MADAM and hexia's ginkgo forest tea house is a cluster of playful volumes

a continued part of china’s new hospitality complex ‘ginkgo swan lake,’ MADAM and hexia architects present a teahouse set within a forest. situated in the outskirts of jiaxing, hangzhou, the development comprises 11 pavilions, with three of these pavilions designed by MADAM including the expressive underground ‘fishermen’s wharf.‘ the gingko tea house brings together nature and architecture, a place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea with an enchanting view to the forest. located along the west shore of the swan lake, the tea house embraces the centuries-old ginkgo trees which cover the area.

all images courtesy of hexia architects

sited among the ginkgo forest, the MADAM and hexia architects-designed tea house embraces its timeless context. while ginkgo trees grow with a gridded organization, the pavilion fits in a complementary grid to interfere as little as possible with the continuity of the forest. the building finds its way between the trees. the space flows into nature, defining private units opened to the landscape. the design team expresses the materiality as a key element with wooden structures integrated in the sequence of the forest. glass panes dissolve the façade, allowing views across the pavilion. as a whole, the forest prevails as the main character, while the pavilion remains as a subtle piece of architecture in between the ginkgos.

visitors to MADAM and hexia’s ‘ginkgo forest tea house’ are invited to walk from the train onto a floating wooden carpet punctured by trees. once in the pavilion, the cozy rooms in between trees host the tea house. the project is comprised of many small and distinctive atmospheres, all of them merging together in a single architecture. every place and every point of view is unique, encompassing three different levels and three different viewpoints to the ginkgos and to the forest. the pavilion becomes more playful as the visitor ascends. slabs fold up to create sitting corners to contemplate the ginkgos, while a slide connects the second floor and only the ones who manage to climb up the net will get the best views.