Integration into the landscape

The building is located at the foot of the Huangshan (Yellow) Mountain region in the Anhui province of eastern China. It serves as a tourist center providing information to visitors from surrounding villages and consists of a reception area, information desk, toilets, storage space, and staff quarters.

 

Integration into the natural environment

The main design goal was to avoid a “building-object” and to integrate the structure into the landscape both formally, as well as materially. In terms of form, a staircase placed at the north end and one at the south end makes the building continuous with the ground, facilitating seamless circulation from one side of the structure to the other through the roof. As a result of this, the roof becomes an extension of the public space around the tourist center and can be openly accessed for enjoying views of the dramatic mountainous surroundings.

 

Custom-made construction

The majority of materials, such as cedar wood used for the facade ribs, have been locally sourced to minimise their carbon footprint. The panels are designed as closed shapes consisting of straight lines, making them easy to measure (each protruding point consists of one dimension in the x-axis and one in the y-axis) and easily cut by hand by local craftsmen.

 

The function of wooden panels

Formally, the width of each panel varies from one end of the building to the other, with the panels above the central opening being wider to mark the entrance to the building. Another function is also to shade the interior from the low hot sun in the summer, while allowing sunlight into the space for passive heating during the winter.

 

Sustainable architecture

Amidst economic constraints and limited availability of local materials, tools, and techniques, the aim was to create an environmentally sustainable local landmark for both visitors and residents of this remote rural area.