The Bee Watching Hut project is nestled in the mountains of Xiba Township, Shannan City, Xizang—the “roof of the world.” This site was originally an orchard planted and nurtured by Tibetan ancestors 60 years ago and has now transformed into a bee honey gathering park.
Our commission was to design a spatial structure for tourists that showcases the life of bees and offers an immersive experience of manual honey harvesting. Located in a fragile plateau ecosystem, we adopted a sustainable and locally sensitive approach to infrastructure and materials, minimizing disturbance to the ground cover.
Given the strong ultraviolet radiation and low precipitation in the area, the entire project uses corrosion-resistant black carbonized wood. This choice not only helps the building blend into the forest with its dark tone but also creates a distinctive black landmark within the landscape.
Inspired by traditional Tibetan dwellings, our design uses lightweight wooden components that can be manually transported, simulating the heavy brick and stone masonry walls typical of the region. The exterior facade reflects the inclined geometry of traditional Tibetan architecture, while the fish scale-like layered and angled outer panels create openings that allow bees to freely enter and exit.
This lightweight construction technique aims to evoke the solidity of traditional Tibetan masonry. We hope that after seeing the Bee Watching Hut, visitors will associate this wood structure with the weight and presence of traditional Tibetan buildings.
Inside, we aimed to create a space that feels both transparent and enclosed, evoking a sanctuary-like atmosphere for the bees. There is a deliberate contrast between the building’s external symmetry and an internal asymmetry in layout and function. From afar, visitors perceive a symmetrical structure, but upon entering, they discover subtle asymmetries within.
The flooring uses red porous bricks, a traditional and rustic material that connects to the surrounding countryside. The interplay of red and black colors highlights the entrances, enhancing the sense of arrival.
The roof design draws inspiration from the Han-Tibetan style eaves found in traditional Tibetan architecture. Exposed aluminum panels mimic traditional roof tiles and enhance the diffuse reflection of sunlight through their curved shapes, balancing natural light inside the building.
Instead of relying on a modern construction crew, the building was assembled over a week by local villagers and carpenters using prefabricated materials. This project is a true collaboration between architects, local craftsmen, and the community.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Detailed Drawing of Local Structure
Project Information
Architect: Moon Soil Architecture
Area: 50 m²
Year: 2023
Photographer: Jiang Qiwei, Profound
Design Team: Jiang Qiwei, Wang Chenyang, Chen Tianli
Construction: Chengdu Meishu Wooden Structure Engineering Co., Ltd
Client: Xizang Night Companion Bee Sound Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd
Structural Design: Moon Soil Architecture
Location: Shannan, Xizang
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