Built to Last—or Change? The Case for Dry Construction in Humid Cities

In certain parts of the world, construction is still dominated by wet systems—concrete, masonry, and cementitious materials that are poured, cured, and fixed in place. While this has long been considered the norm in some south-east Asia countries, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and China, in most of these regions, they typically share a common trend where labor is relatively inexpensive. This serves as one of the reasons to make concrete more easily available, as one of the typical downside of concrete is its intensive labour cost - this further differentiates concrete as a cheaper and more efficient material system to be building out of.

ASU Restaurant / Brock Carmichael Asia

Nestled within the lush Labrador Nature Reserve in Singapore, ASU is a fine dining destination housed in a conserved black-and-white colonial bungalow. The project draws from the building's early 20th-century origins, reinterpreting its historic fabric through a restrained yet immersive spatial experience. The key inspiration was to craft a monastic retreat, quiet, theatrical, and contemplative, while honouring the architectural legacy of the site.

TiTi’s House / NAQI & Partners

TiTi's House: A Cozy Sanctuary for a Young Family – Amidst the bustling life of District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, TiTi's House is a serene retreat for a young family of five—a couple and their three children. Though the home occupies only 50m², it does not compromise privacy or comfort within its narrow, urban footprint. Designed to provide individual space for each member while maintaining a sense of togetherness, the house fosters an environment where love and respect are deeply felt through every corner.

AITASHOP Beijing / Yatofu Creatives

Yatofu Creatives has unveiled its latest project — a visionary flagship space for AITASHOP, a premium cycling brand with over a decade of influence in the high-end bicycle industry. Located in the culturally rich 751 D·PARK in Beijing, the new space is a compelling fusion of industrial heritage and modern cycling culture, brought to life through Yatofu's concept for the flagship, titled "The Future Ruin." This flagship is not merely a retail environment, but a multifunctional experience center that reflects AITASHOP's deep-rooted dedication to craftsmanship, outdoor living, and community engagement. Yatofu's design approach draws inspiration from the raw, historical fabric of the site — once the state-run 751 Chemical Plant, a monumental industrial project dating back to China's First Five-Year Plan in 1954.

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