A poetic brick lattice building greets travellers on the Dichen Valley mountain range. This 600-square-metre structure contains offices and living quarters for the workers who will maintain the route’s planned viewing and resting platforms. The open-weave facade pays tribute to Chinese craftsmanship, and interior screens in local bamboo continue the expansive yet private feel. lixiaodong.net

Ecohawks Research Facility
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Studio: Studio 804, University of Kansas
Team: Dan Rockhill with Hayder Alsaad, Max Anderson, Melanie Arthur, Liz Avenius, Ryan Berry, Matthew Bethel, Ashlee Burleson, Mark Hageman, Hunter Hanahan, Kelli Hawkins, Hannah Hindman, Owen Huisenga, Mike Kelly, Rachel Mattes, Kate Medin, Mandy Moore, Matt Patterson, Ryan Shults, Bryan Stockton and Mark Zeitler

Every year, Dan Rockhill’s Studio 804 at the University of Kansas gives graduate students in architecture invaluable experience by challenging them to build one sustainable project from the ground up. Most recently, the studio worked with EcoHawks, a student-run group that researches electric vehicles, biofuels, wind turbine technology and more, to build a new LEED Platinum facility. The 250-square-metre building incorporates three volumes – two fabrication areas and one open-air space – behind a recycled-aluminum woven skin and translucent shading system. The latter’s insulated, aerogel-filled panels keep the building cool, while solar panels and a water retention system round out the environmental features. studio804.com

Assiniboine Park Washrooms
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Firm: Peter Sampson Architecture Studio, Winnipeg
Architect: Peter Sampson

Wrapped in milled cedar and fronted in mirrored glass, the three shipping containers that form these attractive public washrooms have completely shed their humble beginnings. The architects sourced the containers in Winnipeg, where the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways abandon a number of them each year, then they prefabricated the units in a warehouse. The 12-metre modules contain women’s, men’s and barrier-free facilities, each marked by a different colour. The mirrored exterior reflects the surrounding trees and nature – playing up the notion of relieving oneself in the bushes, while presenting the park with an image of itself. psastudio.ca