Yusan Cafe by Edge Architects: A Harmony of Tradition and Modern Design in Dali

Nestled at the end of a quiet alley in Eryuan County, Yusan Cafe offers a tranquil retreat away from the neighborhood hustle. Designed by Edge Architects, this café occupies a first-floor courtyard space typically used for self-built residential homes. These brick-and-concrete structures, popular in the region, presented a unique challenge: how to create a dynamic and engaging space despite structural limitations. The solution lies in a sensitive, innovative approach that balances traditional architecture with contemporary spatial design.

Embracing Local Context: Bai Ethnic Heritage

Located at the foot of the mountains west of Eryuan County and near Fengyu Town, the site is surrounded by well-preserved traditional Bai villages. These villages are known for their natural construction techniques and rich spatial arrangements, which imbue the café’s design with cultural authenticity and vibrancy.

Edge Architects captured this essence by studying the traditional village layout and interpreting it in a modern café setting. The design references the Bai architectural vernacular while creating a space that feels contemporary and immersive.

Concept: Wooden Box Cabins and Spatial Play

At the heart of Yusan Cafe is the innovative use of wooden box sub-cabins. A total of 13 modular wooden boxes, inspired by the local "house" type, are strategically inserted into the existing courtyard. These boxes vary slightly in design, creating a rhythm and visual interest that transforms the space into a playful yet cohesive environment.

Indoor Arrangement

• Twisted Alignment: Indoor boxes are arranged shoulder-to-shoulder, forming intimate clusters for guests.
• Courtyard Layout: Outdoor boxes scatter around the atrium, producing a “tight inside, loose outside” pattern.
• Readable Spatial Conflict: The juxtaposition of new wooden boxes with existing structures introduces a conscious disruption, breaking the monotony of the original space.

Materiality: Locally Sourced and Sustainable

To meet design requirements and cost efficiency, the wooden boxes are constructed from locally produced plywood from Yunnan. Each square box measures 2.4 x 2.4 meters and combines board and metal components, resulting in independent, modular structures. This material choice not only supports local craftsmanship but also reinforces the café’s sustainable design ethos.

Spatial Experience: Pathways and Perception

The café’s layout encourages exploration through curved, layered paths formed by the wooden boxes:

• Depth and Layering: Twisting paths extend the spatial experience, allowing guests to navigate through visually connected indoor and outdoor areas.
• Windows and Openings: Strategic placement of windows and openings creates framed sightlines, enhancing visual depth and layering.
• Independent Domains: Each wooden box forms a semi-private zone, where furniture placement amplifies the sense of intimacy and personal space.

This thoughtful spatial design transforms the café from a simple gathering place into an interactive experience where architecture guides movement and perception.

A Contemporary Interpretation of Tradition

Yusan Cafe exemplifies how modern architecture can harmoniously coexist with cultural heritage. By leveraging local materials, traditional spatial concepts, and innovative wooden box arrangements, Edge Architects created a café that is both culturally grounded and experientially rich.

Visitors leave not only with the taste of coffee but also with a memorable journey through a thoughtfully layered and engaging environment.

All Photographs are works of  Yang Chen