In the windswept corners of Chaishan Island, a design-driven intervention blends contemporary architecture with ancient tradition, offering both form and function. GN Architects’ Seaside Pavilion, nestled along a 1960s cargo pier by the ferry terminal, is far more than a mere shelter from the elements. It is a poetic symbol, a kinetic gateway that connects the island’s past with its future, combining local culture, natural elements and forward-thinking engineering.
Image credit: GN Architects
Chaishan Island is home to fewer than 100 permanent residents, whose livelihoods have been shaped by the rapid urbanisation sweeping across the mainland. This seclusion, however, does not mean the island is without its identity. The pavilion, part of a government-led initiative called ‘Hello, Little Island’, aims to bolster the visibility of Zhoushan’s smaller, lesser-known islands through striking architectural interventions. The Seaside Pavilion was the winner of the competition held for this purpose, offering a new chapter in Chaishan’s evolution.
Akin to a majestic natural formation, the pavilion’s fluid, sail-like canopy appears as though it were sculpted by the ocean breeze itself. The undulating 36 blades, each suspended from a steel framework, mimic the movements of leaves fluttering in the wind—a direct homage to the large trees that often mark the entrance to traditional Chinese villages. This tree-like symbolism isn’t just a formal gesture; it is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural history, where such trees were the traditional markers of arrival and communal gathering.
Image credit: Liang Wenjun / GN Architects
Initially conceived to be built entirely of timber, the design needed to adapt to the coastal environment. With powerful winds and the frequent threat of typhoons, the original timber concept was overhauled to include a reinforced-steel platform. This structure supports the lightweight timber frame and helps the pavilion withstand the elements while maintaining its delicate, airy form. Beneath the canopy, benches offer locals and visitors an opportunity to gather, reflecting the same communal spirit the pavilion evokes.
Above, the canopy of slender blades sways gracefully with the rhythm of the coastal wind. Created from local fishing nets, these blades are stretched across a white steel framework, each one affixed to a central axis, allowing them to move freely. A series of counterweights at each end ensures the blades remain balanced, and computer simulations helped fine-tune their movement for optimal wind resistance. For additional protection during typhoons, the blades can be tied back to the frame, ensuring the pavilion’s longevity in the face of nature’s most extreme forces.
The choice to use fishing nets, a material deeply tied to the island’s culture, instead of traditional fabric membranes speaks to the pavilion’s commitment to durability and resilience. The installation also uses corrosion-resistant steel and anti-rust coatings, acknowledging the challenges of the coastal environment and reinforcing the pavilion’s role as both a cultural landmark and a durable public space.
The Seaside Pavilion is an experiential installation. It embodies a confluence of art and architecture, wind and weather, culture and community – a reminder of the enduring relationship between nature, tradition and contemporary design.
> Since you’re here, why not read about Hush, a new private members club in Warwickshire, designed by Black Ivy Design?
Main image credit: Liang Wenjun / GN Architects
