Finalized in 2023 by architecture firm Galaxy Arch, the Dapi Mountain Pavilion emerges as a captivating fusion of modern design principles and revered, ancient craftsmanship in Henan Province. Located near a historical temple, this pavilion transcends its physical form and becomes a living testament to innovative architectural methodologies while simultaneously paying respect to the area’s rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts.
Dapi Mountain Pavilion Technical Information
- Architects: Galaxy Arch
- Location: Dapi Mountain, Xun Country, Hebi City, Henan Province, China
- Clients: Xunxian Tourism Development Service Center
- Topics: Pavilion Architecture
- Area: 210 m2
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Lv Xiaobin, © Arch-Exist Photographer
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.
– Galaxy Arch Architects
Dapi Mountain Pavilion Photographs
Harmonizing Tradition and Modernity
Text by the 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 heights 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.
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.
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.
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 “gu gu” 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.
Dapi Mountain Pavilion Plans
Dapi Mountain Pavilion Image Gallery
About Galaxy Arch
Galaxy Arch, anchored in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China, is a dynamic architecture firm with a distinct specialization in crafting innovative designs for the hospitality and entertainment industries.
- Architecture: Ji Xin, Ge Jiaqi, Chen Chao, Xi Ting
- Lead Architect: Ji Xin
- Structure: Yang Xiaotian, Wu Kunying
- Interior: Ji Xin, Ge Jiaqi
- Landscape: Wang Zhi
- Logo Design: Ji Xin, Ge Jiaqi
- VI Design: Zou Congfei, Chen Haoxiang
- Engineering: Henan Zhengjue Construction Engineering Co.
