Belight Camp House: A Symphony of Steel and Nature

Kefeng Sun's Renovation Marries Functionality with Impressionist Aesthetics

At the heart of this renovation lies the unique use of brushed wavy stainless steel plates that wrap around the buildings. This choice of material is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a canvas that captures and reflects the ever-changing tableau of the surrounding environment. The steel's surface, reminiscent of an Impressionist painting, plays with light and shadow, mirroring the seasonal hues of cedar trees and creating a dialogue with nature.

Inside, the transformation is equally striking. The once utilitarian spaces have been reimagined to accommodate the camp's new functions, including service rooms and communal areas. The larger building now houses gender-specific changing rooms and showers, while the smaller one, through clever spatial integration, has become part of a comprehensive commercial space topped with a partial glass ceiling. This area, in conjunction with an outdoor swimming pool and platform, forms the core of the campsite's social life.

Preservation and integration with the natural surroundings were paramount in the design process. The existing trees, including metasequoia, pine, and camphor, were carefully retained, maintaining the site's original density and understory. The ground cover, consisting of gravel, lawn, and thatch, enhances the site's natural feel. To address the dense foliage's obstruction of views, elevated wooden platforms were constructed, offering visitors picturesque vistas of the nearby fields and valleys.

The project, completed in December 2022 in Jingshan town, Hangzhou, China, is not only a feat of architectural renovation but also a successful case study in adaptive reuse. The camp house has become a magnet for diverse activities, from art exhibitions to weddings, showcasing the building's newfound versatility and appeal.

Despite the challenges posed by the original structure's limitations, Kefeng Sun's innovative approach has turned the Belight Camp House into a harmonious blend of form and function. The design's strength lies in its ability to respect and enhance the existing architecture while introducing modern elements that resonate with the camp's evolving role. This project stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design can reinvigorate a space, making it relevant and exciting for contemporary use.

The Belight Camp House's transformation has not gone unnoticed in the design world. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a recognition of its well-executed, practical, and innovative design that meets professional and industrial standards. This accolade underscores the project's success in creating an environment that not only serves its intended purpose but also contributes to the enrichment of the human experience.