Weihai Pavilion encloses the exhibition space for a major new residential development in Weihai, a city of 2.5 million people on the northern coast of China’s Shandong Peninsula.
The city is a popular coastal destination for holiday-makers and the residential development is targeting second-home owners. Our pavilion design makes the most of the popular seafront location with an asymmetrical crescent form which responds to, and engages with, the seascape as well as the urban setting.
The temporary structure, opened in the spring of 2012, is a reception area and information hub for potential customers for the new development and serves as an event space, hosting launches, receptions and meetings.
The pavilion is divided into two main spaces, separated by a spine wall which is vertically clad with bamboo to contrast with the building’s otherwise curved geometry. the main entrance is located in the concave curve of the crescent and leads to a generous reception area and information zone.
Simon Lincoln, Project Architect for the Weihai Pavilion, Make Architects, said, “The Weihai Pavilion, is designed so that its users can see the full beauty of the ocean from the comfort of the pavilion. Reducing environmental impact in everything we build is a priority, and this is a philosophy that informs our decisions from the beginning to the end of the design and construction process””.
“The pavilion is only glazed on one elevation to provide 180 degree uninterrupted views, the rest of the structure is solid. the glazed facade allows floods of natural light into the main space while the over-sailing roof provides shade for the building during the hot summer months. These elements ensure a more energy efficient building.” (Simon Lincoln, Make Architects)
The building’s convex curve is fully glazed and floods the interior with natural daylight, giving uninterrupted views of the sea. This main space contains a model display area, bar, small cinema, meeting spaces and offices, and spills out onto a continuous terrace that wraps around the exterior of the facade, offering panoramic views of the sea.
Once inside the building, visitors are led through a series of spaces in which the views to the ocean are gradually revealed.
The pavilion is divided into two main spaces, separated by a spine wall which is vertically clad with bamboo. This main space houses a model display area, bar, small cinema, meeting spaces and offices, and spills out onto a continuous terrace that wraps around the exterior of the pavilion.
The over-sailing roof gives the building its striking form, and provides shaded coverage for the building and terrace.
The 6000 square feet structure is the first building to be completed on the island, and is designed to make the most of the popular seafront location.
John Puttick, who leads the Beijing studio, commented on Make’s involvement in Weihai, “We are excited about the completion of the Weihai Pavilion. As our first building in China, it is a milestone for Make and testament to the talent in our studio. We currently have five other projects under construction in the region, and we look forward to taking on new opportunities and challenges in the future.”