The concept for the Dalinggen Village Tea House was to create a multidimensional viewfinder showcasing the "Ecological Organic Tea Valley." The design preserves the existing tea fields and aligns the pathways with the mountain's contours, offering visitors an immersive experience. The existing signal tower was creatively transformed with reflective metal panels and an ascending path, integrating it into the landscape. The aim was to enhance the natural beauty and cultural significance of the site while providing diverse viewing experiences.
The Dalinggen Village Tea House is set in a natural environment dominated by tea cultivation. The design minimally interferes with the landscape, controlling excavation and construction to the bare minimum. The building's shape consists of staggered volumes that follow the mountain’s contours, creating the impression of growing from the hillside. Large steps inside emphasize the connection to the terrain and highlight the valley views. The signal tower, originally a site obstacle, is positively integrated into the design, becoming part of the inner courtyard and enhancing the interaction between the project and its surroundings. This approach allows for a seamless blend between the architecture and the natural landscape, enhancing the appreciation of the site's ecological and cultural depth.
The Dalinggen Village Tea House focuses on sustainability by minimizing site disturbance and using local materials like brushed stone and reused bricks. Natural light and ventilation are maximized to reduce energy use, while skylights and curved ceilings enhance the interior ambiance. The adaptive reuse of the signal tower demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. The project received the Architizer A+ Award Special Mention for Unbuilt Commercial, showcasing its innovative and eco-friendly design.
The Dalinggen Village Tea House, covering 200 square meters, serves as a cultural hub that highlights Songyang County’s tea heritage. Visitors enter from the southwest, embarking on a journey through diverse landscapes. The Tea House features two main pathways: an outdoor ramp with panoramic views and an interior path with multifunctional stairs for tea tastings and cultural events. A tea bar offers various teas and desserts, enriching the visitor experience. The building’s design reflects the terraced tea mountains, utilizing local materials like brushed stone and concrete to blend with the surroundings. The signal tower, initially a hindrance, is now a central feature with a reflective façade. The roof’s design cleverly conceals HVAC systems, and skylights provide dynamic lighting effects. This venue is used for observation, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events, fostering a deeper appreciation of local tea culture. The project’s integration with the natural landscape and its sustainable design principles make it a model for ecological and cultural harmony.
The design effectively uses the natural landscape while addressing operational needs. It transforms a showcase space into a community hub with a café and rentable spaces, generating revenue. The light intervention approach is well-received by villagers, maintaining access to the tea fields. The project successfully balances the needs of tourists and locals, enhancing both cultural appreciation and community interaction.
Founded by architects Yuting Zhang, Pu Zhang, and landscape architect Shimin Cao, Studio RE+N (Re-Evolve Narrative Studio) is an emerging design firm with offices in Lishui and Shanghai. The name reflects the studio's commitment to "Re-Evolving" site-specific elements and "Narrating" the stories of places and their participants, achieving the regeneration of spaces and reinterpretation of the spirit of the place. Studio RE+N has garnered numerous awards internationally, including the Young Architecture Practice Award by Archiposition (2023), an Architizer A+ Award Special Mention (Unbuilt Commercial Category) (2024) for the Dalinggen Village Tea House, the AMP Architecture MasterPrize Winner (Unbuilt Cultural Category) (2023) for the Iceland Volcano Museum, the IDA International Design Gold Award (2023), and the A’Design Silver Award (2023). Their work has been showcased at the Venice Biennale, and their 'Being Heard' Exhibition was featured at the DesignTO Festival in 2024.