relocate easily after fulfilling specific purposes

‘Superposition village,’ a ‘concept city,’ integrates urban fragments into rural landscapes

the cabin modules optimize space utilization, aligning with low carbon objectives

modular Superposition Village emphasizes simplicity in assembly, disassembly, and relocation

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the integrated space serves as a retreat for living, working, and studying

the subspace, composed of aluminum alloy and glass, is integrated with the original wooden architecture

axonometric drawing

project info:

name: Superposition Village Initiative, modular transformation practices in rural China
architect: IBR (Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd.)

location: China

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom