Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - WindowsIsland Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 3 of 62Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - FacadeIsland Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Windows, BedroomIsland Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - More Images+ 57

Wuhan, China
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Waterfront, Coast
Room 3 & 4. Image © Arch-Exist

“Island Friends”was built near a reservoir in the suburban area of Wuhan from 2017-2018. The project is in the north of the reservoir, on a small peninsula, where is off the beaten track and the scenery with the natural pristine beauty and the wild excitement. The project is an exploration of community-based natural life in association with the well-known French smart city research institution “7 Billion Urbanists”and the global children architecture education NGO “World Children Campaign” .

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 7 of 62
Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist

The intention of the project is with the minimal existence of the buildings to make the occupants closer and deeper sense the wild nature. Therefore, all the cabins are facing the best view with their giant glass walls to maximize the connection between outside and inside, to frame the breathtaking images.

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Windows
Room 1. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 48 of 62
Room 4 Plan. Image Courtesy of Advanced Architecture Lab [AaL]
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Windows
Room 1. Image © Arch-Exist

Differing from the regular production of architecture, “Island Friends” first posted the information of the site environment and the utopian community idea of the project sponsor, to recruit “the owner of the island”. Then, by going through all the visions of people who are interested, finding four like-minded individuals to participate in the project. The design process is all centered on the prospect of the four island owners, for instance, the building area is 30㎡, 44㎡, 58㎡, and 59㎡, which is the owners’ demand.

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 16 of 62
Room 2. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Forest
Room4. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Waterfront, Forest
Room 1 & 2. Image © Arch-Exist

The building is covered with mirrors. By using the specular reflection material, we make the building disappear from nature. At the same time, it weakens the antagonism between artificiality and nature. The conflict of opposites makes the building become a part of nature. The original intention of the design was not to build a house, but to make the original appearance of the island fully preserved and expressed.

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 40 of 62
House Type Derivation. Image Courtesy of Advanced Architecture Lab [AaL]

The building is small but cozy. With its wood-interior, the occupants get an introspective space experience and closer to the nature.

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 32 of 62
Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Facade
Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Table, Windows, Chair, Handrail, Deck
Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist

The project is located in a precious original environment, but it is hard to reach. Therefore, the overall wood structure plan was decided during the early design prophase. The main body of the building is prefabricated at the factory. After the structure test, mechanical testing. and transporting to the project site, the majority of the work have been done. The way we build them is to ensure the minimum interference to the natural environment.

Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Door, Windows, Handrail
Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Image 19 of 62
Room 3 & 4. Image © Arch-Exist
Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI - Coast
Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist

The Island Friends project is beyond the scope of a simple architectural design, but an integration of landscape, community, architecture and interior. It also explores an ideal way of living with nature friendly.

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Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist

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Cite: "Island Friends / Advanced Architecture Lab[AaL] + WIKI" 25 Mar 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/913704/island-friends-advanced-architecture-lab-aal-plus-wiki> ISSN 0719-8884

Room 3. Image © Arch-Exist

小岛邻居 / 先进建筑实验室 + 个个世界

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