sculptural roof informs the ring-shaped design of lake education center in china

Huanxiu Lake Science Popularization and Education Center

Atelier Folie designs the Huanxiu Lake Science Popularization and Education Center, located in Xiaying Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin, seamlessly integrating it with the surrounding landscape. The triangular plot of land dictates the architectural plan, resulting in a two-level space within a rounded triangular form. The center features a multi-purpose hall at its core, with a second-level open terrace that offers panoramic views of the hill. The design aims to release the influence of the space from the inside out.

Xiaying Town has faced population decline and outdated public facilities, but recent development plans have brought new opportunities for growth. The center is part of the Huanxiu Lake National Wetland Park, which focuses on wetland conservation, resource utilization, education, and scientific research. The design follows the island layout of the landscape, seamlessly integrating with the oval building site. The building’s height is controlled to maintain harmony with the traditional village and natural environment, while providing a two-story terrace that overlooks the wetland landscape.

aerial view of the development | all images by GaoHan

bamboo veneer facade runs along the continuous circular ramp

The building facade utilizes a continuous glass curtain wall to create a seamless transition between the indoor exhibition space and the outdoor garden. The reconstituted bamboo veneer facade balances durability and nativity, creating a warm and rustic atmosphere reminiscent of a forest cabin. The roof, supported by 24 steel rafters of varying lengths, takes on a curved shape and encloses the space under the corridor, extending the exhibition space. The interior showcases flora and fauna exhibits, providing an engaging learning environment for children.

The design team assembles an ascending indoor circular ramp leading to the second-floor platform. Sunlight filtering is provided through the glass curtain wall that creates dynamic light and shadow effects. The circular skylight on the second floor offers a unique view, as the roof gradually slopes downward from east to west. The design of the center presented challenges in integrating the architectural plan with the landscape and ensuring equal height between the walls and the outer circle column grid.

the sculptural roof informs the oval shape of the building

The Huanxiu Lake Science Popularization and Education Center contributes to the development of Xiaying Town by creating employment opportunities, attracting urban visitors, and enhancing the quality of the rural environment. It serves as a hub for science education and exploration, engaging visitors in the wetland scenery and popular science knowledge while revitalizing the local community.

an ascending indoor circular ramp leads to the second-floor platform

dynamic light and shadow effects are created by the sunlight filtering glass curtain wall

the interior showcases flora and fauna exhibits, providing an engaging learning environment

the roof, supported by 24 steel rafters of varying lengths, takes on a curved shape

the two-leveled volume develops under the curved hollowed roof

the bamboo veneer facade balances durability and nativity, creating a warm and rustic atmosphere

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project overview

oval shape of the building

aerial view of the project and surrounding environment

project info:

name: Huanxiu Lake Science Popularization and Education Center design
architect: Atelier Folie ([email protected] – [email protected])

design team: DuanWei, Zheng Xiaodong, LiXue, LiangTong, ShanXiaomeng, Yang Yuanting, LiAng, Wei Liuchao, Cai Haoxian

landscape design: PengRong, SuBo, ShangNan, MengYujia, ZhuWeiyu

structure: DongZhaolin

location: Jizhou, Tianjin, China

photography: GaoHan

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom