Chengdu is famous for its relaxed and warm atmosphere. Hotpot, an integral part of the region’s culture, has become synonymous with Chengdu—not only as a culinary tradition but also as a lifestyle centered around leisure and socializing. In late 2018, MUDA Architects were commissioned to renovate the Yunjing Garden Hotpot Restaurant in Sansheng Township, located on the outskirts of Chengdu.
Known as the “Green Lung of Chengdu,” Sansheng Township boasts unique natural features and rich ecological resources. MUDA seized this opportunity to blend hotpot culture with the surrounding natural environment, creating a personalized dining experience that honors the area’s pristine ecology while catering to contemporary tastes. The restaurant offers a tranquil retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The Yunjing Garden Hotpot Restaurant is nestled deep within Sansheng Township, surrounded by a lotus pond and hidden among a forest. MUDA prioritized respecting the natural environment in their design approach. They minimized the building’s architectural scale, eliminated traditional walls, and utilized only columns and slabs to subtly blend the structure into the forest. This approach allows the building to gently merge with the site, outlining the lake’s edges with a light and peaceful presence.
▲ General layout plan
The building stretches along the lake, resembling the mist rising from a hotpot simmering in the forest, evoking a sense of lightness and floating. Thin vertical columns are evenly spaced beneath the roof, whose freeform curves frame multiple transparent panels. This design allows for dynamic views and creates a spacious, open atmosphere. The base platform echoes the roof’s curves perfectly, emphasizing unity and harmony throughout the space.
The building measures 290 meters in length with a net height of 3 meters. Its width varies to harmonize with the natural surroundings. The base platform is constructed from corrosion-resistant wood, while the roof is made of galvanized steel panels coated with a clean, white fluorocarbon paint, complementing the lush greenery around. Steel columns with 88mm diameters support the structure, blending seamlessly with eucalyptus trunks nearby and almost disappearing into the natural setting. Wooden railings line the lakeside, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the view. The gentle movement of water lilies and ripples blurs the boundary between architecture and the lake, fostering a closer connection to nature.
The natural environment of the site presents both originality and complexity. Within the design area, dozens of eucalyptus trees were preserved, and the terrain features a variation in elevation of nearly 2 meters. To respect the environment and minimize human impact, MUDA architects personally conducted manual surveys and documentation of the site. The design was carefully adapted to the locations of the eucalyptus trees and the lake, with the roof’s freeform curve responding to the site’s natural characteristics and functional needs.
This project also represents a local effort by MUDA to create small-scale, cost-effective buildings. The construction team consisted of local migrant workers without professional training or specialized equipment. To ensure quality, the architect was present on-site to simplify complex structural details and make strategic adjustments that workers could easily understand. The construction relied on steel structure welding technology, which significantly shortened the building timeline and reduced costs.
The first phase of the project was completed and opened to the public in April. It is highly integrated with nature, featuring a light and transparent structure. Guests can sit around the lake, surrounded by the mist and scenery, embarking on a romantic and immersive ecological hotpot experience. (BIM Design)
Design Drawings:
▲ Plan View
▲ Spatial Analysis
▲ Design Concept
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: MUDA Architecture
Location: Chengdu, China
Category: Restaurant
Lead Architect: Lu Yun
Design Team: Lu Yun, Xu Jiandan, Sun Qiming, Chen Xue, He Yixiu, Liu Xiaoqiao, Rong Dian, Zhou Shangyun
Building Area: 1800 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Existence of Architecture
Construction Supervision: Sichuan Chufeng Architectural Decoration Design Co., Ltd.
Construction Team: Wu Xianyong, Jiang Fei, Tang Wenjie, Li Songlin
Additional Construction Team: Chen Hao, Zhou Guichuan, and others
Owner: Full of Joy Party Garden
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