Chinese architecture studio Wutopia Lab has successfully completed The Lake House Life Experience Pavilion in Shanghai, creating an innovative design that wraps two existing structures on the edge of a lake with striking facades made of aluminum and ceramic panels.
Located in the scenic Daning Park, the 190-square-meter pavilion was commissioned by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). The multi-functional space houses an exhibition area, VIP rooms, and a cafe, all designed to provide visitors with a unique lakeside experience.
According to Wutopia Lab, the project was defined by two significant constraints that shaped the entire design approach. First, the architects were required to preserve the structures of two existing buildings on the site without disturbing the surrounding landscape and vegetation "even a millimeter." Second, the project had an extremely tight deadline of just 45 days for completion, which necessitated the use of a modular construction system that could be easily transported to the site and assembled quickly.
To address these challenges, Wutopia Lab adopted an innovative strategy described by founder Yu Ting as a "house within a house" approach. This involved wrapping the existing buildings with new exteriors based on standardized materials and dimensions, effectively creating modern facades while preserving the original structures.
The larger of the two buildings required more extensive upgrades to improve its weatherproofing and insulation. For this structure, the architects installed a new exterior made of aluminum panels supported by an integrated steel frame. The building's interior features an exhibition space and a series of VIP rooms that are lined by a full-height glass wall. The glass wall incorporates sliding doors that open out onto a large covered terrace with stunning views overlooking the lake.
One of the most striking features of the design is the way it incorporates the natural environment. Cut-outs have been made in both the reception area and the back of the exhibition space to allow existing trees to grow through the structure, creating a seamless blend between architecture and nature. Additionally, a small skylight projects from the roof on the western side, bringing natural light into the interior spaces.
The covered terrace serves as a key gathering space, providing visitors with a sheltered area to enjoy the lake views. Yu Ting explained his design philosophy, stating: "Using horizontal layers of light and shadow, I organized the preserved trees, vertical greenery, lobby, exhibition hall, three uniquely themed VIP rooms, willow-lined colonnade, terrace, boardwalk, and cafe into a linear spatial journey that is both inhabitable and walkable."
He further elaborated on the cultural significance of the design: "In our aesthetic tradition, a beautiful life is framed through landscapes, gently unfolding across the horizon."
The smaller neighboring building, which houses the cafe, received a different treatment that the studio described as a "purely visual" intervention. This structure was clad with concave ceramic wall panels arranged in horizontal strips, creating a striking contrast to the vertical seams of the aluminum panels on the main building. The interior of the cafe features blue patterned tilework, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
The cafe opens onto a surrounding external seating area, which is connected to a wooden boardwalk that links the pavilion with the broader park environment. This connection ensures that the pavilion feels integrated into its natural setting rather than imposed upon it.
The project represents the latest in a series of innovative designs by Wutopia Lab. Previous notable projects by the studio include a bookshop alongside a clay museum in Yixing that was designed to evoke the interior of a teapot, and an arts center in Hainan that was wrapped in translucent mesh inspired by mosquito nets.
The successful completion of The Lake House Life Experience Pavilion within the challenging 45-day timeframe demonstrates the effectiveness of modular construction techniques when applied thoughtfully. The project also showcases how contemporary architecture can respectfully engage with existing structures and natural environments without compromising design quality or functionality.
The pavilion's design successfully balances multiple programmatic needs while creating distinct spatial experiences for different user groups. The exhibition space serves cultural and educational functions, the VIP rooms provide more intimate gathering spaces, and the cafe offers a casual dining experience with spectacular lake views.
The use of different materials and cladding systems for the two buildings creates visual interest while maintaining overall design coherence. The aluminum panels on the main building provide a sleek, modern appearance that contrasts beautifully with the more textured ceramic panels on the cafe building.
The integration of existing trees through architectural cut-outs represents a particularly thoughtful approach to sustainable design, demonstrating how new construction can work in harmony with established ecosystems. This strategy not only preserves the natural environment but also creates unique interior spaces where visitors can experience the relationship between built and natural environments.
The wooden boardwalk system extends the pavilion's influence into the surrounding park, creating pathways that encourage exploration and provide multiple vantage points for experiencing both the architecture and the lake setting. This approach ensures that the pavilion functions not as an isolated object but as an integral part of the park's circulation and recreational systems.
Photography for the project was provided by Liu Guowei, capturing the pavilion's sophisticated integration with its lakeside setting and the successful interplay between the aluminum and ceramic cladding systems.
