Introduction
After completing the loop on the new Hainan circular road in an RV over 10 days, we noticed a significant lack of places that truly allow people to connect with the island's stunning natural environment. Located a two-hour drive west of Haikou on the tropical island of Hainan, China, the partially abandoned fishing village of Sheng Chong is poised for revitalization into a boutique hotel and beach destination.
Our project aims to address this gap by designing a series of architectural interventions that harmonize with the existing landscape rather than overpower it. These interventions are set to transform how people experience this section of the lava coastline, creating destinations that foster meaningful connections between visitors and the seashore.
Our proposal seeks to establish a new type of vernacular architecture for Sheng Chong village, with the goal of reconnecting people to their natural surroundings. This project will introduce new functions at an appropriate scale, offering a unique and authentic experience that revitalizes a long-abandoned location. By transforming this fishing village, traditionally associated with hardship, into a space of leisure and community, we will establish Sheng Chong as a distinctive destination. This approach not only enhances the existing natural environment but also promotes sustainable growth that supports commercial success. Ultimately, this initiative aims to cultivate a new culture for this coastal region.
Café and Event Venue
The new café is designed to be more than just a place for food and drinks; it's a key attraction and a central gathering point for the revitalized seashore. Its abstract structure functions as a beacon, allowing visitors to experience the seashore environment in entirely new ways while offering maximum flexibility as an event space and elevated lookout point.
A swooshing ramp spirals around a cone, providing access to a viewing platform. The cone is clad with reclaimed lava stones from the ruins of fishermen's cottages that could not be preserved. Local stonemasons laid the stone in traditional curved patterns. The viewing platform is topped with lava stone and coral gravel, collected from the café's footprint before foundation work began. This combination of locally reclaimed stone, the abstract cone shape, and the swooshing ramp creates a new landmark that does not dominate the shoreline landscape.
The beach café will serve as both a landmark and a viewing platform, becoming a hub for hotel guests and day tourists. It will provide a space for various activities, including outdoor events and pop-up stores, all while allowing guests to enjoy the stunning sea views. Given that the café is located in a flood zone, we have designed an open structure rather than an enclosed building. This design choice will help prevent significant water damage during high tides and stormy weather. Additionally, the compact, circular footprint ensures that the existing lava-and-coral-stone beach remains mostly untouched.
Tourist Attractions
The restaurant ensemble and the café together form a new symbol of the village's revitalization. By thoughtfully positioning these three buildings at an appropriate scale, we aim to encourage visitors to explore and appreciate the rugged beauty of the lava coast in new ways. With our restaurants and cafés, we aim to create a destination along the circular road that stands out for providing accessible and meaningful outdoor experiences to promote tourism in this region.