Dapi Mountain Pavilion
Arch-Exist Photography

Dapi Mountain Pavilion

Galaxy Arch as Architects

The site is located in Dapi Mountain, Xun County, Henan Province, adjacent to a thousand-year-old temple. The owner wishes to rebuild a pavilion in this area, providing a better visiting experience for tourists while also promoting local intangible cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

Taking into account the topography and visitor flow, the main entrance of the building is arranged on the east side, utilizing the different height of the mountain to design entrance stairs that welcome visitors. The architectural layout maintains the enclosed style of the original site, featuring a gentle linear form that connects the entrance spaces on the east and west sides, with a courtyard on the southern side for relaxation.

photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography
photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography

To better integrate the building with the surrounding environment, the architecture does not exceed the height of the mountain gate of the Guanyin Temple, presenting a humble and modest posture in front of the ancient building. The building manifests itself in a low-key manner among the mountains, resonating with the nearby millennia-old buildings. Adopting the traditional sloping roof form, the main structure utilizes modern construction techniques to create a more lightweight architectural form.

The architecture continues the traditional architectural element of uplifted eaves. The eave height gradually rises at the eastern and western entrances, creating a sense of entrance, while being slightly lowered in the middle to avoid collision. In contrast, the contour of the mountain shows the highest point in the middle, gradually decreasing towards the sides, creating tension that contrasts with the direction of the building.

photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography
photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography

As Dapi Mountain is a World Geological Cultural Heritage site, the new construction is not allowed to excavate foundations deeper than 200 millimeters. To minimize the impact on the mountain, the foundation height of each column varies according to the contour of the terrain. Additionally, to control construction and transportation costs, the building utilizes small-sized column components.

Local materials are used in the construction, such as grey stone from Taihang Mountain, locally preserved laminated wood, rammed earth walls with a local flavor, and textured slate tiles on the roof, aiming to reflect the building's integration into the natural environment.

photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography
photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography

The intangible cultural heritage theme of the architecture is "Clay Gugu." It is crafted from sticky clay from the Yellow River and features two small holes at its tail, emitting a "gugu" sound when blown into. The architecture incorporates elements that reflect this theme, such as its form, structure, and landscape signs. Once constructed, it not only provides a space for visitors to rest but also offers a multitude of cultural experiences.

photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography
photo_credit Arch-Exist Photography
Arch-Exist Photography

Team:
Architecture Firm: Galaxy Arch
Photography: Arch-Exist Photography, Lv Xiaobin

photo_credit Galaxy Arch
Galaxy Arch
photo_credit Galaxy Arch
Galaxy Arch
photo_credit Galaxy Arch
Galaxy Arch
Project Credits
Architects
Photographers
Product Spec Sheet

Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital sets new standard for clinical healthcare design
7 Nov 2024 News
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital sets new standard for clinical healthcare design

Architectural studios HKS, Cagni Williams, and Sonnemann Toon have completed the Midland Metropolita... More

EovaStudio uses Baguette Oval glazed terracotta facade from Tempio in sports pavilion renovation
6 Nov 2024 News
EovaStudio uses Baguette Oval glazed terracotta facade from Tempio in sports pavilion renovation

Seville-based architectural firm EovaStudio has renovated and improved a sports pavilion located in... More

25 best architecture firms in South Africa
6 Nov 2024 News
25 best architecture firms in South Africa

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is home to a varied topograph... More

Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects connect modern architecture with the city’s industrial past
5 Nov 2024 News
Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects connect modern architecture with the city’s industrial past

Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects is an innovative housing development in Delft (NL) that redefin... More

Primary school in Au, Austria by Bernardo Bader Architekten recalls traditional approach to building in wood
5 Nov 2024 News
Primary school in Au, Austria by Bernardo Bader Architekten recalls traditional approach to building in wood

Austrian architectural studio Bernardo Bader Architekten has completed a new primary school in Au, a... More

Key recent projects by Dietrich | Untertrifaller
5 Nov 2024 News
Key recent projects by Dietrich | Untertrifaller

Dietrich | Untertrifaller is an international architecture firm known for its sustainable and contex... More

25 best track light manufacturers
4 Nov 2024 Specification
25 best track light manufacturers

Track lights are versatile lighting systems that offer flexible and focused illumination for various... More

Mixed wood and concrete production hall in Austria nestles neatly in a picturesque village setting
4 Nov 2024 News
Mixed wood and concrete production hall in Austria integrates into its picturesque village setting

DI Simon Moosbrugger Architekt ZT has designed a new production hall facility for Austrian company T... More