Architects: Describing Architects
Area: 650 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Lian He
Lead Architects: LI Wei, YUAN Yuan
Category: Houses
Design Team: LEI Ling, YUAN Shuai, JIANG Peng, MA Wei, XIAO Xudong, FAN Haitao, WANG Hao, ZHU Zhuqing, LI Liang, TIAN Meng
Clients: Mr. Xu
Engineering: Structural Consultant: WU Haisheng
Consultants: Construction responsible person: LI Chuncheng
City: Yichang
Country: China
Shiyangshan No. 1 residential building designed by unknown architects in Yidu City, China has redefined the relationship between architecture and geology by integrating built form with a rocky, mountainous landscape at the foot of Shiyang Mountain. Situated on the highest point in the area, the structure engages directly with the terrain’s exposed stones, using them as both foundation and spatial framework. Completed through minimal excavation and strategic slab placement, the architecture creates interconnected halls, corridors, and terraces that emerge from the stone gaps. Its volumetric composition—two concrete blocks rotated at a 12-degree angle—creates visual layering, varied elevations, and hidden mechanical systems. The structure employs shear walls and lifted beams to reduce the foundation’s impact on fragile soil, with materials like stone columns and hollow bricks enabling ventilation, privacy, and passive environmental control. The roof, embedded into the hillside and softened by soil and vegetation, helps dissolve the architecture into the mountain. As a result, Shiyangshan No. 1 demonstrates a built response that blends structural rigor with rural tactility and ecological sensitivity.
The project, titled Shiyangshan No. 1, is located in Wuyanquan Town, Yidu City, Yichang, 1.5 kilometers off the national highway. Positioned at the foot of Shiyang Mountain, the site features elevated terrain with forested views to the front and mountains behind. The land was selected by Mr. Xu and his wife to realize their vision of retreating from urban life and returning to the countryside. Shiyang Mountain derives its name from its numerous white rocks resembling sheep. Seasonal rainfall erodes the soil and exposes sedimentary rock layers in muddy yellow hues. These formations, loosely compacted, contain naturally occurring gaps which the client carefully excavated to reveal voids of varying sizes.
To preserve the connection to the landscape, the layout places the structure as close to the mountain as possible, resting on exposed rock surfaces. The base of the building uses stone as vertical support and slabs as horizontal enclosures. Natural voids between rocks define spatial typologies. On the north side, where stones are dense, an open “hall” forms. To the south, where stones are sparse, a glazed enclosure houses a restaurant. The studio, located at the rear with the mountain as its backdrop, is situated in the most secluded zone. Narrower crevices are positioned beneath second-floor slabs to provide shelter, while others remain open, forming circulation corridors.
Given the limited footprint, the upper levels are composed of two rotated volumes stacked like stones, distinct from the fluid ground-level spaces. A central staircase and elevator link to upper living areas, each with corner positioning and separate views. The volumes are rotated 12 degrees horizontally, generating a second-floor balcony and third-floor terrace. Mechanical systems, such as split air conditioning, are concealed within the resulting interstitial gaps. Entry to the second floor is accessible directly from the hillside. The balcony is enclosed with hollow bricks to filter light and limit external views, while the top-level terrace offers increased privacy and panoramic sightlines.
The foundation integrates exposed rock into the structural system. Due to the irregular terrain, some structural columns align with solid rock, while others land in voids. Load-bearing beams span these gaps to reduce excavation impact and mitigate lateral force from rain-induced runoff. The primary structure employs a shear wall system for internal coherence, while non-load-bearing areas use reduced-reinforcement cast-in-place concrete. Steel columns at the entrance establish a distinct presence, emphasizing the building’s interface with public access. The stone garden slab rests on four uniquely shaped concrete columns, contrasting with the rough geological substrate.
Cast-in-place concrete defines the building envelope, with portions of the ground floor supported by stone columns. A roof partially covered in earth and embedded into the mountain reduces visual mass. The rotating volumes, clad in vegetation over time, present layered geometry reminiscent of natural rock formations. Surfaces remain unfinished, with minimal decoration. Locally sourced materials and the organic participation of users—through gardens, ponds, and agricultural activity—allow the architecture to adapt and evolve. Natural elements like vines, leaves, birds, and insects enter freely, merging the domestic with the ecological.
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Project Location
Address: Yichang, China
The location specified is intended for general reference and may denote a city or country, but it does not identify a precise address.
