House of Cornfield by xian Architects – A Countryside Retreat Blending Nature and Contemporary Living

The House of Cornfield, designed by xian Architects, is a visionary countryside residence that explores the "living in-between" lifestyle, gracefully balancing life between urban convenience and natural serenity. Situated in Huairou District, China, this 210 m² home is a testament to modern rural architecture that honors traditional spatial arrangements while embracing freedom, vitality, and a deep connection to nature.

A Harmonious Blend of Landscape and Architecture

Nestled between continuous northern and southern mountains, the village setting is flanked by flowing rivers and expansive cultivated fields. This idyllic landscape, shaped by generations of human activity, provides the House of Cornfield with a profound sense of rootedness and a natural connection to its environment. The architects intentionally settle the house within this "ancient" landscape, using the surrounding mountains, rivers, villages, and fields to reinforce the instinctive closeness to nature.

Sunlight and Traditional Vernacular Design

In northern climates, sunlight is a precious resource, especially in winter. The House of Cornfield is carefully rotated 15 degrees from due south toward the east to maximize solar gain. At the heart of the design is the traditional Chinese concept of “Zheng Fang”, where the main building of each courtyard faces south. This vernacular arrangement, passed down through generations, creates a dignified and natural composition that respects the rhythm of village life.

The facade design is deliberate and thoughtful, reflecting the question of "how should a building stand?" in the landscape. Each courtyard and main structure is positioned to optimize sunlight, maintain privacy, and establish a dialogue between built form and the natural environment.

Roofscape as Landscape: Eyes and Ears of the Countryside

A defining feature of the House of Cornfield is its gable roof, chosen to blend seamlessly with the vernacular landscape. The continuous rooftops of neighboring households create a harmonious visual rhythm, while the open fields, mountains, and setting sun inform the architectural expression. The house acts as the "eyes" of the landscape, the "ears" of the environment, and a signaling horn within its surroundings.

Architecture that Connects with Daily Life

The structural design allows the exterior’s breadth and intensity to continuously influence daily life, supporting residents as they wander through the space in contemplation. This connection to nature and environment encourages a life where signals from the broader surroundings are received and interpreted organically, fostering awareness and presence in everyday moments.

Every element of the House of Cornfield tells a story of survival, observation, and communication—an architecture that stands simply and still, yet profoundly alive within its environment. The home offers both peaceful reflection and dynamic engagement with the landscape, embodying a modern interpretation of rural Chinese living.

Materials and Craftsmanship

xian Architects worked with Back to 20th, SCHWERT, and Yihuida Shimizu Concrete to craft a home that balances material authenticity with contemporary construction techniques. The thoughtful material choices amplify the tactile and visual connection between the interior, exterior, and surrounding landscape.

All photographs are works of Zhi Xia, He Bai