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Chu Orange Manor Living Center
Chu Orange Manor Living Center
Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, Yuxi, China
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Chu Orange Manor Living Center
Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, Yuxi, China
Chu's Agriculture, as an iconic brand of modern Chinese agriculture, has its core planting base located in the Ailao Mountains of Xinping. Situated in the central Yunnan, the Ailao Mountains feature a typical subtropical plateau climate, with extreme diurnal temperature variations, over 2,000 hours of annual sunshine, and unique red soil rich in minerals.
For years, the owner has held a special affection for the only remaining site within the Chu Orange Manor that preserves the native tree species of the Ailao Mountains. Driven by a deep reverence for the land and reflections on brand culture, the owner decided to create a multifunctional space on this site—one that embodies the corporate spirit of Chu's Agriculture while expressing both rural nostalgia and a contemporary sensibility. Our key design goals and challenges was to address the site's existing ecological environment, particularly preserving the native trees that have witnessed the growth of the Chu Orange Manor.
The site is situated on a southwest-low to northeast-high sloping terrain, presenting a striking duality: on one hand, it is highly ecologically sensitive, with over 80% coverage of native mountain vegetation. The site's conditions imposed constraints—requiring cautious architectural intervention and minimal ecological disruption—while simultaneously serving as a source of design inspiration. The spatial distribution of native trees informed the logical layout of the building.
In terms of overall landscape design, the irrigation reservoir at the mountain peak not only serves the practical function of regulating the microclimate but also forms a visual axis connecting the sea of clouds and the mountain contours, echoing the layered silhouette of the Ailao Mountains. Regarding climate adaptability, the intense western sun exposure and high humidity of the Ailao valley necessitated design considerations for shading, ventilation, and moisture resistance. At the same time, the rapidly changing micro-climate demanded that the building be equipped to handle sudden rainfall and dramatic temperature fluctuations.
1.Ecological Intervention
Based on the site's topography and existing conditions, we categorized the land into buildable, conditionally buildable, and non-buildable zones according to the position of each tree. The design proposed a "tree-guided" concept, respecting the spatial logic of the existing trees—corridors and public areas were distributed within the gaps between canopies, while guest units were staggered and embedded into the western forested slope. The architecture follows the root distribution to form a minimally invasive elevated system, ultimately presenting an organic cluster-like form "inlaid within the forest."
After comparative studies on structural options, we adopted a prefabricated steel framework as the main structure, which not only meets the need for rapid construction but also aligns with the transportation conditions of the mountainous terrain. Through localized piling and lightweight foundation treatments, we minimized disruption to the native vegetation.
To ensure a symbiotic relationship between the building and the trees, we employed 1:1 on-site scaffolding simulations combined with planar layout data to pinpoint the coordinates of each native tree. To protect the trees' growth space, openings were deliberately designed in the corridor roof following the canopy's growth trajectory, creating a poetic "trees piercing through the roof" effect as an architectural statement.
2.Climate-Adaptive Innovation
To address the subtropical plateau climate, we developed a system of "climate-responsive spatial devices". For the intense western sun exposure, a triple-layer mitigation strategy was adopted: vertical sunshade louvers, an ecological buffer zone formed by preserving and enhancing native shrubs on the west side, and roofs/walls with high thermal insulation coefficients. Thermal regulation ingeniously utilizes the mountain's elevation difference, applying a "low intake, high exhaust" airflow principle—cold air inlets at the building's base and high windows create a self-circulating ventilation system.
These technical strategies are seamlessly integrated into the architectural form: sun-shading elements become part of the façade language, while high windows for ventilation transform into spatial expressions of spirit, achieving a unity of technology and art.
3.The Logic of Construction – A Dialogue Between Exposure and Concealment
Concealment
For doors and windows, a composite system of aluminum alloy profiles and teak was employed. Traditional curtain wall cover plates were reimagined as U-shaped metal components, precisely embedded with teak to form a layered "teak-profile" assembly. The cool metal and warm wood seamlessly merge, concealing internal structures while creating tension through contrast—industrial precision juxtaposed with organic vitality. This approach achieves a similar effect to conventional wood-clad aluminum or aluminum-clad wood systems but at less than half the cost.
Drawing inspiration from traditional pavilion architecture, we reinterpreted structural elements like "floor beams and lintels" as decorative vertical mullions, integrating them with curtain walls to form a rhythmic spatial language.
Gutters and drainage systems were entirely concealed within steel-wood composite layers, leaving only a 1cm-wide black fluorocarbon decorative strip exposed. This "vanishing" treatment ensures efficient rainwater diversion while achieving a visually thin, floating eave that echoes the building's overall suspended aesthetic.
Exposure
We believe that structural logic can either be entirely concealed or become an integral part of spatial experience.
A deliberate 20mm gap was maintained between teak cladding and the load-bearing steel structure. This clear material separation defines the boundary between structure (steel cross-columns) and decoration (teak cladding), creating a visual dialogue of "strength versus softness." The teak, free from visual interference by structural connectors, fully expresses its warmth and organic texture, allowing each material to shine independently.
Shear wall lining strips were repurposed as exterior cladding and flooring, reinforcing structural continuity between interior and exterior. Through specialized surface treatments, the flooring and façade share a unified origin yet contrast in texture, color, and detail, crafting a "homologous yet heteromorphic" spatial experience.
Load-bearing components and fastening bolts are left fully exposed, honestly revealing the mechanics of force transfer and turning each joint into a visible expression. Flat steel bars were arranged horizontally and vertically, with thickness variations ensuring structural safety while creating a rhythmic visual composition.
Our design transcends the traditional paradigm of "decoration on structure" or the simplistic "separation of decoration and structure." Instead, through precise spatial control, materials maintain their independence while collectively shaping a narrative. At close range, users can discern both the technical rationality of each structure and the humanities of the design.
At the Chu Orange Manor Living Center, passive shading, high-window ventilation, and elevated thermal insulation reduce indoor temperatures by 7–9°C without air conditioning, significantly enhancing livability and comfort in the subtropical valley’s humid, sweltering climate. The low-saturation exterior, paired with teak, evokes a modern yet earthy sense of belonging. Environmentally, the subdued material palette lends the building a grounded, breathable quality, dissolving its mass to minimize visual and ecological impact—post-construction, over 90% of native vegetation survived.
The Living Center’s true value lies not just in functionality but in embodying a humble design ethos: through restraint, the architecture becomes the land’s "guest" rather than its "master"; low-tech strategies achieve high comfort with minimal energy reliance; instead of overt traditional motifs, spaces organically evoke local memory. Ultimately, the structure blends into its surroundings as if grown there naturally. What we hope resonates most is not the building itself, but the dappled light through leaves, the rustling branches, and the courtyard breeze—moments where nature takes center stage.
For years, the owner has held a special affection for the only remaining site within the Chu Orange Manor that preserves the native tree species of the Ailao Mountains. Driven by a deep reverence for the land and reflections on brand culture, the owner decided to create a multifunctional space on this site—one that embodies the corporate spirit of Chu's Agriculture while expressing both rural nostalgia and a contemporary sensibility. Our key design goals and challenges was to address the site's existing ecological environment, particularly preserving the native trees that have witnessed the growth of the Chu Orange Manor.
The site is situated on a southwest-low to northeast-high sloping terrain, presenting a striking duality: on one hand, it is highly ecologically sensitive, with over 80% coverage of native mountain vegetation. The site's conditions imposed constraints—requiring cautious architectural intervention and minimal ecological disruption—while simultaneously serving as a source of design inspiration. The spatial distribution of native trees informed the logical layout of the building.
In terms of overall landscape design, the irrigation reservoir at the mountain peak not only serves the practical function of regulating the microclimate but also forms a visual axis connecting the sea of clouds and the mountain contours, echoing the layered silhouette of the Ailao Mountains. Regarding climate adaptability, the intense western sun exposure and high humidity of the Ailao valley necessitated design considerations for shading, ventilation, and moisture resistance. At the same time, the rapidly changing micro-climate demanded that the building be equipped to handle sudden rainfall and dramatic temperature fluctuations.
1.Ecological Intervention
Based on the site's topography and existing conditions, we categorized the land into buildable, conditionally buildable, and non-buildable zones according to the position of each tree. The design proposed a "tree-guided" concept, respecting the spatial logic of the existing trees—corridors and public areas were distributed within the gaps between canopies, while guest units were staggered and embedded into the western forested slope. The architecture follows the root distribution to form a minimally invasive elevated system, ultimately presenting an organic cluster-like form "inlaid within the forest."
After comparative studies on structural options, we adopted a prefabricated steel framework as the main structure, which not only meets the need for rapid construction but also aligns with the transportation conditions of the mountainous terrain. Through localized piling and lightweight foundation treatments, we minimized disruption to the native vegetation.
To ensure a symbiotic relationship between the building and the trees, we employed 1:1 on-site scaffolding simulations combined with planar layout data to pinpoint the coordinates of each native tree. To protect the trees' growth space, openings were deliberately designed in the corridor roof following the canopy's growth trajectory, creating a poetic "trees piercing through the roof" effect as an architectural statement.
2.Climate-Adaptive Innovation
To address the subtropical plateau climate, we developed a system of "climate-responsive spatial devices". For the intense western sun exposure, a triple-layer mitigation strategy was adopted: vertical sunshade louvers, an ecological buffer zone formed by preserving and enhancing native shrubs on the west side, and roofs/walls with high thermal insulation coefficients. Thermal regulation ingeniously utilizes the mountain's elevation difference, applying a "low intake, high exhaust" airflow principle—cold air inlets at the building's base and high windows create a self-circulating ventilation system.
These technical strategies are seamlessly integrated into the architectural form: sun-shading elements become part of the façade language, while high windows for ventilation transform into spatial expressions of spirit, achieving a unity of technology and art.
3.The Logic of Construction – A Dialogue Between Exposure and Concealment
Concealment
For doors and windows, a composite system of aluminum alloy profiles and teak was employed. Traditional curtain wall cover plates were reimagined as U-shaped metal components, precisely embedded with teak to form a layered "teak-profile" assembly. The cool metal and warm wood seamlessly merge, concealing internal structures while creating tension through contrast—industrial precision juxtaposed with organic vitality. This approach achieves a similar effect to conventional wood-clad aluminum or aluminum-clad wood systems but at less than half the cost.
Drawing inspiration from traditional pavilion architecture, we reinterpreted structural elements like "floor beams and lintels" as decorative vertical mullions, integrating them with curtain walls to form a rhythmic spatial language.
Gutters and drainage systems were entirely concealed within steel-wood composite layers, leaving only a 1cm-wide black fluorocarbon decorative strip exposed. This "vanishing" treatment ensures efficient rainwater diversion while achieving a visually thin, floating eave that echoes the building's overall suspended aesthetic.
Exposure
We believe that structural logic can either be entirely concealed or become an integral part of spatial experience.
A deliberate 20mm gap was maintained between teak cladding and the load-bearing steel structure. This clear material separation defines the boundary between structure (steel cross-columns) and decoration (teak cladding), creating a visual dialogue of "strength versus softness." The teak, free from visual interference by structural connectors, fully expresses its warmth and organic texture, allowing each material to shine independently.
Shear wall lining strips were repurposed as exterior cladding and flooring, reinforcing structural continuity between interior and exterior. Through specialized surface treatments, the flooring and façade share a unified origin yet contrast in texture, color, and detail, crafting a "homologous yet heteromorphic" spatial experience.
Load-bearing components and fastening bolts are left fully exposed, honestly revealing the mechanics of force transfer and turning each joint into a visible expression. Flat steel bars were arranged horizontally and vertically, with thickness variations ensuring structural safety while creating a rhythmic visual composition.
Our design transcends the traditional paradigm of "decoration on structure" or the simplistic "separation of decoration and structure." Instead, through precise spatial control, materials maintain their independence while collectively shaping a narrative. At close range, users can discern both the technical rationality of each structure and the humanities of the design.
At the Chu Orange Manor Living Center, passive shading, high-window ventilation, and elevated thermal insulation reduce indoor temperatures by 7–9°C without air conditioning, significantly enhancing livability and comfort in the subtropical valley’s humid, sweltering climate. The low-saturation exterior, paired with teak, evokes a modern yet earthy sense of belonging. Environmentally, the subdued material palette lends the building a grounded, breathable quality, dissolving its mass to minimize visual and ecological impact—post-construction, over 90% of native vegetation survived.
The Living Center’s true value lies not just in functionality but in embodying a humble design ethos: through restraint, the architecture becomes the land’s "guest" rather than its "master"; low-tech strategies achieve high comfort with minimal energy reliance; instead of overt traditional motifs, spaces organically evoke local memory. Ultimately, the structure blends into its surroundings as if grown there naturally. What we hope resonates most is not the building itself, but the dappled light through leaves, the rustling branches, and the courtyard breeze—moments where nature takes center stage.
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