geometric rock-like skylights pop up on blue insight cave's green rooftop by 3andwich

Blue Insight Cave Space resembles reefs and sea caves

3andwich Design / He Wei Studio architecture office shapes Blue Insight Cave Space, situated along Donghai No.1 Road, Ningde City, Fujian Province, China. The design focuses on environmental harmony, emphasizing low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions. The building, partially buried underground, minimizes energy consumption by maintaining a stable indoor temperature and reducing cooling needs in summer. Inspired by the reefs and sea caves around the site, the design team created an irregular exterior shape, incorporating structural and functional openings, such as doors and windows, to form a dynamic interplay of geometric cuts and angles. The building’s form subtly evokes a reef-like abstraction. The roughened concrete gives the structure a rock-like texture, further enhancing its connection to nature.

all images by DONG Image

3andwich Design engages in an interplay of geometric forms

The roof features uniquely shaped ventilation and lighting openings, designed to mimic marine creatures in the form of flat circles, triangles, and long tubes. These elements are freely arranged on the rooftop’s grassland, offering photo opportunities for visitors while ensuring indoor ventilation and light. The main entrance, located on the west side of the roof, features a semi-circular shape that extends from the underground, with a descending passage leading inside. The designers at 3andwich Design / He Wei Studio shaped the interior out of interconnected ‘cave’ spaces, creating an organic and dramatic atmosphere. The layout includes three primary areas: a lobby, a main space, and a logistics area. The main space, with its salon and gallery, is positioned to face the sea, offering striking views. This versatile space hosts exhibitions, small gatherings, and provides catering services.

the Blue Insight Cave Space by 3andwich Design blends architecture with nature in Ningde City, Fujian

designed for environmental harmony, the partially underground building minimizes energy consumption

the structure draws inspiration from nearby reefs and sea caves, forming an irregular, reef-like shape

visitors can interact with rooftop installations, designed for playful exploration and photo opportunities

structural and functional openings, such as doors and windows, create dynamic geometric interactions

roughened concrete gives the building a rock-like texture, emphasizing its connection to nature

a dynamic interplay of geometric cuts and angles shapes Blue Insight Cave Space’s exterior

circular, triangular, and tubular shapes dot the rooftop grassland, enhancing ventilation and natural light

the roof features unique ventilation and lighting openings inspired by marine creatures

positioned to face the sea, the salon and gallery offer breathtaking ocean views

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site plan

plan

section

east facade

lighting diagrammatic section

project info:

name: The Blue Insight Cave Space
architect: 3andwich Design / He Wei Studio

location: Danwan View Platform, Xiapu County, Ningde City, Fujian Province, China

principle architect: He Wei

architecture design team: Wang Ziyi, Wu Wenquan, Liu Hao, He Xingchen

interior design team: Meng Xiangting, Wang Jun, Zhi Haiyang

owner: Fujian Jinhai Tourism Investment and Development Co., Ltd.

on-site art consulting: Zeng Chaolei

lighting design: UNI-Lighting

AH technical consulting: VELUX

construction drawing design: Beijing VAGE Institute of Architectural Design & Planning Co., Ltd

construction drawing design team: Zhao Yonglu, Huang Qiulai, Lin Shen, Liang Xinlin, Guo Jiansheng, Pei Xuelong, Chen Zongqi

construction unit: Fujian Minxinsheng Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.

owner engineering management team: Ma Chaohua, Lin Lihui

building area: 460 sqm

photography: DONG Image

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom