Crops are planted on the roofs of these houses in China's Sichuan Province, which were designed by Rural Urban Framework as a possible solution for accommodating people affected by natural disasters.
Jintai Village is located near Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, which was one of the areas worst affected by the devastating Wenchuan Earthquake of 2008. The area also suffered floods and landslides in 2011, which destroyed many of the rebuilt homes.

With support from the local government and NGOs, Rural Urban Framework developed an architectural solution that provides appropriate accommodation for people who suddenly find themselves homeless following such destructive events.
The non-for-profit research and design studio ? led by John Lin and Joshua Bolchover and based at The University of Hong Kong ? came up with a socially and environmentally sustainable proposal that addresses the unique needs of various users.
"The design strategy provides four different types of houses, differing in size, function and their roof sections," the architects explained.
"These demonstrate new uses of local materials, a green stepped-roof, biogas technologies, and accommodation for pigs and chickens."

The project comprises 22 houses, as well as a community centre with its own rooftop garden. The houses are packed tightly together on the site to maximise the available space and create a similar feel to that of some inner-city neighbourhoods.
The overall approach promotes...