Village Heritage and Location

Situated in Niumatang Village, nestled between the Caoshan and Wawu Mountain systems near Liyang City, China, the Niumatang Cultural Station embodies the rich cultural heritage of the area. Established by Wenzhou immigrants 150 years ago, the village boasts a unique blend of Oujiang culture, shaped by its natural surroundings and water management systems.

Purpose and Design

The Niumatang Cultural Station serves as the gateway to the village, offering cultural displays, leisure activities for residents and tourists, and transportation services. Designed as a hexagonal structure with a cast-in-place concrete frame, the building’s roof mimics the peaks of Caoshan and Wawu Mountain. Its open layout encourages free movement and interaction among villagers, tourists, and children.

Architectural Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese dwellings, the station features a central courtyard surrounded by functional spaces, reminiscent of the classic “回” shape compound. This design prioritizes ventilation, natural light, and clear spatial organization, particularly for the architectural exhibition areas.

Integration of Local Materials

Incorporating local building traditions, the station blends raw earth infill walls with the frame structure, reminiscent of the adobe brick houses found in Niumatang Village. The sloping roof combines adobe bricks and rammed earth, complemented by locally distinctive dry-stacked rubble stone masonry at the base.

Roofing Material Selection

To achieve harmony with the natural landscape, contemporary clay tiles were eschewed in favor of slate tiles for the roof. Their varying shades of gray mimic the misty mountains, seamlessly blending the structure with its surroundings. The undulating roof and rammed earth walls create a picturesque landscape, enhancing the station’s integration with nature.

Conclusion

The Niumatang Cultural Station stands as a testament to Atelier RenTian’s commitment to honoring local heritage while embracing contemporary design principles. By seamlessly blending traditional materials and architectural elements with modern functionality, the station serves as a cultural beacon and community hub in the heart of Niumatang Village.