LIN architecture reimagines former pumping station into observatory in china's countryside

A pumping station in the countryside by lin architecture

Located in the picturesque countryside just outside Eryuan Botou Village in Yunnan, China, the Concrete Pavilion, crafted by LIN Architecture, serves as a serene observatory. Its angular design opens up to panoramic views, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the undulating landscapes of mountains and sprawling rice paddies. Originally a humble pump house, a historical landmark used by villagers for water and electricity, the structure was reimagined to honor its past while embracing its transformation into a contemporary observatory. The architects explored the multifaceted roles of the pump house, extracting cultural elements from its surroundings and weaving them into the architectural fabric. The final structure embodies vernacular elements like sloping roofs, shadow walls, and diverse windows, each incorporated to create a harmonious dialogue between the pavilion and its natural setting.

all images by Chen Zhitong, Zhuo Hongduo

concrete pavilion offers various observation experiences

The external facade maintains consistency, serving as a static guide for villagers. ‘On the way to ploughing in the field, the villagers read its image in different states,’ mentions the team. Internally, the space by LIN architecture is intentionally divided and centered around a large staircase. Elements such as suspended platforms, sloping sidewalls, half-arched ceilings, low side windows, and skylights with narrow openings offer distinct perspectives of the landscape, maintaining a nod to the area’s heritage. Additionally, the design embraces Yunnan’s unpredictable weather, allowing natural elements to influence the building’s appearance. ‘Acts of nature add gestures to the skin of the building, making the façade a paintbrush in the field.’ The choice of materials, including steel and concrete, was deliberate, considering both functionality and the building’s interaction with the environment. ‘Thick clouds reflect on the walls, contrasting with the pristine white. On sunny days, radiant sunlight shines on the material, and the texture of the skin becomes visible. When it rains, the skin of the material becomes a canvas for the sky,’ they continue.

the angular design of the concrete pavilion invites visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscapes

the structure harmoniously blends vernacular elements into a contemporary design

symbolism played a key role in this synthesis

suspended platforms bring visitors closer to nature

narrow skylights and geometrical openings offer views of the sky and the surroundings

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a window to the region's heritage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info: 

name: Concrete Pavilion – pumping station in the field

architects: LIN Architecture

location: Botou Village, Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, China

completion date: November 2023

building area: 50 square metres

site area: 100 sqm

building materials: Concrete, Steel, Wooden Planks, Concrete Hanging Slabs

lead designer: Lin Lifeng

teaching and research support and material support: RAC studio 

constructor: Shanghai Mulokang Wooden Structure Construction: Engineering Co, Ltd, Zhongyue Tiangong Group Co, Ltd, Zhongshui Huachuang International Engineering: Design Consultant Co.

owner and site provider: People’s Government of Yousho Town, Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, China

design participation and site construction: Chai Zongrui, Chen Zhitong, Xing Zhihao, Zhang Jingyue, Tang Ziqi, Wang Churui, Xu Yemeng, Wang Yating, Ye Feihao, Qian Jiayun, Yu Ziyang, Hao Yixin, Wang Jiasen, Zhou Yanyang, Yang Yufei, Zhu Yangyang, Xu Jiayi, Zhou Xinyue, Huang Qi’ao, Xu Yuanhong

photography: Chen Zhitong, Zhuo Hongduo