Atelier Lu+Architects has designed the Jiuceng Art Gallery in the mountains of Shanlong Village in Songyang County, China.

The Jiucent Art Gallery site occupies the former homesteads of four relocated households, where site analysis revealed the existing layout as an optimal mountain adaptation.

Complying with regulations to preserve original footprints, the design integrates the originally varying depths and heights of the individual house volumes into a continuous, interconnected whole in both plan and section.

The key innovation is a flexible variable-rise, variable-constraint woven timber arch roof that adjusts to different spans, creating continuous, column-free spaces.

Traditional techniques – stonework, timber framing, earthen walls and tiling – were used throughout, blending innovation with heritage, with an approach that honours the past while meeting contemporary needs.

This project has been longlisted in the cultural project category of Dezeen Awards 2025.

Studio: Atelier Lu+Architects
Project: Dwelling on the Mountainside: Jiuceng Art Gallery
Credits: Xiang Lu, Bo Liu, Ruosi Tian, Chaozhi Chen, Guoxing Li, Xinyan Chen, Su Liu, MEP Design, Lijuan Dong, Ruizhen Zhang and Sheng Lu