MX02 Miaoxia Community Guesthouse implementation and construction

Completed in 2017, the guesthouse is cooperatively run by villagers, generating revenue to supplement declining rural incomes. Over 70 villagers and 12 volunteers, participated in the design, and construction of the building and its surroundings over 9 months. All funding for the construction of the guesthouse was from charitable foundations. The guesthouse renovated an existing run-down timber house, constructed a new built extension providing accommodation for up to 20 people, and improved sanitary conditions. This comprises of six guest rooms or dormitories, a tearoom, workshop spaces, activity spaces for children, an office, bathroom and laundry amenities, a courtyard and a garden. The extension is designed as an L-shaped building resembling traditional courtyard houses. The construction uses a ‘through-type’ Chinese timber structure often found in earthquake prone areas. The resulting asymmetrical roofline sets the guesthouse apart from other houses in the village. The timber construction methods revitalize declining skills, complement surrounding buildings, and help sustainable development by using renewable resources. A low-tech community system deals with sewerage waste from the guesthouse and nearby houses; this is used to fertilize the adjoining community garden.