standardarchitecture: yarluntzangbu boat terminal

‘yarluntzangbu boat terminal’ by standardarchitecture, pai town, linzhi, tibet image © chen su all images courtesy of standardarchitecture

the ‘yarluntzangbu boat terminal’ designed by beijing-based practice standardarchitecture has received the ‘international award – architecture in stone 2011’ from the 46th edition of marmomacc. carved into the landscape and hovering above the yaluntzangpu river in tibet, the small structure serves as a connection point between the namchabawa snow mountain and distant valley to the local inhabitants and travelers. the steep terrain encompasses the site and guides visitors to the recessed riverfront. the ramped roof wraps around a mature poplar tree and terminates with a cantilevered wing above the water for observation and panoramic views.

building adjacent to the yaluntzangpu river image © chen su

the 430 square meter area contains a ticket office, public toilets, waiting lounge and overnight resting room to accommodate visitors afflicted by the region’s unpredictably harsh weather. the exterior walls and paths are constructed from locally sourced rocks, blending into the topography from a distance. the traditional patterns generated by the tibetan masons retain a vernacular appearance while the windows, door frames along with the interior’s ceilings and floors are comprised of timber for a warm and inviting color palette.

building carved into landscape image © chen su

ramped roof image © chen su

overlook of river and grounds from roof image © chen su

entrance image © chen su

sheltered outdoor area image © chen su

waiting lounge image © chen su

waiting lounge image © chen su

approaching by boat from the river image © chen su

view from across the river image © chen su

terminal building blends into landscape image © chen su

floor plan / level 0

roof plan

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project info:

project name: yaluntzangpu river terminal, linzhi, tibet location: linzhi, tibet program: public boat terminal design period: 2007 construction period: 2008 site area: 1000 sqm building area: 430 sqm architect: standardarchitecture design team: hou zhenghua, zhang ke, zheng hong, claudia taborda, dong lina, sun wei collaborate design institution: china academy of building research architectural design institute & tibet youdao architecture associates structural system: mixed – stone masonry / concrete frame and steel