large pitched roof with curved eaves shields galaxy arch's jinji lake pavilion in china

Galaxy Arch’s Jinji Lake Pavilion replaces Wooden Cabin in Suzhou

Galaxy Arch takes over the design of Jinji Lake Pavilion, replacing a small wooden cabin with a modern structure that stands in the popular spot in Suzhou, China. The new pavilion features a pitched roof and gable walls, with subtly raised corners forming entrances. This blend of traditional and contemporary design elements offers a unique yet familiar aesthetic.

Situated in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jinji Lake Pavilion is part of a strategic plan to create a new urban center. The waterfront public space serves as the primary area for public activities, integrating the existing visitor center and buildings to establish a lakeside pavilion service system based on a 15-minute walking radius, including light commercial spaces, rest areas, and restrooms. With 11 pavilions around Jinji Lake, including five new constructions and six renovations, the area serves as a vital urban brand showcase. Spanning 400 square meters over two floors, the pavilion houses a café, outdoor seating, an observation deck, and public restrooms.

The Jinji Lake Pavilion stands on the original site of the former wooden cabin. The new structure features a pitched roof and gable design elements, echoing traditional dwellings with distinctive modern twists. Each corner of the pavilion curves upward to form entrances, and the structure is slightly elevated just above head height. Positioned on a lawn with tiered platforms, the pavilion offers seating and outdoor space while also serving to prevent flooding during heavy rains. The wooden platforms interact with the eaves, creating a visual effect that resembles ripples spreading from the center of the pavilion. The main entrances are located on the east and south sides, with a granite path intersected by grass, highlighting the pavilion’s standalone presence. A secondary entrance ramp on the north side extends from the camphor forest, providing an accessible corridor. The eaves create a flowing, semi-outdoor space that enhances the pavilion’s usability and aesthetic appeal.

Galaxy Arch designs Jinji Lake Pavilion in Suzhou | all images by © Chen Hao unless stated otherwise

Jinji Lake pavilion’s main structure combines steel and wood

Approaching from the north, a path through the camphor forest leads to the pavilion. The terrain undulates, and the metal roof made of gray titanium zinc becomes visible through the trees, creating an interplay of light and shadow. The low eaves offer a unique interaction with the surrounding nature, allowing views of the woods and lake. The eaves create inviting spaces that encourage exploration. The west side of the pavilion features a tall, gray area with skylights that suggest the building’s scale. This outdoor space, enclosed by steel and wood structures, provides a flexible and intimate environment.

For the pavilion’s main structure, Galaxy Arch combines steel and wood elements. Steel beams and columns form the basic framework, while CLT panels are used for floors and NLT systems for the roof, complemented by lightweight wooden walls. This combination optimizes durability, load management, construction scale, and visual impact. The steel framework minimizes visual obstructions, while the wooden floors and roofs reduce the load, enabling smaller vertical supports. Selective exposure of the steel structure creates a rhythmic relationship with the wood, balancing warmth with firmness. This design requires high precision in construction, as errors in the steel structure accumulate and cannot be corrected by other materials. This necessitates careful coordination across woodwork, interior finishing, and facades. The walls utilize 250mm wide Douglas fir planks, aligning with the modular dimensions of the facade and interior. Ceiling panels are A-grade fire-resistant wood veneers, and both indoor and outdoor areas feature Indonesian merbau flooring. The extensive use of wood contributes to an authentic wooden cabin experience, particularly on the second floor, where the intersection of the roof creates a more intimate space.

At night, the pavilion glows with soft yellow light from under the eaves. The lighting design includes interior lights, wall washers, ground lights, and linear lights along the eaves and platforms, enhancing the landscape and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The wooden cabin becomes a distinctive feature against the camphor forest at night, harmonizing with its natural surroundings through gentle lighting.

the secondary entrance ramp from camphor forest provides accessible access

the new pavilion boasts a pitched roof and gable walls, blending tradition with modernity

the pavilion’s elevated structure prevents flooding and offers scenic seating on tiered platforms

steel and wood blend in the pavilion’s main structure, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal

the two-floor pavilion hosts a café, an observation deck, and public amenities | image by © Arch-Exist Photography

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double-height gray space

platforms of varying heights under the eaves

resting space under the eaves

view of the eaves from indoors

second floor terrace

second floor cabin

view of the lake from indoors

project info:

name: Jinji Lake Pavilion
architect: Galaxy Arch | @galaxy.arch

design team: Ji Xin, Ge Jiaqi

location: Suzhou, China

photography: Chen Hao | @chenhao.etsam – Arch-Exist Photography | @archexist

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom