Elegance Meets Resilience: a Modern Typhoon-Proof Home

Growing up in the Guangdong province of China, I vividly remember the frightening typhoons, heavy rain and howling winds that kept me awake at night and haunted my dreams. When I first encountered the Make It Resilient Contest 2024, it inspired me to pursue the idea of designing a typhoon and flood-proof home.

Combined with my passion for design and engineering, this is an amazing opportunity to apply my design and planning skills to tackle real-world problems with innovative designs like a true engineer. Thereby, I present to you the ideal, stylish, and modern typhoon-proof home where a family can live, play, and grow.

In this Instructable, I will walk you through my planning and thought process, followed by the designs and research that make my design the ideal typhoon-proof home. Finally, I will share some aspects of the overall 3D modeling process and the steps involved.

To meet the deadline of this contest, I was only able to create a detailed CAD of my diaster-resilient home and as well as gather key research due to my summer workload and how late I discovered this contest. Thus, I dedicated all my time to research and perfecting my design and CAD. Here are the main supplies I used for this project:

1. Google Docs, or other writing tools (Documenting researching, creating timelines, and organizing work)
2. Drawing supplies and paper (Brainstorming and visualizing ideas)
3. Fusion 360 (Visualizing final designs and exterior rendering)

The site of my project is Guangdong province in Southern China where it frequently experiences heavy rainstorms and typhoons originating from the South China Sea. Beyond its environmental challenges, Guangdong holds a special place in my heart as it is my childhood home, which adds meaningful personal connection and makes it the perfect location for this project.

The coastal areas of Guangdong are one of the hardest hit regions by such disasters and extreme weather. It is also among the most densely populated and economically developed regions in the province. It is estimated that Guangdong experiences an average of 5.3 typhoons making landfall or severely impacting the region each year, resulting in an average annual economic loss of RMB 15 billion. Just back in the spring of this year, I remember hearing from some of my family members living in Shenzhen, Guangdong who were impacted by a recent typhoon and flood.

Thus, there is a constant demand for resilient infrastructure, not only for ensuring public safety but also for mitigating substantial economic losses due to typhoon-related damages and repairs. Thus, I chose a coastal, semi-urban area near the Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) as the planned location for my single-home design. It is not in the middle of the city with high-rise buildings, but still vulnerable to stronger winds and floods. That said, the design is made to be universal and can be implemented in other areas prone to severe rainstorms, strong winds, and floods.

Sources:

https://chinawaterrisk.org/opinions/typhoons-and-storm-tides-risks-in-guangdong/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2022.839733/full

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/death-toll-guangdong-floods-china-jumps-38-state-media-reports-2024-06-21/

One crucial step in any engineering project is clearly defining the design objectives to create an effective design. Therefore, my next step was to develop a set of design elements and goals for myself to ensure my designs reflect the requirements of this contest. Here is a summary of my notes from my Google Doc.

The design must be realistic and achievable

This is a key objective because I strive to make a practical design that can be implemented so it can tackle real-world issues. In other words, I want to ensure that the materials used for the structures are appropriate and the structural designs aren't impossible or extremely difficult to build in real life. That means adequate research is required to back up my design in terms of its feasibility.

The design must incorporate typhoon-proof elements

This is also important because the structure's primary goal is to be typhoon-resilient. To achieve this, I used many real-world examples of resilient designs such as rounder walls and a flat roof with parapets to reduce uplift or pressure from strong winds. I will present this later in further detail.

The design must be detailed and include key components for any home

As stated above, I want to make the best possible CAD with my limited time so I can fully demonstrate my 3D modelling skills and knowledge since I am unable to make a physical prototype. Also, I want to make sure my CAD incorporates key components for homes such as heating, electrical and water systems.

The design includes elements that allow "inhabitants can work, play, and grow"

This is to ensure that the home not only serves as a refuge but also a long-term living space for inhabitants to call home. Homes are meant for people to find comfort, create memories, and truly appreciate living. To achieve this, I made sure to include space in my house for amenities, recreation and living space.

The design includes some traditional elements

I thought this was a nice addition to make my design more unique and pleasing, given its location in China. I think it adds to the requirement of allowing inhabitants to work, play and grow as it reflects the surrounding environment and traditions. One of the key things I included in my house is an indoor green space that connects both floors to the roof. This allows plenty of natural sunlight in and adds the element of nature which not only reflects Asian culture but also embraces the subtropical environment.

The design must be pleasing to the eye

This is to enhance the quality of life. After all, the resilient structure is meant to be a home, and making it pleasing to the eye only enhances the comfort and enjoyment of the inhabitants inside. Although this could be a subjective value, I went with a modern design for its clean lines and simplicity, integration with nature, and utilization of natural light. I think these elements create a sleek design and offer lots of room for customization for homeowners due to its minimalistic design. Also, it features many sustainable designs such as green roofing which I will be incorporating into my design.

The design aligns with the concept of sustainability

I chose to include this because of the rising issue of climate change. It is important to use sustainable designs to reduce the consumption of natural resources and ensure long-term viability for future generations. They also promote healthier living environments which enhance the well-being of inhabitants.

In order to achieve a modern look, I first did some research and looked at some modern houses for inspiration. For example, I looked at the overall design and usage of shapes, colour and material palettes for exterior design, Asian home elements, etc. I documented these in my Google Doc so I can also refer back to them when I am designing, I have listed some of them below.

Minimalist Aesthetic: Emphasize clean lines, open spaces, and simplicity

Natural Materials and Accents: Incorporate materials like wood, bamboo, and stone to evoke a sense of harmony with nature

Natural Light and Ventilation: Maximize natural light and ventilation with large windows, and skylights

Contrast and Balance of Colors: Use white or off-white as a balancing colour to create contrast and make the design stand out, can be done with neutral palettes

Flat or Low-Pitched Roof: A flat roof or a low-pitched roof with wide eaves

Garden Design: A traditional Chinese architectural element that reflects balance and harmony with nature; it may feature rocks, water, and plants to create a tranquil environment for overall aesthetic appeal.

Sources:

https://www.dclarkearchitect.com/post/modern-asian-waterfront-homes

https://www.busyboo.com/2018/07/04/modern-chinese-home-design/

https://www.architecturecourses.org/learn/traditional-elements-chinese-architecture#:~:text=In%20traditional%20Chinese%20architecture%2C%20key,nature%20and%20balance%20in%20design.

The foundations for supporting the elevated home primarily consist of tall composite concrete beams. The composite concrete beams consist of a steel section encased by reinforced concrete. This design is typically found in high-rise buildings where it provides a strong and stable foundation. This is the ideal design element to utilize for the foundations of this house as it is used to lift the main floor above a storey high, significantly reducing the risk of water damage. This design is known as concrete piers and beams foundation.

Also, the basement structure as well as the stone wall serves as additional structural support that holds up the home and the deck. Since these structures are directly connected to the ground floor, their foundation is slightly different as it utilizes a concrete slab foundation.

Typhoon Resilient and Sustainable Designs:

Since typhoons and heavy rainstorms could last up to days, a material that can resist moisture and erosion from water (especially salt water since the coastal location) is crucial. However, conventional composite concrete can be easily damaged from salt water and can even rust due to the steel inside. Thus, special watertight concrete with proper cover, sealers, and coatings is necessary. For example, stainless steel rebars and beams prevent internal rusting and specialized coatings against erosion from water uptake and salt. Although costly, it ensures the structural integrity of the beams and allows them to withstand prolonged exposure to water.

The composite concrete extends underground to provide a stable footing. Additional waterproof membranes are added along its faces to prevent water damage in the underground portion of the concrete columns. Also, there is a drainage pipe underneath the ground shown in the drawing above that removes excess moisture in the ground.

Similarly for the concrete slab foundations, waterproofing membranes and other waterproofing coats are necessary to reduce the risk of water damage. Especially for the basement, special interior waterproofing by applying a coat of resin or interior sealants is key to preventing minor water seepage.

Sources:

https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/flood-resistant-raised-slab-foundations

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143974X18308307

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3780548#:~:text=These%20columns%20are%20widely%20used,columns%20are%20the%20construction%20difficulties.

https://www.dcpu1.com/blog/how-to-protect-concrete-from-salt-damage/

https://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-to/repair/how-do-you-prevent-corrosion_o

https://www.resisto.ca/en/guide/foundation-waterproofing-below-grade-walls/

https://www.eppconcrete.com/what-is-a-slab-foundation/

https://www.foundationrecoverysystems.com/glossary/foundation-repair/slab-foundations/

https://www.angi.com/articles/foundation-waterproofing.htm

The ground floor features a patio/recreational area with some plants, a couch and a table tennis table. The plants incorporated the element of nature while couches and lounge chairs provide comfort where one can unwind and enjoy the outdoor setting. It is a very open area that is well-lit even at night with the addition of some LED lighting. It can also be transformed into an area for exercise with the addition of some gym equipment. However, it is wise to not put too much furniture to prevent damage and losses during stormy seasons.

Additionally, the ground floor also features a green pavement driveway as well as an undercover parking area. This not only enhances the aesthetics but introduces green designs.

Typhoon Resilient and Sustainable Designs:

The floor is made from ceramic tiles which are specifically water-resilient and add well to the modern aesthetics with their white and shiny properties.

The driveway features an eco-friendly design with green pavers. These special are designed to be permeable, allowing water to pass through them and infiltrate the ground below, which helps to reduce stormwater runoff and replenish groundwater. They are also low-cost and can be produced from recycled materials that reduce carbon footprint. Finally, it also adds to the natural aesthetic enhancing the overall pleasingness of the house design.

Sources:

https://www.hesslerfloors.com/blog/articles/the-best-flooring-choices-for-flood-prone-areas

https://www.diverseflooring.ca/blog/articles/the-best-floors-for-a-flood-prone-basement

https://www.nitterhousemasonry.com/blog/the-environmental-benefits-of-permeable-pavers/

The basement, located on the ground level, connects directly to the main floor via a ladder and has an additional entry point through a water-tight door for flood protection. Similarly, its flooring is also tiled with ceramic for its water-proof qualities. The design of the water-tight door is crucial in ensuring that the basement doesn't flood, despite its ground-level position. The basement houses many important systems of the house such as the rainwater harvesting system and electrical system. The rainwater harvesting system will be further explained in Step 12.

For the electrical system, power is supplied to the house via an underground electrical cable connecting to the grid. This setup is common in the area due to the frequent occurrence of typhoons and heavy rain. Connecting the house to the grid with conventional overhead powerlines is impractical since they can be damaged during typhoons and ensuring the house has access to power is critical. The power cable is then linked to a meter and an electrical circuit breaker panel that distributes electricity to various appliances and devices.

Typhoon Resilient and Sustainable Designs:

Initially, I designed the panel and the meter to be in the basement. However, after some thought, I thought that this was risky just in case the basement did happen to flood. During disasters receiving electricity is crucial for safety, communication and supporting vital systems such as heating. So, I moved up the meter and panel to the main floors where they can be easily accessed and less at risk of being flooded.

The wires themselves are coated and wrapped around waterproof materials such as nylon-coated thermoplastic with high heat resistance. Additionally, they are housed within metal pipes that are secured to the ground and the roof with additional waterproof sealant around the entry points where the pipe penetrates the floor. Lastly, the insides of the pipe feature a gasket that further prevents the water level from rising to the main floor in case of any leaks.

Sources:

https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/electrical-panel-circuit-breakers.html

https://www.midamericanenergy.com/electric-service-connection

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-electrical-wires-and-cables/9ba683603be9fa5395fab909fc2be22

https://www.barnwell.co.uk/what-is-a-gasket/#:~:text=A%20Gasket%20is%20an%20elastomeric,purposes%20due%20to%20its%20functionality.

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-waterproof-electrical-cable#:~:text=You%20have%20three%20sealing%20methods,use%20adhesive%2Dlined%20shrink%20tubing.

This is the main floor of my typhoon-resilient home. The sun deck is perfect for enjoying the stunning coastal views of Macao and uses wooden flooring to bring out the natural accents in the design. Stainless steel railings also encase the sun deck. The design used was from this YouTube tutorial where I learned more about Fusion 360's tools such as utilizing the 'Change Parameters' tool that allowed me to make the design personalized for my own.

The main structure of the deck is reinforced by steel beams that are also used to secure the rest of the house on top. As shown, the deck consist of two layers, a top layer and a bottom layer.

There is also a concrete staircase that connects the main floor with the ground floor. The concrete is waterproof and is durable in windy conditions.

Typhoon Resilient and Sustainable Designs:

The deck along with the house is elevated above the ground surface, preventing the main floor of the home from being flooded during heavy rains or typhoons. The deck is designed to be over a story tall (around 16ft) which can protect the home from most floods

A unique design that I implemented was making the top layer hollow inside with a drainage system. The wooden boards sit on top and excess water that isn't absorbed by the wooden deck leaks through and gets redirected to the drainage pipe from the roof to the basement where it is filtered and stored. The entrance of the pipe is protected by guards similar to gutter guards that prevent large debris from entering. This is part of the rainwater collection system and prevents excess water during typhoons from building up on the main floor.

Sources:

https://www.jlconline.com/deck-builder/under-deck-drainage-roundup_o

https://trexrainescape.com/

In the initial design phase of the main floor, I initially opted for sharper angles in the house's walls to achieve a modern aesthetic. However, I ultimately chose to prioritize rounded edges to enhance the home's resilience against strong winds.

One of the important things I made sure to add was lots of large window panels. This maximizes natural light and modernizes the house's exterior and interior.

When I was in the design process, I really wanted to add something like a rock garden to add more Asian-inspired elements and nature to the home. So, I designed it to include a natural, indoor green space. Not only does it add more greenery and earthy elements, but it also creates a tranquil space for inhabitants to enjoy a section of nature even inside their houses. It also has benefits in improving the air quality inside the room and the well-being of inhabitants.

I included a small vent behind the kitchen walls as a thoughtful addition to ensure ventilation and expel cooking smoke. This also made my model more detailed and interesting.

Typhoon Resilient and Sustainable Designs:

During typhoons and floods, it is essential to make sure that vital house systems are raised above the water level. For this reason, the boilers are situated on this floor instead of the ground floor so that they can continue to provide hot water and heat during harsh conditions, ensuring the well-being of the inhabitants. The boiler is located in the stone structure of the house where pipes connect it directly to the exhaust and ventilation vents above.

To make the home resilient to strong winds and moisture during typhoons, the edges of the house are mostly rounded but still include some sharp edges to add a modern touch. This is a key element in typhoon-proof homes because rounder designs allow better distribution of pressure from high winds. Compared to large flat walls, rounder walls prevent pressure build-up from typhoons to cause structural damages.

The materials for the walls themselves are also fit for strong winds and moisture. Some of these include stone and the walls themselves consist of different layers for structural integrity and reducing heat loss. The windows also need to be impact-resistant in case of flying debris. Because of their large size, they have large frames as well to secure them to the walls.

Sources:

https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/deltecs-hurricane-proof-homes-weather-the-storm_o

https://deltechomes.com/hurricane/

https://allurausa.com/blog/weather-resistant-building-materials

https://www.profabricsupply.com/products/exterior-waterproofing-membrane#:~:text=Speaking%20of%20waterproofing%2C%20some%20of,or%20for%20the%20same%20use.

https://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/windows/

On the second floor, there is a bathroom, storage, a master open bedroom, workspace and a washer and dryer combo. These are all important elements for quality of life. I tried to add as much detail to the interior as possible, but due to my time constraints, I could only model the basic shapes and add simple textures.

Like the ground floor, I incorporated numerous windows to maximize natural light throughout the day and showcase stunning ocean views of Macao. They are impact-resistant as well and are double-layered with some air sandwiched between for reduced heat transfer.

Again, one of my favourite elements is the indoor garden which is visible on the second floor as well with the addition of a glass wall. A wooden desk is positioned against this glass wall, offering inhabitants a tranquil and visually pleasing natural backdrop for prolonged work sessions.

My design only incorporates a single bedroom, making it a fairly small home that still includes plenty of living space and areas for recreation. The open bedroom features a king-sized bed which are accompanied by cabinets and closets for storage.

There is also room for essential features of the home such as the washing and drying machines. They are housed in the vertical stone strcture, which also houses the heater below. This allows for direct connection of hot water for the laundry machines.

The roof design of my typhoon-resilient home is a flat roof with parapets. Although it is not fully textured in the 3D model, it is meant to be a green roof with small pebbles and vegetation. This design choice integrates modern, stylish, and natural elements while also serving as part of the typhoon-resilient protection system.

The roof includes a small, flat glass dome directly above the indoor garden. This feature serves multiple purposes: preventing water from entering the home and allowing direct sunlight to nourish both plants and inhabitants. The dome is designed with aerodynamics in mind to prevent water accumulation and ensure smooth airflow around it during windy conditions.

Typhoon Resilient and Sustainable Designs:

During typhoons, wind speeds can reach up to 200 kph or 125 mph, as seen during Typhoon Saola's impact on Macao in 2023. To reduce these extreme forces, configuration of the flat roof with parapets helps to reduce uplift forces caused by high winds, which pose significant threats to structures by potentially lifting and ripping apart entire roofs. Additionally, the parapets prevent roof edges from weathering and deterioration, enhancing the overall resilience of the roof against severe weather conditions.

The roof will also require strong supports and connection joints to the house structure. They will have to be longer for a more connection points with the walls and made from steel for extra structural integrity. The roof itself will also need to be supported with materials that can withstand heavy loads and pressure. Thereofre, metal roofing is necessary because they re more impact-resistant and can withstand higher windspeeds making the home secure during typhoons. However, due to the presence of water, rusting could occur which is why they need to be coated with rust-protection paint or coatings, such as galanized metal coated with a protective layer of zinc.

The green roofing on top is a part of the rainwater collection system. Firstly, the soil and pebbles with a layer of filter plate beneath filter out large debris. It acts like a natural filter and water absorbant which adds a layer of protection against water accumulation. Beneath these layers, gutters are strategically placed to collect rainwater as shown in the diagram above and direct it down a central drainage pipe downstairs to the basement for storage.

Sources:

https://www.iko.com/comm/blog/guide-to-commercial-green-roofs/

https://www.decoist.com/eco-friendly-homes-green-roof/

https://basc.pnnl.gov/images/during-high-wind-events-sloped-roofs-and-flat-roofs-experience-higher-uplift-forces-flat

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/typhoon-saola-makes-landfall-guangdong-after-slamming-hong-kong-macau-2023-09-02/

https://www.interlockroofing.com/kb/how-much-wind-can-a-metal-roof-withstand/#:~:text=Metal%20roofing%20is%20incredibly%20durable,efficient%20option%20for%20your%20home.

https://www.advaluminum.com/blog/expect-metal-roofs-high-winds/

https://www.amsisupply.com/how-to-avoid-rust-on-a-metal-roof/#:~:text=One%20excellent%20way%20to%20prevent,the%20roof%20before%20applying%20coating.

https://sterlingroofinggroup.com/a-guide-to-metal-roofs-for-residential-homes/

The rainwater harvesting system was designed to aim at conserving water and promoting sustainability. Rainwater is a renewable resource and utilizing this accessible resource, especially in rainy areas, can be a great way to reduce reliance on municipal supplies and save homeowners money.

To ensure the safety of inhabitants, this water supply shouldn't be used for direct consumption unless in severe cases where access to clean water is impossible. Still, the harvested water can be used for toilet flushing, irrigation, cleaning, fire suppression, etc. That said, the harvested rainwater is still treated through a filtering system.

Additionally, harvesting rainwater prevents water accumulation on the roof and deck of the house which can add external weight to the structure and cause erosion or other moisture-related damages. This is also an additional layer of protection against heavy rain during typhoons.

Here is a detailed outline of the rainwater harvesting system:

• Rainwater is filtered through the green roof and a filter plate beneath and directed through a drainage pipe

• Any leakages of water from the deck are also directed down the same drainage pipe to be treated in the basement

• Inside the basement, the water first goes through a filtering system featuring granular activated carbon (GAC) that is known to remove odours, tastes, heavy metals, and other contaminants

• After the water is filtered and mostly purified, it is stored in the water tank which is also connected to a pump that directs harvested rainwater for home use.

In the case of overflow, excess water can be directed downward from the water tank through a special gate-controlled overflow pipe. This can either lead to nearby bodies of water or connected to storm drains directly if possible. The feasibility could vary given the location but in Macao, there are special stormwater sewage systems design for removing excess water. However, connecting it to the municipality-controlled system is likely challenged by policies or expensive fees.

Sources:

https://www.treehugger.com/beginners-guide-to-rainwater-harvesting-5089884

https://www.premiertechaqua.com/en-gb/rainwater/what-can-harvested-rainwater-be-used-for#:~:text=Other%20uses%20of%20harvested%20rainwater,additional%20filtration%20may%20be%20required

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Frainharvesting.co.uk%2Fportfolio%2F03-overflow-traps%2F&psig=AOvVaw2LB5wCnUB-x_YFHCpmleUW&ust=1721107567661000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjhxqFwoTCOC_wMmnqIcDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI

https://www.web.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/topics/gac.html#:~:text=A%20filter%20with%20granular%20activated,rotten%20eggs%20odor)%20or%20chlorine.

https://www.dspa.gov.mo/StateReportHTML/2012-2013/pdf/en/03.pdf

The way I did it was a bit odd for the very least. For the individual floors, I first created a sketch of the floor plan and extruded the general shape. Then. I used a split tool to cut up the house into two floors, where I then created a sketch of the walls and then extruded the floor downwards. After that, I would start detailing each floor by adding furniture and other details.

For the deck, I created a sketch on the bottom face of the house and then extruded it for the first layer. Then, I added the additional concrete beams, basement, and other details found on the ground floor afterwards.

Frankly, I forgot why I did this, I think I was just playing around with the design and then stuck with it. If I were to model this again, I would first model the first floor only by extruding the walls, and then adding a ceiling before creating another sketch of the floorplan for the 2nd floor and extruding that. This would have been so much better because I ran into some problems later on with the method I used.

I enjoyed making the windows because it made the house come to life. I experimented with a variety of window designs by looking up modern houses on the internet. Most of them have large glass panels which is reflected in my design as well.

To make them, I first created a sketch on the walls and drew out the panels and the frame. Then, I first extruded the pannels backwards to cut a hole in the wall. After that, I extruded the frame a bit forward and went back and extruded the panels a second time. This time, I set the operation to a new body which made a 3D glass panel. Finally, I assigned the glass panel a transparent appearance to make them like real glass.

The curved glass found next to the door was the most difficult to model. I had to first construct a tangent plane along the curved wall and then create a sketch. When I extruded the window panel and frame, I also had to change the 'Start' option from 'Profile Plane' to 'Object'.

For the glass dome on the roof, I created a side sketch of the dome and then used that profile with the 'Revolve' tool to make it 3D. However, to make the sketch of the slide profile, I needed the plane the sketch was made on to be perpendicular to the center of the circular opening on the roof. To do this, I used a function called 3D sketch where I created a flat sketch of the face of the roof, projected the circular opening and drew a center line on the circle. Then, using the 3D sketch option, I made a vertical face so I could create a new sketch on it.

The key tool that was the most helpful when I was making the stairs and railings were the 'Rectangular Pattern'. Using this, I only need to make 1 set of handles, railing stands, balusters, stair steps, etc. and then use the rectangular pattern to duplicate it across an axis. It made things so much easier and as well as satisfying. I also used this feature for the lights and concrete columns on the ground floor as well.

I had a bit of challenge with the raillings, especially at the connection points between corners. I should have just modeled the entire railing around the deck. Instead, I made copies of indiviual components like the stands, raillings, etc. and just merged them together by moving them. I wanted to redo them but just making what I have already took a long time, and I was afriad I couldn't finish on time.

Either way, I think it still turned out fine. I really like the design of the railing because it really matches nicely with the modern design I was aiming for.

Some of the extra details that I added were the plant, couch, ping-pong table, outdoor lounge chair, etc. These were design elements that I thought would make my CAD stand out and look more detailed. And for some of these, I got to use some special tools and functions that I haven't used in a while like the spline tool and 'Create Form'.

For the outdoor lounge chair, I used the spline tool to create the curves for the chair and arm seats. Then, I used the offset tool to add some thickness. Finally, I enclosed and the shape by adding some lines to connect the original spline with its offset. Then, I just have to extrude it to add some depth.

Modelling the couch was fun as well. For the couch cushions, the 'Create Form' tool inserted a mesh where you can easily adjust the roundness of the shape. It reminded me of working with meshes when I first learned Blender and adjusting the number of loopcuts helped define the roundness of the couch cushions. Finally, I textured it to have a fabric appearance to achieve an authentic look.

For most of these additional details, I added them at the very back. When I build my models, the general method I use is starting with the general shape and then going further into detail. This could be done by extra extrudes or cuts, fillets, etc. However, for some of the components like the lounge chair, It was easier to make the sketch and then the object on the side, then scale it and move it onto the desired place. This is just because it was more of a decoration and add-on.

This is also one of my favourite processes during the CAD. This made my design look like an actual modern and stylish home. To add the different textures, colours and materials for my design, I used the appearance library in Fusion. Some of them needed extra work such as when I added the wood texture for the deck. I had to right-click the wood appearance and edit the scale for it so the deck isn't just made out of 2 giant wooden boards. For many of the other materials, I also had to tinker with the scale, colour, roughness and reflectance of the materials to make them to realistic.

Also, some materials like the leaves and green pavement weren't in the fusion library. So I had to add them myself, but I used a bit of a cheat to simplify the process. I first found a suitable base material and clicked edit -> advanced. From here, I uploaded a custom image for the material that I wanted. For example, I used a green leather base material and changed the image with a seamless leaves texture I found online.

I did the same with the green pavement and this worked for the most part although there were some slight issues with the UV mapping.

Also, it this probably the most frustrating part because I made the mistake of adding textures too early. I really wanted to see what my design would look like before I finished it completely. Then, when I added new components to my design, many of the textures got messed up or glitched so I had to redo them completely at the end.

Looking back, I am glad I took up the challenge and submitted a design. Designing a modern house has always been an interest of mine, and this contest provided the perfect opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, I only had a little over a week to complete it since I recently discovered this opportunity. Overall, I spent at least 25 hours finishing everything, including writing this Instructable. Nevertheless, this project was an extremely fun experience, making it a memorable way to spend my summer. It was a great chance to exercise and improve my CAD skills. If I were to do this again, I would definitely attempt to build a physical prototype as well.

Some of the challenges that I encountered were organizing my work on Fusion, adding textures, and writing an Instructable. I should have organized each body into separate components so it was easier to add details later on, but I was afraid of running out of time so I skipped this which made my work later on very difficult. I think this project serves as a reminder for me to practice proper organization even if it takes more time at the start. Also, I had some difficulties with adding appearance to everything, a part is because I didn't organize all the parts properly. I also made the mistake of adding textures too early which all got glitched and messed up when I added more details later on. Finally, I severely underestimated the time it took to compile and present all my work for this Instrctuable. It was time-consuming to take screenshots of different angles of my design and upload all the visuals. Luckily, I intentionally planned to leave a day behind in case of unforeseen circumstances.

As for the design goals that I set for myself at the beginning, I believe my design reflects both modern aesthetics and typhoon-resistant features very well. It also includes natural elements that reflect Chinese architecture and values. It also incorporates a lot of natural greenery that embraces the coastal environment of Macao. Additionally, I think I used my time well in perfecting my CAD given my constraints, and I am happy with how my final product turned out.

This is my first time doing a big project for Instructables and I hope you guys enjoyed my project as much as I did.