Primary Architects Completes Timber Carpenter Studio in Rural China
A sinuous timber roof integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern parametric design in Henan.
1Architectural Integration with Terrain
Primary Architects designed the Carpenter’s Home in Haotang Village, Henan Province, to bridge the gap between mountain ridges and village life. The 405-square-metre structure features a sinuous timber roof that mimics the natural slope of the surrounding terrain. This design choice effectively reconciles the elevation difference between the mountain and the village.
2Parametric Structural Engineering
The roof utilizes hyperbolic curved beams spanning up to 26 metres, achieved through advanced parametric control and digital modelling. By employing glued timber and steel joints, the studio created a flexible structural system. These modular components were prefabricated in a factory setting before being assembled on-site to maximize overall construction efficiency.
3Dual-Purpose Interior Spaces
The ground floor serves as both a private woodworking shop for the local carpenter, Zhang, and a public exhibition space. A mezzanine level houses a tea room, providing a vantage point for visitors. The open-plan layout is designed to facilitate traditional woodworking practices while simultaneously functioning as an educational centre for craft.
4Optimizing Natural Illumination
Curved skylights are integrated directly into the timber roof structure to provide consistent natural light throughout the interior. Each skylight is positioned according to the sun’s movement to ensure the workspace remains well-lit during operational hours. This strategy reduces reliance on artificial lighting while highlighting the carpenter’s tools and material samples displayed.
5Social and Functional Connectivity
An expansive staircase serves a dual purpose, acting as both a circulation path and a seating area for visitors. This feature connects the main studio to the mezzanine tea room, allowing guests to observe the woodworking process. Modular workbenches further enhance flexibility, enabling the carpenter to adapt the space for various tasks.
6Redefining Rural Construction
Primary Architects aims to challenge existing paradigms of rural construction by blending contemporary timber structures with local artisan spirit. The project seeks to revitalize traditional woodworking by embedding it into daily village life. By acting as a timber vessel, the building preserves local memory while offering a vision for future countryside development.
7Project Recognition and Context
Founded in 2020 by Xiang Huang, the Beijing-based studio received recognition for this project, which was shortlisted for the workplace project category at the Dezeen Awards. The development was commissioned by Xinyang Pingqiao District Juxing Agricultural Investment and Development Co., Ltd., involving collaboration with the Zhongke Architectural Planning and Design Research Institute.
8Broader Architectural Trends
This project reflects a growing trend in China where architects prioritize seamless integration between modern buildings and natural landscapes. Similar to projects like the museum cluster by Büro Ziyu Zhuang, this studio emphasizes site-specific design. Such developments highlight the evolving role of architecture in rural revitalization and the preservation of traditional craft.