line+NEWS

On the evening of January 16, the 2024 ARCASIA Awards for Architecture ceremony took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Zhu Peidong, Principal Architect of line+, was awarded an Honorable Mention for his design, Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks. Dr. Zhu was invited to attend the event in recognition of his achievement.

The ARCASIA Awards for Architecture (AAA) is an annual award established by the Architects Regional Council Asia. It aims to recognize outstanding architectural works by Asian architects, promote the improvement of the architectural environment in Asia, and enhance the role of architecture and architects in the social, economic, and cultural development of Asian countries. Over the years, the AAA has become the highest honor for architectural design in the region.

The 2024 awards span six main categories, including Residential Projects, Public Amenities, Industrial Buildings, Conservation Projects, Integrated Development, and Special Awards, with a total of 12 subcategories. Each subcategory offers a Gold Award and an Honorable Mention. Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks falls under the B-5 Specialized Buildings category. Since no Gold Award was granted this year in this category, the Honorable Mention represents its highest recognition for 2024.

“As a rural scenic destination, it must anchor itself in the cultural heritage and natural landscape of the region while also embracing forward-looking design that injects distinctive imagination and vitality.”

——Zhu Peidong

Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks is located in Xiayanbei Village, Xinchang, Zhejiang Province. Serving as both the entrance to a rural scenic area and a key piece of infrastructure for an ecological restoration base, the tunnel design accommodates the required clearance for large engineering vehicles while seamlessly integrating with the natural terrain. Its undulating roofline follows the site's topography, complementing the tiered retaining walls that connect and restore the original slopes, achieving sustainable construction through nature-friendly forms and materials.

The outer cladding is made of locally sourced dark schist, allowing the structure to blend harmoniously into the surrounding tea fields and forests. Inside, the wooden surface integrates structural functionality with aesthetic considerations. Inspired by the traditional bamboo weaving techniques of local intangible cultural heritage, the design employs modern digital fabrication methods to reinterpret and carry forward the region's cultural memory.