Red Dunes Playtopia

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

Red Dunes Playtopia 

Xisui Design

ARCHITECTS
Xisui Design

PHOTOGRAPHS
Hu Yihao

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Guangzhou, China

CATEGORY
Installations & Structures

This innovative design showcases undulating red dunes that create an alluring landscape for children's activities.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

By seamlessly integrating functional installations within the natural topography, the project evokes the charm of a mountain nest or a jungle treehouse.

Utilizing advanced design techniques such as parameterized design, drainage optimization simulation, and structural form-finding algorithms, the Red Dunes project harmoniously blends the outdoor space with its natural surroundings.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

It aims to inspire both children and adults to immerse themselves in the joy of outdoor play and exploration.

PARAMETRIC TOPOGRAPHY DESIGN

Through digital generation, the topography has been tailored to accommodate the complexity and slope of the terrain, providing distinct zones for different age groups

Children's activity facilities seamlessly merge with the natural environment, forming a cohesive space.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

DIGITAL CALCULATION OF NATURAL DRAINAGE

Meticulous calculations and simulations have ensured a comprehensive natural drainage system, effectively managing rainwater flow despite the undulating terrain.

This innovative approach eliminates the need for surface drainage outlets, allowing rainwater to naturally disperse into green spaces and designated peak drainage outlets.

CONCRETE SHELL STRUCTURE

The project presents a unique challenge in terms of form and structure with its undulated concrete shell structure.

Red Dunes Playtopia
Structural analysis diagram
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

It emulates the cave-like topography of the natural landscape, providing climbing spaces above, and sheltered areas below. Inspired by the load transfer mechanism of natural arches, the design enables large spans and ultra-thin structural thicknesses.

By integrating with the landscape, it enhances the visual cohesion of the artificial structure, reduces column presence, and optimizes spatial efficiency.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

PRACTICING MATERIAL EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE IDEALS

Concrete, with its advantages in terms of formability, cost-effectiveness, and practicality, has become a key direction in green architecture and the development of future organic structures.

The concrete shell structure in this project combines large spans and ultra-thin structural thicknesses.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

Through mechanical calculations and modeling analysis, material savings have been achieved in comparison to conventional beam-column structures, with approximately two-thirds reduction in raw material usage for the same span.

The undulating red dunes provide a space for children to run, jump, and roll while integrating a variety of functional children's activity installations into the terrain.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao
Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao

With its innovative design techniques and advanced technologies, such as parameterized topography design, digital calculation of natural drainage, and the use of a unique concrete shell structure, the project harmoniously blends functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

It aims to inspire users of all ages to embrace outdoor play and exploration while fostering a strong connection with the surrounding natural elements.

Red Dunes Playtopia
© Hu Yihao


Red Dunes Playtopia
Cross section
Red Dunes Playtopia
Axo diagram