NONG-FU ISLAND NATURE HEALING RESORT | CHENGDU, CHINA

ECO CENTER

SIZE: Area: 2 small buildings of 861m2

COMPLETION: 2027 / Under Construction

SPECIAL FEATURES: Flexible facilities plan

The ECO Center is a thoughtfully designed environmental hub, consisting of two elevated wooden structures with thatched roofs, inspired by the traditional Diaojiaolou dwellings of southern China. Perched gracefully on stilts beside a tranquil water canal and adjacent to the resort’s wetland area, these buildings are conceived to both respect and highlight the delicate natural environment in which they sit.

Designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, the ECO Center supports a variety of nature-based programs and activities. Serving as both a functional and educational space, it becomes the starting point for wetland exploration, nature walks, and eco-learning experiences. Visitors are invited to engage directly with the surrounding ecology, gaining a deeper appreciation for the site's biodiversity.

The elevated architecture not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the guest experience. Raised terraces and wooden walkways allow visitors to view the wetlands from above, creating a unique perspective that’s both immersive and respectful of the ecosystem. These elevated paths also serve as picnic areas and informal camping spots, offering quiet places for reflection, gathering, and connection with nature.

The use of natural materials, timber, thatch, and simple joinery evokes a rustic charm while reinforcing the resort’s commitment to sustainability and vernacular architecture. By drawing inspiration from the traditional diaojiaolou typology, the ECO Center not only celebrates cultural heritage but also provides a design solution that is well-suited to the wet, lush terrain of the site.

With its strategic placement, natural materials, and close connection to the wetland ecosystem, the ECO Center stands as both an educational resource and a serene retreat, offering guests a meaningful way to engage with the land, water, and ecological rhythms of the island.