Portfolio
Proposed Design
Cedric Ho | Master of Architecture
RSL + Research centre + Residential
University of Sydney
Email: Phone:
hochenghou0607@gmail.com 0421706666
International House
POSTSCRIPT
INTERNAL RENDERING IMAGE
96 CITY ROAD, SYDNEY NSW 2008
Master year 1 term 1 | 2023 Group Project
As we look back on this experience, we are humbled by the numerous difficulties and insightful insights that came along with the redesign of the International House. The challenge of limited sunlight and the complexities of adaptive reuse, which started as a design issue, evolved into an engaging project that pushed us to stretch our creative limits.
The labor-intensive process of developing rendered models was one of this project’s most significant features. The three-dimensional models we created from the design concepts let us see our ideas more clearly and highlighted subtle design details that could have gone unnoticed otherwise. In addition to exact attention to detail, this procedure needed a thorough understanding of diverse materials, light patterns, and spatial concerns. Our learning experience was greatly enhanced by the investigation of various rendering methods and materials, the play of light and shadow, and the representation of architectural features.
Another important turning point in this design studio was the creation and expression of plans and sections. It was a difficult task that forced us to use our spatial reasoning skills and look at the building’s design from numerous angles. We gained an understanding of how crucial it is to strike a balance between form and function, as well as how every design choice—from where to put rooms to whether to include lightwells—can have a big impact on how appealing and usable a structure is in its whole.
Additionally, the project’s adaptive reuse component taught us about sustainable design concepts and how to respect and respond to the “Country,” the history of the land, and the existing structures while implementing careful and modern design changes. Seeing the seamless fusion of the old and the modern in our design and watching a building take shape that not only honours the past but also looks ahead to the future was a truly transforming experience.
| Render of Unit looking at courtyard / Render of courtyard
Here is a wild card render of what fun things could be done in the newly renovated International House. Enjoy!
The University of Sydney’s International House is reimagined in a design proposal that accommodates 360 international students while honoring its rich history and founding principles aimed at fostering mutual respect among diverse groups. The renovation preserves the existing building’s grid and structural arrangement, integrating Aboriginal concepts of interconnectedness with the land. The design maintains essential components like
render shows the way of living in the twin rooms. The fabric in the balcony operates as dividers providing a sense of privacy without limiting access to sunlight. Students can overlook the courtyard from the balconies of their rooms, engaging in activities held in the courtyard without having to leave their personal areas.
the rotunda, transforming it into a study space filled with natural light. The 8-storey dormitory features ensuite rooms, with the upper levels introducing a hybrid steel structure. The new wing complements the old, maximizing natural light through innovative twin-room designs and communal amenities, fostering student engagement. Two glass atriums serve as vibrant gathering places, promoting social interaction. This proposal seeks to create a sustainable,
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historically-aware living space that adapts to modern needs while honoring the International House’s principles and the concept of “Country.”
Renders
Plans | Site Plan / Typical floor plan
The International House is situated at the University of Sydney. The Wilkinson Building, which is nearby and blocks the majority of the sunlight, and the design problem of adaptive reuse must be solved. Therefore light wells fitted with landscape are designed to tackle the site problem. The rear of the building is also redesigned to be more open and spacious.
TYPICAL PLAN I
1:500 @A2
Adjusted to fit A3 format
This typical plan of the first to eighth floors shows the key structural grid of both buildings. The dormitory building plan is informed by the retained concrete columns. The new wing’s plan echoes the dromitory building to the North and take advatage of steel beam to house large communal rooms. Units in the new wing consists of twin rooms with communal bathrooms and kitchens. Units in the old dormitories are ensuites. Both buidlings unitilises the balconies to maximise sunlight and air ventilation.
1:200 @A2
Adjusted
MODEL IMAGE
Models | 1:200 Model Front view /Rear view
The 1:200 model shows the articulation and fusion of the idea of adaptive reuse of the old dormitory building (near the rotunda) and the new wing, with the façade and balconies mimicking each other with a similar grid. The new wing is designed to be taller than the adjacent Wilkinson building, such that it could receive afternoon sunlight. An extension is added on top of the old building as an
ground floor plan adds lightness to the whole building.
MODEL IMAGES III
The interior of the twin room in the new wing is depicted in this 1:20 image of the physical model. The twin room in the new building contains built-in furniture, opaque glass, and cork that act as barriers to give residents a high degree of solitude despite sharing a space. The curtains have two layers—one that is translucent and the other that is opaque—so that students can select which to use depending on the time of day.
Models | 1:50 Interior model Plan | Unit Plan
This shows the top floor en-suite unit of the old wing. Drawing inspiration from the dormitory designs of Louis Kahn’s Indian Institute of Management, we incorporated generous balconies into our unit plans. Balconies offer students an expanded personal space for relaxation, study, or socialization in an outdoor setting. This plan also showed the incorporation of adaptive reuse strategy with the new steel beam structure. A fusion between the old and new.
Render | Render of ground floor common area
The view from the cafe to the courtyard is depicted in the render. The project envisions connecting the public with residents of International House in hopes of promoting a sense of community. Students and visitors can hang out together and enjoy their school life in the open cafe and courtyard while overlooking the courtyard designed with sports amenities and landscape features.
The axonometric drawing shows the 6th and 7th floor of the old building, where the steel structure above meets the original old building built with concrete and brick. The unit layout stays consistent with the balcony design, while the facade is treated differently due to differences in material use. The steel beam structure above uses polycarbonate panels supported by timber substructure, while the original bricks are retained below.
Drawings | Facade Axonometric Drawing Drawings | Facade Details
Future of Towns
The proposed building for Lewis Street, Cobar, aims to revitalize the community by integrating residential housing, a modern RSL facility, and an underground research center. This design responds to the changing dynamics of rural areas, fostering social capital by attracting skilled professionals to Cobar, particularly through the innovative research center focused on
Proposed Design
sustainable mining practices. The underground facility also features a sunken experimental garden for testing vegetation in hot, arid conditions, designed as a public attraction with a café.
RSL + Research centre + Residential
The design principles emphasize cultural integration and environmental sustainability. A water-sensitive design
captures rainwater for storage, while passive ventilation and insulation enhance thermal performance. The use of local materials and a Vierendeel Truss construction system supports durability and aesthetic appeal. Overall, the project promotes accessibility to housing, improves quality of life, and embodies a progressive vision for Cobar’s future.
1 history and country
principle aims to compliment the culture of Cobar. It aims using local materials, an design that represents have compliments to the traditional owners of the would by having an education and program within the site. This motivated decision to give light to experience of what life is like in the in particular Cobar.
proposal aims to uplift the Cobar and help local businesses by reason for visitors to come
architecture and landscape aims to and the Aboriginal people
architecture style and with compliments of future prosperity.
principle links with Principle 3 and 5.
Principle 2
Water sensitive
design and emergency water storage
This principle strategy aims rethink design and construction in Cobar which would help the buildings belong there.
This principle aims to explore trench design which will go under the building/s which would be used for ventilation and excess water storage. This will also help for ventilation during hot climates to allow air to have a passive airflow system which would be supported by the water to make the air colder when it goes through the building.
This section links with Principle 4.
Principle 3
Research / Workstation
"This principle aims to bring people from different towns by creating an education and research centre. This strategy proposes a research centre that provides an opportunity for scientific discovery and technological advancements in the mining industry. The research centre would bring experts from around the country and around the world to come to Cobar. This would benefit the town as it would bring more people in allowing the opportunity to put Cobar on the map. The site can also facilitate people of non-expertise to come to the centre and discover the history and effects of mining. As part of the experience, the visitors can use the slag rocks from the old mines to build a wall in the site as a memorial.
This provides a future of mining and architecture in mining towns.
This principle links with Principle 1 and 5.
Principle 1
Culture, history and country
This principle aims to compliment the history and culture of Cobar. It aims to do this by using local materials, an architectural design that represents mines and have compliments to the country and traditional owners of the land. This would be achieved by having an education and research program within the site. This was a motivated decision to give light to the experience of what life is like in the mines and in particular Cobar. The proposal aims to uplift the Cobar community and help local businesses by giving a new reason for visitors to come to Cobar.
The architecture and landscape aims to tell a story of the mines and the Aboriginal people through the materiality, architecture style and landscape with compliments of future prosperity.
This principle links with Principle 3 and 5.
Principle 2
Water sensitive design and emergency water storage
This principle strategy aims rethink design and construction in Cobar which would help the buildings belong there. This principle aims to explore trench design which will go under the building/s which would be used for ventilation and excess water storage. This will also help for ventilation during hot climates to allow air to have a passive airflow system which would be supported by the water to make the air colder when it goes through the building.
This section links with Principle 4.
Principle 3
Research / Workstation
"This principle aims to bring people from different towns by creating an education and research centre. This strategy proposes a research centre that provides an opportunity for scientific discovery and technological advancements in the mining industry. The research centre would bring experts from around the country and around the world to come to Cobar. This would benefit the town as it would bring more people in allowing the opportunity to put Cobar on the map. The site can also facilitate people of non-expertise to come to the centre and discover the history and effects of mining. As part of the experience, the visitors can use the slag rocks from the old mines to build a wall in the site as a memorial. This provides a future of mining and architecture in mining towns.
Principle 4
Insulation, shade, thermal & passive
This principle aims to make the proposed buildings comfortable and livable. This will be achieved by introducing a passive ventilation system which would allow air to flow under the building, cooled by the water under the building and would flow up to the building to allow a more comfortable climate on hot days. The building is to have operable vents which controls the airflow. Further features include having a multilayered system to the main rooms to allow a transition of hot to cooler rooms and to protect the main room from excessive sun radiation and heat. Additionally, trees, shades and walls made out of rocks produced from the workshop are to help keep the climate on the site as cool as possible. This principle links with Principle 2, 5 and 6.
Principle 5
Material sourcing and buildability
This scheme is to provide accommodation for a mixed target market. The proposed dwellings will include a mix of family-style dwellings, dwellings for singles, and dwellings for certain people that will be working in the research centre. The opportunity for short-term accommodation is available for rural doctors, builders, and architects. The 20 dwellings proposed aim to reduce the costs of rents and bills. This is to attract more people into Cobar compared to other towns for affordability. The dwellings would be affordable from the running costs which would be covered in Principle 7.
This principle links with Principle 4 and 7.
Principle 6
Accomodation for all "This principle aims to bring people from different towns by creating an education and research centre. This strategy proposes a research centre that provides an opportunity for scientific discovery and technological advancements in the mining industry. The research centre would bring experts from around the country and around the world to come to Cobar. This would benefit the town as it would bring more people in allowing the opportunity to put Cobar on the map. The site can also facilitate people of non-expertise to come to the centre and discover the history and effects of mining. As part of the experience, the visitors can use the slag rocks from the old mines to build a wall in the site as a memorial.
This provides a future of mining and architecture in mining towns.
This principle links with Principle 1 and 5.
Principle 7
Minimising overall operational costs
Providing spaces at the lowest operational costs is essential for running the research centre and for the dwellers living in the site. This includes day-to-day costs of electricity, water, and rent.
Improving environmental energy sourcing and water sourcing. Proposing an on-site energy sourcing and possibly a closed-loop water system. As a part of Principle 2, using water under the building can help water the vegetation. In addition, using a passive ventilation system will also be a main priority, which is in accordance with Principle 4. This principle links with Principle 2, 4, and 6.
This principle links with Principle 1 and 5.
MARC 5410 Architectural Studio 1 Future of Towns
Cedric, Chneg Hou Ho Tutor: Ashley Dunn
This principle links with Principle 1 and 5.
MARC 5410 Architectural Studio 1 Future of Towns 47
Cedric, Chneg Hou Ho Tutor: Ashley Dunn
RSL building
Render | Render of RSL study area
revamped RSL project goes beyond a simple makeover, aiming to provide a variety of activities for the Cobar community.
MARC 5410 Architectural Studio 1 Future of Towns
Cedric, Chneg Hou Ho Tutor: Ashley Dunn BARRIER HWY
Ground floor plan
MARC 5410 Architectural Studio 1 Future of Towns
Touching Time Museum
96 City Road
Master year 2 term 1 | 2023 Group Project
The design incorporates various accessibility features, including guiding paths, tactile flooring, braille balustrades, and textured walls, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors. Sustainability is also a priority, with the structure utilizing glulam
to reduce its carbon footprint and an adaptive fabric façade for natural climate control. Overall, the TTM aims to create an enriching environment that celebrates the diverse experiences of time through a sensory lens.
The proposed Touching Time Museum (TTM) at Carriage Works is an innovative cultural institution aimed at providing an inclusive, multi-sensory experience for all visitors, especially those who are blind or visually impaired. Situated on a historic site formerly used for manufacturing trains, the museum will feature linear pathways to enhance navigation and engagement. It will house five thematic exhibitions focused on Historical, Cultural, Natural, Scientific, and Futuristic aspects of time, utilizing tactile models, audio descriptions, and interactive elements.
Section | Short section
Diagrams | Concept development
Model | 1:50 Facade model
Grasshopper | Grasshopper development of fabric facade
Facade Development
1:500 Site model / 1:100 Section model
Models|
Render | Render of future time exhibition on Groud Floor
Render | Render of science time exhibition on Groud Floor
Waste Collection Point
- Cause and Effects of our actions
A16 Site, Osaka World Expo 2025
Master year 2 term 2 | 2024
Individual Project
his thesis explores the design of a pavilion for the 2025 Osaka World Expo, addressing the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The pavilion doubles as a temporary waste collection station, reflecting on the environmental contradictions of global events that celebrate cross-cultural exchange but generate significant waste.
The design incorporates dynamic, movable structural elements that respond to accumulating waste, transforming it into a visible and influential part of the architecture. This approach challenges the traditional view of waste as a hidden byproduct, instead making it central to the pavilion’s form and spatial experience. Visitors are invited to consider the environmental and
social consequences of their behaviors through this evolving interaction.
By confronting the realities of consumption and global interconnectedness, the project critiques our reliance on material resources and proposes a more conscious approach to architecture, emphasizing sustainability, introspection, and the environmental cost of modern lifestyles.
Collage | Conceptual Collage
MARC6000 THESIS PRESENTATION
CEDRIC HO
Render | Render of Internal Courtyard
Render | Render of Exterior
Portflio
6. INFINITY POOL allows people to look at the street while being soaked in watera historic treasure that culminates the growth of Macau to the present stage.
7. OBSERVATION DECK allows locals to look at the street in an elevated angle above the street, as if looking at a piece of artwork.
Pixelated meeting place
8. GALLERY is where people meet up and publish their work to the local people, exchanging ideas through a physical artwork that is bounded by the geographical location.
9. SOUND DIFFUSERS diffuses the noise of traffic to a minimum so as not to interrupt the fascinating chemistry of people meeting together.
Avn. do Coronel de Mesquita, Macau
TO LIFE THROUGH PLACES
10. SUN DECK fully utilizes the advantages of the footbridge and encourages meetings in a beautiful environment.
Bachelor year 1 term 2 | 2021 Individual Project
- LOCAL DESIRES COME MEETING PLACES
1. GLASS FLOOR allows discovering a piece of history
2. THE HILL is a apparatus
3. PAVILION embodies the and shelter" to the land and
Architecture serves as a reflection of local perceptions and beliefs, prompting architects to create structures that resonate with the community’s desires. While the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted physical connections among locals, it has not diminished their longing for change. This project draws inspiration from the architectural styles of the local street to develop a complex of meeting places. These spaces are designed to accommodate the community’s needs for both physical and mental activities while also highlighting the rich history embedded within the modern landscape of the area. By fostering connections and celebrating local heritage, the project aims to respond to the community’s aspirations for a revitalized environment.
4. MAGIC CARPET embodies while being bounded in one
Architecture is the naked projection of local perceptions always tried to build better buildings to best fit the desires boundaries of the COVID-19 pandemic might have bounded it does not confine their desires for a change to the current from the architecture of the local street to establish a complex wishes for both physical and mental activities but also put the modern presence of the local street.
5. BIKE TRAIL is inpired by perceptions and beliefs, that is why architects have of the local environment. The physical bounded local pe current situation. This project draws inspiration complex of meeting places that not only fits local ward the local history that lies deep under
Every building on the is being put together to document the local street in continuity.
The sheer presence of the buildings can inform so much about the local environment: History, social patterns, ways of thinking, ideology and perceptions.
Render | Render the exhibition space
A strip of colours derived from the above collage acts as a means of understanding how the use of colours in the local street represents certain idedology, history and culture that are of greater importance then other elements on the street. (i.e. Red is generally used to express wealth and luck, Green is usually found in Portuguese architecture)
Collage | Collage of every building on the Avn. do Coronel de Mesauita
1. GLASS
BEATTIE STREET
Residential House
Balmain
Work Project | D-Studio Architects
BEATTIE
20MM CELARANCE, REFER TO CONTRACTOR INSTALLATION MENU
TIMBER PACKER RENDERED
ALU. BI-FOLD DOOR AS SPECS
3 C606
ADJUSTABLE PAD
TIMBER REVEAL FLUSH W/ AFS WALL
RONDO SUSPENDED CEILING
SKIRTING WATERSTOP COVERS
PAVERS METAL FLASHING
WPM
DP PIPE THROUGH BULKHEAD
STORMWATER PIPE IN BULKHEAD. REFER TO STORMWATER DWGS AND 700 DWGS
PELMET, TO 400 DWGS
SAFETY GLASS BALUSTRADE CHANNEL RECESSED IN RC
,TO STRUCTURAL ENG. AND BUILDER
RENDER ON RC SLAB UNDERSIDE
STORMWATER DRAIN
SPIRAL STAIRCASE, TO CONTRACTOR 5 C606 RECESSED GLASS BALUSTRADE CHANNEL, TO STRUCTURAL ENG AND BUILDER
STORMWATER DRAIN VERTICAL DROP, TO STROMWATER DWGS
OUTDOOR TILES ON BEDDING OVER WPM 5 C606
TILE 1:100 FALL
BEDDING
HOB W/ RENDER FINISH, TO SPECS AFS LOGICWALL W/ RENDER WPM WRAPS AROUND SLAB EDGE TIMBER PACKER
TURF, REFER TO LANDSCAPE DWGS TILE END TRIM
2 LAYERS OF FORTECON, 50MM SAND BED OR CONC. AS BINDING LAYER
DETAIL
CERAMIC TILE ON BEDDING, PROVIDE FALL
STAIRS HOB 40MMØ DARK ALU. HANDRAIL, TO BUILDER
PORTFOLIO
Cedric Ho | Master of Architecture