Porcelain Source Museum

· Huzhou, China

A harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, the Porcelain Source Museum in Huzhou offers a unique spatial narrative.

Old wooden bridge over a river with a modern building in the background, surrounded by trees.
A serene landscape featuring an old wooden bridge over a calm river, with a modern architectural structure in the background. The scene is surrounded by trees and natural vegetation.
exterior
Old wooden bridge over a river with a modern building in the background, surrounded by trees.Modern building with curved roof and glass facade, hills and sunset in the background.Aerial view of a modern building complex with curvilinear roof and surrounding landscape.Modern building with curvilinear roof next to a river, surrounded by trees.Aerial view of Porcelain Source Museum with modern buildings and curved roofs amidst natural landscapes and water bodies.Porcelain Source Museum with curved roof and traditional elements in a landscaped courtyard.Modern architectural complex with white buildings, dark roofs, and a reflective water feature.Aerial view of a museum complex with fields, water bodies, and hills in the background.Modern building with curved roof seen across a pond, surrounded by trees.Porcelain Source Museum with modern architecture, featuring curved and angular roofs, white walls, and a courtyard, set against a backdrop of trees and hills.Modern building with curved roof and railing, traditional buildings in background, misty landscape.Rooftop with curved structure and railing at sunset, with hills in the background.Modern building with sloped roof and large windows in a paved courtyard, framed by tree branches.Modern building with curved roof and glass windows surrounded by trees and pathway at twilight.Modern building with curvilinear roof by a river, surrounded by trees and grass.Minimalist courtyard with a tree and rocks in the center, surrounded by a covered walkway supported by slender columns.Interior view of a modern building with large glass windows and a staircase.Interior view showing a landscape through rectangular openings with mountains and trees in the distance.Monochromatic architectural model with elevated structure and bridge element.Monochromatic architectural model with various building shapes and pathways viewed from above.Monochromatic architectural model with rectangular and curved forms.Site plan depicting a building complex with surrounding landscape, rivers, and topographical lines.Floor plan of the Porcelain Source Museum with detailed room layouts and surrounding landscape.Site plan of the Porcelain Source Museum in Huzhou with building outlines and landscape details.Site plan of Porcelain Source Museum with building layouts and landscape features.Section drawing of a building with different roof heights and a curved roof section.

Architects

Location

Porcelain Source Museum

A harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary architecture

Nestled in the historical landscape of Deqing County, Zhejiang Province, the Porcelain Source Museum stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Designed by Atelier Deshaus, the museum is strategically located on the former site of Longsheng Village, integrating the remnants of ancient porcelain kilns and the serene flow of a nearby river into its architectural narrative.

The museum's design is a masterful juxtaposition of traditional Chinese architectural elements and modern design principles. Its main structure extends along the riverbank, presenting a rectilinear yet organically fluid form. The use of slender columns and a roof inspired by Xieshan or Wudian typologies creates a visual dialogue between the past and the present.

Within the museum, the spatial experience is enriched by the incorporation of the Yuan-dynasty Wukang Shishe Bridge and the surrounding natural elements. The building's low eaves harmonize with the preserved village dwellings, establishing a cohesive relationship between the museum's large-scale public spaces and the intimate residential fabric.

The museum's landscape-based architectural approach further enhances its connection to the site. By embedding portions of the structure into the terrain and introducing courtyards for natural light and ventilation, the design maintains a seamless integration with the surrounding environment. One courtyard reconstructs a traditional two-courtyard dwelling, while another employs contemporary steel plate construction, offering visitors a diverse spatial experience.

Design Highlights

  • Integration of historical village elements into the museum's design

  • Use of traditional Chinese architectural forms with contemporary materials

  • Strategic positioning along the riverbank with a curvilinear roof

  • Open-air theater on the roof incorporating natural surroundings

  • Landscape-based design with courtyards for natural light and ventilation

Key Facts

Feature Description
Location Deqing County, Zhejiang Province, China
Architect Atelier Deshaus
Primary Materials Steel, concrete, glass
Key Design Element Curvilinear roof and integration with landscape
Historical Context Incorporation of Yuan-dynasty bridge and village site

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