Beijing-based practice META-Project designed this stage-like, triangular lookout built on a forest hillside at the Songhua Lake Resort in Ji Lin, China. Completed in 2017, the structure also functions as a flexible public space where exhibitions, meetings, workshops, and other events can take place.

Adjacent to a Mongolian oak forest, the building is a “dark, free-floating monolith” that starkly contrasts against a snowy backdrop during the winter. In the summer, the building is surrounded by lush vegetation. 

META-Project came up with the lookout's triangular floating design to minimize its impact as much as possible to existing vegetation, while  maximizing views of the beautiful landscape on the platform level. The structure shows off Shou-Sugi-Ban cladding (charred cedar shingles) that can appear silvery under certain angles of sunlight.

Upon entering the concrete vestibule, a narrow staircase leads up to the viewing platform, which opens up to unobstructed panoramic views of Songhua Lake. A pair of ovals punctures the roof and floor, to allow sunlight and let visitors take a peek of what's “underneath the stage”, META-Project says. The platform's interior features untreated red cedar walls that add color and warmth in contrast to the structure's dark exterior.

Check out more project photos and diagrams in the gallery below.

Project details

Project Name: Stage of forest
Architects & Designers: Wang Shuo, Zhang jing, Cao Shibiao, Jiang Shuo,Yang Shangzhi
Design Office: META-Project
Lead Architects: Wang Shuo, Zhang Jing
Client: Vanke Songhua Lake Resort

Location Ji Lin, China
Use: viewing platform, event space
Area 277 m2
Project Year: 2016
Completion: 2017
Photos courtesy of META-Project.