# Primary Architects Completes Timber Carpenter Studio in Rural China A sinuous timber roof integrates a woodworking workshop into the Henan mountain landscape. - **Source:** [Dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ee0dac95-4626-4bf8-9071-3c0bf9f6208e ## Architectural Integration Strategy Primary Architects designed the Carpenter’s Home in Haotang Village to bridge the elevation gap between the mountain and the settlement. The 405-square-metre structure features an undulating timber roof that mimics the surrounding ridge. This design choice allows the building to function as a natural extension of the landscape rather than an isolated object. ## Parametric 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 team created a modular system. These components were prefabricated in a factory setting to ensure high construction efficiency and precision during the on-site assembly process. ## Functional Interior Layout The ground floor serves as both a private woodworking shop for the carpenter, Zhang, and a public exhibition space. A mezzanine level houses a tea room for visitors, connected to the main floor by an expansive staircase that doubles as seating. This layout facilitates public engagement with traditional craft practices and local artisan culture. ## Optimized Natural Lighting Curved skylights are integrated directly into the timber-structured roof to provide consistent natural illumination. The architects carefully calculated the angle of each skylight based on the sun's movement throughout the day. This ensures the workspace remains well-lit during operational hours, supporting the carpenter's detailed manual tasks and enhancing the visitor experience. ## Supporting Traditional Craft The interior design includes flexible workbenches that can be combined or divided to accommodate various woodworking stages. Walls display tools and material samples, turning the workshop into an educational centre. This setup allows visitors to observe the production process, effectively bridging the gap between historical craftsmanship and contemporary rural daily life. ## Rural Development Vision Primary Architects aimed to challenge existing paradigms of rural construction by using contemporary timber structures. The project serves as a vessel for local memory and artisan spirit, positioning the building as a cultural anchor for Haotang Village. It represents a shift toward more imaginative, site-specific architectural interventions in China's rural regions. ## Project Recognition and Context Founded in 2020 by Xiang Huang, the Beijing-based studio received recognition for this project as a shortlist candidate in the workplace project category at the Dezeen Awards. The development was commissioned by the Xinyang Pingqiao District Juxing Agricultural Investment and Development Co., Ltd., reflecting a strategic investment in local rural infrastructure. ## Broader Architectural Trends This project aligns with a growing trend of architects seeking to blend modern structures into natural Chinese landscapes, similar to recent work by Büro Ziyu Zhuang. By prioritizing material authenticity and structural innovation, these projects aim to revitalize rural areas while preserving the integrity of local craftsmanship and traditional building techniques. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/10/primary-architects-carpenters-home-china/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._