Huadu Diegu Pavilion

This project lies in the Hudiegu (Butterfly Valley) of the Wangzishan Forest Park in Huadu District, Guangzhou. The site is flat and backed with mountains, and a stream flows slowly in front of it. The initial design proposal is to create a simple structure, intervening lightly into this natural context to minimize its impacts and providing a spiritual space for the village through its function as a book pavilion.



The design utilizes the clear geometric form of forest cabins as the space prototype, combined with the traditional frame structure brings a sense of nature, while the geometry and rhythm of the building bring the humanistic temperament of spiritual space.



The entire building is a steel structure and columns are hidden in the façade. The semi-transparent space on the second floor is slightly overhanging, with lightweight materials such as polycarbonate panels on the roof, not only creating a sense of lightness, but a hazy metallic texture to the whole space, which brings rich light and shadow effects on the roof.



The building is opened vertically towards the side of stream, which creates a clear view and space for chatting, resting, reading, and even discussing and holding small-scale activities for villagers. The staircase leads upwards to the second floor, with a sense of spirituality. The lightweight roof blurs the boundary between nature and interior space, which amplifies people’s perception of nature. The flow of sunlight, swaying tree shadows and wash of rain are all recorded and displaced here. The opening on the roof extends the interior space further and enhances the experience.



The architectural space interacts with the surrounding environment in an almost transparent manner, expressing respect and awe for nature. Hope that visitors could immerse themselves in this peaceful environment, reading calmly and exploring their inner self.