This project is situated in the Impression Meilin Scenic Area within Pingtong Qiang Ethnic Township, Pingwu County, Sichuan Province, just 4 kilometers from the nearest Qiang ethnic settlement, Zouma Qiang Village. The region is renowned for its green plum industry, and the Meisu Yan site is located on the mid-slope of the expansive ten-thousand-acre Meilin area.
The site was originally an abandoned and collapsed old brick kiln. The distinctive “square” and “trapezoid” shapes found in Qingmei roasted kangs and Qiang ethnic dwellings, combined with the interplay of light and shadow on the old brick kiln arches, left a strong and almost subconscious impression. These three elements became the primary sources of inspiration for Meisu’s design language, all characterized by minimalist geometric forms. This process of deriving geometric “image sources” naturally evokes the architectural typology concepts of Aldo Rossi.
Mei Suzhiyan’s design approach relies solely on two fundamental geometric shapes: the square and the trapezoid. Their combination forms the everyday geometric “embryos” of rectangular and square prisms, which appear at different scales in daily objects ranging from vessels and furniture to buildings and urban areas.
Within a 3-meter cubic framework, these rectangular and square prisms are reinterpreted through the structural logic of “drying kang,” “qiang diao,” and “arcades,” then reorganized to reflect the courtyards and alleys typical of Qiang villages. The entire space features interconnected courtyards of varying sizes and richly illuminated eaves, all arranged in a highly ordered geometric composition that forms a compact, modern courtyard-style Qiang village.
The building materials embrace the traditional stone slabs and yellow clay commonly found in Qiang dwellings. To maintain strict budget control, stone slab walls are substituted with rubble patches, while yellow clay walls are replaced with rammed earth-like coatings. The wooden frame decorations in the corridors and balconies draw inspiration from the unique wooden structures of Qiang ethnic houses.
The western Sichuan landscape is stunning, with majestic mountains, flowing rivers, vast skies, and clear clouds, all deeply rooted in local customs and traditions. To bring this natural beauty indoors, the small windows typical in traditional Qiang dwellings have been replaced with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, inviting nature inside.
The design creates ample space for nature by linking various functional areas through themed courtyards and corridors. Public spaces such as the reception, restaurant, tea room, and bar are connected by water and light courtyards, enhancing spatial hierarchy and fostering a relaxed, engaging atmosphere. Guest rooms in the “Kangkang” module are separated by three sets of semi-outdoor stairs and connected by arcades, reinforcing geometric order while serving as unique viewing corridors.
The flat roof continues the Qiang tradition of rooftop leisure, functioning as a public viewing and resting platform. Amidst the magnificent mountains, enjoying a cup of tea, coffee, or a pot of local wine accompanied by birdsong, fresh breezes, and a starry sky offers a truly comfortable experience.
Mei Su’s design language is based on the two simplest geometric forms found in Qiang ethnic dwellings—square and trapezoid—combined with the traditional building materials of stone, soil, and wood. This approach reshapes a modern Qiang ethnic settlement that harmonizes with nature and contemporary aesthetics, expressing the imagery of ancient Qiang architecture through a concise geometric vocabulary.
Project drawings
△ Intention source
△ Analysis chart
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Architect: Xiaoyin Architecture
Area: 1360 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Arch Exest
Lead Architect: Pan Youcai
Design Director: Yang Zhe (Partner)
Technical Director: Chen Renzhen (Partner)
Structural Engineer: Du Xu
Design Team: Zhao Yaxian, Yang Rui, Feng Yutao, Gou Yuanjun, Hu Qinmei, Liu Zixuan, Song Zhiying, He Yi
Construction Drawing Design: Fuzhou Yingchuang Construction Engineering Design Co., Ltd
Construction Unit: Sichuan Hongruixin Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
Owner: Pingwu County Everbright State-owned Investment (Group) Co., Ltd
Writing: Pan Youcai, Ge Xiangxin, Yang Ye
Location: Mianyang City
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