Revitalizing Rural Spaces: Mix Architecture's Sun Shed

Transforming a Sun Shed into a Radiant, Social Hub

The Sun Shed project, helmed by Mix Architecture, is a testament to the transformative power of design. The team, led by Tang Tao, Zhou Suning, Wu Ziye, Wei Zhuju, and Peng Bin, took on the challenge of renovating a sun shed in the north of Yizheng City's Chun Qin Yuan Ecological Farm. The goal was not just to adjust its function with minimal input, but to turn it into a banquet hall that maximizes benefits and serves as a vibrant social hub.

The design concept was deeply rooted in the countryside, drawing inspiration from the blue sky, verdant fields, and the fragrant air under the shade of trees. The team aimed to create a space where people could feel the protection of the sun and the moon, the chill of winter, and the heat of summer, all while experiencing the power of nature. The result is a space that is not just functional, but also deeply connected to its rural surroundings.

The Sun Shed is unique in its design, breaking away from the traditional middle-axis banquet space model. Instead, it adopts a circular radiation-type banquet space with the central stage as its focal point. This arrangement eliminates the hierarchy often found in banquet settings, allowing everyone to feel at home. The space is surrounded by yew seedlings planted on the farm, providing a natural backdrop and enhancing the site's climate conditions.

The Sun Shed's design also features twelve yellow-brown bamboo pillars, woven in the shape of trees. These pillars not only hide the original steel construction but also form an abstract forest within the banquet hall. This innovative use of materials reflects the country elements and further strengthens the connection between the space and its rural setting.

Since its completion in January 2018, the Sun Shed has exceeded design expectations. Originally conceived as a venue for weddings and birthdays, it has been chosen for a wider range of social activities, including annual meetings, music performances, and corporate product launches. This adaptive reuse of the space has effectively stimulated local rural vitality, demonstrating the transformative power of thoughtful design.

The Sun Shed project has been recognized for its innovative approach to rural renovation, winning the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics. The Sun Shed is a shining example of how design can breathe new life into rural spaces, transforming them into vibrant social hubs.