Situated along the ecological corridor of the Dasha River and surrounded by lush greenery, the circular treehouse is strategically located next to the Xili section of the 13-kilometer Dasha River landscape trail to the west, a children’s activity area to the north, and a dense residential community to the east.
This newly added public facility includes a themed children’s study area covering approximately 300 square meters, as well as a public restroom accessible to park visitors 24/7. Since autumn 2022, it has served local residents and tourists alike.
The design draws inspiration from the traditional fishermen along the Dasha River, whose architecture resembles “conch shells.” The building itself is a spiraling art sculpture, maximizing ground-level space for plant growth and visitor activities.
At the end of the spiral structure, an open balcony faces the riverbank park, offering visitors a relaxing spot amidst the treetops. This feature has earned the building the nickname “circular treehouse” among locals.
Inside, the treehouse features a spiral reading staircase wrapping around courtyard trees, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding park through a circular corridor. The multi-level reading area, with varied heights, encourages children’s natural curiosity and exploratory spirit, fostering a love for self-directed learning.
After school hours, a slide opens at designated times, adding an element of fun to the space and enhancing the experience.
To address Shenzhen’s hot climate, the building’s exterior is equipped with continuous vertical grilles serving as shading devices. These also create dynamic patterns of light and shadow indoors throughout the day.
Each reading staircase includes operable windows, while the second-floor balcony features sliding doors that can be fully opened. This design ensures comfortable natural ventilation during autumn and winter months.
The structural challenge of the circular treehouse is met with a steel framework. Spiral hollow trusses define the curved shapes of the inner and outer rings, while diagonal cables support the large cantilevered second-floor viewing balcony.
All structural components were prefabricated offsite and transported for assembly, minimizing disruption to the park and nearby residents during construction.
The circular treehouse exemplifies Shenzhen’s urban revitalization strategy, which focuses on adding small public buildings that enhance public life within parks and other communal spaces.
This approach enables public projects to serve communities effectively with relatively low investment and short construction timelines.
Thanks to the collaboration of numerous design and construction teams, the Dashahe Circular Tree House was completed and opened within a year from design to construction.
Since its opening, it has hosted regular art exhibitions and book clubs, becoming a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, especially children.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Structural Schematic Diagram
△ Base Schematic Diagram
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: A Tree Building
Area: 396 square meters
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Zhang Chao
Manufacturer: F ó rmica, Simon, Welldone
Lead Architect: Chen Xi
Project Architects: Zhu Jing (Planning – Initial Expansion), Weng Cekai (Concept – Planning)
Design Team: Lin Ziya, Ye Fangnan, Lin Zebang, He Xiansen
Construction Drawing Design: AVIC Guorun (Shenzhen) Construction Technology Development Co., Ltd
Construction Contractor: Shenzhen Huachuang Building Decoration Co., Ltd
Construction Agency: Urban Construction Division of China Resources Land Shenzhen Region
Location: Shenzhen
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up