During the initial design phase, the client requested a building with a mimetic form that would establish a connection with nature. We carefully considered various factors such as comfort, spatial characteristics, and sightlines, ultimately creating the Seed Wooden House—an architectural form that stands out for its uniqueness.
The Seed Wooden House features an ellipsoidal shape, starting with a mirrored aluminum base that transitions into wooden shingles as it ascends. The mirrored aluminum reflects the environment and changes with the seasons and weather: red soil in winter, lush greenery in spring and summer, mist in humid conditions, and bright sunshine on clear days. This reflective base symbolizes the seed house taking root, while the wooden shingles above evoke a natural, gentle essence.
To optimize the form and spatial experience, several circular openings were incorporated into the Seed Wooden House to guide airflow and sightlines in various directions. The front circular opening leads to a terrace, which stands on an independent foundation, resembling a floating pebble. Mature trees extend through the terrace, providing natural shade. On the side, a round window faces a sparse forest, while the large circular window at the attic level looks up towards the sky and tall tree branches.
The interior walls of the Seed House are clad with uniform wood paneling. The natural variations in wood color create a striped pattern that enhances the spatial feeling of the ellipsoidal form. The rear volume houses the master bedroom, along with functional spaces such as the entrance, bathroom, and storage. This area also includes a parent-child attic connected to the first floor by an elliptical cylindrical staircase. The staircase weaves through the entrance space, creating an intriguing irregular spatial experience.
Technical Drawings
△ Bedroom Floor Plan
△ Attic Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Youth Hostel
Location: China
Architectural Design: Abandoned Buildings
Area: 60 m²
Project Year: 2020
Lead Architects: Cai Yuying, Chen Xuanru, Shen Hong
Client: Shanghai Su Frog Culture Tourism Development Co., Ltd
Partner: Our Company (Beijing) Construction Technology Co., Ltd
Structural Consultant: Xie Yimin Engineering Technology
Photographer: Tian Fangfang
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