Eco-Farm Series – Visitor Center in Kunshan, China by Vector Architects

Article source: Vector Architects

Sited in southeast corner of Yuefeng Island Eco-farm alongside the Yang Cheng Lake, Kunshan，the visitor center consists of a multi-functional activity space, a pet dorm, and a preserved house used as office. Our design task is to explore how architecture should be integrated into such a context, to create a new and unique place, however harmonize with nature.

Night view, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

• Architects: Vector Architects
• Project: Eco-Farm Series – Visitor Center
• Location: Kunshan, China
• Photography: Shengliang Su
• Client: Kunshan City Investment Company
• Design-partner-in-charge: Gong Dong
• Project Architects: Zhimin Zhou, Xiangdong Kong, Feng Xu, Ran Huo
• Project Advisor: Nan Wang
• Structure: Steel Structure, Timber Structure
• Material: Cor-Ten Steel, Wood Slate, Wooden Floor
• Building Area: 280 m2
• Structural and MEP Engineer: Yuangui Design Institute， Shanghai
• Design Period: 09/2010-04/2013
• Construction Period: 02/2013-06/2014

Western view, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

The empty flatness of the site is an essential character that we believe the design should respond to. The architecture appears as 2 horizontal translucent screens from the farm side. The first screen is made of perforated Cor-Ten steel. The corrugation reinforces the material and ultimately saves the supporting stud system at the back.

East façade, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

The second screen surface is made of wood louver. The corridor behind it connects the three major programs of the building. Both surfaces allow the penetration of wind, light and vision. While protecting the space from the western sun, they as well establish a blurred view of farm landscape for the people in the space. The translucencies are sensitive of capturing the light, subtly shift the architectural image through the different season, weather, and the time of the day.

Cor-Ten steal shade, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Hallway between the shade and interior space, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Terrace, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Lobby, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Corridor between the lobby and multi-functional space, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Multi-functional space, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Corridor behind the timber louvers, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Timber louver, Image Courtesy © Shengliang Su

Image Courtesy © Vector Architects

Image Courtesy © Vector Architects

Image Courtesy © Vector Architects

Image Courtesy © Vector Architects

Image Courtesy © Vector Architects

Image Courtesy © Vector Architects

Tags: China, Kunshan

Categories: Offices, Visitor Center

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