The design began with names of the house owners, whom both shared a common animal – swallow. This led to the discovery of a Chinese poem which sings the pattern of swallows returning to her nests after a long journey. The sentiment of one approaching House S would be one leaving or returning home – as if the structure is taking off or just landing. Akin to a pair of swallow’s tails, the design started with a series of mappings of the tails’ movement in a flight, following with diagrammatic symbolizing the tail triangular shape. The end result, combining with unique site qualities and passive cooling ideas, is an open and welcoming home to all who loves her.

