At the project’s outset, the client requested a distinctive concept: an “invisible” building, seamlessly hidden within the park’s landscape beneath the lawn and trees. This vision shaped the entire design approach — a low-profile, earth-covered structure that blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
Given Hainan Island’s volcanic terrain and soil conditions, the building adopts a circular layout. The outer large circle is covered in soil, while the inner smaller circle features a full glass facade. This facade varies in thickness, being solid and dense on one side and light and transparent on the other, creating an inward openness while maintaining an outward closure.
This design enhances insulation and shading, allowing the interior to benefit from natural light and ventilation. The circular ring opens toward the lake, where two floating glass boxes are inserted, framing external views and marking the building’s beginning and end.
Various architectural elements punctuate the curve—pointed towers, narrow corridors, and curved interior walls—adding visual interest and contrast. The heavy, earth-covered exterior contrasts strikingly with the delicate, transparent glass and metal interior, offering visitors a unique visual journey upon entry.
A curved partition wall divides the main indoor space into two distinct zones, each with its own circulation paths that weave and meander on either side of the wall.
The interior facing the atrium is a “bright” area illuminated by the glass curtain wall, while the outer side near the earth-covered wall is a “dark” space lit by skylights above. This interplay of light—direct and refracted—creates varied textures and a layered spatial experience.
Our goal was to minimize the building’s visual impact and prioritize the visitor’s spatial experience. To achieve this, we designed expansive, open interiors with predominantly white finishes, creating a neutral backdrop.
Through careful manipulation of scale, light, and shadow, each space gains its own distinct character, offering visitors ample opportunity to see, hear, and interact with the architecture, fostering a deep, immersive connection.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Generation Method
Project Information
Architectural Design: Zero Architecture
Area: 2074 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographers: Form in Space Photography, Existent Architecture, Judy, Aerial Images
Lead Architects: He Ou, Qu Liming
Owner: Wanhua Group (Hainan Luhua Business Travel Development Co., Ltd.)
Design Development: Wanhua Honeycomb Workshop
Construction Drawings: Zhongyuan International (Hainan) Engineering Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Curtain Wall Design: Hainan Nanguang Group Co., Ltd
Landscape Design: Guangzhou Shanshui Bide Design Co., Ltd., Changsha Mobi Landscape Planning and Design Co., Ltd
Interior Design: ENJOYDESIGN Yan Yu Tang
Lighting Design: Chengdu Dipaite Lighting Design Consulting Co., Ltd
Location: Haikou, China
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