We renovated an unfinished elementary school located in Huangchuan County, Xinyang, Henan Province. This school reflects the intense residential development typical of county-level areas, surrounded by high-rise residential complexes with extremely compact land use. Upon entering, one feels as if stepping into the towering urban environment of a big city, completely forgetting the vast fields just one or two kilometers away.
The new campus is enclosed on three sides, resembling a cage that isolates the tranquil life of the small county town from the natural surroundings. Since the original building was nearly completed, to control costs and minimize waste, the renovation had to be carefully executed, like a loach swimming through tofu. This project was a race against time and a battle to overcome monotony. While the architectural design, layout, and area remain largely unchanged, the once orderly school has been transformed into a beloved playground for children.
A blue pony roams the elementary school, playing all day while adorned in a mixed sky silk pattern. At this moment, it is peacefully sleeping, revealing its adorable little horse hooves. The “Huntian Ling” serves as a clever link connecting the main public spaces throughout the school.
The two-story rooftop activity platform, enclosed within the U-shaped building layout, was initially an unused space. It has now been transformed into a dynamic children’s play area featuring undulating surfaces and lively zebra stripes. From the classroom windows, the sleeping blue pony appears gentle and inviting, creating a safe and enjoyable playground for children during breaks. In its slumber, a horseshoe extends unconsciously, accidentally crossing the entrance of a unique multifunctional hall.
The legendary “Huntian Ling” is constantly evolving and holds the power to overturn rivers and seas. While the little pony sleeps peacefully, it plays in the fields, inspiring imagination throughout the buildings it visits. The previously adjacent elementary and kindergarten buildings now share new connections. The “Huntian Ling” at the elementary school’s main entrance takes the form of a graceful, winding staircase.
Serving as the most convenient route, this staircase connects the main entrance with the second-floor covered playground, making it the most charming feature on the entire street. In the original design, the kindergarten lacked public spaces; the renovation introduced a foyer where the “Huntian Ling” becomes an exciting slide. This fast track to school offers children some of the happiest moments of their day. Adjacent to the playground, a sturdy staircase serves as the best outdoor path with a scenic view, enabling children to seize every precious moment on the playground.
The campus colonnades and courtyards evoke a rural memory, constructed with the most common and affordable local material: red brick. This approach is both cost-effective and grounded. The activity areas continue this theme, featuring mounds, gravel, grass, red bricks, and painted patterns. These elements not only control costs but also help the campus break free from a concrete cage and blend naturally into the countryside.
Unlike their peers caught up in the early academic arms race from childhood to primary school and onwards, children in this county town enjoy a greater chance to grow up gradually. Like a little horse that lies down after a day of play, these children remain close to the land and fields. They experience a pure and complete childhood, embracing freedom and wildness. Here, I give you a little horse, barefoot, growing slowly with the summer.
Project Drawings
△ Project Site Map
△ Base Schematic Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Plan View
△ Local Axonometric Diagram
Partial Axonometric Drawing Before Renovation
△ Local Axonometric Diagram
Partial Axonometric Drawing Before Renovation
△ Local Axonometric Diagram
Partial Axonometric Drawing Before Renovation
△ Local Axonometric Diagram
Partial Axonometric Drawing Before Renovation
△ Local Axonometric Diagram
Partial Axonometric Drawing Before Renovation
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: Standing Wood Design Research Laboratory
Area: 15,000 square meters
Year: 2023
Photographer: Zhu Qingyan
Lead Designers: Liu Jinrui, Zou Mingxi
Design Team: Cheng Miao, Xie Shunbing, Li Jiayan, Li Chunyao, Liu Minghao, Guan Haoting, Liu Yiming, Hou Xiaohang, Zou Chengxing, Xiao Luoqin, Chen Ziqian, Lv Wufan, Song Xinyi, Lu Yuyao, Wan Yuetong
Structural Consultant: Tang Xi
Design Consultant: Shen Peng
Location: Xinyang
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up