Inside the rural Tai Yang Valley, West of Hangzhou, the Sun Commune is a local initiative raising awareness of sustainable farming and promoting healthy living and outdoor activities for the increasing urbanization of China. Within this context, Superimpose architecture studio designed MICR-O, a learning platform for city dwellers.
Sustainable commune
Superimpose studio created a multifunctional center for a commune in the Tai Yang Valley, China, to promote sustainable farming, healthy living and outdoor activities.
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- 16 March 2017
- Hangzhou
The valley, with bamboo and rice fields, is home to one hundred local farming families. Sun Commune initiates a bottom up strategy to sustain farmers while promoting organic food production. It further extends as an education platform for children from the city. Throughout the year, kids from Hangzhou and Shanghai can camp and learn about nature and allow them to be part of a rural micro-community.
The central outdoor patio creates an enclosed platform to host learning activities and events. The white canvas ‘ring’ houses camping accommodation subdivided into segments by the three entrance points. The external corridor blends with the surrounding bamboo forest and offers an alternative circulation route while activities are happening in the central patio. The structure is elevated, keeping the ground nearly untouched. The structural A frame, a ninety-degree angled triangle, gives the design an externally simple shape, while internally the patio opens towards the sky and surroundings. This construction type was chosen for its time and cost effectiveness.
MICR-O, Sun Commune, Lin’an, Hangzhou, China
Program: multifuntional building
Architects: Superimpose
Site area: 2,800 sqm
Built area: 243 sqm
Completion: 2017