The core of characteristic b&b construction, wild fun, is to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Utilizing local materials is not only a key path to reducing ecological disturbance but also a crucial vehicle for shaping unique regional culture. By sourcing local materials, recycling them, and adapting them to ecological needs, characteristic b&b construction, wild fun, minimizes damage to the native environment while imbuing the architecture and landscape with a sense of natural growth. This design concept both inherits traditional ecological wisdom and explores the practical application of modern sustainable construction.
The selection of local materials must be based on the site's native resources to avoid the energy consumption and ecological damage associated with transporting building materials from outside. When implementing characteristic b&b construction, natural materials such as stone, wood, and bamboo, which are already within the site, are prioritized. For example, using exposed rock on site to construct retaining walls or landscape features, their rough texture blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Felled deadwood can be processed into path railings or seating, preserving the trees' original form while giving them new functional value. This "zero-transportation" construction method reduces carbon emissions at the source while also making the homestay an organic extension of the site's ecology.
Recycling waste materials is a key strategy for minimizing ecological impact in characteristic B&B construction. During the site renovation process, dismantled old bricks and tiles, discarded farm tools, and even broken pottery jars can be given a new lease of life through creative design. For example, old bricks and tiles can be collaged into a hollow feature wall, their mottled texture interweaving with light and shadow to create a unique visual language. Discarded farm tools like plows and stone mills can be transformed into decorative sculptures in the courtyard, preserving the memory of farming culture while avoiding the cold, industrial feel of industrial products. This practice of "turning waste into treasure" not only reduces construction waste but also allows the homestay to carry the historical and emotional value of the region.
The processing of local materials must adhere to the principle of "minimum intervention" to avoid excessive processing that would waste resources and damage the environment. When designing a B&B with a "wild fun" design, wood can retain its natural cracks and knots, requiring only preservative treatment for direct use. Stone can be left in its original, quarried cross-section, and staggered to create natural revetments or landscape walls. For example, using unplaned bamboo to construct pergolas, the natural undulations of its joints and the verdant hue of its skin create a more rustic charm than industrial metal or plastic. Rammed earth walls, made from local red soil mixed with straw, offer a warm hue and a rough texture that seamlessly blends with the surrounding farmland. This "rough" design language imbues the B&B with a natural aesthetic that's untamed.
The use of local materials should be adapted to the site's climatic characteristics to minimize the ecological cost of subsequent maintenance. In humid, rainy regions, locally abundant bamboo or fir can be used for roofs or awnings. Their excellent breathability prevents stifling heat and humidity. In arid, less rainy regions, thick rammed earth or stone walls can be used to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce reliance on mechanical equipment like air conditioning. For example, in B&Bs located in the Jiangnan water villages, roofs are clad with small green tiles. Their lightweight material and slightly curved shape both conform to traditional architectural styles and allow for effective drainage. In B&Bs located in the mountainous areas of the southwest, exterior walls are constructed with shale slabs, whose heavy texture and excellent thermal insulation properties keep the buildings warm in winter and cool in summer. This "locally adapted" material selection allows B&Bs to passively adapt to the climate rather than actively transform it.
In characteristic B&B construction, the use of local materials must also prioritize compatibility with the surrounding ecosystem. For example, in sites with abundant vegetation, wood or stone that matches the colors of the native flora can be chosen to avoid visual interference. Near bodies of water, materials that could pollute the water, such as untreated metal or chemical coatings, should be avoided. By mimicking natural material transitions, B&Bs can better integrate into the local ecological network, becoming habitats for birds, insects, and other creatures. This eco-friendly design makes B&Bs not just human residences but also integral parts of the natural ecosystem.
The practice of characteristic B&B construction wild fun demonstrates that the use of local materials is not merely a matter of technique but also of cultural expression. When the walls of the guesthouse are constructed from rammed earth from the site, when the roof tiles come from an old house at the village entrance, and when the courtyard landscape is embellished with abandoned farm tools, visitors can experience a spiritual resonance that transcends the material world—this is not a deliberately designed "attraction," but a "home" that has grown naturally from the earth. This fostering of cultural identity is the highest realm of characteristic B&B construction wild fun.
