Key Elements of Chinese Architecture
1) Flying eaves roof (dark oak/spruce slabs curving upward). 2) Symmetrical layout. 3) Central courtyard (pond+rockery). 4) Spirit screen (entry wall). 5) Corridors (covered walkways). Materials: red concrete/terracotta, dark oak (beams+roof), quartz (white walls), stone bricks (foundation).
Siheyuan Courtyard Design
Layout: Main house (north 5 bays) + East wing (3 bays) + West wing (3 bays) + Reversed room (south), enclosing courtyard. Courtyard: 1 tree+stone path+lotus pond. Main house: center hall (reception), side bedrooms. Wings: study/guest rooms.
Roof Flying Eaves Technique
Extend slabs from roof end 2-3 blocks outward, each raised half a block. Base slab -> 1 out raise half -> 1 more out raise half = elegant upward curve. Fences as dougong brackets underneath. Instantly gives flat MC roofs Chinese character.