west-line studio's chetian cultural center pays homage to local building traditions

chinese firm west-line studio has designed and constructed a cultural centre in the rural chetian village using traditional methods and building materials. the small village of chetian is 30km from guiyang, the capital of guizhou province in south west china, and is renowned for its locally built stone houses. 41 families out of the villages 207 belong to the miao (苗) ethnic minority, one of the oldest minority groups in china.

the village is renowned for its traditional architecture
all images by jingsong xie, courtesy of west-line

the chetian cultural centre overlooks a large central square, often used for traditional miao dance and drama performances. remaining true to the village’s rich cultural heritage, west-line studio made use of local ‘blue-stone’, so called because of its ashy-grey hue. characterized by 40cm thick stone walls, the centre effectively marries old and new, with recessed modern windows punctuating the traditional architecture of the building. jagged slate is used to cover the roof, creating a textured and characterful presentation. situated on a slope, the plan of the building see-saws slowly downwards, a pattern reflected in both the silhouette of the roof and in the shelter wall that houses an exterior stairwell. the main entrance of the centre is accessed through a yawning archway in the face of the building, which is otherwise mostly uninterrupted. 

the local ‘blue-stone’ is so called because of its ashy-blue hue

the patterned colour of the stones comes from sedimentary rocks, its major components being limestone and dolomite. the strong and venerable exterior of the stone façade creates an equally intimate interior space, demonstrating the architect’s deep respect for the historical masonry traditions of the village.

jagged slate lends the roof a characterful and contemporary aspect

the building’s zig-zag pattern is repeated throughout

the stone is mostly composed of limestone and dolomite

miao dancers performing in the nearby square

 
elevation

plan of the centre

section

project info:

architects: west-line studio
location: chetian village – guiyang – guizhou province – china
completion: july 2015
program: cultural and exhibition center
building type: masonry structure
building area: 715 sqm
floor number: 2
design: haobo wei, jingsong xie (architecture and interior design), martina muratori (exhibition design and curator)
photos: jingsong xie (courtesy of west-line studio)

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edited by: peter corboy | designboom