Architectural Cases

In the heart of Hengshiji Village, Zhuhai, China, StudioTiltedCircle has breathed new life into two venerable stone houses, reimagining them as SHIJI COMMONS. This ambitious undertaking bridges the gap between the village's historic fabric and its surrounding natural landscape, demonstrating a profound approach to urban renewal that cherishes existing rural architecture. Instead of demolition, the design strategy centers on the thoughtful reclamation and re-purposing of the original stone, shifting its role from mere structural support to a dynamic element that defines new spatial experiences. This clever re-use, coupled with modern concrete and metal additions, fosters a compelling dialogue where the echoes of the past meet the ingenuity of contemporary design.

A core tenet of this architectural vision posits that space is not merely constructed but rather unveiled through deliberate intervention. By strategically carving openings within the original structures, the project introduces a fresh spatial flow characterized by alternating elements of solidity and emptiness. These carefully crafted apertures serve as conduits for natural illumination, allowing sunlight to cascade deep into the interiors. The radiant light, in turn, accentuates the inherent textures of stone, concrete, and the dance of shadows, making the dialogue between materiality and illumination the cornerstone of the spatial journey. The enduring presence of the thick stone walls grounds the structure in history, while the newly integrated voids foster a sense of openness and interconnectedness. This interplay of elements ultimately transforms the aged stone houses into a lively nexus for community gatherings, shared experiences, and daily life.

The creative endeavors of StudioTiltedCircle have imbued SHIJI COMMONS with a versatile public program, accommodating a range of community events, cultural showcases, and opportunities for social interaction. Through a philosophy of subtle modification and progressive revitalization, the project significantly prolongs the utility of these traditional stone residences. What were once decaying domestic buildings are now reinvented as communal sanctuaries, deeply woven into the local heritage and attuned to the rhythms of modern rural existence. This transformation not only preserves a piece of history but also ensures its relevance and vibrancy for future generations.

The SHIJI COMMONS project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in fostering community and preserving cultural identity. It demonstrates that renovation can be more than just repair; it can be an act of profound reimagination, transforming old into new, and individual dwellings into collective treasures, thereby enriching the lives of all who inhabit and visit these rejuvenated spaces. It is a beacon of how architecture can harmoniously blend tradition with innovation for a more sustainable and connected future.

OODA's DUAS Towers project in Vlorë, Albania, introduces two distinctive mixed-use high-rises that blend modern architectural principles with deep local influences. These 98-meter structures, one circular and one rectangular, are not merely functional buildings but also artistic expressions, drawing inspiration from traditional Albanian rug patterns and utilizing locally sourced materials. The design emphasizes both aesthetic coherence and environmental responsibility, aiming to create a significant landmark on the Albanian coastline.

Positioned along Albania's picturesque southern coast in Vlorë, a city nestled between mountains and the Adriatic Sea, the DUAS Towers by OODA are designed as a striking pair of 98-meter mixed-use buildings. The name "Duas," meaning "two" in Portuguese, aptly describes the project's dual nature. Despite their differing geometries—one tower being circular (26 meters in diameter) and the other quadrangular (30 by 25 meters)—both structures share a unified architectural system. This system consists of a horizontal base, a central vertical slab, and a crowning horizontal element, creating a harmonious yet distinct visual profile. The facade's unique stepped pattern, a modern interpretation of the traditional Albanian "rrodhe" rug motif, organizes the building's contours and the arrangement of its stone cladding, seamlessly integrating cultural heritage into contemporary design.

A key element driving the design and aesthetic of the DUAS Towers is the extensive use of Tomorri white marble. OODA meticulously selected this material from a quarry approximately 60 kilometers inland after evaluating eight different Albanian stone options. The marble's minimal veining provides a highly responsive surface, causing the facades to subtly change color throughout the day. In the morning, they exhibit a cool white hue, transitioning to warmer tones as the sun descends, reflecting the colors of the surrounding landscape and the bay. This material choice extends beyond mere aesthetics, influencing the structural language of the towers. OODA's design concept began by considering the proportions of a rectangular quarry block and the behavior of stone when positioned both horizontally and vertically. This fundamental understanding guided the overall composition of each tower, with marble-clad blades projecting from the elevations. These blades not only shade the glass from direct sunlight but also frame outward views, with their shifting shadows adding depth and character to the pale stone surfaces.

The strategic placement of the DUAS Towers on two irregular plots maximizes their views towards the sea. Both towers feature 24 floors topped with additional rooftop levels. A comprehensive sun-path study informed their orientation to ensure optimal daylight access for each volume. The distinct footprints of the towers also facilitate varied interactions with adjacent urban structures; the rectangular tower engages with the city through its corners, while the circular tower presents a continuous edge. At street level, the buildings recede, creating more expansive public spaces around their bases. The interiors are programmed for diverse uses, with hotel rooms and residences on the upper floors, retail spaces facing the street, and hospitality amenities situated on the rooftops. Separate circulation cores efficiently manage access for different users. Landscaped gardens, featuring drought-tolerant plants like wild olive and rosemary suited to Vlorë's dry summers, soften the transition to the surrounding streets and extend overhead to the rooftops.

Beyond the facade, the project delves into sustainable material research, investigating lower-carbon binder mixes that incorporate alternatives to cement, such as metakaolin and blast-furnace slag. The integration of recycled aggregate from local demolition and street works into the concrete mix is also being explored, further embedding the structure within the city's material cycle. These initiatives are currently under evaluation as the DUAS Towers navigate the licensing phase. Similarly, the building envelope proposes using hemp-clay and wood-fiber products as alternatives to conventional insulation, alongside rainwater harvesting systems for onsite reuse. From a distance, the towers are easily identifiable, their shared architectural language distinguishing them through their geometric variations—a rectangular form and a circular one—transforming simple quarry blocks and woven patterns into iconic coastal landmarks.