The Shimei Nature Experience Hall is in the picturesque setting of the Shimei Wan Tourism Resort, nestled amidst majestic mountains and offering exceptional beach scenery. Its proximity to the Qingpi Forest Nature Reserve and Shimei Village further blends natural beauty with vibrant energy. Situated within the central tourism resort, the site enjoys a tranquil lake to the south and overlooks the main resort entrance across the lake. Residential areas surround the remaining three edges. Initially serving as a hub for real estate sales and exhibition, the project will transform into a vibrant community center in the future. Thus, the goal of the Shimei Nature Experience Hall is to become a prominent landmark that can be easily recognized from afar, serving both as a community hub and a sought-after tourist destination that harmoniously coexists with its natural surroundings.
The design transforms a three-story standalone volume into a collection of single-story structures of various sizes to ensure a seamless connection with the landscape resources and neighboring residential areas. These structures were strategically scattered along the water to minimize their visual impact. They gather to form a courtyard that embraces the water to encourage interaction between the architectural cluster and the water by softening the architectural interface. This spatial arrangement also extends the visual scope of the adjacent lakeside park and optimizes the scenic views from the north for the residences. Among all three structures, the central one holds a special position along an axis that aligns with the distant mountains and the picturesque lake. This strategic placement allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the natural landscape from both directions.
The architectural form draws inspiration from the boat-shaped cottages of the indigenous Li minority group, which is then combined with the imagery of tropical bamboo houses and the patterns found in local groves. This configuration represents the roof structure. The building's lower portion features a column-free area with a large span, providing an uninterrupted ground floor that offers high flexibility in terms of spatial use. The building envelope consists of thin column bundles and glass curtain walls, creating a visual effect of a "floating" canopy. Glass corridors connect the main functional zones. Consequently, combining an opaque upper section with a lucid lower section creates a distinctive micro-landmark image, evoking a tropical vacation atmosphere and capturing visitors' attention.
The roof design is composed of three sections, each with varying slopes. The eaves extend outward, creating generous shaded areas that offer protection from rain and sun in tropical climates, where the main entrance boasts an impressive cantilever of 12m. The suspended ceiling uses honeycomb aluminum panels, incorporating a dual-layer drainage system to ensure a clean surface and efficient water drainage. The main architectural structure is enclosed by 4m x 2m glass panels, featuring a corner with a filleted radius of 1.5m. On the elevation facing the lake, bi-fold doors are installed, allowing for a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces when fully opened.
The transparent lower section of the building blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, as the interior space extends outward along the eaves, blending with the surrounding nature. A steel structure system is employed for the building, and the column bundles, consisting of three slender columns, provide vertical support while also contributing to the lightweight and transparent visual aesthetic. The interior space gradually narrows as it ascends, facilitating natural ventilation. Skylights allow daylight to filter through, creating captivating patterns of light and shadow on the grid of suspended ceilings and offering visitors a unique spatial experience.
