xian architects lets nature do the work in dali’s field kitchen eatery

the restaurant is placed at one of the village's outermost corners, providing vast views of the surrounding farm grounds, cityscape, and canghsan mountains.

xianarchitects edited by nick brink January 18, 2016 2 min

xian architects lets nature do the work in dali’s field kitchen eatery
all images courtesy of xian architects

dali is a mid-sized city with roughly half a million residents in southwestern china’s yunnan province. the area has long been a popular tourist destination, no doubt due to its proximity to the erhai lake — the second largest highland lake in the country — and the cangshan mountain range.

xian architects field kitchen restaurant dali china
open doorway to small patio

a modern city with a rich history dating back to the 8th century, not to mention plentiful sunlight and crisp mountain air; dali is the perfect combination of old and new, fun and reservation. fortunately, the residents realize their good fortune. the ‘field kitchen’, is one such fruition of that knowledge. designed by xian architects, the small restaurant is placed at one of the village’s outermost corners, providing vast views of the surrounding farm grounds, distant cityscape, and canghsan mountains.

video courtesy of xian architects

xian architects’ work can be best described as secondary to dali’s landscape. meaning, the interior is minimal and devoid of excess embellishment. carefully placed windows and a small walkout patio allow selected views from inside. working in tandem, the ‘field kitchen’ as a structure disappears, and guests are able to see the true nature of the eatery’s name.

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looking over fields

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interior view to pond

xian architects field kitchen restaurant dali china
adjacent pond with snow-capped mountains in the distance

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original structure

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before intervention

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transforming from old to new

xian architects field kitchen restaurant dali china
work in progress

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interior: during construction

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landscape

xian architects field kitchen restaurant dali china
the field

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