The Village


New Learning Block, Yew Wah International School, Guangzhou, China | year: 2024 | status: phase II - built | area: 15,960m2 | team: Annette Chu, Tommy Yeung & Natalie Dungey | master plan in collaboration with Studio Zhai

The Village is a 93-metre-long, 5-storey transparent learning block at Yew Wah International School in Guangzhou. Oriented south, the linear building gives all 32 classrooms expansive views over the 400m running track and open fields, with lush northern greenery framing the other side.

At ground level, a shaded arcade provides generous covered connections to the landscape. On the upper floors, paired classrooms form flexible learning studios with shared commons in between. Continuous cantilevered balconies with honestly expressed exposed beams create fluid circulation, abundant natural light, natural ventilation and playful patterns of light and shade. Subtle shifts and angles in the classroom pairs break the facade monotony, while white textured paint amplifies the beautiful play of light and shadow across the structure.

This honest, nature-connected and community-focused design celebrates openness and everyday delight in learning.

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The Village is a 93-metre-long, 5-storey transparent learning block at Yew Wah International School in Guangzhou. Oriented south, the linear building gives all 32 classrooms expansive views over the 400m running track and open fields, with lush northern greenery framing the other side.

At ground level, a shaded arcade provides generous covered connections to the landscape. On the upper floors, paired classrooms form flexible learning studios with shared commons in between. Continuous cantilevered balconies with honestly expressed exposed beams create fluid circulation, abundant natural light, natural ventilation and playful patterns of light and shade. Subtle shifts and angles in the classroom pairs break the facade monotony, while white textured paint amplifies the beautiful play of light and shadow across the structure.

This honest, nature-connected and community-focused design celebrates openness and everyday delight in learning.

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