A floating boathouse intended to help people reconnect with nature and a hotel designed to protect people and koalas from bushfires are included in Dezeen's latest school show by My ArchiSchool.

Also featured is an astronomy tower by the seaside and a teahouse informed by the design of Japanese shrines.

My ArchiSchool

School: My ArchiSchool
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0

School statement:

"My ArchiSchool provides an introduction to architectural education and digital design for those seeking knowledge and skills to aid their future career aspirations.

"The Hong Kong-based organisation offers in-person and online courses to help young people develop 3D modelling skills that can be applied to future careers in architecture and urban planning.

"Geared towards children and teenagers between the ages of six and 18, the various stages of tuition start at beginner level and progress to cover a range of tools, interfaces, and outputs.

"One-off classes allow students to get a taste of the available courses and teaching styles.

"A variety of program packages are offered to those wishing to develop a wide range of skills, including writing and portfolio development, taught over several sessions. The most comprehensive package concludes with an exhibition of student work after eight months of study.

"One of the digital tools taught in the program is 3DExperience Platform, developed by Dassault Systèmes, which allows students to build and manipulate 3D digital models of cities such as Hong Kong and Paris."

Astronomy Tower by Armelle Baranger

"The Astronomy Tower is made up of a semi-open observation deck and a small research laboratory to facilitate the data collection of space science. The gentle curvature of the facade was designed to recall a sail, suggesting the starting point of the journey.

"Internally, the optical observatory on the upper deck is linked to and supported by the digital mapping facilities on the lower floor. A visitors lobby is also incorporated near the main entrance, functioning as an educational science facility to the public."

Student: Armelle Baranger
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: armellebaranger04[at]gmail.com

Bird Hotel by Audrey Liu

"At the Bird Hotel, utopia is imagined in the context of water. The design is a hotel for birds which takes the form of a big tree, with branches for the birds to perch on.

"It is a simple two-storey building with a steel structure and glass facade, which gives guests 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Designed as a retreat or weekend hideaway, the guests experience an enjoyable stay while being totally immersed in nature."

Student: Audrey Liu
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: audrey.liuhk260[at]gmail.com

Astronomy Tower by Lynne Lee

"The Astronomy Tower takes a spiral form that creates an experiential journey for visitors looking for stars.

"The pathway is designed to lead people from the site entrance to the centre, where the scientific research work is conducted, and a giant telescope is installed on the upper floor for charting the stars."

Student: Lynne Lee
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: lynneleehuining[at]gmail.com

Boat House by Allen Lam

"Floating in the middle of a lake, the Boat House is designed for small families. It is informed by the wooden structure of boats and consists of a wooden roof, a floating platform divided into a semi-covered forecourt, and an open balcony.

"It's designed to be a communal area for families and friends to gather and serves as a connection point to help people reconnect to nature."

Student: Allen Lam
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: allenlam7282[at]gmail.com

Koala Hotel by Kayla Yeung

"The Koala Hotel features a courtyard that sits amongst villas. The concept was motivated by the work of rescue teams during the disastrous bushfires in Australia.

"The courtyard is a sharing place between koalas and humans, where they can live together in close proximity. The structural framework of the building is a tetrahedral form that is self-standing and strong, protecting the guests and animals against any trees or falling debris during bushfires.

"The crescent-shaped layout helps to facilitate natural light and ventilation, while also shielding from strong winds."

Student: Kayla Yeung
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: kayla.yeung2006[at]gmail.com

Astronomy Tower by Eric Tseng

"The Astronomy Tower is located by the seaside to achieve unobstructed views of the ocean to staff and visitors while they are looking at the sky.

"The star-shaped structure of the design symbolises stargazing. The curved glass facade is illuminated by indirect lighting to create the optimum setting for stargazing."

Student: Eric Tseng
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: ericsmtseng[at]gmail.com

Teahouse by Jamie Shih

"Inspired by Japanese shrines, Teahouse is an extensive landscaped garden with a wooden hut-like structure. The upper part of the design has a translucent glass facade with wooden frames, which lets in natural light for the tea-making area below.

"An additional tasting area is located in the open area of the garden. The layout is designed to be a space where users can find their inner peace and enjoy the fragrance of tea."

Student: Jamie Shih
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: jamieshih.0919[at]gmail.com

Observatory by William Yang

"The Observatory consists of two domed towers. In one tower is the telescope and in the other is a laboratory. The building is formed from a wooden structure, which is illuminated by indirect blue lighting.

"The project recalls the history of humanity, which is a tiny part of the history of the universe."

Student: William Yang
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: williamyang9900[at]gmail.com

Green House by Patrick Zhang

"The Green House design consists of an elaborate drum-shaped volume and steel framework.

"The concept was informed by the American Southwest. Cowboys and the wild west have always been a theme Zhang has enjoyed. The desert feels stoic and desolate. Like a wasteland of violent beauty.

"The lower half of the Green House is open, while the upper half is enclosed by glass. The living area is elevated to achieve a wider view of the surrounding environment. The lower open part was designed to allow natural ventilation."

Student: Patrick Zhang
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: patrick.0.zhang[at]gmail.com

Astronomy Tower by Gabriel Lee

"The Astronomy Tower is located on a small hill in the urban area of Kowloon, Hong Kong. A stepped profile facilitates an easy and welcoming entrance for the users. The initial concept began with an octagonal layout, which was later transformed into a circular roof.

"The telescope is placed on the upper floor and on the lower floor is a small laboratory with a separate entrance on the hill. Instead of reaching up to the sky, the design extends outwards into the city to invite more people in."

Student: Gabriel Lee
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: archigabriellee[at]gmail.com

Resort by Moses Chiu

"Taking inspiration from camels walking in the desert, the design of the Resort is informed by the geometry of triangles.

"The project is located by the harbour, which gives visitors the best views of the city and has a low rise pyramid-like structure which optimises its structural effectiveness.

"The pyramid motif is replicated in different sizes across the open landscape, creating a mini-city of its own.

"The undulating roofline of this mini-city echoes the skyline of the city it resides beside."

Student: Moses Chiu
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: chiu.moses[at]gmail.com

Astronomy Tower by Marvin Wu

"In the Astronomy Tower the observatory is located high on top of a mountain, with the intention for people to be close to the sky so they can see and experience the dimensions of the universe.

"Visitors take a hiking route before they reach this facility. The form and structure is a dome with outriggers taking the shape of leaves. Visitors come to stargaze and can also use the development as a campsite.

"The area where scientific research is carried out is elevated, providing privacy and a quiet working environment."

Student: Marvin Wu
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: marvinwu369[at]gmail.com

Holiday Villas by Rochelle Ng

"Holiday Villas has a circular layout with extending acute triangular pyramids, inspired by the mountains. All villa entrances face the central courtyard, which functions as the common area of the development.

"Located in the mountains, the landscape also acts as a common area. The design was informed by the desire to return to nature, which is expressed through the unique architectural forms."

Student: Rochelle Ng
Course: Architectural Design Program 1.0
Email: rochelleng905[at]gmail.com

Partnership content 

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and My ArchiSchool. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.