field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake’s edge in china
CategoriesArchitecture

field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake’s edge in china

Studio Fei & Field Object Lab envision leaf pavilion by the lake

 

Studio Fei & Field Object Lab conceive Leaf Pavilion by the Lake to accommodate The Community Center located in a rural village in Ya’an, Sichuan, China. The project is part of the local government’s initiative to boost rural tourism. The region, well-known for its tea production and culture spanning centuries, informs the architectural concept. Drawing from the local sloping roof typology, the design strikes a nuanced balance between the familiar and the contemporary. The leaf-like floor plan introduces a subtle architectural contour, tracing the water’s edge with a sense of lightness to the eaves.

field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake's edge in china
all images courtesy of Studio Fei & Field Object Lab

 

 

four intertwined leaf-like formations compose the pavilion

 

Each structure’s central eaves gently descend, directing the gaze toward the distant horizon. Vertical spaces at the terminations of each room offer unobstructed panoramic views of the nearby lake and mountains. Adapting to the site’s natural elevation gradient, the overall massing mirrors the cascading topography of adjacent terraced tea fields, creating the interior spatial arrangement. As visitors enter, they are guided along a gradually changing floor elevation, culminating in a tranquil waterside trail. For the concept of The Leaf Pavilion, Studio Fei & Field Object Lab merge cultural influences with innovative design, creating a space that respects its heritage while offering a serene environment for the community.

field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake's edge in china
central eaves gently descend in each structure, directing the gaze toward the distant horizon

field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake's edge in china
the overall massing mimics the cascading topography of nearby terraced tea fields

field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake's edge in china
the Leaf Pavilion, conceived to house The Community Center, celebrates the region’s rich tea culture

field object lab embeds leaf-shaped community center along lake's edge in china
the giant roof is supported by an engineered mass timber structure

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studeny architekti embeds concrete shell house into hillside of pernek, slovakia
CategoriesArchitecture

studeny architekti embeds concrete shell house into hillside of pernek, slovakia

an underground mountain house

 

Design studio Studeny Architekti has recently completed a contemporary house in the scenic village of Pernek, Slovakia. Embedded into the earth a vast plot of land surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Small Carpathians, the Family House in Pernek embodies the studio’s vision of a simple dwelling existing in dialogue with its natural surroundings.

 

The primary objective of this project was to create a residence that makes use of the contours of the land but also harmonizes with the environment. By strategically placing the concrete house beneath a slope below the road, the architects ensured that the residents would have unobstructed views of the opposite forest, allowing them to connect with nature effortlessly. This underground placement also freed up the flat portion of the plot, which was reserved for a wide, open front yard.

studeny architekti embeds concrete shell house into a hillside in pernek, slovakiaimages © Alex Shoots Buildings @alex.shoots.buildings

 

 

the concrete shell structure by studeny architekti

 

Studeny Architekti constructs its Family House in Pernek with a unique design element — a monolithic concrete shell without internal supports. This choice not only adds structural integrity to the building but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal. Inside the house, the concrete shell remains exposed, creating a distinct visual feature. However, the facade opening out toward the south is defined by its large glass wall, opening the interior spaces broadly outward to gaze onto the wooded mountains beyond.

studeny architekti house pernek

 

 

inside the family house in pernek

 

Studeny Architekti organizes the floor plan of its Family House in Pernek in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, mirroring its longitudinal profile. This unique layout results in an interior space that feels open and free-flowing. The house consists of two floors interconnected by a stylish staircase.

 

The ground floor, in direct contact with the garden, encompasses a multifunctional area housing the living room, a work corner, the parents’ bedroom, a kitchen with a dining room, and the technical facilities of the house. On the upper floor, two children’s bedrooms, a bathroom, and an entrance area can be found. All the living spaces benefit from ample natural light and are oriented towards the garden and the forest through expansive windows.

studeny architekti house pernek
the house is built as a concrete shell with no internal supports studeny architekti house pernek
full height glazing opens onto the forest beyond through a trapezoidal frame studeny architekti house perneksliding glass doors fills the underground home with natural breezes and sunlight



Reference

Studio RC embeds equestrian complex into Mexican landscape
CategoriesArchitecture

Studio RC embeds equestrian complex into Mexican landscape

Stables linked by steel bridges and a clubhouse with a cantilevered terrace feature at the Hípico Piedra Grande equestrian complex in rural Mexico, designed by Studio RC.

Located in Huixquilucan in the State of Mexico, the complex includes a rectilinear clubhouse and a block of stables surrounded by gravel roads and green areas and meandering riding trails.

Hípico Piedra Grande equestrian complex is located in rural Mexico

Mexican architecture office Studio RC  arranged the building around a central patio and positioned it on the hillside to complement the natural surroundings.

The low-slung clubhouse was constructed from a skeleton of columns and steel beams, which are also exposed on the interior.

Rectilinear clubhouse with a cantilevered terrace by Studio RC
The clubhouse’s terrace cantilevers off the hillside

The building’s facade is defined by rugged stone walls and a timber roof – materials sourced from the area.

“The project seeks to alter the site as little as possible, looking for a contemporary language that in turn was appropriate for the context,” said the studio.

Steel bridge with a horse standing on it
Steel bridges connect the stables

A gap was created between the clubhouse’s stone retaining walls and its interior spaces in order to create cross ventilation, while the building’s terrace gently cantilevers off the hillside.

Spread across three modules on two levels, the stables are positioned below the clubhouse and are connected by steel bridges, which create another open central patio used for walking horses.

Sawtooth roof on a grey stable
One module is topped by a sawtooth roof

Dark grey concrete was used for the angular facade, while each module is characterised by sets of wooden shutters.

The stables’ uniform geometry is interrupted only by a sawtooth roof that tops one of the modules and takes advantage of natural light during the day and also captures rainwater for reuse.

Inside, Studio RC chose a recycled material for the stables’ flooring, which was designed to control the acoustics as well as provide suitable traction for walking horses.

The clubhouse interiors feature a similar simplicity. Board-formed concrete walls match pared-back neutral furniture while floor-to-ceiling glazing provides expansive views of the surrounding greenery.

Minimalist interior design within clubhouse at equestrian complex
The clubhouse features minimalist interiors

Elsewhere in Mexico, 1540 Arquitectura created stables from a series of triangular structures while Matias Zegers Architects inserted a skylight along the ridge of a stable near Santiago in Chile.

The photography is by Cesar Belio

Reference