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Architects: line+ studio
- Area: 150 m²
- Year: 2022
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Photographs:Ce Wang
Text description provided by the architects. The construction project of the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor in Dali aims to establish a healthy water-land buffer zone and ecological barrier. Along the 129-kilometer lakeside corridor, multiple service stations are planned, and the project is one of them. The site is located along the southwest edge of the Erhai Lake scenic corridor, near Xiaoyizhuang Village. In the face of the pristine surroundings of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and the quaint villages, the design aims to intervene using a landscape architecture approach minimally. It responds to the relationship between the building and the land through "anchoring and suspension," engaging with the environment. Additionally, it addresses the relationship between locality and contemporary construction through "low-tech and low-carbon," fostering innovative experiences. Lastly, it responds to the relationship between public architecture and people through "openness and inclusivity," creating a platform for daily activities.
Anchoring and Suspension: A Responsive New Topography. In response to the dual orientation of avoiding trees, connecting roads, facing Cangshan to the back, and overlooking Erhai to the front, the building unfolds from south to north, starting from a crack in the landscape, gradually rising, and creating a platform for panoramic views and a shelter for brief stays. Climate considerations are another crucial aspect of the design. Beyond the functional areas like bathrooms and a small shop, the design aims to release the space under the roof as much as possible, facilitating complete air circulation and introducing scenic views, creating a sense of free permeation between the interior and exterior with a breath-like quality.
Low-tech and Low-carbon: Local Construction Strategy. Regarding material strategy, we integrate our perception of the local landscape to extract key material features. We have chosen three main materials, namely rubble stone, concrete, and wood, for contemporary expression. By adopting a series of measures, we achieve low-carbon sustainability in construction activities.
The folded plate roof, after parametric structural calculations, achieves a large-span cantilever. The color of exposed concrete and the texture of the wood panels are precisely controlled through experimental simulations and on-site mock-ups. During construction, a one-time casting of the box-type structural spatial system is combined with an upturned beam method. This involves a secondary casting of the roof structure to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the roof edge overhang and waterproofing for the upper roof.
The wall base uses locally sourced limestone, abundant in Dali, and is constructed with a combination of particle sizes ranging from 150-450mm. The roof drainage system utilizes UHPC roof panels. By employing landscape supports, sufficient water runoff space is retained, guiding rainwater to nearby culverts after finding the slope.
The doors and windows are crafted from solid oak, known for its durability and high hardness. The bathroom door features a solid wood dwarf door, and the high windows are equipped with wooden louvers, balancing natural ventilation with privacy in the toilet. The waste steel bars and steel plates left at the construction site, after secondary processing, are used as railings, stair steps, flower grooves, and other components, so that they become part of the building life and grow again.
Openness and Inclusivity: Everyday Public Life. Dali has become a destination for numerous digital nomads and travelers in the post-pandemic era. As a daily retreat, the station is not only an observation platform and rest stop but also a platform for urban public life. The building opens itself to everyone with a simple and inclusive design. Enriched with various activities, this station, attempting to integrate into the natural landscape, is gradually evolving into a captivating "living landscape."
