Located in the picturesque Chenjiapu Village in Songyang County, Zhejiang Province, the Maison S Museum by WIT Design & Research is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Situated within a Bed and Breakfast reception area, this small museum stands halfway up a lush mountainside. Its transparent glass roof, glowing invitingly in the evening, draws visitors with its unique charm. Designed by Zhenhua Luo and Qinruo Chen, the museum ingeniously preserves the village’s historical essence while injecting fresh vitality into the area. It serves not only as a public space for tourists to explore local life but also as a symbolic flag representing the village’s new “local history”.
Maison S Museum Technical Information
- Architects1-6: WIT Design & Research
- Location: Songyang County, Zhejiang Province, China
- Area: 230 m2
- Completion Year: 2024
- Photographs: © TOPIA Vision; One Thousand Degrees
Revitalization in the real sense here is not a matter of collection, but a process of awakening and a resonance from deep within, a revival of the human touch in the building.
– Zhenhua Luo
Maison S Museum Photographs
Challenges and Solutions: Integrating Tradition and Modernity
Creating a museum within a B&B lobby posed significant challenges, particularly in maintaining the delicate balance between modern amenities and traditional aesthetics. The WIT Design & Research team, including partners Chou Chou and Tao Rui, addressed these challenges by seamlessly blending the museum into the village’s fabric.
They dismantled and reconstructed parts of the existing concrete and steel structure, incorporating rammed earth and wood to align with local building traditions. A traditional patio was transformed into a skylight atrium, allowing natural light to flood the space, while the use of a glass roof enhanced the museum’s connection with its surroundings. The inclusion of local artifacts, such as a traditional straw raincoat, added an authentic charm, making the museum a true reflection of the villagers’ daily lives.
Unique Public Spaces: A New Approach to Rural Revitalization
The Maison S Museum epitomizes the innovative approach to rural revitalization by preserving the unique characteristics of Chenjiapu Village while offering a novel cultural experience. The design prioritizes vertical space, with a seven-meter ceiling height drawing visitors’ attention upwards, symbolizing the passage of time. The careful selection of lighting by PROL accentuates the museum’s exhibits with subtlety and elegance.
By sourcing furniture and accessories from neighboring counties, Tao Rui and Chou Chou ensured that the space resonates with local history and culture. This approach safeguards the village’s heritage and attracts international tourists, setting a precedent for sustainable tourism and environmental protection. The Maison S Museum stands as a poetic space that satisfies the curiosity of those eager to experience the essence of rural life, making it a meaningful addition to Chenjiapu Village’s cultural landscape.
Maison S Museum Plans
Maison S Museum Image Gallery
About WIT Design & Research
Founded in 2015, WIT Design & Research is a renowned spatial design firm based in Beijing, China. With a reliable professional background and a strong international reputation, the team has garnered over 90 international space design awards by 2023. WIT Design excels in creating spaces where “tech follows hospitality,” utilizing analytical, systematic, creative, and interdisciplinary methods to deeply understand client needs. Their services encompass a wide range of sectors, including real estate, hotels, luxury residences, commercial spaces, healthcare, dining, retail, offices, culture, education, and transportation hubs. Collaborating with passionate and visionary clients, WIT Design delivers precise and exceptional value through comprehensive spatial solution strategies.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Zhenhua Luo, Qinruo Chen, Chou Chou, Rui Tao, Gongpu Zhao, Yang Lin, Wenyi Chen
- Lighting Design: PROL
- Structure Consultant: Yuanping Cao
- Structure Design: Zhongwaijianhuacheng
- Building Electrical Construction Drawing: Aofu/Liang Liang
- Façade Consultant: Beijing Elevation Times
