Glass Pavilion Hidden Underneath Striking Stone Staircase in Verdant Valley
Tucked away in the verdant mountain valleys of the Nanchuan District, close to Chongqing in southwestern China, lies a collection of stones. Towering evergreen trees overshadow the rocks, while a stream softly winds along their base. It presents a serene vista—and a thoughtfully arranged one at that. Gradually, windows begin to appear from beneath the stone pile, through which the lush landscape can be glimpsed. On further examination, it quickly becomes apparent: this is a residence, subtly peeking out from the surrounding greenery.
Designed by the architecture firm DoDesign based in Beijing, the Drifting Stones project features two buildings inspired by the mountain valley environment. The Stacks, as the name implies, comprises ten layered rock slabs ascending a mountain wall towards the summit of a boulder. Each stone is artfully yet unevenly arranged, creating a natural, cantilevered staircase with an open space below for an indoor setting. Not surprisingly, DoDesign leaned towards a minimalist approach for the interior design and a glass-clad exterior, enhancing the beauty of the site’s natural landscape. Even when situated inside the Stacks, it feels as though the forest, mountains, and stream are remarkably near, achieving a unique balance between natural and industrial design elements.
In contrast, the Hut is camouflaged to a greater extent. Linked to the Stacks by a cobblestone and concrete path, the Hut is entirely enveloped in mirrors, seamlessly blending into the valley. The roof features a six-meter-long (around 20-foot-long) boulder that, due to the Hut’s reflective surfaces, seems to hover in the air, an architectural marvel that is both stunning and surreal. Inside the Hut, there’s also a bathroom, sink, and, as a nod to the idea that “dripping water wears away stone,” a skylight that permits a gentle, enchanting glow to permeate the interior.
When evaluating both elements, DoDesign’s Drifting Stones project represents an engaging exploration of immersive architecture. Additionally, it serves as a testament to rigorous problem-solving, wherein the DoDesign team had to navigate the challenges presented by the site itself. Given the valley’s rugged landscape, DoDesign employed an artificial stone method, integrating a steel structure, heavy concrete, and stone dust to replicate a genuine texture. The team also collaborated with local artisans to assist in chiseling the cement surface, all to mirror the patterns of the neighboring cliffs. The outcome is a fascinating equilibrium between an artist’s intentionality and nature’s unpredictability, demonstrating how architecture can embody both urges simultaneously.
“Drifting Stones is an exploration in engaging with nature through construction,” DoDesign articulates. “While modest in size, it aims to transform its surroundings in a manner that is both striking and harmonious.”
To discover more about the creatives behind Drifting Stones, explore the DoDesign website.