Within the sun commune, Superimpose Architecture Studio designed MICR-O to be a learning platform for the city dwellers. 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. The valley, with bamboo and rice fields, is home to 100 local farming families. Sun Commune initiates a bottom-up strategy to sustain the 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 will camp and learn about nature at MICR-O 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 Aframe, a 90 degree angled triangle, gives the design externally a pure shape, while internally the patio opens towards the sky and surroundings. The construction is an example of time- and cost-effective design. The simplicity of repetitive structural ‘A’ frame creates a bold gesture in the valley. Locally reclaimed pinewood is used as the main structure and floor decking. On site workshops and physical models by the architects were used as communication tools to teach the local villagers how to realize the design. The architects are still involved by organizing architectural workshops for villagers and visiting kids and will keep supporting the Sun Commune
photography by © Marc Goodwin
Project Info :
Architects: Superimpose Architecture
Project Year: 2016
Client Sun: Commune
Project Area: 243.0 m2
Photographs: Marc Goodwin
Project Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Site: Tai Yang Valley, Sun Commune, Lin’an, Hangzhou, China
Design Team : Carolyn Leung, Ben de Lange, Ruben Bergambagt, Mika Woll
