In the rolling hills south of Chengdu, a new architectural silhouette has emerged—or rather, re-emerged. Completed in late 2025, MVRDV’s “Pujiang Platform” is a 414-square-meter timber pavilion that performs a rare feat of architectural restoration. Designed to replace a pre-existing lookout that had flattened the natural crest of the hill, the new structure uses a series of earth-covered timber arches to literally rebuild the lost topography. As 2026 begins, the platform stands as both a civic beacon and a quiet camouflage, offering a “telescopic” window into the Qionglai Mountains while setting a new standard for sustainable, bio-based construction in China.
Architecture as Restoration: Echoing the Lost Hill
The genesis of the Pujiang Platform was a discovery of environmental loss. MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs noted that the original viewpoint on the site had been created by leveling the hilltop, a common practice that erases natural contours. MVRDV’s response was to “reverse the impact” by creating a building that functions as a landform. The pavilion is encased in an earth berm, effectively reconstructing the silhouette of the hill that was there before.
By wrapping the arched timber structure in soil and native vegetation, the architects have ensured that the building “disappears” into the landscape when viewed from above. The earth berm, with a soil depth of 10 centimeters, hosts a variety of grasses and wildflowers that mirror the site’s local biodiversity. This approach prioritizes ecological continuity, turning a standard observation deck into a profound act of respecting the natural environment.
The Telescopic Interior: A Journey Through Light
The interior of the pavilion is designed to choreograph a specific emotional journey. Visitors enter through a discreet, small glass facade set into the southeast side of the earth berm. Once inside, the space undergoes a “telescopic” expansion: the roof slopes upward while the floor descends, following the natural incline of the hill. This opposing movement draws the eye immediately toward the dramatic, 10-meter-tall glass window at the far end.
This internal slope forms a natural tribune, a stepped seating area that transforms the pavilion into a versatile event space. Capable of hosting everything from government summits to weddings, the space culminates in a projecting balcony that cantilevers out over the slope. The large north-facing window uses oversized sliding doors to blur the boundary between the interior “hall” and the vast panoramic views of the Qionglai Mountains and the new town of Pujiang.
A Timber Case Study: Advancing Sustainable Construction
Beyond its visual integration, the Pujiang Platform is a bold technical statement in a region traditionally hesitant to embrace bio-based materials. The main structure is built entirely from timber, chosen for its low embodied carbon and its ability to sequester CO2. MVRDV intended the project to serve as a high-profile “demonstration” to encourage the wider adoption of wood in the Chinese construction industry, which has historically relied on concrete and steel.
The building utilizes several passive climate strategies to minimize its operational footprint. The earth cover provides significant thermal mass and insulation, stabilizing the internal temperature year-round. The primary glass facade is oriented toward the north to minimize solar gain, while the layered ceiling design facilitates natural ventilation. Additionally, a geothermal heat pump and nearby solar field allow the pavilion to operate independently of the energy grid.
Circular Paths and 360-Degree Vistas
The project extends beyond the pavilion itself to include a comprehensive upgrade of the surrounding trail network. MVRDV added a spiral staircase that winds upward from the main path to a secondary, circular viewing platform perched atop the hill. This new connection creates a “loop” for visitors, encouraging them to explore the hillside from multiple elevations and perspectives.
The secondary platform offers 360-degree views, contrasting the framed, curated vista of the main pavilion with a sense of total immersion in the landscape. Existing waterways on the site have been integrated into the design for rainwater collection and irrigation, ensuring that the “sustainable community” at the foot of the hill is reflected in the infrastructure that overlooks it.
The Legacy of 2026: A Beacon in the Hills
As night falls over Chengdu, the Pujiang Platform undergoes a transformation. The large viewing window, glowing with interior light, turns the structure into a beacon that is visible from the plains below. It serves as a literal and metaphorical signal of a new era in Chinese architecture—one where “civic structure” and “natural landscape” are no longer viewed as opposing forces.
In the landscape of 2026, the Pujiang Platform remains a testament to the power of “recessive” design. By choosing to rebuild what was lost rather than adding something entirely new, MVRDV has created a destination that honors the history of the earth while providing a window into its future. The hill has been restored, and the view has never been clearer.
