This seaside restaurant is the third public space in the Anaya community of Beidaihe, following the seaside library and church—both of which are directly oriented buildings. Positioned adjacent to the library, the restaurant’s design thoughtfully begins by establishing a harmonious coexistence with this prominent, existing spatial landmark.
The library serves as a spiritual sanctuary, characterized by its integrity and well-defined spatial boundaries. Within this space, natural elements like wind, light, and the surrounding views are carefully reinterpreted and framed. Here, the relationship between people and the sea is one of contemplation—a focused ‘gaze.’
In contrast, the restaurant aims to evoke a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. Rather than being a place where visitors are ‘gazed upon,’ the sea becomes a subtle backdrop. While dining, guests casually glance toward the sea, absorbing the dynamic life unfolding across its surface.
The restaurant features fragmented spatial boundaries, with trees nested within an inner courtyard and surrounding site. This creates an undirected floating roof that subtly blends into the forested terrain. The tree canopy, roof, and dining area below form a layered composition when viewed in cross-section.
Gentle sea breezes cause the tree shadows to sway, casting moving patterns through the rooftop skylight onto the walls and floors of the dining space (designed with BIM technology). These flickering shadows establish a dynamic connection between nature and the built environment.
The inner courtyard, filled with trees, brings natural light and airflow deep into the building, serving as a central organizing element. This courtyard both separates and connects different spatial zones, encouraging circulation around it.
Concrete walls that extend to the ground form the building’s shear resistance system. This structural design allows slender 120mm-diameter steel columns to support large eaves. Their dimensions are comparable to the surrounding tree trunks, helping them visually blend into the natural environment.
The building lacks a clearly defined main entrance. Instead, sliding doors around the perimeter can be fully opened, transforming the entire space into an open ‘pavilion.’ Approaching the dining area from any direction, guests first pass through a transitional space beneath lowered eaves before gradually entering the central raised roof, which is bathed in natural light.
The design carefully controls the intrusion of excessive lateral sunlight to maintain a floating, ‘cloud-like’ spatial atmosphere created by the transparent cross-shaped beam at the ceiling. This structural form alleviates the need for strict vertical alignment of load-bearing elements, reducing the presence of structural walls and allowing for more flexible, fluid floor plans.
We believe every architectural type reflects a unique lifestyle and emotional expression. Public spaces, such as this restaurant, carry meanings distinct from those of everyday residences. Human needs shape the space, which in turn influences human experience.
Views, light, and wind serve as vital channels connecting humans with nature. They forge a strong bond between occupants and the outside environment, enriching everyday spaces with spiritual significance.
Design Drawings:
▲ Sketch
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Roof Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Wall Section
▲ Wall Section
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: Direct Architecture
Location: Beidaihe New District, China
Category: Restaurant (BIM Project)
Lead Architect: Dong Gong
Project Architect: Zhang Kai
Design & Construction Management: Liu Chen, Sun Dongping
Design Team: Ma Xiaokai, Jiang Cunyu, Zhang Peng
Building Area: 713.0 square meters
Project Year: 2018
Photographers: Su Shengliang, Chen Hao
Resident Architects: Zhang Zhao, Tu Dan
Structural & Equipment Design: China Academy of Building Research
Structural Consultants: Xiao Congzhen, Chu Dewen
Lighting Consultants: Zhang Xin Studio, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University
Owner: Tianxing Jiuzhou Tourism Real Estate Development Co., Ltd
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