Shuishan Forest Restaurant is nestled in Shanwan Village, Wujiang District, Suzhou City. In 2020, the area around Zhongjiadang, where the village is situated, was designated as the starting point for the “Wujiang Beautiful Countryside” initiative. This rural revitalization plan focuses on the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism industries.
The western cluster of Shanwan Village, home to the Shuishan Forest Restaurant, has been envisioned as a public living space for the community. Goa Elephant Design was commissioned to design several boutique buildings in this area, with the Shuishan Forest Restaurant being the first to be completed. This multifunctional venue not only caters to dining needs for visitors but also offers space for various activities. The project aims to create new job opportunities and increase local land revenue.
Location: Western edge of Shanwan Village, Wujiang District, Suzhou City
The Zhong Family’s Magnificent Scenery
Creating a Living Landscape
Situated on the marsh plains near Taihu Lake, Shanwan Village is a typical Jiangnan village built close to the water, surrounded by stunning natural views. The interplay of water, sky, and village forms a picturesque backdrop. The newly constructed restaurant is designed not just as a building, but as a scenic feature that enhances the coastline’s natural beauty. Rather than simply erecting a structure, the architects aimed to craft a “new landscape” that seamlessly blends into the environment.
Harmonizing Artificial Design with Nature
The site is bordered by a sprawling village to the east, farmland and trees to the west and north, and a broad water body to the south. Nearby, a small patch of Metasequoia forest stands as the only undulating feature on the otherwise flat plain, naturally drawing attention.
The architects drew inspiration from the water spruce trees, abstracting their form into geometric architectural language represented by square pyramids. These pyramid-shaped modules come in three sizes, with side lengths in the ratio of 2:3:4, creating a modular system of small, medium, and large units. These pyramids connect to form a continuous roof that covers the activity spaces below, resembling a “forest of trees.” The roof height is carefully controlled, not exceeding 12 meters.
Each roof unit features a skylight at its peak, allowing soft natural light to filter into the interior. The roof system is composed of three layers: an outer layer of custom triangular perforated aluminum panels mimicking water spruce branches, a middle glass layer, and an inner wooden lattice.
Framing the View
The building offers visitors a fresh perspective on the surrounding landscape. The roof eaves are consistently lowered to 2.7 meters, creating an intimate frame. Standing beneath the eaves, guests can behold the vast, tranquil wetlands as though viewing a painting. To minimize visual distractions, air conditioning vents are discreetly placed at ground level.
To enhance the roof’s floating effect, the load-bearing columns are slender and minimized without compromising structural integrity. Around the main hall, ten sets of column clusters each consist of three thin steel columns measuring 10cm in diameter. Additionally, only eleven steel columns with a diameter of 15cm support the covered gray space under the eaves. These columns align precisely with the wooden ceiling boards and window frames and are painted in matching tones for a cohesive aesthetic.
The architects implemented several strategies to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. The flooring of the indoor halls and the gray spaces beneath the eaves are uniform, creating a seamless transition. Surrounding the building are boundless water features that merge naturally with the adjacent water bodies. Custom French windows are designed as single leaf panels with extremely narrow frames that extend more than two meters in length.
The east side of the building houses private rooms, kitchens, restrooms, and equipment rooms. The walls are constructed mainly from unpolished rough stones, symbolizing a connection to nature.
As a single-story building with a distinctive form and spatial design, Shuishan Forest Restaurant has become a centerpiece of the local rural revitalization plan. Though it has yet to officially open, it has already attracted numerous visitors eager to explore its unique setting. The architect’s vision to “create a new landscape” within the existing countryside has been successfully realized.
Project Details
Model Diagram
Model Diagram
Model Diagram
Model Diagram
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Model Diagram
Base Schematic Diagram
General Layout Plan
First Floor Plan
Roof Plan
Section Diagram
Elevation Drawing
Typical Wall Diagram
Project Information
Location: Shanwan Village, Wujiang District, Suzhou City
Architectural Design: Goa Elephant Design
Design & Completion: 2020-2021
Building Area: 416 square meters
Image Credit: Goa Elephant Design, Architectural Photography Here
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