Architects: 3andwich Design / He Wei Studio
Area: 460 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: DONG Image
Construction Unit: Fujian Minxinsheng Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
Design Team: Wang Ziyi, Meng Xiangting, Wu Wenquan, Liu Hao, He Xingchen, Wang Jun, Zhi Haiyang
Clients: Fujian Jinhai Tourism Investment and Development Co., Ltd.
Collaborators: Beijing VAGE Institute of Architectural Design & Planning Co., Ltd, UNI-Lighting
City: Ningde
Country: China
The Blue Insight Cave Space by 3andwich Design / He Wei Studio in Xiapu, Ningde City, Fujian Province, contributes to the “Zero Carbon Island” program by transforming a disused platform into an underground cultural venue. Conceived to merge with the coastal environment, the structure takes cues from natural reefs and sea caves. Its soil-covered design reduces environmental impact and ensures energy efficiency. Interior cave-like spaces support cultural functions, creating a distinctive landmark that strengthens the area’s tourism potential while offering new public amenities for the community.
Set against the East China Sea, the Blue Insight Cave Space occupies a former viewing platform and parking area along Donghai No.1 Road in Xiapu, Ningde City. The project belongs to a broader ecological initiative aimed at enhancing coastal development in Ningde. Its immediate surroundings include Bijia Mountain Island and scattered reefs, with rugged cliffs continuously sculpted by sea winds and waves serving as the natural backdrop.
Design intent followed three principles outlined by Chairman Zhou Wenling of Ningde Tourism Development Group: precipitousness, concealment, and integration. Precipitousness reflects the building’s orientation toward the sea, creating a sense of suspension without extending beyond the coastline. Concealment anchors the structure underground, allowing it to remain unobtrusive within the coastal terrain. Integration addresses the relationship between built form, local geology, and cultural identity.
Architectural inspiration derived from nearby eroded reefs and sea caves. The resulting form is irregular and concealed beneath a soil covering, reducing visible impact on the site and stabilizing interior climate conditions. This approach lowers energy use, particularly during warm summer months when cooling demands are high.
The west-facing entry emerges semi-circularly from the roof, guiding visitors through a descending passage into interconnected spaces shaped like natural caves. These volumes provide flexible areas suited for exhibitions, intimate gatherings, and food services. Their configuration enhances the spatial experience by echoing the surrounding marine formations.
Beyond serving visitors, the project offers a much-needed cultural facility along Donghai No.1 Road, previously lacking public venues. Its underground presence and environmental approach establish a new point of reference in the coastal landscape and contribute to the area’s tourism-driven growth.
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Project Location
Address: Donghai No.1 Road, Xiapu, Ningde City, Fujian Province, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
