A bright splash of color stands out among the clusters of trees. © Octopus sees architecture
Situated beside Yiqiao Reservoir in Kunming, Jiuxi Yunshu is enveloped by a lush green lake and dense forests. Here, visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of birds and insects, while experiencing the vibrant changes of the four seasons.
Charming small buildings reflected in the calm lake waters. © Octopus sees architecture
As the inaugural structure within the original ecological painting of Jiuxi Lake International Ecological Zone, this building perfectly introduces the enchanting scenery, infusing the environment with vibrant colors while offering visitors a truly unique experience. Embracing the design concept of “growth,” the architecture seamlessly intertwines with nature, blurring the lines between built form and landscape, and embodying the emotional spirit of mountain architecture.
△ Design Concept — Hope
Allowing buildings to grow naturally within their environment.
△ Subtly blending with nature and growing vertically following the terrain. © Octopus sees architecture
The pre-control building features a three-story volume, with its top floor rising above the forest canopy by the lake, symbolizing a “growth” emerging from the dense natural surroundings. This design creates a secluded sanctuary nestled within the mountains and woods. The main entrance is located on the top floor, accessible via the existing road, leading visitors through a gradually descending spatial environment. From distant lake views to the delicate waters below, guests experience the sensation of “standing on a bridge to enjoy the scenery, while those watching the scenery observe you from above.”
△ Hydrophilic lateral growth pattern. © Octopus sees architecture
The design extends horizontally along the northern and southern slopes, stretching open blank spaces to reflect a thoughtful response to the site’s humanistic qualities and the abundant water resources nearby.
Creating intimate waterside spaces. © Octopus sees architecture
Elements like terraces and eaves that stretch out over the water breathe new life into these areas, fostering a seamless interaction between architecture and nature. This design encourages a harmonious connection among people, time, and space.
Under the eaves, the space shines brightly at dawn. © Octopus sees architecture
At sunset, beams of light pour over the eaves and corridors. © Octopus sees architecture
The interior spaces are connected by a central landscaped staircase, guiding visitors from the top to the bottom of the site. This design allows for a profound appreciation of the transition from architectural space to the surrounding natural environment.
△ Seamless interaction and integration of people, architecture, and nature
Wooden structure and eaves integrated design
The eaves slowly awaken amid the morning mist. © Octopus sees architecture
Inspired by the natural growth of wood in the environment, the design team chose to use wooden structures and natural materials to create a pure and intimate architectural space. The building’s top floor features a natural wooden framework, revealing the structure’s ecological essence. This wooden framework is seamlessly integrated with skylights and eaves on the roof. Viewed from a distance, the roof resembles a light boat floating by the lake—a single leaf drifting within nature.
Integrated wooden structure and skylight design. © Octopus sees architecture
△ Wooden structure schematic
Natural light filters through skylights, illuminating the interior and showcasing the exquisite interplay of light and shadow. The consistent use of wooden elements throughout the interior design aligns perfectly with the architectural theme of wooden structures.
Wooden elements consistently applied in interior design. © Junzhi Technology
Additionally, the wooden structural system provides crucial technical support for the building’s overhanging eaves, which extend up to 5 meters, ensuring both stability and completion. Decorative columns beneath the eaves further unify the roof structure.
Decorative columns beneath the eaves corridor shine, blending form and function.
Self-supporting visible and concealed curtain wall construction
△ Self-supporting curtain wall system. © Junzhi Technology
The combination of eaves, terraces, and glass curtain walls softens the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the landscape to naturally extend into the building’s interior. This creates a comfortable and secure viewing environment for visitors. The alternating use of visible and concealed curtain wall frames maximizes the glass surface area within height constraints, producing a rhythmic and dynamic facade.
The curtain wall’s overall appearance under the night sky. © Octopus sees architecture
On the building’s facade beneath the eaves, abundant natural materials such as red cedar tongue boards and cultural stones are used, reflecting the rough yet gentle qualities of nature.
Natural materials give the building a sense of agility and flexibility. © Octopus sees architecture
△ Material wall diagram
Foundation combining strength and beauty
△ Landscape design techniques achieve structural visual aesthetics. © Octopus sees architecture
The building’s lower two floors are constructed with steel, ensuring its cantilevered form while meeting local seismic resistance requirements of 8.5 magnitude with high quality. Additionally, landscape design techniques use water features to guide site elevation changes and incorporate existing trees to conceal the structure within the environment, achieving a harmonious blend of strength and beauty.
△ Strength and beauty dissolve into nature. © Octopus sees architecture
Nestled within dense mountains and forests
Balancing the coexistence of high-quality landscape resources with challenging design sites posed certain limitations but also sparked innovative explorations.
The design team evolved from initially seeking to dominate the landscape to adopting a more cautious approach. Through comprehensive surveys and thorough control, they achieved a delicate integration where architecture and nature coexist harmoniously—”you in me, I in you.”
The architectural light brightens the natural surroundings at dusk. © Octopus sees architecture
Project Information
Building Type: Exhibition Center
Total Area: 2,683 square meters
Developer: Pengxin Group | Yunnan Construction Investment | Yunnan One Stop
Architectural Design: UA You’an Design
Interior Design: Mantu Design
Landscape Design: Pan Asia International
Wooden Structure Consultant: Junzhi Technology
Construction Drawing Design: Reference Square
Construction Start Date: December 2020
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