MVRDV embeds a civic pavilion within the hills of Pujiang
MVRDV has completed the Pujiang Platform, a timber event pavilion and viewing structure nestled in the hills to the east of Pujiang, southwest of Chengdu, China. Designed as an architectural continuation of the natural landscape, the 414-square-meter pavilion features earth-covered timber arches that restore the silhouette of a hill that was once leveled. This form not only reconnects with the original terrain but also frames sweeping views of the expanding town below and the distant Qionglai Mountains.
Located within a rapidly evolving landscape as Pujiang develops into a sustainable new town, the project provides a space for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate, and participate in civic life—all while keeping its visual and environmental footprint minimal. The building takes on a telescopic shape, appearing almost geological from a distance. Its role as a civic venue becomes apparent through a large viewing window and a projecting balcony. At night, the pavilion stands out as a subtle landmark; light from the viewing window glows across the plains, making the structure visible but never overwhelming the scenery. ‘The hills here are truly spectacular, so our challenge was to maximize those views while minimizing our presence on the landscape. By creating a hill-shaped pavilion with a green roof, we not only reduced our impact—we rebuilt the hill that once stood here,’ explains MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs. ‘Honoring and preserving nature is at the heart of this design and is reflected in our construction methods, which use bio-based materials like wood for greater sustainability and less impact on sensitive environments such as this one.’
all images © Arch-Exist
rebuilding a flattened hill in Chengdu, China
MVRDV’s approach began with a close study of the site. The original viewpoint had required excavating part of the hill, altering its natural form. In response, the architects sought to restore what was lost by reconstructing the missing volume as a work of architecture. The result is an arched timber structure wrapped in an earth berm and green roof, bringing back the hill’s profile and creating an interior space beneath it. Entry is through a glazed facade set into the berm, leading to an interior that follows the slope of the land. The floor gently descends as the ceiling rises, forming a stepped seating area facing a dramatic 10-meter-tall glass wall. Large sliding doors enable the interior to open fully to the balcony, allowing the pavilion to transition seamlessly between enclosed events and open-air gatherings.
The circulation and landscape design are integral to the overall experience. The design preserves and extends existing pathways, creating a loop that guides visitors along different routes to the main viewpoint. A winding staircase connects these paths, ending at a secondary circular viewing platform with 360-degree vistas of both the surrounding mountains and the immediate hillside. Plant selection strengthens the connection to the site’s natural setting, using species that reflect and support the local biodiversity.
MVRDV completes Pujiang Platform in China
timber construction and passive environmental strategies
The green roof, with a soil layer about 10 centimeters thick, is planted with grasses, flowers, and small shrubs. Existing waterways have been integrated into the rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems. Material selection is central to the project’s environmental and cultural goals. The timber structure not only reduces embodied carbon but also serves as a model for wood construction in a context where such methods are not yet widespread. The pavilion’s environmental performance is further enhanced by passive and active strategies: the earth berm provides insulation and thermal mass, layered ceiling construction allows for natural ventilation, and the north-facing main facade limits unwanted solar heat gain. Additional energy needs are partly supplied by a geothermal heat pump, helping the building achieve China Green Building Label 2-star certification.
a timber event pavilion and viewing structure
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