Wooden Pavilion by the River: FEI Patisserie by NEME Studio Architects
A serene riverside pavilion blending adaptive reuse, natural materials, and thoughtful design, enhancing FEI Patisserie's cultural and natural integration.
The Wooden Pavilion by the River, designed by NEME Studio Architects, serves as a tranquil oasis in Foshan, China. Combining modern architectural techniques with traditional materials, the pavilion provides a serene, inviting environment for patrons of FEI Patisserie while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings. The project exemplifies adaptive reuse, repurposing an old granary structure into a harmonious space that celebrates the connection between architecture, culture, and nature.
Site Context and Challenges
A Historic Setting
Situated beside the Shunde Lunjiao Dachong River, a historic venue for dragon boat races, the project site boasts cultural significance. Originally built in the 1980s as a granary, the location features a modern addition—a 20-meter-long glass box. While visually striking, the structure presented significant challenges for redesign:
- Dim Lighting: The interior lacked natural light due to its enclosed façade.
- Limited Space: The internal staircase occupies two-thirds of the area, reducing usable width to 3 meters in parts.
- High Ceiling Constraints: A floor height of 4.2 meters beneath the staircase created an oppressive and underutilized space.
Design Goals
The architects aimed to address these challenges by creating a comfortable, multifunctional space that integrates the site’s cultural heritage and natural environment. Their objectives included:
- Enhancing usability and comfort despite spatial limitations.
- Introducing materials and forms that harmonize with the riverside setting.
- Providing a shaded, cool refuge for patrons, especially during Shunde’s hot, humid summers.
Architectural Design and Features
A Pavilion Rooted in Nature
To address the site’s challenges, the architects introduced a wooden pavilion between the original glass box and the outdoor area. This addition transformed the space into a more inviting, human-scale environment. Key features include:
Material Palette
- Wood and Plywood: Used extensively for flooring, walls, and columns, these materials provide warmth and a natural aesthetic.
- Granite Flooring: Adds texture and durability, complementing the wooden elements.
- Ceramic Lamps and Curtains: Soft lighting and fabric details create a cozy ambiance.
- Glass and Aluminum: Elements of the original structure were retained but visually softened to blend industrial precision with organic forms.
Spatial Modifications
- Pavilion Roof: Lowers the perceived ceiling height to 2.6 meters, fostering a sense of intimacy.
- Extended Columns: Wooden columns extend outdoors, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.
- Custom Furniture: Tables and seating, crafted from leftover wood, cater to various needs, including:Window Tables: For riverside views.Tatami Mats: Encouraging relaxed seating arrangements.Snack Railings: Offering outdoor patrons casual seating options.
- Window Tables: For riverside views.
- Tatami Mats: Encouraging relaxed seating arrangements.
- Snack Railings: Offering outdoor patrons casual seating options.
Lighting and Ambiance
The pavilion’s design prioritizes natural light and visual tranquility:
- Morning Light: Illuminates wooden surfaces and stone textures, creating a warm, inviting glow.
- Afternoon Shade: Outdoor plants cast gentle shadows, bringing a dynamic, green tint to the interior.
- Evening Views: At sunset, the pavilion’s long wooden structure reflects the river’s shimmering light, enhancing its tranquil ambiance.
Connection to Culture and Nature
A Space for the Community
Walking from the nearby residential area to the river, visitors pass through a field of wild vegetation, arriving at the pavilion as a place of respite and relaxation. The project’s thoughtful design provides shade, comfort, and a sense of calm, resonating with both local traditions and modern needs.
Harmonizing with Heritage
By reimagining the granary’s glass box and introducing the wooden pavilion, the architects achieved a delicate balance between preserving history and embracing modernity. The use of materials that evolve over time—such as wood and granite—reflects the site’s enduring connection to its natural surroundings.
The Wooden Pavilion by the River is more than a functional space; it is an architectural statement that highlights the potential of adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Through its thoughtful use of materials, spatial modifications, and integration with the riverside setting, the pavilion offers a unique experience for visitors to FEI Patisserie. It exemplifies the harmonious interplay between architecture, culture, and nature, making it a standout example of modern design rooted in tradition.
All Photographs are work of - Chengqiang Huang, An Shao, Bo Wang, Mincong Deng, Zhenzhong He, NEME Studio Architects
