Nestled within the verdant embrace of Nanchuan District, Chongqing, DoDesign’s “Drifting Stones” project emerges not as a forceful intrusion, but as a subtle, almost ethereal conversation with the landscape. This is not simply architecture; it is an orchestrated encounter, a delicate dance between the rugged permanence of nature and the ephemeral grace of human intervention.
The genesis of “Drifting Stones” is as organic as the site itself. A serendipitous discovery – a massive, flat-topped boulder, a silent sentinel in a valley of granite giants – became the catalyst for a project that transcends mere functionality. This was no ordinary commission; it was a response to a profound natural presence, a whisper from the earth itself.
The project unfolds in two distinct, yet interconnected elements: “The Stacks” and “The Hut.” “The Stacks,” a stone staircase, ascends the mountainside with a gravity-defying grace. Ten stacked slabs of artificial stone, crafted with a steel framework and a cement surface infused with local stone powder, mimic the natural strata of the surrounding cliffs. Each slab, separated by a 60-centimeter rise, forms a path that invites visitors to traverse the terrain, engaging with the panoramic vista of mountains, valleys, and streams.
Here, DoDesign masterfully manipulates perspective. The cantilevered slabs, seemingly floating above the valley floor, create a sense of “extraordinary nature,” where the man-made amplifies, rather than diminishes, the inherent beauty of the site. Frameless tempered glass walls enclose the space beneath the staircase, transforming it into a sheltered reception area that seamlessly blends interior and exterior. Mirrored surfaces, strategically placed, dissolve structural elements into the surrounding environment, creating an illusion of suspension, a delicate balance between the tangible and the illusory.
A short, cobblestone path leads to “The Hut,” a pavilion that serves as a restroom. Here, the dialogue between nature and artifice continues. A six-meter-long boulder, seemingly suspended above the hillside, forms the roof, creating a surreal experience. The toilet area, entirely clad in mirrored surfaces, disappears into the lush foliage, leaving only the floating stone as a focal point. A skylight, inspired by the concept of “dripping water wears away stone,” illuminates the wash basin area, transforming a functional space into a contemplative moment.
The project’s construction is a demonstration of DoDesign’s commitment to harmony.. Artificial stone, meticulously crafted to mimic the texture of the surrounding cliffs, blends seamlessly with the natural environment. Local artists guided the workers in chiseling stone-like textures into the cement, creating a sense of continuity. Yet, within this rugged exterior, modern elements – glass, mirrors, and steel – create a subtle tension, a dialogue between the raw and the refined.
The details are deliberate, each a carefully placed punctuation mark in this architectural poem. A raw stone handle on the glass door of “The Stacks,” a stainless steel handle on the stone door of “The Hut” – these subtle juxtapositions highlight the interplay between nature and human craftsmanship.
“Drifting Stones” is more than a building; it is an experiment in responding to nature through construction. It is a meditation on the delicate balance between human intervention and the inherent beauty of the natural world. In this secluded valley, amidst the drifting clouds and reflected tree shadows, DoDesign has created a space where visitors can find a fleeting glimpse of inner tranquility, a moment of harmony between self and surroundings. The massive boulder remains, the stream murmurs on, but the experience becomes a timeless reflection within the soul.