LuxeIsland Restaurant by DL Atelier — A Dancing Mountain of Architecture in Wuhan

A Vision of Courage and Creativity

In early 2023, LUXELAKES initiated an ambitious new project on LuxeIsland, Wuhan, envisioning a vibrant recreational destination that blends nature, design, and play. Having previously collaborated on several acclaimed projects—including Dotsss Children’s Museum, Edenland Architectural Park, and The CAPE Commercial District—LUXELAKES once again joined forces with DL Atelier to create something truly unique: a restaurant built at the heart of a children’s playground.

The result is LuxeIsland Restaurant, affectionately nicknamed “The Brave Cabin.” Surrounded by dynamic climbing structures and play zones, the restaurant was designed to inspire courage and joy in children while offering a tranquil space for families to gather and relax. Despite its compact 200-square-meter footprint, the architecture achieves an impressive spatial depth through layered semi-outdoor terraces and a structure that interacts harmoniously with its lush island surroundings.

Visible from afar as visitors approach LuxeIsland, the restaurant stands as a welcoming landmark — a sculptural form that feels alive in its setting.

Inspired by Poetry and Art

Lead architect Liu Yang found creative influence in the writings of Jiang Jie, a Southern Song Dynasty poet known for his vivid and expressive imagery. Much like Jiang Jie’s poetry, the design of LuxeIsland Restaurant seeks to express vitality through simplicity. Liu describes his intention succinctly:

“Without overthinking, I simply wanted to create a mountain—a small, dancing mountain.”

This poetic inspiration evolved into an architectural gesture of movement and rhythm. The design references two masterpieces: Henri Matisse’s "Dance" and Wang Ximeng’s "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains." Both artworks embody a balance of energy and grace—a feeling that Liu translated into three-dimensional form through fluid geometry, light, and texture.

A Sculptural Form That Dances with Nature

Originally conceptualized in oxidized copper panels, the building later adopted a more cost-efficient and sustainable approach using solid wood strips and steel framing. The final structure is defined by clean, angular planes that mimic the silhouette of a mountain, extending organically along the island’s shoreline.

As visitors move closer, the restaurant gradually reveals itself — floating wooden volumes supported by concealed steel columns, forming cantilevers that stretch more than ten meters into the air. The architecture shifts dynamically depending on perspective, inviting curiosity and movement.

For children, the structure resembles a giant wooden spacecraft ready for liftoff — playful, monumental, and full of life. For adults, it offers shaded respite under the wide eaves, where parents can enjoy a drink while watching their children play. Inside, large glass façades connect diners to the natural surroundings, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

Structural Design and Material Expression

To create the illusion of a mountain rising from the ground, DL Atelier employed a system of composite steel columns clad in black stone panels. These structural cores extend beyond their load-bearing role to form integrated outdoor seating, service stations, and takeout counters. Above, a steel space frame enables long spans and sweeping overhangs, allowing the building to feel both grounded and weightless.

The exterior is wrapped in solid wood strips, chosen for their natural warmth and tactile appeal. Triangular openings punctuate the roof, concealing functional systems such as lighting and ventilation while enhancing the building’s sculptural rhythm. Even large mechanical units — including kitchen and HVAC systems — are hidden within the roof structure, preserving the purity of the architectural form.

Initially, the design envisioned a rooftop terrace for expanded dining capacity. Although this plan was later omitted, the idea of a “layered mountain” remained central to the design philosophy — emphasizing that functionality extends beyond physical use to include emotional and visual experience.

Architecture as Human Extension

In his design philosophy, Liu Yang draws parallels between architecture and the tools that extend human capability.

“We need shoes to run, chopsticks to eat, and art to inspire courage. Architecture, in this sense, helps us become more complete as individuals.”

This belief permeates LuxeIsland Restaurant. The building does not simply provide a dining space; it awakens sensory intuition, evokes memory, and connects people to the landscape. Its playful geometry encourages exploration — children run beneath its sweeping canopies, while adults are drawn into a state of calm reflection.

The “Brave Cabin,” as it was first called, thus becomes more than a structure. It is a symbol of imagination, courage, and connection — a living sculpture that bridges art, nature, and human emotion.

A Landmark of Contemporary Chinese Architecture

As one of the first completed structures on LuxeIsland, this project serves as a showcase of contemporary Chinese architectural creativity. Balancing artistic expression, functional design, and sustainable materials, DL Atelier’s work demonstrates how modern architecture can both inspire and serve.

All photographs are works of Yumeng Zhu