The research paper looked into the possible application of rice straws in the field of residential architecture in Zhejiang province. The paper evaluated the three rice straw-related building methods. Based on the result, light straw clay was selected for the design project located in Zhejiang province. Then a relevant landscape-sensitive residential project with the design objective to create a village for both tourists and local villagers is designed to create a synergetic model for the village. The tourism development based on the local rice industry will in turn benefit the rice industry by increasing added value.

Water is one of the long-standing problems in Sint Maarten. Water supply is scarce while water demand is high. Water pollution and incomplete infrastructure also needs to be tackled. How can a cluster scale decentralized water management system solve water challenges in the hurricane-prone environment of Sint Maarten is the research question. This paper answers this question from the following aspects. First, an analysis of existing water consumption amounts, water management systems, and water flows. Second, a case study of water management systems in other countries and regions, combined with a literature review to analyze how each system works. Third, develop a set of evaluation systems and analyze and evaluate each case. Then choose a new water management system for the Sint Maarten.