Where paths converge, and cultures unite.

The Crossroads Courtyard is a modern courtyard housing development designed to meet the needs of migrant families, ethnic minorities, and promote cultural exchange. Located in Cardiff Bay on Porth Teigr, the project addresses the challenges faced by the ethnic Chinese population in Cardiff, aiming to create a new neighbourhood that fosters a sense of community and inclusivity. Inspired by diverse attitudes observed in her student accommodation, the creator of the Crossroads Courtyard project sought to design a contemporary housing concept that accommodates various cultures and encourages community engagement.

The project acknowledges the dispersion and discrimination experienced by Chinese migrants in Cardiff and aims to provide a designated neighbourhood for the Chinese population while welcoming residents from other cultural backgrounds. Situated in an area with historical significance for Chinese migrants, the site offers a low-density environment suitable for the project's vision. The existing commercial buildings and public transport stations provide convenience and accessibility to future residents, contributing to the overall appeal of the location. Drawing inspiration from the local context and the concept of Group Form, the Crossroads Courtyard incorporates brick cladding with pull-out or push-in elements on the elevation, merging modern aesthetics with the traditional Chinese courtyard house

The design adapts the traditional courtyard house to suit the Cardiff context by simplifying its mass and raising two-bedroom blocks, creating a visually striking three-dimensional configuration. The courtyard is designed to be shared by two families, accommodating the smaller household sizes prevalent in modern Chinese families. The project expands across the site, utilizing the former dry dock for regeneration into a social hub. Informal bridges made of concrete blocks and plants establish connections and simulate a small wetland, enhancing the community's visual appeal and ecological diversity. The Crossroads Courtyard project portfolio features comprehensive master plans, detailed unit plans, landscape strategies, and captivating views of the water street and shared courtyard. Additionally, the technical report explores important aspects such as daylighting, fire safety, accessibility, and thermal performance.

In conclusion, the Crossroads Courtyard project offers a modern housing development that addresses the specific needs of migrant families and ethnic minorities while fostering cultural exchange. By translating the traditional Chinese courtyard house to fit the Cardiff context and leveraging the site's historical significance and convenience, the project aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and cohesive neighbourhood that encourages communication, embraces diversity, and enhances the quality of life for its residents.