archstudio weaves exhibition center into dengcun's undulating landscape

the resort unfolds as a cluster of fragmented volumes

Amid the enchanting tea gardens of Dengcun Town, China, sits the Sanxia Tea Town resort. With an emphasis on eco-tourism, outdoor exploration, pastoral experiences, forest therapy, and luxury vacations, the cluster exemplifies eco-civilization system construction along the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges Dam. The Exhibition Center, realized by Chinese practice ARCHSTUDIO, is an essential node in the early construction phase of the wider master plan, with a floor area encompassing approximately 5,000 square meters. It accommodates hybrid functions including reception, dining, cultural and creative product sales, exhibition spaces, a performance auditorium, and a coworking area. Beyond its practical roles, the center acts as a vital cultural window with tourist services, showcasing the essence of the Sanxia Tea Valley.

ARCHSTUDIO’s design utilizes the limited space within the tea garden to arrange volumes in a fragmented configuration, creating an interplay between architecture and the surrounding landscape. Finished with timber and rammed-earth, the volumes have been nestled into the engulfing tea garden landscape and natural landform to balance iconic identity and functionality.

all images courtesy of ARCHSTUDIO

archstudio facilitates eco-tourism in Dengcun Town, china

Following intensive site investigation, the design team at ARCHSTUDIO positioned the exhibition center on Plots A and B flanking the public road. Plot A, tucked between two small hills, offers scenic views of rolling tea fields and distant mountains. The square, a relatively flat space amidst the tea-covered terrain accommodating gatherings and activities for tourists extends to the hilltops and forms a distinctive ‘bridge’ that blends with the natural contours and connects the two hills. To the south, a meandering arc connects the square with the existing traditional house and the multi-level elevation difference, maximizing views of the tea garden from within. The north side adopts straight lines to enhance the bridge’s volumetric presence while maintaining harmony with the hills.

Plot B, situated at the square’s turning point, offers a vantage point from its significant elevation difference and scattered woods. Here, two ‘viewing windows’, one wide and one long, frame nearby fields and distant mountain landscapes and compose a small performance space. The rooftop sits level with the road and transforms into a public viewing terrace, providing panoramic vistas. Within, Plot B accommodates an audio-visual hall and a multi-functional venue that complements the leisure and entertainment functions of the building on Plot A. Here, film and TV show performances, wedding ceremonies, and other activities can be hosted, facilitated by rotating motorized screen panel systems. The screen panels open to embrace views of the landscape and serve as a natural backdrop for music performances. As they close, the space becomes fully light-proof, creating an intimate environment for projections. The multi-functional hall offers a broad field of view and can be used as an ancillary space for the audio-visual hall or as an independent small exhibition space.

the architecture dialogues with the natural typology

ARCHSTUDIO sought to create a cluster of volumes that integrate with the context and create a strolling path to immerse tourists in the natural environment and architectural complex. The structures feature transparent facades, multiple access points at varying heights and directions, and a continuous circulation path reminiscent of a Mobius loop. Large undulating steps resembling tea fields connect the square and provide a natural backdrop for various tourist activities.

Ascending the steps, visitors are led to the main leisure space on the second floor, where the building’s curve stretches through the outdoor corridor to the eastern and western wings. The east side offers a courtyard with a traditional local house, providing easy access to the roof terrace. The western building features a slightly elevated rooftop that forms steps, creating a small outdoor activity square facing the northern landscape. Spiral stairs and elevators serve as the core of vertical circulation, connecting the first floor, second floor, and roof terrace.

Beneath the large steps on Plot A, the eastern part of the building’s first floor houses a tourist reception center, providing services such as display, rest, waiting, and the sale of agricultural products. This area is designed with curved surfaces, creating a circular tea tree courtyard that defines the main entrance. The indoor functional areas are arranged in the shape of islands, and LED screens are installed on the wall to facilitate various activities.

Meanwhile, the west side of the first floor serves as a coworking area that can be operated independently, as the second floor, within the central bridge structure, serves as a cafe and book bar, fitted with bookshelves made of curved laminated bamboo panels, inspired by tea fields. This is combined with coffee tables to divide the space into different areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the view beyond while reading and sipping coffee. The traditional house to the east side of the second floor has been renovated and connected with the main body of the new building, serving as the main dining area, with an open dining space, private dining rooms, tea room, chess and card room, and more.